The trio had a relaxing weekend, celebrating Thailos's 15th birthday with a delightful lunch party. Laughter and joy filled the air as they enjoyed each other's company, strengthening their bond.
As the weekdays rolled in, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air at Tala Academy. It was time for the weekly social hall orientation, an event that brought together students from all year levels in the enormous social hall.
"Good day, students!" The headmistress greeted them with a warm smile. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you. Your remarkable talents have made Tala Academy immensely proud. And now, to conclude this school year, we're introducing the first-ever Quest Hunt!"
The students buzzed with excitement as they listened intently.
"You'll form teams of four, chosen by your own discretion," Headmistress continued. "The victorious team in the Quest Hunt will be rewarded with a brand-new set of armor and unrestricted access to our vast archives. Choose your teammates wisely. That is all, and may the hunt begin!"
With the meeting adjourned, students hurriedly formed their teams, eager to embark on this thrilling adventure. The trio, along with Thailos, gathered to discuss their strategy, ready to face the challenges that awaited them head-on.
"Who should complete our team?" Thailos queried, his eyes sweeping across the bustling hall, where students were hastily forging their alliances.
El, with unwavering confidence, chimed in, "Tabitha. Her skills could greatly benefit our team." Raven's countenance appeared hesitant and uncertain, though she refrained from voicing her reservations. "Indeed," Thailos concurred. "Her proficiency in illusions would be a valuable asset. Raven, what are your thoughts?" El inquired, his keen perception detecting the subtle shift in her mood. Raven forced a smile, masking her reservations, and replied, "Well, if you both think it's a good idea, then I'm on board."
The trio crossed the bustling hall until they reached Tabitha Silva, the daughter of Councilor Silva, a prominent noble in the land. El extended the invitation, saying, "Hey Tabitha, would you consider joining our team? We're confident you'd make an exceptional addition to our group."
Thai chimed in playfully, "And, you know, we could use some charm like yours on our side!"
Tabitha scrutinized each of them and then began to share her thoughts, gesturing towards Raven as she commented, "Strong, but in need of improvement," then pointing at Thailos, she said, "Lucky and charming." Thailos blushed slightly at the compliment. Finally, she directed her attention to El, describing him as "Intriguing and gorgeous." Her attempt to hold El's face left him slightly flustered as he stammered, "Uhm, no."
Tabitha took a few steps away, but Raven called out to her, pleading, "Wait, Tabitha. I know you want to win this quest as much as we do."
With a sly smile, Tabitha whispered in Raven's ear, "Intriguing, you're still the same Raven. But you do realize I don't trust you, right?"
The bond between Raven and Tabitha had once been unbreakable. They were the closest of friends, sharing secrets, laughter, and dreams. However, their friendship took a tragic turn when an incident involving their parents tore them apart.
Raven's father, Servino, had once been a renowned noble in their land. However, a bitter conflict with another race led him down a dark path. In an attempt to evade justice, Servino shapeshifted into the form of Counselor Silva and orchestrated a devastating attack on a village of Duwende, a gentle and peaceful folk. On that fateful day, Raven's father was accused of killing four innocent Duwende. Counselor Silva, who was, in reality, an innocent man, was imprisoned for a year before finally being proven innocent. This revelation came about when Raven's mother, Luna, bravely decided to reveal the truth about Servino's actions.
The revelation shattered the trust between the two families and changed the course of Raven and Tabitha's friendship forever. No longer were they the inseparable duo who roamed the land together. Instead, they became distant, harboring a silence that spoke volumes. The wounds of that incident ran deep, leaving scars that seemed impossible to heal.
Raven's plea was filled with desperation, her voice carrying the weight of a past she couldn't change. "Please, I'm begging you, Tabitha. I promise to repay you when I can, no matter the cost, even if we lose. I would repay you."
Tabitha's eyes bore into Raven's, a mixture of skepticism and uncertainty in her gaze. "Your father is not innocent; there was no spell that controlled him," she stated firmly. "I will join, but I hope I won't regret this."
Raven truly believed that behind the school archives lay the answers to that fateful evening. She clung to the hope that her father had been under a spell, desperately trying to redeem him. This hope drove her to seek Tabitha's help in winning the quest hunt, as it might hold the key to clearing her father's name and healing the wounds of the past.
With the deal sealed, Tabitha and Raven returned to the boys who had been watching from a distance. Tabitha couldn't resist a playful comment. "Fine, I'll join, only if gorgeous rescues me when I'm in distress," she flirtatiously teased El.
El couldn't help but chuckle, a genuine smile forming. "You can count on that, Tabitha."
Thailos playfully nudged El. "Oh, El's our designated hero now?"
Raven remained silent, her thoughts still wrestling with doubts. "So, let's meet later at the house?" El suggested, trying to shift the focus away from the attention. "Oh my, I'm meeting your family already? That is so bold," Tabitha responded with a wink, keeping the mood light.
As the day drew to a close, the group met at the school gate and began their journey to El's house. El couldn't help but notice the distant look in Raven's eyes and decided to ask her, "Are you okay?"
Trying to mask her thoughts, Raven quickly replied, "Yes, I'm fine. Just thinking about school, you know." El gently patted her head and offered some words of encouragement.
Out of nowhere, Tabitha decided to cling onto El's arm, making him feel slightly uncomfortable. "So, I heard you have a huge house," she remarked casually.
Thai, feeling a bit left out, muttered under his breath, "There should be only one clown in the group." Raven overheard and couldn't help but laugh, which lifted her spirits.
Upon arriving at El's house, they were greeted by Nuno, the butler, who welcomed them with a warm smile. "Welcome, young master. I see you have guests," Nuno observed.
El introduced Tabitha, saying, "Yes, this is Tabitha, our new friend." Tabitha playfully added, "Possible girlfriend," to which Thai echoed, "Possible girlfriend." Raven chuckled at the playful banter, her mood lightening up.
The group gathered in the courtyard, brainstorming and discussing their possible dynamics for the upcoming quest. Thai, always the joker, chimed in with a playful suggestion, "So I guess Tabitha should be the support since she's good with illusions. I could be the Vanguard, Raven can be the marksman, and El can be whatever he wants."
El chuckled and replied, "Well, I guess I'll be the flexible one then. Ready for anything that comes our way."
Tabitha, looking thoughtful, added, "Flexibility is good, but we should also make sure we have a well-rounded team to handle different situations. And we need to work on our coordination."
Raven nodded in agreement, her mind focused on the challenge ahead. "That's right. Let's ensure we're prepared for anything and work together seamlessly."
Thai's strategic thinking impressed the group as he laid out their roles and potential positions during the quest. "Okay, serious thought," he began. "I know this team is gonna work. I could be at the front since obviously I have an advantage for speed. Tabitha would be a good support. She can cover us with illusions. Raven, well, she is good at range magic, we can have her cover me. As for El, he can either be the one outside the barrier keeping an eye on other teams that might attack us. In that way, in case of trouble, he can help us if we stumble upon other teams," Thai suggested.
Tabitha playfully flirted with Thai, saying, "Oh my, you're smart! I might like you."
"That works for me!" said El, "I'm good," Raven seconded. "I love you - I mean, I love it!" Tabitha responded, causing everyone to chuckle.
With their strategy in place and their roles defined, the group felt confident as they continued to prepare for the upcoming quest.
The awaited day has finally come. El, Thai, Raven, and Tabitha are set to be on the hunt. Each team are given 3 days to reach the sacred tree of the Elder Tree enchanted forest. As the squad arrive on the starting point, Professor Tawala, the head wizard of Tala stood up.
The awaited day had finally come. El, Thai, Raven, and Tabitha were ready to embark on the hunt. Each team was given three days to reach the sacred tree of the Elder Tree enchanted forest. As the squad arrived at the starting point, Professor Tawala, the head wizard of Tala, stood up to remind them of the rules.
"Greetings, students! I know you're all eager to participate in the long-awaited Hunt. But remember, this Hunt is a competition, and to win, you must have the highest score among all the teams. Now, here are the rules and the scoring system:
A. Each team is given a flag (The flag is worth 500 points). You may duel other teams and take their flag. If a team loses their flag, they are eliminated instantly. Be warned; we have teachers and guard volunteers observing you. Creating another flag is not allowed. You may retrieve your flags if they have not reached the Enchanted forest.
B. Hidden in this forest are various items that you can collect to gain points: a balete root is worth 5 points, a cotton fruit is worth 15 points, a gabi leaf is worth 20 points, and the great bit root with a yellow mark on it is worth 100 points.
C. An Adarna feather is as valuable as your flag, and it is worth 500 points.
Now, let the games begin!"
With these rules in mind, El, Thai, Raven, and Tabitha set off on their quest. The dense, enchanted forest loomed before them, promising both challenges and treasures waiting to be discovered. Every step held the promise of adventure, danger, and the chance to emerge victorious in the Hunt.