The Enchanted White Cat

Episode 6: The Race to Find the Rogue Mage

Author's Note: I finished writing this last night while trying my best to fall asleep (caffeine overdose ☕😂), but I didn't manage to post it on Wattpad. So today, I'm reading through everything and posting it all! (Yes, I'm doing this at work too 🙈💻).

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The morning sun bathed the village in golden light, casting long shadows as the two groups prepared to set off on their friendly competition. Satang, of course, was the most eager to start, already pacing around outside the inn with a playful smirk plastered across his face.

"So, what's the plan, Prince Peem?" Satang called, leaning against a tree, arms crossed. "You guys ready to lose yet?"

Phuwin rolled his eyes from Pond's shoulder. "We haven't even started yet, Satang. How can we lose something that hasn't begun?"

"Technicalities," Satang said, waving his hand dismissively. "I'm just making sure you know what's coming."

Joong, ever the strategist, stepped up to Phuwin's side. "Let him talk, Phuwin. We'll show him who's really ready when we find this rogue mage first."

Dunk, who was tightening the straps of his gear, glanced up. "We should split up to cover more ground. Satang's team will be fast, but we can be smart about this."

Pond nodded in agreement. "Agreed. We know this mage has been causing trouble in areas with ancient magic, so our best bet is to check the older ruins and temples around here."

Fourth, who had been listening quietly, approached with a calm nod. "It's true. The rogue mage tends to target places of power. If we trace those points on a map, we can figure out where he's likely to go next."

"Not a bad plan," Gemini said, casually flipping a dagger in his hand. "But don't think we'll let you figure it out alone. It's still a race, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah," Phuwin muttered with mock exasperation, his tail flicking. "Just try to keep up, Gemini."

Satang's eyes gleamed with mischief as he clapped his hands together. "Alright, enough talking. Let's get this competition started!"

With that, the two teams split off, each heading in different directions, their eyes set on finding the rogue mage before the other group. Phuwin, Pond, Joong, and Dunk decided to head south toward the older ruins they had heard about in the village, while Winny, Satang, Gemini, and Fourth took the northern route toward a nearby abandoned temple.

As they made their way through the winding forest paths, Phuwin's mind was buzzing with excitement. The weight of the curse had lifted—at least, partially—and with his friends by his side, this felt like a real adventure, not just another desperate attempt to fix things. It was refreshing, and despite Satang's relentless teasing, Phuwin was actually enjoying himself.

"So," Phuwin began, his small voice breaking the silence. "How do we want to approach this? Sneaky, smart, or just... run in and hope for the best?"

"Smart," Joong said immediately, giving Phuwin a side-eye. "Let's not do anything reckless. We're not Satang."

"True," Pond added with a grin. "But I think a little bit of charm might help us. If we reach the ruins first, we might find some clues that the other team would overlook."