The forest seemed alive with malice, the dark trees swaying as though whispering threats. Shadows clung to every corner, making it feel like they were being watched. Dakota strode at the front of the group, his movements sharp, his shoulders stiff with tension.
Dakota: "Stay close and stay sharp. I don't want anyone wandering off."
Henry: "Captain, this whole thing feels off. Are we sure going in alone is the best idea?"
Dakota: "Yes, we're sure. Every second we waste is another second they have to hurt her. Unless you've suddenly got a better plan, keep moving."
Henry: "No better plan, Captain. Just making sure you've thought this through."
Ava quickened her steps to walk beside Dakota, her expression uncertain.
Ava: "Captain, I know you're angry, but this isn't just about you. We're all in this together. Shouldn't we at least consider calling for help?"
Dakota: "I've considered it, Ava. And the answer is still no. We don't have time to wait for help. They could be hurting her right now. Are you suggesting we sit back and do nothing?"
Ava: "Of course not. I'm just saying—"
Dakota: "Then stop saying it. I need you focused, not doubting me."
Lucas chuckled nervously from the back, trying to lighten the mood.
Lucas: "You've got us all scared stiff, Captain. Don't forget, we're here to back you up. No need to burn the forest down before we get to the fight."
Dakota shot him a glare but said nothing, continuing forward.
Mia: "Lucas is right, Captain. You've got us with you. If this is your plan, then we trust it."
Liam crossed his arms, his pace steady.
Liam: "No offense, Captain, but trusting you doesn't mean this isn't reckless. Charging into an unknown situation without backup? That's how people die."
Dakota stopped abruptly, turning to face the group.
Dakota: "If any of you have a problem with my decisions, feel free to leave. I'm not forcing you to come with me."
Henry stepped forward, his voice firm.
Henry: "We're not going anywhere, Captain. You know that. But we also know you, and this isn't like you. This feels personal, and personal makes you reckless."
Dakota's fists clenched at his sides, his voice dangerously low.
Dakota: "Of course, it's personal. She's my sister. If it were your family, would you be standing here, calmly debating strategy? Or would you already be ripping apart the people who took them?"
Henry looked away, his silence enough of an answer.
Ava: "We get it, Captain. We're with you. Just... don't let your anger blind you. We need you leading us, not storming ahead on your own."
Dakota took a breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
Dakota: "Fine. But if anyone hesitates when the time comes, I won't forgive you. Understand?"
The group nodded in unison, their unease replaced by determination.
Jack: "No hesitation here, Captain. Let's just get this over with so we can head back."
Luna: "Agreed. The sooner we get your sister back, the sooner I can go back to enjoying life."
The group fell silent as they pressed deeper into the forest. The air grew heavier with each step, the oppressive darkness thickening like a shroud. Even Lucas's usual humor was absent, replaced by a wary alertness.
Mia: "Captain, this place feels... wrong. Like it's alive or something."
Dakota: "It's not alive, Mia. It's just meant to scare us. Don't let it."
Ava glanced around, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.
Ava: "Still, it wouldn't hurt to be cautious. Dark mages don't usually leave their hideouts unguarded."
Lucas: "She's got a point, Captain. What if this is a trap?"
Dakota: "Then we spring it and burn everything in our path."
Henry: "That's assuming we're not the ones getting burned."
Dakota: "We won't be. Stay focused. We're almost there."
The trees began to thin, revealing a clearing bathed in pale moonlight. At its center stood an abandoned mansion, its once grand structure now crumbling and overgrown. The windows were shattered, the door hanging off its hinges.
Liam: "Well, that's inviting. Looks like something straight out of a horror novel."
Dakota: "Save the commentary, Liam. This is the place. Get ready."
Ava: "Captain, are you sure we shouldn't scout first? Rushing in could be exactly what they want."
Dakota: "No time for scouting. We move as one, take out anything that gets in our way, and find my sister. Understood?"
The group exchanged glances before nodding.
Henry: "Understood, Captain. We're with you."
Mia: "All the way, Captain."
Lucas: "Let's do this, Captain."
Luna: "Just don't get us killed, Captain."
Dakota ignored the comments, his focus entirely on the mansion ahead.
Dakota: "Good. Then let's move. Stay sharp, and don't slow me down."
With weapons drawn and hearts pounding, the group approached the mansion, the air around them crackling with tension. The night was silent, but it was the kind of silence that promised chaos.
As they reached the broken door, Dakota stopped, turning to face his team one last time.
Dakota: "Whatever happens, stick together. We don't know what's inside, but we're not leaving until my sister is safe. Clear?"
Henry: "Crystal clear, Captain."
Ava: "Got it, Captain."
Lucas: "Loud and clear, Captain."
Dakota: "Good. Then let's go."
And with that, they stepped into the darkness, ready to face whatever horrors awaited them.
They had entered the mansion, and it was just dark.
Ava: "this is weird, why is it just complete darkness? What the hell is going on?"
Dakota: "I don't know, but I don't care. I will rip them apart."
Dakota thinking: I will not let them kill anyone in this life, I made a mistake in my past life and made my friends hate me. But I will not make the same mistake in this life.
Then suddenly the light Turned on, and they could see many high-ranked Djinns and dark mage's waiting to attack them.
Dakota: "this is good, now I can use a lot of power without worrying about anything".
Dakota then grinned and immediately dashed towards the enemies.