Chapter 23 - Monsters?

"Phin Chester's voice brimmed with anticipation as he declared, 'Hold on, team! Mykon Tarr has just summoned me for a meeting, but rest assured, we'll be back in action soon!'

With enthusiasm radiating, Team Blue responded in unison, 'Absolutely, Sir!' Their faces lit up with energy as they dispersed, eager to recharge and regroup. The unexpected meeting had injected a sense of intrigue into their mission.

As they found spots to rest and rejuvenate, they couldn't help but speculate about what the top brass was up to. The pause in their mission offered a chance to reflect, strategize, and prepare for whatever awaited them once Phin returned from the meeting. Anticipation filled the air, and the team was ready for anything.

Pentaro's curiosity sparked like a wildfire, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. "I'm not feeling the same exhaustion as before. Could it be what Timha gave me?" he mused aloud, lost in thought.

Suddenly, D3 approached him, his eagerness palpable. "Pentaro, how did you first cross paths with MK?" he inquired, leaning in with anticipation.

Pentaro's face lit up as he recalled the memory. "I met him on my very first day here when he was fervently seeking information about Maestro," he explained.

D3 leaned in closer, his curiosity undiminished. "You seem to have some knowledge about Maestro," he probed further.

Pentaro shrugged, his enthusiasm unwavering. "Well, just a bit," he admitted, a twinkle in his eye. "It's more like common knowledge, really."

D3 couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "But I've heard that Maestro is shrouded in mystery, hardly interacting with anyone who isn't his student. Rumor has it he rarely leaves his sanctuary," he pressed.

Before Pentaro could respond, a figure suddenly burst into their conversation, breathing heavily. It was MK, and his arrival added a thrilling twist to their discussion.

"Pentaro!" MK bellowed, his breathless entrance triggering a mix of shock and concern on Pentaro's face. "What's going on?" Pentaro inquired, his curiosity piqued to the max.

MK, still catching his breath, posed an unexpected question, a sly grin playing on his lips. "Do you happen to know the title of this book?" he asked, holding up a worn tome.

Pentaro, momentarily stumped, couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, I believe it goes by the name 'The Book,'" he quipped, raising an eyebrow.

MK needed more than a casual response, seeking certainty with a mischievous glint. "Are you absolutely certain?" he prodded.

Pentaro, with a grin, decided to play along with the theatrics. "Hmm, let me consult my extensive library of one-word book titles... Yes, I'm pretty sure it's 'The Book,'" he replied.

MK, appreciating the response, slapped Pentaro on the back. "Thanks, buddy!" With that, he bolted out of the training ground at a comically breakneck pace.

D3's intrigue was palpable as he leaned in, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "So, you really believe that the identity of that book is common knowledge?" he probed, his interest ignited.

Pentaro, with an air of wisdom, grinned at D3's curiosity. "You know, you're pretty sharp yourself," he acknowledged warmly. "The truth is, my father was once a student of Maestro, so I've picked up a thing or two from him."

D3's face lit up with understanding, a satisfied grin crossing his lips. "Ah, that explains a lot," he responded, nodding knowingly. Their exchange was filled with a shared enthusiasm for the secrets and knowledge that bound them together in this intriguing training ground.

*******

Mykon Tarr's expression turned grave as he delivered the news, his voice filled with urgency. "Listen closely, my friends. An adventurer from Eneezer has reported sightings of peculiar creatures in the forest between our kingdom and Azzharbar."

Layd Olani interjected, his tone brimming with knowledge. "But it's not the season for the Den's monsters to awaken; that's another five decades from now, as the ancient texts dictate..."

Layd Taki jumped in, finishing Olani's sentence, their collective knowledge evident. "…the books, yes, we're aware."

Mykon Tarr's eyes gleamed with a bold idea. "What if these creatures aren't monsters at all? What if they're simply domesticated animals from Foxxin? The Eneezan adventurer never explicitly mentioned them as monsters; he just found them unusual."

The room buzzed with newfound energy as Mykon Tarr proposed a daring plan. "That's why I suggest we dispatch a small team to Foxxin. Let's inquire if any of their animals have mysteriously vanished. There might be more to this tale than meets the eye."

Layd Rigus, eager to know his companions on this journey, posed a question filled with determination because he knows he will definitely be going. "Mykon Tarr, who do you intend to send alongside me?"

Mykon Tarr, exuding a sense of fairness and respect, responded firmly. "I won't compel anyone to join; only volunteers will embark on this mission."

Rigus, his eyes scanning the room, challenged his fellow comrades. "So, who among you isn't daunted by Foxxin's 'little monsters'?" Several hands shot up in response.

With a sense of purpose, Mykon Tarr laid out the plan. "Very well, your journey commences in two days."

Rigus, his impatience evident, questioned the timeline. "Why wait? Why not set off tomorrow?" Layd Taki, casually sipping his wine, chimed in with a hint of amusement. "The decision is made, no need for resistance."

Tempers flared as Rigus lashed out, directing his anger at Taki. "You, the insatiable drinker, should mind your own business! You're not part of this convoy, so why meddle?"

Mykon Tarr, the voice of reason, calmed the storm. "Gentlemen, let's keep our composure. Layd Rigus, you'll lead this group, so the choice is yours."

"Then I guess we'll take our leave today" replied Layd Rigus. With a nod of acknowledgment, Rigus rose from his seat and, accompanied by the brave volunteers, made his exit. The journey to uncover the mysteries awaited, and their passion burned brightly.

***Author's note***

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