Previous Chapter Reminder:
In the previous chapter, Ruka explained the tournament rules. Falcon Team entered the SkyPillar Map. Manu chose to separate from the group and follow his own path.
Then...
Two mysterious shadows appeared before him.
Now the story continues...
NARRATOR VOICE = Deep within one of the floating islands, whispers echoed through a dark cave.
The cave was enormous.
Black and gray stone pillars stretched from the ground to the ceiling.
Spider webs covered the corners like thin white threads woven across the darkness.
More than seven people stood inside.
All of them wore dark blue hooded cloaks.
On the hood was a strange black symbol.
A half-circle.
Almost like an eye.
And above it, a single black dot.
Eira Frostbane ="Spread out."
"I want information."
"Every academy."
"Every movement."
"Every mistake."
"Even the smallest detail."
NARRATOR VOICE = The cave instantly became silent.
Nobody dared speak.
Eira Frostbane = "There will be no mistakes."
"If someone fails..."
Her icy gaze swept across the group.
"...death would be the lighter punishment."
"The heavier punishment is expulsion from Frost Vein Academy."
"We have no use for incompetent students."
NARRATOR VOICE = Several students visibly swallowed.
Cold sweat appeared on their faces.
Eira Frostbane = "Three of you will stay with me."
"We'll pretend to gather resources."
"The rest of you will scout."
"Do you understand?"
Frost Vein Members
"Y-Yes, Leader!"
NARRATOR VOICE = The students quickly scattered throughout the island.
Not out of loyalty.
But fear.
Scene Shift
Serpent Academy
A deep forest island.
The trees towered toward the sky.
Sunlight struggled to penetrate the thick canopy above.
Cold winds slithered through the forest.
Dense white fog covered everything like a giant blanket.
Visibility was almost nonexistent.
A snake slowly moved through the mist.
Patient.
Silent.
Waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Kaizen Drath = "Three people."
"Spy on Frost Vein Academy."
NARRATOR VOICE = Without questioning him, several students disappeared into the fog.
Executing his orders immediately.
Kaizen (Thought) = Interesting...
The smart academies will spend their time spying on everyone.
A predictable move.
A boring move.
And that's exactly why I won't do it.
Scene Shift
Astra Academy
A massive mountain island.
Rare minerals covered the cliffs.
Coal veins ran through the rocky terrain.
Red rubies sparkled beneath the sunlight.
Diamonds reflected bright flashes of light from deep within the mountain.
The entire island resembled a treasure vault.
CLANG!
CLANG!
CLANG!
NARRATOR VOICE = The sound of metal echoed continuously.
Sharp.
Loud.
Almost painful to hear.
Two muscular men worked near a rocky platform.
Both had broad shoulders.
Dense chest hair.
Numerous battle scars covered their bodies.
One of them calmly smoked while examining the mountain.
Orion Steelhart = "Listen carefully."
"We're not just gathering resources."
"We're building weapons."
"Use every material you can find."
"Stone."
"Metal."
"Crystal."
"Everything."
NARRATOR VOICE = The Astra members immediately spread out across the mountain.
Everyone began collecting resources.
No hesitation.
No wasted movement.
Exactly as expected from the Forge Warriors of Astra Academy.
But suddenly...
A sound echoed across the mountain.
Step...
Step...
Step...
Someone was approaching.
And whoever it was...
didn't seem interested in hiding.
To Be Continued...
Which part did you enjoy the most?
Keep commenting because your support gives me motivation to continue this journey.
And if you're enjoying the story, throw a stone at it...
I mean a Power Stone. 😆