The Path To Eternity

Chapter 6: Scarlet Reverie

Scarlet Reverie was the closest island to the main one, known for its dangerous plant monsters. These plants released various toxins and fumes, infused with such potent mental power that they could trap any living being in powerful illusions and marvelous dreams. The island's name is a clear reflection of this utopic world of illusion and entrapment.

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Daniel squinted against the bright sun as he and his teammates emerged from the miniature teleportation gate and stepped onto the shores of Scarlet Reverie.

The island's crimson flowers blanketed the landscape, their intoxicating aroma already tugging at the edges of his consciousness. He took a deep breath, willing himself to stay focused. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers, promising the illusions that would come if they weren't careful.

They were dawned in emerald blue battle suits, tactical boots and fingerless gloves. The school crest proudly displayed upon their chests.

Strapped to their backs, were their weapons of choice:

A battle axe and shield for Keith.

A spear for Paisley.

Bow and arrows for Leona.

Kayla didn't carry any weapon, instead she sported various support items including a back pack containing most of their necessities.

Daniel sporting a double edged sword.

They were ready for confrontation.

"Shouldn't we be moving faster? The other teams have probably already caught a kill by now." Keith enquired. They had been moving about for over and hour and still hadn't done anything.

Daniel kept his attention fixed on his surroundings. In a place like this, losing focus even once could result in death. Especially for an Unawakened.

Turning to face Keith, Paisley, Leona, and Kayla, Daniel spoke. "We only have five days, and we need to make the most of it..."

"That's all the more reason why we..!" Keith tried interrupting Daniel, but his captain swiftly corrected his line of thought.

"If we charge in headfirst without a proper plan we wont rank high in terms of monster kills or rare resources. Our overall strength is nowhere near high enough to attempt to win by such a mundane method."

Paisley's eyes widened in surprise at Daniel's sudden proclamation." Daniel, are you really trying to compete with the upper classes!? You know as well as I that's beyond our present capabilities."

Kayla nodded in response, affirming her stance with Paisley's observation.

Daniel grinned a devious grin at their shared mindset. "True. If we compete with our own strength, we don't stand a chance. But if we utilize this island's unique properties to our advantage, we can go beyond the boundary of what our capabilities enable us to do.

Leona, smiled. Her mature yet feminine voice was heard for the first time. "What do you have in mind, Captain?"

Daniel began sharing his plan and the expressions of his teammates quickly turned from curious...to confused and finally settled on a mix of horror and surprise.

A collective thought raced through their minds in that moment.

'He is insane!'

Paisley, frowned. "It's risky, Daniel. We don't have the luxury of being careless."

Leona, shrugged. "Risky, but smart. If we follow this strategy we might just have a fighting chance."

Kayla, grinned. "Let's do it. I wasn't planning on actually participating in the competition. But after hearing that...where do we start?"