Game Of Saviors - ONC 2021

Chapter 5 - Stranded

A swig of salt water invades Norae's nostrils, stinging her eyes and welcoming her very rudely into the virtual world. Coughing loudly, she sits upright, her eyes watering as tries to get her bearings.

"Come on, I got you." Long and delicate fingers reach out for her, offering her support. Shane's bright smile provides some comfort as Norae's vision finally adjust.

"This looks more like a vacation than a training simulation." Mikayla notes as she kicks the sand beneath her feet. Now beholding her surroundings, Norae sees Mikayla's point. A golden beach stretches out for miles on either side of them, meeting with captivatingly blue waves. The sun burns brightly, warming their skin.

"Don't let your guard down." Nash advises, suspiciously eyeing the tree line where the beach ends and the jungle begins. "Whatever is waiting for us here, it's definitely not a vacation."

"We should move, we're exposed out here." Mateo suggests, walking in the direction of the jungle. A move that was clearly not appreciated.

With unbelievable speed and precision, a long spear is propelled at them from beyond the trees. The unit is left with mere seconds to respond as they attempt to dodge the attack. But as Norae crashes into the sand, she can see a fellow initiate miss her chance. Eyes wide with disbelief, Mikayla looks down at her chest, then back at her unit. With a single cough, blood at her lips, she sinks to her knees. And dissolves.

"Holy crap..." Norae utters as Shane pulls her off the ground, leading her away as they flee the scene. They run blindly, crashing through thick green leaves and tripping over rocks as they go. As her eyes dart wildly in every direction, Norae tries to spot signs of their enemy. Shane's vision is aimed dead ahead, only thinking of escape as she sprints. Until they both begin to run out of breath, and finally have to stop for a moment to regain their strength.

"Do you see anyone?" Shane asks in between pants.

"No. Did you see in which direction Nash and Mateo went?" Norae replies.

"I don't even know where we are. Let alone where they went..." Shane answers, standing upright as she scans their perimeter. The dense jungle limits their scope to only a few yards. "What are we supposed to do now?"

"Why haven't we heard from Lt. Brass yet? We don't even have an objective." Norae ponders.

"Maybe the objective is 'don't get speared by crazy islanders'..." Shane suggests, releasing her irritation with a deep exhale.

"Now that you've familiarized yourself with your new environment..." Lt. Brass announces himself suddenly, seemingly having heard Norae's plea. "Today's objective is to reach the mountain in the center of the island. At the top of this mountain you'll find a chest. Open it and you'll have completed the mission. Good luck."

Shane's eyebrows knit furiously as she searches the skyline. "What fucking mountain?"

With a heavy sigh, Norae whips her rich black locks from her face and gestures to the path before them. "Let's get out of this jungle first, shall we?"

As they start walking, Norae can't help but admire every detail of her surroundings. From the vividly green tropical plants to the crystal blue sky above them. None of it is real, but it sure is beautiful.

"Is it just me or is it bloody hot? I'm sweating like a pregnant lady over here." Shane overshares, much to Norae's amusement.

"Just another in a long list of ways they're trying to challenge us, I suppose." Norae theorizes as she notes the humidity in the air.

Shooting a few steps forward as she catches up with Norae, Shane offers a gentle smile. "So, where are you from anyway?"

"Nevada."