Previous Chapter Reminder = In the previous chapter, we saw Falcon Team get eliminated by the Shardmaw Stalker. Elira understood Nyra's hidden message. There was something mysterious hidden inside the tree. Then the Shardmaw Stalker launched its attack.
Now Next...
NARRATOR VOICE = The forest was no longer covered by dense fog, but there was still enough mist that you could clearly see your breath in the air.
A spy arrived before Kaizen Drath.
Kaizen had been pretending to hunt monsters. While acting, he had already earned more than 100 points.
When he saw the spy, curiosity flashed in his eyes. A light smile appeared on his face.
From a distance, it looked like a friendly smile.
Up close, it felt like a smile hiding killing intent.
Spy = Frost Vein Academy has discovered a secret location.
NARRATOR VOICE = After hearing those words, Kaizen laughed.
Kaizen = Then we need to get there before they do.
---
NARRATOR VOICE = Scene shifts to Manu.
Manu (thought) = Great... I've been kidnapped.
Are they treating me like a point-farming tool?
I need help... and a good plan.
Why won't this rope come loose?
---
NARRATOR VOICE = Scene shifts to the Shardmaw Stalker.
Its Shard Burst attack struck the tree.
However, the mysterious figure hidden there escaped at high speed.
The person ran toward his academy team.
It was a Frost Vein Academy scout.
He arrived completely drenched in sweat.
Fear covered his face.
Eira = Tell me what you found.
Scout = Sun Academy is dangerous.
They discovered me...
But they're dead now.
Eira = Good.
NARRATOR VOICE = Eira raised her hand.
A freezing spell formed instantly.
Ice covered the scout's body.
Before he could react, Eira shattered the frozen body with a kick.
The ice broke into pieces.
His body scattered across the ground.
No blood flowed.
Even his blood had been frozen solid.
Eira = Fear is a disease.
And my ice is the cure.
NARRATOR VOICE = Hidden behind a large rock, a shadow watched everything.
No emotions.
No reactions.
Only observation.
---
NARRATOR VOICE = Scene shifts back to Manu.
Using his teeth and saliva, Manu slowly loosened the rope.
Just as he was about to escape, footsteps approached.
The two guards noticed him immediately.
This time they replaced the rope with heavy steel chains.
Guard = Keep trying.
Let's see how far you get.
---
NARRATOR VOICE = Scene shifts to Astra Academy.
Their weapon was finally complete.
It was a spear.
Length: roughly 5.5 feet.
The handle was forged from dark black metal.
Old scratches covered its surface.
The spear wasn't shiny.
Yet a small blue crystal rested in the center of the spearhead.
The crystal was only the size of a thumbnail.
Astra Member = Boss... forgive me if this sounds disrespectful.
Can this weapon really help us earn points?
I'm not doubting your craftsmanship.
I'm just curious.
Orion Steelhart = Then watch carefully.
---
NARRATOR VOICE = Scene shifts back to Manu.
He continued struggling.
The chains dug into his body.
The space was small.
Air was running out.
Every breath became harder than the last.
His chest burned.
His vision blurred.
Manu (shouting) = Help!
I can't breathe!
NARRATOR VOICE = Nobody listened.
The guards ignored him.
Saliva dripped from his mouth.
The white glow inside his bracelet slowly became stronger.
His eyes began to close.
Then—
A hand appeared behind him.
A sharp dagger flashed.
One strike.
Two strikes.
The chains broke apart.
Manu collapsed onto rocky ground.
Above him stretched a clear blue sky.
White clouds floated peacefully overhead.
Still dizzy, Manu looked upward.
Manu = Snow...
No...
Ice cream.
Definitely ice cream.
Black Hooded Figure = You're thinking about ice cream right now?
Seriously?
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu instantly jumped to his feet.
His body entered survival mode.
Every muscle tensed.
When he looked ahead—
His eyes widened.
Manu = Nyra?!
Weren't you eliminated?
Nyra = Yes.
How do you know that?
Manu = When Falcon Team was eliminated, a screen appeared.
I saw everything.
So how are you still here?
Nyra = Your suspicion is correct.
Listen carefully.
While Falcon Team was fighting the Shardmaw Stalker, someone was spying on us.
I created an illusion that I had been eliminated.
Then I followed the spy.
He belonged to Frost Vein Academy.
And I learned something important.
Astra Academy has discovered a secret ruin.
If they obtain the item hidden inside, they'll gain 200 Ancient Item Points.
Manu = Then why are you telling me this?
What's your plan?
Nyra = Good question.
The academy that kidnapped you was Astra Academy.
You're already inside their territory.
I don't know the route to the ruin.
You do.
Your job is simple.
Manipulate Astra Academy.
And save Sun Academy.
I've already talked too much today.
Manu = No.
You're better at manipulation than me.
Nyra = True.
But they already know my personality.
Also...
This dagger?
It belonged to Astra Academy.
I stole it.
To them, you're just a harmless turtle trying to race against horses.
Manu = Fine.
I'll do it.
But first, you have to say—
"Leader, please. I need help."
Nyra = No way.
Manu = Your choice.
NARRATOR VOICE = Nyra froze.
Her cheeks slowly turned red.
She grabbed one hand with the other.
For the first time, she couldn't maintain eye contact.
Nyra (embarrassed) = ...
Leader...
Please.
I need help.
NARRATOR VOICE = The moment she finished speaking, she disappeared.
---
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu headed toward Astra Academy.
They were located inside a rocky valley.
Brown, red, and gray cliffs surrounded the area.
Dust filled the air.
Heat waves distorted the distance.
From afar, the place resembled a miniature forge city.
When Manu saw it, he couldn't stop himself.
He walked directly toward them.
Ignoring everyone else.
A massive blacksmith stood before him.
Orion = You're the Sun Academy leader.
What are you doing here?
Manu = You can't be human.
I refuse to believe a human forged that spear.
Look at it.
Every crack.
Every scratch.
It says the same thing.
Even after suffering damage...
It never completely broke.
NARRATOR VOICE = Orion's eyes sharpened.
For the first time, he looked impressed.
Orion = You didn't come here just to compliment my weapon.
Talk.
Or I'll eliminate you myself.
Manu = Information about your secret ruin has leaked.
NARRATOR VOICE = Orion immediately placed his hammer against Manu's head.
Orion = Little boy.
How do you know that?
And did you leak it?
Lie to me—
and this hammer will crush your skull.
Manu (fearfully) = If I leaked it...
Why would I come here?
I would've gone directly to the ruin myself.
Do I really look brave enough to lie in front of an entire academy?
Orion = I'm still not convinced.
A leader abandoning his team and showing up here?
Hard to believe.
Manu = They don't see me as a leader.
They're like mad bulls.
All they want is a fight.
Tell me honestly—
wouldn't you get eliminated too if you followed people like that?
Use common sense.
NARRATOR VOICE = Orion suddenly burst out laughing.
He lowered his hammer.
Orion = You're like a little turtle.
When danger appears, you retreat into your shell.
Then you strike at exactly the right moment.
Little Turtle...
Nobody has made me laugh this much before.
From today onward—
that's your nickname.
NARRATOR VOICE = Orion wrapped an arm around Manu's shoulders.
Like two boys becoming friends for the first time.
Then Orion grinned.
Orion = So tell me, Little Turtle...
Who should we bring into the secret ruin?
COMING SOON...
Which part did you find most interesting?
Keep commenting because your comments give me motivation and help me improve.
And brothers...
If you enjoyed the story, throw a stone at it.
I mean a Power Stone.