The sun had barely risen, casting golden hues across the dew-covered ground, when Azad groggily stumbled out of his tent. His muscles ached from yesterday's punishing training session, and every step reminded him of just how brutal Ellie's regime had become. Yet, there she was, standing before him, looking as fresh as ever, arms crossed with her signature playful smirk.
"Azad," she began, her voice brimming with amusement. "Time for your second trial. Prepare yourself."
Azad squinted at her, still trying to shake off the fog of sleep. "Already? Come on, I barely got any sleep last night. Can't we take it easy today?" He stretched, wincing as his sore muscles protested.
Ellie's grin only widened. "Oh, trust me, this will be plenty easy. All you have to do is survive."
Azad blinked and said while yawning. "Yeah, I remember surviving alone, right?"
Ellie's smirk deepened as she crossed her arms, clearly enjoying the suspense. "Oh, it's a bit more than that, princess. I'm taking all your belongings. Sword, armor, tools—everything."
Azad's eyes widened. "What?! You can't be serious!" He instinctively grabbed his sword, holding it like it was a lifeline. "You're taking everything? Even my sword? How am I supposed to survive without my stuff?"
Ellie tapped her chin, feigning deep thought before answering, "Yes, my lady, everything. Consider it a robbery, if you like."
Azad's jaw practically hit the floor. "A robbery?!" He groaned, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What kind of twisted survival training is this? You're just gonna toss me out into the wild, unarmed, like some sort of prey?"
"Exactly." Ellie's grin was now full of mischief. "It's a life lesson, Azad. You've got to learn how to survive without relying on your fancy gear. Who knows what might happen out there in the real world?" She held out her hand expectantly. "Now, hand it over."
With a heavy sigh, Azad begrudgingly removed his armor piece by piece, grumbling as he did. "This is ridiculous. Feels more like you're just trying to get free loot."
Ellie chuckled. "Hey, if I wanted loot, I'd ask for something valuable. That rusty sword of yours wouldn't even sell at a flea market."
Azad rolled his eyes but handed over the sword. "Fine. But at least Choco's coming with me, right?" He turned to Choco, his faithful companion, who was sitting by the tent, tail wagging expectantly.
Ellie's grin turned downright devilish. "Nope. Not even Choco."
Azad's heart sank. "What?! You can't take Choco! He's the only one around here who doesn't bully me!"
Choco whimpered at the sound of his name as if sensing the betrayal. Ellie leaned down and scratched the dog behind his ears. "Sorry, Azad, Choco stays with me. Besides, you'll be fine on your own for a few days. Won't you, boy?" she said, addressing the dog, who wagged his tail, oblivious to Azad's plight.
Azad slumped, defeated. "This is cruel and unusual punishment. First, you take my stuff, and now my dog? What's next, you're going to take my clothes, too?"
Ellie raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, that can be arranged."
"Don't even joke about that." Azad groaned, rubbing his face. "So, what's the plan? Just dump me in the woods and see if I make it back alive?"
Ellie nodded, her eyes still gleaming with that wicked amusement. "Pretty much. Three nights. Survive on your own. No tools, no gear, and definitely no Choco to cuddle with when it gets cold."
Azad looked over at Choco, who was happily wagging his tail, still unaware of the drama unfolding. "Choco, don't forget me when I'm out there fighting off wild beasts with my bare hands, okay?"
Choco barked once, almost as if agreeing, before nuzzling Ellie's leg.
Azad shot Ellie a glare. "I hope you're happy, taking away man's best friend."
Ellie chuckled. "Oh, I'm beyond happy. I think Choco's the real victim here. He's gonna miss all your whining."
"Ha ha," Azad muttered sarcastically. "Alright, let's get this over with. Which way am I supposed to go?"
Ellie gestured toward the dense forest surrounding the camp. "Pick a direction. Just don't get lost. And remember, this is about survival, not comfort. Use your wits, Azad."
He sighed, casting one last mournful glance at Choco. "Fine. But don't be surprised if I come back looking like a wild man after three days."
Ellie grinned. "I'd be disappointed if you didn't."
Azad took a deep breath, muttering as he started toward the woods. "This is insane… what's next? Fighting monsters with my bare hands?" He tripped over a root, catching himself just in time. "Great start, Azad. Just great."
As he disappeared into the trees, Ellie called after him, "Remember, Azad! This trial is all about surviving three nights. No gear, no help, and definitely no Choco! If you don't make it, you're not passing the second task!"
Azad waved a sarcastic thumbs-up over his shoulder. "Yeah, yeah, thanks for the pep talk."
Ellie smirked, turning back to Choco. "Come on, boy. Let's see how long it takes him to start talking to himself." She chuckled, watching the forest where Azad had vanished, the sounds of the forest slowly enveloping the camp once more.
Azad's adventure in the wilderness had officially begun.