We reached our hotel in Vokma in the early night. The hotel was a mid rank hotel and we lodged into two room, one for the girls while we shared the other room. The room we took had double bunk bed with a tv in the side of the wall.
"Guess we are sharing the same room", Kofi said as we dropped our weapons and a few load which we bought in the way here.
"At least, we have each bed to ourselves", I replied choosing a side in the bunk bed.
"Yeah",Kwami said taking the upper bunk. " I'm hungry as well. We should find something to eat".
"You are right but first thing first", Kofi said walking towards the bathroom. " I'm going to have a bath. I feel stinky all over".
" I'm just going to lie here",I said lying in the lower bunk. I felt sleepy all a sudden. We all went to do our thing. Kofi has his bath while I just laid down on the bed, fighting the sleep in my eyes.
Soon both guys were done having their bath and compelled me who had slept off to take my bath. After that, we were ready to eat. We headed to the hotel diner to take our meals with the girls. We took a seat and looked through the menu to order our meal.
" I'd prefer a light dinner", Annika said choosing a menu "One shouldn't be too heavy with food. Fruits are enough for me".
"Fruits?",Kwami chuckled. "When there are better food in the menu".
" I'm not a boy", Annika replied rolling her eyes.
"What do you mean by that", Kwami argued closing the menu book. "Girls do eat a lot".
"Not all girls", Annika replied stating her fact. " I'd say 50 percent. It varies".
"What's your take Femi",Kwami asked facing me.
"It's surprising to see Annika talk this long",I said quite impressed seeing Annika argue. "Even to the point of arguing. Now that's a sight you don't see everyday".
"Hey don't tease her",Kofi said tapping me.
"What?", I asked gesticulating. " I'm just saying what I had observed. Besides, are you her boyfriend?"
"What if I am",Kofi replied looking at me.
"Ha ha", I laughed. "He's joking right".
The others looked at me without saying a word. We were silent for a few seconds.
"I'm surprised you didn't know", Kwami said breaking the silence .
"How did you..",I said trying to form my words
"I'm not like you", Kofi said with a wink.
"What about...", I asked looking at Aluna and Kwami.
"What?", Aluna almost screamed. "No"
"Ohh",I nodded my head before facing Kofi and Annika." Congratulations to you guys. Back to the topic being discussed, the human body varies a lot and are subject to evolution. So, if she wants fruit,she can have it. As for me, I'd sick with Jollof rice with meat and vegetables".
"Same here", Kwami said calling the server. "Let's order then".
The server brought our meals and we dug it immediately. The food I ate was delicious and had an aftertaste to it. Soon we were done eating and had a drink.. I mean soft drink to complete the dinner.
"Femi", Aluna said taking a sip from her drink. "Do you know you are always being watched by Ife?"
"Really!", I exclaimed widening my eyes.
"Yeah",She continued. "After that fight we had together, she watches your every move. I thought you would probably notice her but you didn't".
"I didn't notice anything", I replied deep in thought.
Why didn't I noticed?, I pondered. Was it because of the mock exams? I need to be careful around her. What's my business with her anyways
"Talk it out then"Aluna said taking another sip. "It's creepy to know somebody watches my move or follows what I'm doing every time. I can't even imagine what I will do".
"Did you know about this", I asked Kofi as I thought he would say something.
"Hun",He nodded finishing his drink. "We were waiting for you to say something but I think you counted it as a normal activity. It didn't matter to you that much".
"I see", I said resting my back on my seat. "When we get back to school, I'd talk things through with her then".
"The earlier the better", Annika said. I think she went back to her usual self because of me. "Before she becomes obsessed and you don't want a girl to be obsessed with you".
"isn't it a good thing?",Kofi asked. You are only obsessed with the things you like or love.
"It's not", Annika continued. "Love is trusting, obsession is possessive".
"Guys guys", I said bringing an end to that discussion. "We can talk about love and obsession later. I feel we should talk about the dungeon".
"We can do that in the early morning", Kwami replied. "It's nothing serious. If you can go head to head with me for a while, you are definitely going to ace that dungeon".
"Guys, let's go to the karaoke in this hotel", Aluna said standing up. "I heard it's not far from here".
"Oh really", Kofi replied checking the time on his watch. . "We could do that and hit the bed after. It's not that late".
"Are you sure we should be singing at this moment?",I said trying to stop them from going. I think we should plan for tomorrow' event".
"Ah ah", Aluna laughed at me. "That's how they'll know you are a newbie. If you don't want to follow us, that's your choice. Let's go guys"
" I'm choosing Love Never Gone by Ani", Annika announced to the group as they moved way from me. "That song is definitely a hit".
"Best friends eternally also",Kofi added.
I watch them leave as I contemplated following them. They are right, I thought. I'm behaving like a newbie. I just don't know the dangers present in the hidden room though the map isn't picking anything strange now but is it really safe?
"Fine",I said follow their direction. " I'll join them".
I met them singing happily to an Afrobeat music. I was shocked. An Afrobeat in this world. How's that real. The lyrics and beats were so coherent and soothing to my soul. They took turns and sang to their heart's content. Soon, 8t was my turn and they pestered me to sing which I did after being pressured for a while. Since I don't know the songs in this world, I will sing a song from my world. Quickly picking up a popular artist song I knew, I sang beautifully. I felt and heard my voice. I didn't know I could do that. I do sing alone at home or with my mother and she did say I sing well but not this good. Is it a skill?
"Wow", Kofi said as he clapped in excitement. "I'm impressed you came up with a new song and it's this good. You could be a star".
"And have the girls fall for you easily", Kwami added.
"Wait what?", I said really surprised. "It's just one song besides there's no big deal".
"There's no big deal", Annika repeated after me with an amusing eye. "Okay if you say so. Let's hit the bed then, I'm tired".
Huh,I pondered as she left . What's she implying? Her face said something else to me. I then discarded it as nothing serious and went with the boys to our room. We wore our nighties and went to our respective bed to sleep.
"Femi", Kwami called from the upper bunk of the bed. I was in the lower. "Do not ever forget us".
"What do you mean?", I asked clearly confused
"You are a skilled guy",He began softly. "A genius if I might say. Taking this potion means you'd grow exponentially even more than us. The academy will try to take you to A class if you are discovered. Just don't forget us after you are discovered and you change class".
"I'm not going anywhere",I said vehemently. "We are in this together and always".
"Ah", Kwami chuckled. "That's how it begins. We don't know the future. Just promise you'd not".
"I promise",I said putting my hand on my chest.
"That's better",Kofi really breathing deeply. "One thing I know, you always keep your word".
It's true, I thought. Sometimes success really blinds that you forget the real deal. The people who brought you there. I'd never go anywhere. We are in for life. I'll be sure to protect them tomorrow even if it cost my life.
Soon I drifting off, sleeping to the early hours of the morning. I woke up nervous as It was a big day. Taking deep breathe, I left my bed and went to the bathroom to clean and freshen up. Walking out, I saw Kofi and Kwami discussing about the dungeon.
"Seems you guys are serious", I said letting out a smile.
"Yeah", Kofi said extending the map from his watch "We figured out we are going blind you know. My father did say he didn't find the potion".
"I know it around here",I replied pointing towards a particular point on the map.
"How did you...", Kwami asked as he looked at me surprised.
"I have mentors in high places right",I interrupted him with a half-truth. True, I had seen the map before via the huntress but it's my treasure map that pointed the location.
"Oh I forgot", Kwami said looking back at the map. The dungeon is divided into 3 layers. The first layer, second and third layer. The first layer consist of bug monsters".
"Bugs?",I asked clearly amused.
"Yeah", Kwami continued. "They are nothing serious except you are allergic to bugs".
" I'm not allergic to bugs", I said clearly the air.
"Then you will be fine", Kofi said patting my shoulder.
"Second layer", Kwami continued again pointing to the later. "Monster-like rats. Not your usual rats but they do look like rats. We call them Rati. You'll see what they look like when we meet them. "They go in group so they might delay us for a while but we'll pass through them. It's nothing serious. The boss of the dungeon is a blind mutated Rati. Since, we aren't going there,I feel there's no need to talk about it. Let's check our kit. We all leave in an hour. I'd brief the girls".
"Good",I nodded as Kwami left.
"You know", Kofi said taking a picture of Annika from his pocket. "I always carry a picture of Annika anytime I'm entering a dungeon. This is the first time I will be fighting along with her.
"That's lovely",I said kiting up. "Just don't get carried away trying to impress her"
"What!",Kofi exclaimed at my statement.
"It happens", I shrugged nonchalantly.
"I won't",Kofi said not know the exact word to say. " I'm just..."
"Uncomfortable?, nervous?",I asked trying to complete his sentence.
"I can't get the feeling and I feel you don't too",Kofi replied after giving up. "You don't have anyone you love".
"Ouch", I said as I held my chest. "Let's just get ready".
It's true,I thought. I don't have anyone I loved. Even in my former world, I just had a crush on a girl on for some months and the feeling left I didn't even tell her how I felt. Now, I'm in another world and I still feel that same event will repeat itself. Maybe that's why my heart is closed besides I still want to return home so I can't be thinking about love or girls.
I kitted myself and left the room with Kofi. We were the first to arrive at our meeting point before Kwami came alone and then the girls. We went to the Rookie's dungeon which was located at the far end of the city. Few adventurers were around the dungeon checking their weapons and discussing. I could see in their faces that they were rookies. They all wanted to gain experience like me here.
After checking if we had been fully equipped,we went to the entrance of the dungeon and Kofi showed his adventurers pass and our temporary passes to them. Kofi's dad really made thing easier for us and for that, I'm grateful. Still wondering how he knew the Huntress, I should ask her. We were cleared and we entered the dungeon. The air suddenly changed as we entered and I found myself in a cave- like place with my friends.
"I wasn't expecting this", i said touching the ground.
"It's a low ranking dungeon", Kofi replied moving forward. "What did you expect? Let's go. We have to reach our target as soon as possible. Where's the map?".
"Here",Kwami said displaying the map with his watch
"Can I lead?",I asked turning to Kwami. "I feel I should lead since I know where it's hidden".
"True", Aluna said approving. " Lead the way".
"Thanks", I said as I took the lead.
We headed straight, not meeting any monster for a while. We reached a junction as it was in the map and turned right to the second layer. The left would have taken us to the home of the so called bugs. It was a close end at that side but I felt uneasy
"I'm getting unusual vibes", Aluna broke the silence as we continued on the way. "We haven't seen any monster to battle with".
"Same",Kofi said as he tighten his grip on his sword. "It's like they are hiding".
True, I thought. Are they hiding because of me? It's true monsters sense mana signature better than humans but I made sure not to allow my emotions get over me. What could be wrong?.
We continued moving before finally meeting a few Ratis. it's as they said. They had the features of a rat,only bigger and fiercer. They had quick movement and sharp claws but we dealt with them and were done not long enough.
We moved further and were almost at the hidden entrance when we saw the main boss of the dungeon. The mutated Rati had an horn on its head with sharp claws and blind eyes. We all were surprised to see the monster here.
"How is this possible?"
"What's the main boss doing here?"
"No time to think", Kwami said snapping us from our fear and giving us orders. "It has increased hearing and smelling ability. Also, its sensory range is high as well. Annika, be ready to support us. Femi, use your gun and give it a critical hit. We will hold it off. It's just an E- monster,we can kill it".
The three left with their swords and spear drawn, leaving Annika and I as backup. They attack from every side, dealing damage and blocking the attack of the monster while moving in sync with one another.
My mind was in chaos as I was looking for a critical hit. Was I the cause of all these mess. Did it come here because it perceive that there was someone stronger than it here. Was this the reason why the bug didn't show up?
Suddenly I felt a slap to my face
"Snap out of it", Annika said as she pointed to the three fighting. "They are counting on you".
Right,I thought as I focused. My friends are counting on me. I'd do my best to assist them and protect them.
With my gun drawn,I watched the every move of the mutated Rati. Finding an opening,I fired strategically, directing the bullets to its ears and nose. Soon, it was out of rage which was my plan and it scream. Focusing and not minding the scream, I shot three bullets in succession. The three, on the path to its mouth opened. The bullet dealt great damage as it destroyed its throat and neck. The three weapon users were able to give more damage with Annika using the light spear as a final blow. The mutated Rati collapsed and died
"We did it", Aluna screamed in joy as she raised her spear up."We defeated the boss".
"Nice job everyone", Kwami commended everyone.
"I was scared when it was enraged", Annika said holding her staff tightly. "It's E- rank, a bit higher than us you know".
"I'd be taking this",Kofi said cutting the ears of the mutated Rati. "My dad will be happy that I did this with my friends without any overseer".
"Why did the mutated Rati leave its lair to attack us here", Aluna asked with her hand on her chin.
"That ..is a mystery to us all", Kwami said pausing for a while. "Let's go. I believe we are done resting".
We all continued our expedition and reached the hidden point which was a close. It had a lot of rocks on the ground which made it difficult to wade through. We waded through the rock, avoiding the dangerous ones and I came to a the end of the close,a big wall sealing the place. I placed my hands in the lower left portion of the wall as indicated by the treasure map and the wall started to shake as it moved, revealing another path in front of us. On entering, we headed inside and as we all entered,the wall went back to its original position.
"I'm getting the creeps", Aluna said as she clenched her spear. The dark path was suddenly illuminated by fire as we moved forward. " You sure there's no traps or something of some sort".
"I'm not sure either",I said looking at the danger level of the potion. I had earlier asked for the danger level around the potion from the map and it gave a green light. That's good right?.
"We will be safe",I said leading the way. We followed the path and entered a large floor in which a large rock stood at the center. Instead of the awakening potion, we found four more potions on the rock placed around the a potion in the center.
"Which is which", Kwami asked not knowing which potion we are after"
"if I'm right", I answered as I moved closer to the rock. "The one in the center is what I'm after"
The others tried warning me of traps or anything dangerous but I continued nevertheless. I reached the rock and pick up the awakening potion. Nothing happened and I took the other four potions. Why you might ask? My treasure map indicated it as a treasure as well. I then returned to my friends who rebuked me to what I did.
As we were about to leave, the ground shook violently as we moved back avoiding rocks falling from above. The ground opened suddenly and out of it came a creature that I knew. A creature that made me sallow my saliva, a creature that made me sweat.
"That's.... the black Titanoboa".
**********************
In an office, a man sat in his chair thinking and sighing for a while before calling someone from his watch.
"Hello Mr Feye",the caller greeted. "It has been a long while since we have seen each other. I didn't even know you had my contact".
"That was why I was shocked when I saw your letter huntress", Kofi's dad said. "That kid, is he your disciple".
"Yes", the huntress replied chuckling. "It seems fate still has plans for me".
"Hmm", Mr Feye grunted tapping his fingers on the desk. "About the attack in London, what's the latest information you got".
"Well", she began. "The client Ghost work for indeed covered his tracks. He had no name or affiliation. What we just know is that the culprit is a man from an unknown organization".
" I'm surprised Ghost is still alive", Mr Feye said. "Is it the same organization we battled with that time?"
"That",the huntress paused. " I'm not sure about but the book is safe. There's no reaction on the orb with me and I heard Ghost work as a mercenary now. He just works for anyone willing to pay him".
"So that's how it's", Mr Feye said. "Keep me posted will you?"
"I will",She replied. "Let's have lunch someday".
"Let's", Mr Feye said as he hung up the call. "The book is safe. I was worried for nothing".
With that, he continued reading the document on his table.
...........
...........
"How did I get here?"
"Calm down Aluna, you are in no danger here"
"You!"
"Hey, why's your spear drawn at me".
"You brought us in the predicament. I ought to..."
"Lucky me, I made adjustment since last time. See, you can't move".
"How did you... Hey, stop laughing. I'm really scared as it's. The pressure coming from the snake is no joke. I'm surprised I'm still standing. Do something".
"Hmmm, I guess this interview is over".
"Please".
"We meet again next time".