Chapter Four

Chapter Four: Searching for Allies

As the new day dawned I, Jheall and Ace convened at our usual meeting spot near the school campus. We wore determined expressions ready to embark on our mission to find five more people to accompany them in their search for the missing pieces of the artifact in the dungeons.

"I can't believe you're dragging me into this!" Jheall muttered rolling her eyes. "But, fine if you guys are going on some treasure, hunt I'll join you. Just make sure my mom doesn't find out or else-"

"C'mon Jheall, This is not some happy treasure hunting. This is a rescue mission to save Ace's life! And a chance for us to uncover the truth about this artifact and the mysteries locked within the school's behind premises."

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement deep within me. Adventure had always called out to me and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to answer its call. But there was one major problem - we needed five more people to join us. The artifact could only be fully reassembled and activated with a group of eight.

I scratched the back of my head pondering our predicament. "We need to find five more people who are willing to undertake this journey with us. But who on earth would be crazy enough to believe us and face the dangers of those dungeons?"

"No, This is not a great idea! I told you, no any other than you and Jheall should know about this. You promised!" Ace's voice tinged with worry.

"Tell me, what other options do we have? Didn't you understand what the shadow entity had said? In order to save you, we need five more people to join us to be able to help you! Would you want to suffer the consequences? We only have 15 days left before your contract with this cursed being owns your soul." my voice went force that the other students who had gathered around us began to murmur exchanging doubtful glances. I couldn't blame them - Ace had always been the epitome of normalcy blending seamlessly into the background of our everyday lives.

"What if this is just a trap to capture more people! I've dealt with these entities before, and you know what happens. They can't be trusted!" Ace exchanged a blow of answer back at me.

"Oh boy. Look at all those stares. Looking at us with their pitiful judgements as if we're some crazy madlads." Jheall coverted a short phrase of opinion.

As the crowd dispersed leaving just then our friend Lylan walked by his nose buried in a book. He's the smartest guy in class. He always engrossed in his studies. Maybe he would be interested in joining us.

"Lylan!" I called out waving him over. "We have something incredible to tell you."

He reluctantly looked up from his book, his hazel eyes peering at us curiously. "What is it Zach? You know I'm not really into plain old boring stuffs."

"Oh but this one's different Jheall interjected eagerly. "We've discovered an artifact with immense power hidden within the dungeons beneath our school. If we can gather a group of eight we could potentially not only restore it but also unlock the secrets it holds."

"I know this may sound crazy and all, but you have to believe us! It's true!" I added.

Lylan blinked in surprise intrigued by the idea. "An ancient artifact? Secrets? a dungeon beneath our school?" he sighed in disbelief.

I knew for the fact he won't join no matter what I say but then "Okay, maybe this could be interesting. I'm in guys." Lylan immediately accepted the offer.

"What? You've got to be kidding me! There's no way you'd believe that fast in what they're trying to say! Are you really sure you'll be joining us?" Ace countered.

"I actually don't. To see is to believe they say. Then will I conclude my judgement based on what I will witness." stated Lylan.

Ace seem to be uncomfortable with the increasing number of people that are going to join the team. As Jheall hyperactively trying to convince Lylan about our endeavors, Ace approached me and anxiously whispered behind my right ear. "I'm telling you Zach, I don't want any commotion in this school to happen."

I patted her shoulder. "Everything's going to be all right. Trust me. I know what I'm doing."

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Third POV:

So the first quest of finding team members had just begun.

Zach exchanged victorious grins knowing that finding four more people wouldn't be an impossible task. Jheall and Zach's eyes darted around searching for potential companions. That's when Zach noticed Will an athletic guy who excelled in sports and was always up for a challenge.

Zach nudged Jheall pointing towards Will. "We should ask him. He's always up for anything and his strength might come in handy down there."

Jheall nodded in agreement then walked over to Will gesturing for him to join us. After a brief explanation Will grinned ear to ear and slapped Jheall on the back. "Sounds fake but I wanna come and see for myself. Count me in!"

With a recruit secured they still needed to find three more brave souls. As they pondered their options, Charlotte a quiet and artistic girl with a keen eye for detail walked by carefully observing her surroundings.

Zach tapped Ace's shoulder nodding in Charlotte's direction. "She has a sharp mind and great observation skills. If anyone can spot hidden traps or solve puzzles within the dungeons it's her."

Jheall approached Charlotte explaining our quest and how her skills would be invaluable. Charlotte thought for a moment her green eyes flickering with curiosity then nodded with a smile. "I've never heard such a thing like that exists beyond the premise of our campus but I'm willing to give it a try. Let's do this!"

They had found our fifth member but two spots remained open. Who could we approach? It was then that we spotted Sheen a class clown with a flair for mischief and a talent for getting us into trouble.

I chuckled nudging Jheall. "Sheen might be a troublemaker but he's got guts. And we'll definitely need that in the dungeons."

With a mix of skepticism and excitement we approached Sheen laying out the extraordinary opportunity that awaited him. After a moment of consideration Sheen grinned mischievously. "You guys know I can't resist when it comes to you guys. Count me in."

Together the seven of them started brainstorming ideas on where to find more allies. They turned their attention towards the library a hub of knowledge and groups with diverse interests. Splitting up each group of two ventured towards different corners of the library searching for potential recruits.

Zach and Ace approached a student named Luna who was diligently flipping through a book on ancient mythology. Zach introduced their quest explaining the significance of their mission and how her knowledge of mythology could prove beneficial. Luna's eyes lit up with excitement as she agreed to contribute her expertise to their cause.

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First POV:

And just like that our team of eight adventurers was complete.

We had Jheall the curious one;

Lylan the smart and relentless;

Will the strong, hot and athletic;

Charlotte the shy and keen observer;

Sheen the clown and troublemaker;

Luna the geeky clumsy nerd;

and of course me - Zach the adventurer.

including Ace the cursed and hesitant.

"Wow, so much for this day. I can't believe you gathered these bunch of weirdo's in just like that, in an insant! Just for my sake. Are they even for real volunteering? This is a serious matter Zach. How can you be so sure they're going to help me? well I mean, just by looking at them, It seems that they are not serious at all." Ace asserted her judgement.

Ace, without ado stepped at the center where the seven of us surrounder her. "Thank you all for being here, gathering around me but I'm sorry. This is just a waste of time, you can just go back to your usual lives and forget that this happened. My friends here, Jheall and Zach are-"

"What the hell are you doing?! You know how badly I want to help you. I desperately begged and asked for their cooperation. They are the best candidates I found. Don't just ditch them away! Just give them a chance! Or just give me a chance, it's worth a shot! and you need people to help you. Don't go through this alone."

"Don't be stubborn Ace. Remember, you know that our time is limited. We can't waste any more days just to argue with all these nonsense." Jheall supported my claim.

"What are we waiting for then? Lead us to this portal you've been proud to say." Will snorted.

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