Samoko Trip

7 | Hybrid Trips

In Corrode, Jackson took the responsibility of teaching Shadow how to drive. As they practiced, Shadow inquired, "Jackson, have you ever driven before?" to which Jackson replied, "Yes, he first drove in 2022." Jackson's lessons were thorough and effective.

After the driving session, they checked into a hotel. Later, they visited a shopping mall in search of new outfits. At one point, Shadow told the group to stay put, asking them not to follow him as he ventured into the retail realm in search of something special and valuable. During this time, a group of heist criminals attempted to shatter the aquarium, initiating a wave of chaos. Their intention wasn't just a simple heist; it appeared they were after diamonds or some other precious elements. However, their plans were thwarted. Almost as quickly as the heist began, the criminals were cornered and swiftly apprehended by the police.

Zryne chooses to stay at a homestay located in a penthouse. Shadow agrees to the idea and also invites Jennifer, Laura, Eliza, and Yuki. They prioritize their health and prefer not to stay at a hotel to avoid constant interactions with Paul, Evan, Kent, Jackson, and others. Also, he had to conserve money. Shadow explains, "Paul booked the hotel, not him." The penthouse offers a breezy, cold, cozy, and comfortable way. While there, Shadow discovers rocks and precious jewels that he believes can be used for the law of attraction. Laura has a keen interest in the law of attraction and meditation, to which Shadow responds, "Okay."

The girls weren't feeling well, so Shadow immediately called Dr. Aqua. Subsequently, Shadow and his friends rushed to the hospital for necessary medical procedures. Once there, he informed Dr. Aqua and Professor Davis, ensuring that all systems were set to green to quickly identify any malfunctions. Anthony relayed to Dr. Aqua and Professor Davis the need to commence the procedures for the patients, wishing them good luck.

Professor Davis reassured Dr. Aqua, stating, "The machine is accurate and it works."

After the operation, he commented, "It wasn't too challenging; it was just at the upper-intermediate level."

Meanwhile, Jackson, Kent, and Paul engaged in a discussion with Shadow and Laura. Their primary mode of communication was chatting. As Paul took Shadow's car to the hotel for checkout, Shadow prompted the group to join him in his car for a trip to the airport. Their destination: was El Huevo, where they anticipated a combat encounter with malevolent warriors. Jackson and Kent, however, opted not to accompany Paul, Evan, Tiffany, and Olivia. They preferred to stick with Shadow and his group, explicitly avoiding any valorous activities.

Paul earnestly addressed Shadow, Jennifer, and Laura, advising them against any demonstration. He emphasized that the upcoming combat, though appearing intense, would be brief and would conclude by November 4.

Before the main combat event, Paul, Evan, Tiffany, and Olivia decided to scout the area. They knew that to effectively engage in combat, they needed proper training which included workouts, self-defense, and specialized training sessions. The combat was scheduled to begin the next day against Rutabagas.

Before they began their combat, they conducted a scouting mission to set up cots for transporting injured individuals to ambulances and then to hospitals. After their reconnaissance, the army commanded them to stand at attention and salute for over an hour, ensuring they remained disciplined even when a bug flew past their noses.

Shadow and his friends first ventured to Ruwarh, Corrode. Later, they savored their journey to Hawok, Siloa in pursuit of discovery. They understood that Siloa is a region shared by two nations: Isla Nuez to the South and Corrode to the North. Interestingly, no formal border checkpoint exists between Corrode and Siloa. The area is secure and doesn't have stringent security measures; only a signboard indicates the territorial boundary.