Chapter 16: Alliance of Necessity
Previous Chapter Reminder =
So, in the previous chapter, we saw that Manu was kidnapped. He struggled to escape. Nyra saved him, but she wasn't actually eliminated because she had created an illusion. After a short conversation between Orion and Manu, Orion agreed to take Manu to the secret ruin.
Now Next...
Astra Member = Boss, is this boy trustworthy? What if he betrays us? Boss, what did you see in him that made you agree to take him to the ruin? Boss, if I crossed the line, then forgive me.
NARRATOR VOICE = The two of them were inside a tent. The moon had already risen. Everyone was asleep. It was around midnight. Wolves were growling somewhere in the distance. Under the moonlight, a campfire burned quietly. Tents were set up around it.
Manu had no idea that people were talking about him. He was sleeping deeply. If someone wanted to learn how to sleep without any tension in the middle of a battlefield, they should learn from Manu.
Now the scene shifts to Orion.
Orion = That little turtle... I see my childhood in that boy. Courageous. Confident, even in front of death.
NARRATOR VOICE = After that conversation, everyone went to sleep.
Soon, the sun rose.
Everyone woke up and packed their tents.
Everyone except Manu.
Astra Member = Boss, we're ready to move.
Orion = Wait. Tell me, where is that little turtle?
Astra Member = Boss... he's still sleeping.
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu was sleeping inside his tent. His mouth was open and saliva was flowing out.
Orion looked inside the tent.
Sunlight was falling directly on Manu's face.
Manu blocked the sunlight with his hand and slowly opened his eyes.
Manu (sleepy) = GOOOODNIGHT ORION..... (-_-)
NARRATOR VOICE = After saying that, he hugged his pillow and tried to sleep again.
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Orion = Little turtle, if you keep sleeping, we'll leave you behind with the monsters.
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NARRATOR VOICE = The moment Manu heard the word "monster," his survival instinct activated instantly.
All his sleepiness disappeared.
He jumped out of bed.
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Manu = LET'S GO!!
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NARRATOR VOICE = Manu shouted so loudly that Orion had to cover his ears.
Soon, Manu and Astra Academy continued their journey toward the ruin.
Finally, they stopped at a certain location.
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Orion = Alright. Now we need to go down there.
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NARRATOR VOICE = Orion threw a rope downward.
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Manu (smiling) = I don't know how to climb down using a rope.
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NARRATOR VOICE = After hearing that, Orion kicked him.
Manu fell directly near the cave entrance.
There stood a massive gate.
The gate was chocolate-brown in color.
Dark brown lines stretched across both sides.
A black diamond-shaped symbol was engraved in the center.
Two gemstone slots beneath the handle were empty.
The place where Manu landed was a narrow rocky platform.
To the left was endless sky and void.
Soon Astra Academy climbed down as well.
Ignoring Manu completely, Orion walked toward the gate.
He took a gemstone from his bag and placed a blue gem into the left slot.
But he didn't place the second gem.
Something felt suspicious.
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Orion = Frost Vein Academy. If you're waiting for us to open the gate for you, come out now.
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NARRATOR VOICE = After a few seconds of silence, Frost Vein Academy revealed themselves.
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Eira = Oh... so I've been exposed.
Tell me, little fellow.
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Orion = We want cooperation.
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Eira = Cooperation?
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Manu = Yes. You're foolish if you think everything comes easily. If this ruin is hidden in a secret place, then there must be some dangerous problem waiting inside.
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Eira (angry) = Speak when you're spoken to. I'm talking to Orion. Why are you interrupting?
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Manu (thinking) = Wow... I'm actually feeling a little scared.
But this is fun.
If I'm the leader of Falcon Team, then I have to speak.
Good job, Manu.
Maybe this is gambling too.
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Manu (internal voice) = Manu, why are you putting yourself at risk?
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Manu (thinking) = Because I want that spear.
I'll gamble.
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NARRATOR VOICE = While Orion was talking, Manu kept smiling.
That smile irritated Eira.
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Eira (thinking) = Is this boy making fun of me?
Wait...
Maybe he has a plan.
He's a newbie.
A boy like him shouldn't be able to hide his emotions.
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Orion = Little turtle, back to reality.
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NARRATOR VOICE = Orion punched Manu on the head.
A large bump immediately appeared.
Manu returned to reality.
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Manu = Talk to me. Orion doesn't have time.
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Eira = Boy, you're just the leader of a bunch of mad bulls. I could kill you right now. Watch your words.
Who are you to him?
Your team got wiped out.
You abandoned them and joined a stronger team like a coward.
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Orion (thinking) = Why is this little turtle creating trouble for himself?
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Manu = I'm his friend.
Now listen.
If my words offend you, just think of me as a cute turtle and forgive me.
If this task were easy, Astra Academy would've already cleared it.
They have better weapons and more experience.
You have brains.
They have equipment.
To eliminate your weaknesses, cooperation is necessary.
Every secret place has a protector.
Use common sense.
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Eira (thinking) = Everything he said is logical.
Not a single useless statement.
When did he become Orion's friend?
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Frost Member = You little bastard! You can't even convince your own leader—
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NARRATOR VOICE = Eira instantly cut off his head.
The body fell to the ground.
Dark red blood spread everywhere.
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Manu (thinking) = Something is definitely wrong with this girl.
Did I say something wrong?
Am I next?
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NARRATOR VOICE = Slowly, Manu moved closer to Orion.
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Eira = Fine.
I accept the cooperation.
How will the rewards be divided?
If anyone in my team has a problem with that, speak now.
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NARRATOR VOICE = Every Frost Vein member shook their heads.
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Manu = Based on points.
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Orion = Based on points?
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Manu = Yes.
Rewards will be divided according to contributions and current points.
If someone has a problem with that, they're a noob.
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Orion (thinking) = Amazing.
This little turtle actually convinced Eira.
Even I might have failed.
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Manu = I used too much brain power.
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NARRATOR VOICE = Everyone agreed.
Orion placed the red gemstone into the second slot.
The gate began shaking.
Stone particles fell from above.
The entire area sealed shut.
Nobody could enter.
Nobody could leave.
A timer appeared above the gate.
2 HOURS
Manu had tried too hard to act smart.
Steam almost came out of his head.
His body felt as hot as boiling tea.
Orion dumped a bucket of water on him.
But Manu still lost consciousness.
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Manu = I am out...
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NARRATOR VOICE = Time slowly passed.
Only one minute remained.
Orion placed a purple gemstone on Manu's body.
The gem glowed.
Manu immediately woke up.
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Manu = Ah... I'm awake.
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NARRATOR VOICE = The timer reached zero.
The gate slowly opened.
A heavy sound echoed through the entire ruin.
Like a giant bulldozer moving through stone.
Cracks spread across the ancient gate.
Something on the other side began to move.
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COMING SOON...
Which part was your favorite? Comment below.
Keep commenting because your comments give me motivation to continue this story.
And brothers... if you enjoyed the chapter, throw a stone at this story.
I mean a red Power Stone.
Boys, listen.
I have an important announcement.
My phone recharge has ended, so the next chapter may come around 5–7 PM or maybe between 11 AM–1 PM.
Just keep checking.
Because we're family.
There are a few issues right now.
Please understand.
Okay, bye.