NIGHTMARE : Lie Lies In Eyes

6. The Azura Hut

"Attention, dear students of The Grandiose," Father's voice echoed through the hall. "Everything is organized and customized for you students to live each moment to your fullest. As for the test, The Azura Hut Missing, you need to recognize and identify the Azure Hut in the Aurora village. It might seem challenging, but it's not so difficult. Yet, you need to connect the dots to solve the task. The buses have arrived. Have good luck. The leaders will guide you."

Separate buses for each realm awaited us, signifying that The Azura Hut Missing was indeed a team game. Upon arrival, the three leaders, each holding a distinctive weapon – a harp, a spectre, and a sword – raised their hands simultaneously. With eyes closed, they chanted an ancient incantation, their voices intertwining. In response, the sky above became shrouded in dark, thick clouds. Lightning danced across the heavens, and the low rumble of thunder echoed through the air. The mystical atmosphere set the stage for a challenge that promised to be far more than just a mere game.

"Am I not exempt from joining a team?" I inquired.

"It's not specified as a team game," Morgan clarified.

"Well, that's good. I'm teaming up with Ashley. I have no idea how it looks, and I'm one hundred percent confident about my failure," I confessed.

"Even though the winning realm takes the spotlight, every task is individually credited," Ashley elaborated.

"I don't want to fall out of the top ten. Ashley, please help me. How do I find it?" I implored.

"It's all about concentration of the mind. I say go with your gut feeling. If it feels right, choose it," Ashley advised.

Morgan added skeptically, "Nobody believes in gut feelings. Not even my pet does."

We embarked on a leisurely stroll down the streets.

I admitted, boredom clearly visible in my voice, "So, this is how the Azura Hut is found? It's not fun. Okay. At least tell me how it looks. Every house here looks the same."

"Nobody knows how it looks. All I know is it's one of these houses. Some say it looks the same as others, while Eden mentioned that it's something you see with your mind's eyes," Ashley elucidated.

"Can you see it now?" I inquired.

"Unfortunately, I'm not psychologically strong enough to point it out. I'm sorry, Emma, this time, I'm unable to help you," Ashley confessed.

Morgan interjected, "Not everyone knows their strengths and improvements. Some need to find it out by approaching and reconciling with troubles once again."

Ashley nodded, stating, "Yeah, you're right. We need to encounter troubles ahead."

I observed Felipe once again bullying the same Eden guy.

"He's again bullying him," I noted.

"He must be forcing him to figure out the Azura Hut," Ashley speculated.

"We need to focus on us," Morgan urged.

"Is there any restroom?" I asked. "I need to use the toilet. I can't hold it anymore."

While I occupied the restroom, a faint and indistinguishable whisper reached my ears. Curiosity getting the better of me, I strained to eavesdrop and soon realized that the hushed voices outside belonged to none other than Felipe and Sophie. Concealed behind the closed door, I silently listened, relieved that my presence went unnoticed, as they schemed and plotted, weaving secretive and malicious plans.