After the eventful week, one day Vasco, after finishing their training session with his friends, as usual walked through the academy grounds towards the mission hall. His eyes wandered all over the machine through every mission, but stops when a unique and mysterious mission caught his attention. It was about investigating a mysterious phenomenon in the jungle that turned the area into a sea of red at midnight, only to vanish come dawn. It piqued his curiosity and resonated within him to try the mission to uncover the mystery.
Without hesitation, Vasco accepted the mission, feeling a sense of duty to uncover the truth behind the eerie phenomenon. He walk back towards his dorm and began preparing for the expedition, gathering essential supplies and ensuring he was equipped for the investigation ahead.
Peter walks into their dorm and stops at the door as he was looking at Vasco preparing his items.
"Going somewhere?" he asked.
Vasco replied "Yeah. I had a mission tonight. Might be coming back late in the morning." while preparing his stuff.
Peter walks to bed, sitting down while still looking at Vasco. He then spoke "You do know you don't have to do mission everyday right? It's not like you have to pay for anything at this place. Your family already paid it all."
"I know but I don't like to use my parents money just to buy my own stuff." Vasco said as he was done changing to a black suit that he bought before for his missions. He then looks at Peter and said "I'm going. Don't make anymore trouble Peter. It's hard being friends with you to solve your problems."
"Hey! It's not my fault you know? It just happens." Peter denied the accusations while shrugging.
Vasco shakes his head while grinning and replied "Yeah right. I'm going. Bye."
Peter wave his hands "Bye."
As twilight descended upon the academy grounds, Vasco walks through the academy until he reached the portal before gate. He then embarked on the portal on his journey toward the jungle. Little did he know that he wasn't the only one drawn to the mysterious happenings in the woods.
Rumors had spread like wildfire amongst the local people about ruins that appeared at the under the moon's eerie glow, shrouded in crimson hues. Whispers of ancient artifacts and untold treasures concealed within the enigmatic ruins circulated, attracting numerous curious minds seeking adventure and wealth.
The jungle also known as Moonlight Jungle, usually serene during the day, took on an otherworldly aura as the sun dipped below the horizon. The night enveloped the surroundings, casting elongated shadows that seemed to dance in the moon's silvery light.
A few hours later Vasco arrived at the jungle after sunset. He kept walking through the jungle, following the place that the mission pinpointed at a map. He slashed quite a few beasts while avoiding and hiding from monsters the walk around the night with his martial arts.
Vasco trudged through the dense foliage, guided by the faint glow of the moon above. The air grew thick with anticipation and an uncanny stillness.
As he ventured deeper into the heart of the jungle, the atmosphere shifted. The natural sounds of wildlife gradually muted, replaced by an eerie silence that sent a shiver down his spine. Vasco stops and jump into a big tree around the mentioned place. Hiding between the branch and leaves, while waiting for midnight to arrive.
After a few hours of waiting and hiding. Suddenly, the subtle rustling of leaves alerted Vasco to the presence of other figures in the distance. Shadows darted between trees, sprinting forward on seeking the mysterious ruins.
Moments passed, and the jungle's foliage began to take on an otherworldly hue, casting a crimson glow that painted the surroundings in an eerie shade of red. The phenomenon had begun.
The jungle, once vibrant and lush, transformed into a surreal landscape. Trees seemed to whisper ancient secrets, and the ground beneath Vasco's feet bore an unsettling resemblance to spilled blood.
A chill crept up his spine as he pressed look onward, the unusual sight both mesmerizing and foreboding. The ruins, rumored to materialize under the moon's embrace, remained elusive, veiled in mystery.
The night wore on, and Vasco's senses intensified. The air thickened with an inexplicable tension, as more figure kept on congregating at the place. Each of them hiding their presence without knowing that Vasco were hiding while knowing their spot.
As the clock struck midnight, the jungle was cloaked in a hauntingly beautiful yet ominous red hue. The phenomenon had reached its peak, casting an ethereal glow that enveloped the landscape.
Just as Vasco thought he was closing in on the heart of the mystery, distant whispers echoed through the trees. Other figures emerged from the shadows—mercenaries, drawn by tales of the ruins, their eyes alight with anticipation.
Ignoring the warnings in his mind, Vasco pressed forward, determined to uncover the truth behind the phenomenon.
...
The tranquility of the night was shattered as more figures began converging towards the supposed location of the ruins. They were mercenaries and adventurers, drawn by the rumors and whispers about the mysterious phenomenon. Vasco recognized the glints of avarice and determination in their eyes, clear indications of their intent to explore the site. All of them stood before the gate of the rumored ruins.
"Oi! Our group arrived here first! So we have the rights to enter first! Finders keepers!" said a burly man.
"Fuck your rights! Your group ain't shit! You can't block us from entering!" a skinny man shouted.
A fat women drew her whip and lashed it on the ground, she replied. "Might makes right! You want it first come get it then fuckers!"
The atmosphere grew tense as them, each with their motives, clashed with each other. Arguments erupted, turning into physical altercations as they fought among themselves for the right to access the ruins. It was an unsettling sight, the air thick with hostility as the red-hued jungle became a battlefield.
Some lost their lives, some lost their arms, some lost their legs, others got beheaded, few got stabbed while most of them bled while fighting amongst themselves.
Vasco stayed hidden, keenly observing the commotion. While the they were distracted by their infighting, he saw an opportunity. With stealth and agility honed through training and skills, he silently made his way toward the area where the supposed ruins gate appeared, maneuvering skillfully between the battling groups.
The numbers of mercenaries had increased considerably, their voices clamoring in the night air. The dispute over who should enter the ruins first intensified, resulting in a chaotic brawl. The noise echoed through the jungle, drawing the attention of any lurking creatures and posing a significant risk.
In the midst of their bickering and scuffles, Vasco managed to slip past the mercenaries, utilizing the chaos to his advantage. With the agility of a shadow, he moved swiftly through the chaos, weaving between bushes and evading the sight of the brawling groups.
Despite the escalating conflict around him, Vasco remained focused on his objective. His determination to investigate the phenomenon spurred him onward. He pushed forward, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and caution as he approached the supposed entrance to the ruins.
As Vasco neared the location, the skirmishes between the mercenaries reached a crescendo. The fighting seemed to have reached its peak, with nearly fifty mercenaries embroiled in the conflict.
At that opportune moment when the mercenaries were thoroughly occupied with their dispute, Vasco seized the chance to make his move. He darted forward, taking advantage of the distraction, and swiftly approached the entrance to the ruins.
The entrance stood eerily amidst the crimson glow, an archaic gateway that emanated an otherworldly aura. As he reached the threshold, Vasco could feel an inexplicable energy coursing through the air, a mix of anticipation and foreboding.
With the clashes behind him growing distant, Vasco steeled himself, his curiosity overcoming any apprehension. Just before he stepped through the gate wanting to disappeared into the mysterious ruins, leaving the the groups to their own quarrel in the red-hued jungle. Someone shouted.
"Oi! Someone is trying to enter the gate! Stop him!"
All the people who are still fighting stopped and looked at Vasco. Vasco look at them and flip two of his middle fingers up and shout "SO LONG SUCKERS!" and then dashed into the ruins.