Estimated read time: 6 min
Part 1 : Sixth Day In The Demonic Forest
[This story is entirely fictional and has no relation to real events.]
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The six-day test had begun. During these six days, the other teams had caught up to Second Zone quickly. Only Chain's team lagged behind. For the past two days, they had focused solely on gathering food, and now they had enough supplies to last the entire test. They didn't have to worry about food anymore. Like the other teams, Chain's team now headed straight toward the Second Zone, unwilling to waste more time lingering in the First Zone.
"-->>We need to pick up the pace a little. We're already two days behind the others. So we'll have to move tonight as well. Myra and Eba's light magic will ensure we won't face any problems in the dark," Chain said.
Chain suddenly began explaining his plan. He wanted to encounter one or more teams within the Second Zone, which would be advantageous for his team. By the time they reached the Third Zone, they could easily avoid the powerful Demonic Beasts. But the real danger wasn't there. If any hybrid appeared in front of them in the Third Zone, things would become extremely difficult. Even though Chain and Luba had come from the Tower, a hybrid in the Third Zone was far stronger than them.
Chain led the way, holding a small map in his left hand and a long sword in his right. He struck each tree with his sword, leaving a mark. This was done to ensure no one got lost in the Demonic Forest. Everyone had to leave unique marks, otherwise, someone might mistake another's mark and lose their way. Chain had learned these little tricks from participating in two dungeon raids in the Tower.
"-->>Our leader really is cool," Dufes suddenly commented.
Chain walked ahead, with the girls in the middle and three boys at the back. They chatted to pass the time, but Chain focused solely on his task without uttering a word. This inspired Dufes greatly.
"-->>I guess the other team leaders are like this too. After all, they all came from the Tower. Everyone becomes cool once they enter the Tower," Jayab responded.
Dufes, using his heavy body, jumped slightly in irritation and spoke to Jayab:
"-->>Our team leader is stronger and cooler than the rest. If only I could enter the Tower too, I'd be the same."
Jayab knew he couldn't win an argument with Dufes, so he didn't continue. Instead, he turned to Alex and asked:
"-->>Alex, once we pass the test, we'll get a chance to enter the Tower. What will you do once you enter?"
Alex had been listening attentively to their argument. At Jayab's question, he began to think:
"What will I do? I must reach Earth quickly. To do that, I need to climb to the upper floors of the Gluttony Tower. But I can't tell them that."
Alex kept his thoughts to himself and replied:
"-->>Everyone enters the Tower to become stronger. I'm no exception."
"Hahaha."
Dufes laughed—not because Alex made a joke, but because Alex would grow stronger with the Dark Attribute.
"-->>Why are you laughing, Dufes?" Jayab asked.
"-->>Well, Alex's dream isn't impossible. But to achieve it, you'd need to unlock another attribute before taking the Tower's test. Fire or Lightning, of course, would make things much easier," Dufes explained, puffing out his chest.
Alex listened calmly. He wasn't disheartened, knowing his Dark Attribute was already functional. His spell chanting worked perfectly now, and he had skills that made him self-sufficient—he didn't need to worry about anyone else's words.
"-->>Everything will happen in due time," Alex said.
Suddenly, Dufes and Jayab stopped for no apparent reason. Alex continued forward, leaving them behind. For a moment, they felt swallowed by the darkness around them. Thick shadows seemed intent on devouring them. Only after Alex had gone a little ahead did Dufes and Jayab regain their composure. Though they were scared, they hid it well, walking as normally as they could.
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