Day 2 Of The Mission - [Tuan's POV]
"Remember the plan," Super Scholar proclaimed loudly, his voice echoing against the surrounding trees and rocky outcrops. The seriousness of his words filled the air with a palpable sense of urgency. "We need to find the evidence and return to base within four days." His gaze swept over us, ensuring everyone understood the importance of our mission.
We had been organized into groups of six, three teams in total, each crafted to maximize our strengths. As one of the top three members of the Synergistic Serpent Team, I felt a sense of responsibility weighing on my shoulders. I was entrusted with leading my group, which comprised diverse personalities and skills. RunnerUp, another standout member of our team, confidently led the second group, while Super Scholar himself took charge of the final one. Each group contained an equal number of males and females, ensuring a blend of perspectives and teamwork dynamics. I felt particularly lucky to have Little Mei in my group; her warm, infectious enthusiasm always seemed to lift the spirits of those around her. However, my joy was tempered by the presence of Suelie, whose unpredictable nature sometimes cast a shadow over our plans. Along with her was one of Suelie's friends, a tall girl with a distinctly sharp chin. I dubbed her "Sharp Chin" because, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't remember her real name. The final members of our team, Hai, Chen, and Lee, were all eager adventurers, ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead.
As my group distanced itself from the others, I raised my hands, gesturing for them to fall into line behind me. We began our trek toward the southern part of Kang Mountain, a region famed for its steep cliffs, dense forests, and the thrill of uncharted territory. The sun was beginning to dip, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape, highlighting the rugged beauty around us.
I took the lead, my heart pounding with anticipation as I broke into a steady run. I frequently glanced back to ensure everyone was keeping pace, particularly worrying about Little Mei, whose shorter legs often made it harder for her to keep up. After confirming that my teammates were maintaining the rhythm, I felt a rush of adrenaline and decided to pick up my speed. However, I remained cautious, mindful not to sprint so fast that Little Mei would struggle to follow. Together, we ventured deeper into the mountain's embrace.
As night descended upon us, we set our camp deep within the enigmatic Philter Valley Region. This secluded valley, cradled by the jagged peaks of the Kang Mountain range, is steeped in chilling tales and dark folklore. Whispers of its cursed nature circulate among locals—stories of lost souls who dared to enter its depths, only to meet their demise. Their bodies, found parched and lifeless, drift like shattered dreams to the valley's edge. The air holds a sense of foreboding, a palpable energy that keeps even the bravest at bay. The valley's grim reputation is cemented in the macabre reality of dried-out corpses that have washed down to the canyon, a haunting reminder that curiosity can come at a steep price. Yet, despite this ominous backdrop, we found ourselves summoned for a mission that defied common sense. Our objective was to apprehend Governor Lee's elusive right-hand man. Rumors had circulated that he planned to traverse the valley, and our task was to quietly track his every move. Our hope was to unravel the mystery of his intentions and gather vital evidence that would finally bring him to justice.
Perched on a thick, sturdy branch high above the ground, I surveyed the makeshift camp below. Bamboo poles, tied together with sturdy vines, formed a semblance of shelter, their green hues standing in stark contrast to the darkening sky. Leaves rustled softly in the light breeze, whispering secrets of the valley while lanterns flickered, casting warm golden glows that flickered like fireflies against the encroaching night. To my right, I noticed Sulie and Sharp Chin engaged in an earnest conversation with Lee, their animated gestures punctuating the stillness surrounding us. My heart fluttered as I turned to the left and spotted my Little Mei, sitting cross-legged on the ground, completely engrossed in conversation with Hai and Chen. Her laughter rang out like music, clear and bright, piercing through the dimming light. A pang of bittersweet longing tightened in my chest as I took in the sight of her carefree smile; her joy seemed to illuminate the very darkness that surrounded us. Oh, how I yearned to join that moment, to bask in her warmth and laughter, to bridge the distance that felt like an insurmountable gulf. My Little Mei, when will you remember us?
Suddenly, Sulie's voice cut through the night air, sharp yet familiar, as she called up from beneath my perch. "Senior Brother! Over here! Senior Brother!" Her persistent tone rose in pitch, filled with insistent enthusiasm. I glanced down at her, trying to mask my annoyance while pausing to see what she wanted. "Senior Brother, you finally looked at me!" Sulie exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with an exaggerated innocence as she tilted her head. "I thought you might like some company. You look a little lonely up there. I can keep you entertained—I'm good at that in many ways, you know…" Before I could respond, the sound of Little Mei's laughter echoed again, sweeter and more inviting than ever, drawing my attention back to her. It was impossible to ignore the bubble of joy that enveloped her as she doubled over, holding her stomach in delight, completely absorbed in Hai's animated story. A fresh wave of jealousy surged through me, a sharp stab to my heart, as I wished for nothing more than to share in that moment of unfiltered happiness, to be remembered by her as one of the cherished voices in her life.
A flicker of light from a flame stick emerged at the entrance of Philter Valley, illuminating the dusky surroundings with a warm, wavering glow. I let out a sharp whistle that cut through the chatter of my team, an urgent summons that brought an immediate hush over us. I gestured upward, signaling for everyone to climb into the sturdy branches of the trees that surrounded us. It was essential that we established a clear vantage point to determine whether this figure was indeed the elusive right-hand man we had been tracking. After a moment spent squinting through the dim light, I confirmed his identity and nodded firmly, prompting us to get ready to depart.
As I took a quick glance at Little Mei, who stood a few trees away, I was careful not to rush her. I wanted to ensure she was fully prepared for what lay ahead. I scanned her face, checking for any signs of hesitation, and upon seeing her resolve, I confidently motioned for us to move out. As we began our descent into the valley, I kept a protective eye on Little Mei, ensuring she remained safely positioned behind me in our formation.
As we descended into the valley, I felt the cool air brushing against my skin, awakening my senses to the vivid world around us. We followed the well-trodden trail where the right-hand man had ventured. With each cautious step taken into the valley's embrace, an explosion of color met my eyes. Stunning flowers unfurled their crinkled petals, dazzling us with radiant hues of deep crimson and fiery scarlet that carpeted the ground like a vibrant quilt.
The path was lined with dense clusters of violet spikes, their delicate florets sprouting on tall, slender stems that reached toward the sky. These bushes stood proud, at least two feet high, flanking our route and creating a seemingly endless tunnel of nature's artistry. As we made our way forward, I turned back periodically to check on Little Mei, ensuring she remained close and that my teammates were following our formation. I noticed Sulie hovering a bit too near Little Mei, as if she was engaged in a race for the front.
I soon shifted my focus back to the breathtaking landscape enveloping us. Towering trees surrounded the valley, their majestic trunks stretching toward the heavens. Many of them bore vibrant blossoms of orange and red upon their stark, leafless branches, a striking contrast against the cerulean sky that peeked through the canopy.
As I ventured deeper into the valley's heart, an unexpected flash of movement drew my attention. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of the right-hand man sprinting into a narrow passage that resembled a natural tunnel, flanked by towering rock walls that loomed overhead. A surge of urgency compelled me to action, and I called out to my team, urging them to follow me as I sprinted toward the spot where he had vanished. As I sprinted, I could smell the lavender, floral, and woody notes of the valley invading my senses. As I pushed myself forward, my vision began to blur, a haze creeping in at the edges, and warmth flooded my body, making my skin gleam with perspiration. Each breath became more labored, but I pressed on.
As I closed in on the entrance of this narrow path, the ground beneath us shook violently, a tremor that reverberated through my bones, sending a chill of alarm coursing through me. Before I could react, everything seemed to happen in slow motion. A colossal boulder, dislodged from the heights above, hurtled downward—its sheer size blocking out the sunlight and casting an ominous shadow over us.
In a split second, a hand grasped my arm, pulling me away from impending disaster. My vision continue to blurred as I fought to regain my bearings, but I recognized the comforting presence of Little Mei beside me, her small hand clutching mine tightly as she led me away from the chaos.
In that moment, it struck me that Little Mei and I were now separated from our group; the enormous boulder had created an impenetrable barrier between us and the others. Disoriented and overwhelmed, I could feel panic inching into my thoughts, muddling my clarity. I wrapped my arm around Little Mei's shoulders, using her steady presence as a source of strength as we forged ahead, uncertainty looming like the shadows cast by the still-falling debris.
Her breath came in quick gasps, mingling with my own as we frantically scanned our surroundings for any form of shelter. The valley felt alive, each rustle of foliage and distant call of a creature adding to the sense of urgency. I sensed that we were climbing a hidden staircase carved into the earth, leading us onward, and then, amidst the tension, I heard the unmistakable creak of a door being swung open, followed by the solid thud of it closing behind us, granting us a momentary haven from the chaos outside.