The first part of the Nest tournament was about to commence soon. A mixture of emotions filled the air from everyone participating in the tournament because they knew the prestige winning it carries.
As they all gathered at their respective team stands—each team banner assigned a special animal symbol representing their respective teams—the coordinators of the competition prepared to start the tournament.
"You're to return the red rubies to this spot within the next four hours. After each hour mark, your teams will be instantly transported randomly to a new location on Amberland. You have one hour to search for the Auburn red ruby until you're teleported back here. Understood?!," a bulky man addressed the students which they responded in accordance.
"Now stand at each flag banner and prepare for the treasure hunt," he concluded and motioned the teams to stand under each banner.
"The treasure hunt begins now!!," he said and white circles formed around each team banner, sending them to multiple random locations at once.
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Team Peregrine landed shortly after teleporting in a marshy environment, surrounded by green gigantic trees and filled with the cries of birds all over; all while being illuminated by a bright sunset.
No sooner than they landed than they dashed quickly, frantically searching for the rubies.
"Where are we? And how do we search for the rubies here?!," Jason questioned as they dashed across the tree canopies, avoiding the swampy marsh underneath them.
"Patience, Jason. We still need to find out where we're located before we can make any decisions. Maki?," Vincent said and looked at Maki waiting for a response.
"Based on the environmental nature and Mana energy here, we're still in Ravenbrook but not too far from Pardour," she concluded while adjusting her glasses.
Having received her feedback, the team paused on the branches of a tree and Vincent spoke, "Alright then, we'll split up and look for the rubies individually and meet back here."
"I'm sorry, but who made you the boss?!," Jason retorted —at the thought of Vincent leading the team— which frustrated Vincent.
"Well since I'm the oldest and more experienced, it's natural for me to assume the role of leader," Vincent answered which a smirk which irritated Jason back.
"Enough, you two!! Now's not the time for your arguing!! I'll see this since I'm practically smarter than the two of you birdbrains combined!!," Maki yelled which frustrated the two boys even more as they gave her a cold stare at her.
Vincent finally gave up and responded, "Fine!! Maki will take over as Captain, but the mission still stands!! It's getting dark so we need to hurry as soon as possible!!"
"And remember, the Auburn rubies give out a bright red light which can burn in contact with the skin or eyes, so be careful!!," Vincent cautioned and left, with Maki and Jason also dispersing independently in search for the rubies.
They did not realize however, that amidst their conversation, an unknown creature was perching on a tree in the swamps overlooking at the young team.
It had a snake-like figure and was too dark to make out of the creature but after the group dispersed, it slithered away.