Chapter 11
"Black Skull"
The night was dark and silent as Magnus made his way through the dense forest. The moon's pale light barely penetrated the thick canopy of trees, casting eerie shadows on the forest floor. He could feel the weight of the darkness pressing against him, but he pressed on, determined to reach his destination.
He had heard tales of a hidden treasure buried deep within these woods. Baba Matuwa spoke of a notorious stone named Black Skull, who had hidden this vast riches somewhere in this Bukka forest. Many had tried to find it, but none had succeeded. It was said that the treasure was guarded by a curse, and only the bravest and most cunning could hope to claim it.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, the air grew colder and the atmosphere more foreboding. The trees seemed to whisper secrets to each other, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. He could almost hear the echoes of Black Skull's laughter, mocking those who dared to seek the magical stone.
Suddenly, Magnus stumbled upon a clearing bathed in moonlight. In the center stood a massive oak tree, its gnarled branches stretching towards the sky. He felt a strange energy emanating from it, as if it held the key to unlocking the secrets of the forest.
With trembling hands, he reached into his bag and pulled out a tattered map. It had been passed down through generations, each one adding their notes and markings. He studied it carefully, comparing the landmarks to the clearing before him. It seemed that he had finally found the spot.
Taking a deep breath, Magnus began to dig at the base of the oak tree. The soil was hard and compact, but he persisted, his determination fueling his efforts. After what felt like an eternity, his shovel hit something solid. Excitement surged through him as he uncovered a wooden chest, covered in moss and dirt.
With trembling hands, he pried open the chest and gasped at the sight before him. It was filled to the brim with gold coins, sparkling jewels, and precious artifacts. He had found another treasure, but not the Black Skull Stone, and it was more magnificent than he could have ever imagined.
Even though he gazed at the treasure, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. He was still searching for the new guide to find this magical stone. With the treasure secured, he made his way back to Zanrta Land through the forest, feeling the weight of his newfound wealth.
***
"Relax. Lift your head up. Look at the stars and pray. Your wish should come from the bottom of your heart and say what you desire," Voma taught.
"Are you sure all your wishes will come true?" Krizzilda doubted.
"We will do this every Friday night, and on the sixth occasion, your wish will come true," Voma promised.
"Are you certain, my love?" she vacillated.
"Before, I only asked the stars that you would notice me, but they gave me so much more. Look, I married the princess of Pollace," Voma assured.
When King Pollace gave the Monafik Desert to Queen Krizzilda and Voma, it was a small principality. They were responsible for importing minerals from the desert.
Their jurisdiction was small. The Monafik Desert is the smallest monarchy, with just over two thousand families living.
"FAME, MONEY, AND POWER"—that's what Queen Krizzilda always wished for at that time. She was not satisfied with their current status right now.
Therefore, in the final deluge or fulfillment of revelation, the state of Monafik Desert is at the vanguard of development.
"I thought my wish would come true. Why isn't it?" Krizzilda complained.
"My dear queen, did you follow my advice?" asked Voma.
"Which one?" she answered.
"It's better if you do it at midnight. You should be alone. Make sure it's dark, and you can't hear any noises," he explained.
"I've done that," she answered.
"Speak your desires with your heart and mind, not from your mouth. Ask for what you want and explain why you need it with acceptable reasons," added Voma.
"Go on, my love. I'll do all that," she replied.
After Krizzilda performed that ritual for six consecutive Fridays, King Voma found something while examining the middle of the desert the following day.
"Ah! "—terrified Voma exclaimed.
"What is that glowing thing, Sir?💂🏽♂️"—one of his guards queried.
They discovered a round, black pearl with a skull-shaped interior that glimmered and seemed to be floating in black fumes.
It floated in the air and emitted red energy. For some unknown reason, King Voma and his soldiers focused on the location of this object.
All the people who were still awake at that time, including Prince Awtadd playing with his Camel, were affected by this magical thing, except for Queen Krizzilda.
"Why is the whole atmosphere red?😤"—she wondered.
Everyone stopped moving. She went around the palace and peeked into her children's room. She saw Princess Krizzia sleeping soundly. Not only that, but she was also oblivious to what was happening around her.
The soldiers and their housekeepers did not move. She immediately went to Awtadd's room. Even the prince didn't move like everyone else in the palace.
Prince Awtadd had been shaken several times to wake up, even though Queen Krizzilda could see that Awtadd's eyes were open, he still didn't regain consciousness.
"What's happening here?" she cried.
"I didn't wish for this."
Until this mysterious thing reached the palace from the middle of the desert. Consequently, she snapped out of her trance and willingly followed. She unclasped her palms and the thing slowly landed on her hands.
"🅱️🅾️🅾️🅿️‼️" heads popped out.
"🅰️ H H H H H H H‼️" she screamed as she witnessed Prince Awtadd's head popping out.
Not only that, but also King Voma and the rest of the people who were under the power of this magical thing, their heads all exploded.
***
Though, what happened in this state was one of the fears of neighboring territories, especially as its jurisdictions and sovereignty expanded. They are still governed by the Pollace regime.
The entire empire of Pollace was halved into three kingdoms. Queen Krizzilda reigns over the Monafik Desert, King Maelh in the Monafik Valley, and Emperor Pollace rules the Pollace Mainland.
In the Monafik Valley, livelihood farming (such as fruit and vegetables), livestock (meat and dairy products), and water (which the civilization of the entire Pollace drinks) are imported from them.
The Monafik Desert is a source of energy and the manufacture of devices, tools, equipment, and machinery.
The Pollace Mainland is where the center of the sensation is located and is home to various types of infrastructure and the massive Castle of the Pollace Empire.
All kinds of commodities are also imported here because many workshops or manufacturers are located here.
You are a Pollacian when you do not eat shellfish of any species found in the ocean because anyone who attempts to eat them carries great misfortune and illness.
Most people here have awareness of Alchemy or the use of seals, which are correlated with charms from the ghoul.
You must first have permission to use it freely, and if you violate the law, you will be adjudged to death. It's not a lenient lesson either because life can be a substitute for anyone who doesn't fulfill it. Most of those who become experts obtain positions in the empire.
When Doctor Bharit was born, the Double Pentagram has existed drawn on his right palm. That's why he furthermore revealed to everyone the intention of Alchemy.
According to the judgment of Baba Matuwa, this is an emblem that will change the world. He is the one who will bring light and answers, who will rewrite history to make everyone cognizant of wrongdoings.
He will provide a clear answer to the query that each creature has a different significance. Not only that, but he will be the pillar of truth and awakened to true devotion. Because Baba Matuwa advised this to Emperor Pollace, Bharit was taken when he was young and raised and treated as a third son.
Reasonably, his parents also held high positions in the empire. However, soon after, his parents died, leaving his brother Karlus behind. He grew up knowing the fact that he had no imperial blood and that his only true relative left was his brother Karlus.
Later on, Pollace became prosperous and was greatly feared as its army grew powerful, thanks to its mastery of Doctor Bharit's Alchemy teachings.
***
"I'm feeling alright now," said Wamaro.
"You're such a strong kid. I hope Adroru becomes like you," told Dalal.
"He will if you won't imprison him for the rest of his life," started Wamaro.
"I know. I'm worried that if I die, who will take care of him? I pray every day for the saints to guide him. Even if he could just speak, that would be a big blessing, a big deal," uttered Dalal.
Wamaro was completely healed, and the scorpion toxin was no longer effective. For a brief time, he befriended Adroru, who was imprisoned in a cage. He understood the plight faced by a boy like him, where he had no friends apart from scorpions like him.
Dalal advised Wamaro to be careful and not get bitten again because Adroru couldn't heal himself. But Wamaro proved to the old woman that she should not be fearful of her son.
He also revealed that they were essentially in the same predicament. Wamaro showed the old woman an ability where he released a small flame from his palm.
***
"Who is this glamorous woman?" mumbled Endang. She was about to pass by when Queen Krizzilda suddenly appeared from inside the room.
"FACT-FINDING ROOM"
At that moment, Endang quickly entered the room and saw her brother Harris being scrutinized by humanoid robots.
"Oh, Harris?"
"What is he doing here?"
"Wait, maybe that's Wamaro in that hutch. Ahh, no. Perhaps this one…"
"They're going to kill my brother."
Therefore, Endang thought of a strategy to prevent them from proceeding with their procedure on Harris. She roughly discarded the hoses and small apparatus attached to the different cybernetic caskets.
'T O O T 💢‼️"
"T O O T 💢‼️"
"T O O T 💢‼️"
"Whas·sup‼️🤖"—chimed the humanoid robots.
"What's happening, Doctor?" asked the human in the room.
This caused the mechanisms to malfunction and create a commotion in the room. So, the two humanoid robots and a human specialist were dismayed and did not proceed with the operation on Harris. Instead, they took off to find where the disturbance began.
"Don't talk, Harris," whispered Endang.
"Who are you?" asked Harris curiously.
"Just be silent," she forced him not to talk.
This allowed Endang to remove her brother from the Metal Plyth Treatment Table and slowly extract the electrosurgical units embedded in his body.
As there was a malfunction in the apparatus and equipment inside, the cybernated casket creatures emerged one by one. Endang and Harris also found a way to exit the room.
***
A few moments later, Ahn-Ahn regained consciousness, but Tatukwe was still snoozing. Outside Jrazm, Ahn-Ahn was searching for a way to find her other siblings.
"W A M A R O 🗣️‼️"
"E N D A N G 🗣️‼️"
"H A R R I S 🗣️‼️"
She exclaimed their names, but no one responded. Deep concern was evident in her presence as she headed towards the tiny lake.
"Before that attack, Harris was here! Yeah, I remember he was here!" muttered Jrazm.
She was astounded because even though the sandstorm had passed, the lake was still as clear as before.
After a few minutes, she returned to the spaceship to ask Ahn-Ahn about the data in the tiny lake. To her surprise, both Ahn-Ahn and Tatukwe were now awake and discussing inside the spaceship.
"Please, Ahn-ahn, fix my boomerang," requested Tatukwe.
"Later, Tatukwe! This is important. We need to locate them, so we can move forward," noted Ahn-ahn.
"Finally!!!" yelled Jrazm, while crying, to both of them. She immediately kissed the two and was thrilled to see them better, even though they were still vying for some things.
***
(…after one hour…)
Ahn-ahn completed the restoration of the system and the boomerang-craft, except for her bike-craft, which was entirely broken into pieces.
When it was done, they raised a question to the data server about what additional ideas it knew about this territory. Everything about the Monafik Desert was elucidated to them.
"Reigned by Queen Krizzilda, agreeably known as Machine Majesty. It has a legion of humanoid robots who are one of the dominant warriors. She collects bizarre creatures to enslave."
"Oh-Ohh, another trouble," told Jrazm.
"Let's go, but for now, I won't use this boomerang," said Tatukwe while hugging it.
"We're going to use this one craft for underwater," spoke Ahn-ahn.
"Anything, as long as it's safe!" replied Jrazm.
They were also taught that there was a portal in that lake that could be connected to various areas of the empire. Before they permeated into the lake, Tatukwe gawked at his boomerang. With the boat-craft, they will strike under the lake.
***
"Ⓜ️⭕Ⓜ️ …"
"What?!" exclaimed Dalal, shocked by the news.
The first time Adroru spoke to his mother, Dalal felt a mix of excitement and apprehension.
"I can talk, but I prefer not to," explained Adroru.
"Why is that, son? Huhuhu... I'm so worried about you. How long have you known how to speak?" questioned Dalal.
"Ever since. But it got worse after that incident," he answered.
"I'm sorry, my son," she mumbled. They hugged each other tightly and both cried.
On the other side, Wamaro watched the beautiful bond between mother and son, something he had never experienced.
"I wish I could be with my mom, even for just a little while, like you," murmured Wamaro.
***
Adroru's scorpion mentioned that Wamaro's siblings were in danger; they were in Queen Krizzilda's kingdom.
After a while, Dalal illustrated to Wamaro where they were. She explained all about this monarchy.
The metal of the Monafik Desert is not just a typical metal. According to Dalal's perception, this metal is twenty times harder than tungsten. So, they labeled it Monafik Metal.
They obtained this supply through a gigantic machine. But Dalal didn't want to believe it; she thought that Monafik Metal was released by a spherical jewel that glowed black. These were once dug up by King Voma's troops while searching for energy in the central fraction of the desert.
Most of those who testified had a skull shape on the inside. She also indicated that King Voma and Prince Awtadd did not die of illness or accident as revealed by the palace, but were probably deceased because the Queen offered them up so that she could have decisive sovereignty.
Upon hearing Dalal's stories, Wamaro inquired about the path to the kingdom. They did not hesitate and led him to go to this domain.
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