“P-Please, we don’t want any trouble. We’ll cooperate,” Professor Wilson stammered, his eyes nervously scanning the militia group. A soldier shouted in his mother tongue, and his bloodshot eyes remained fixed on the trembling foreigners.
“Professor, he said he doesn’t want to hear anything from you,” Joao interpreted, calmly approaching a soldier who had summoned him.
The same soldier shouted again, this time pointing at the ground. The group didn't need Joao to interpret; they understood. Within seconds, they fell on their knees, hands behind their heads, frozen in submission.
Scott couldn't believe their predicament. He glanced between the various soldiers, his eyes eventually landing on a soldier with a thick, reddish splatter on his black uniform.
Is that what I think it is? Scott swallowed hard; his gaze locked on the bloodstained soldier.
This disheveled soldier stood beside the one conversing with Joao. His bloodthirsty eyes and bloodstained uniform transmitted a chilling message.
Could they have killed their leader? Scott's mind raced with unsettling possibilities; a thought shared by many among the group. The clues were too obvious to ignore.
Joao and the soldier engaged in a heated conversation, lasting over ten minutes. The others watched in apprehension, clueless about the discussion's nature. Whether Joao was pleading for mercy or bargaining for their lives remained a mystery.
Their anxiety deepened with every passing minute, compounded by their ignorance of the conversation. As the tense dialogue reached its climax, Joao and the apparent new leader approached the group. This new commander had a face marred by scars, and he spoke in a low voice with his hands clasped behind his back. Despite the language barrier, the group listened intently. When he finished, they turned to Joao.
“My name is Captain Armando Arturo Costa. I understand you're frightened by my men, but I mean you no harm. We only have questions, and we hope you will answer them. Who is the leader among you?” Joao translated, eyeing the militia leader.
Professor Wilson nervously raised his hand. “Please tell him I will answer whatever questions he asks.”
Joao nodded before translating the Englishman's words. Captain Costa nodded, scrutinizing the short man. Then, he spoke again, and the soldiers raised their weapons, ready to unleash a hail of bullets at the slightest command.
The group's anxiety escalated, and several of the students couldn't hold back their tears. The dejection weighed heavily on their hearts as they anxiously awaited Joao's translation.
“T-They tell me you people came here for knowledge. Were you sent by the United States government? Choose your words carefully,” Joao said, his anxiety evident.
“W-We are from the university. We weren't sent by the government or any organization. I can prove it, too,” Professor Wilson panicked as he reached for his identification in his inner pocket. Another gunshot echoed, and the Englishman froze, his face turning crimson.
The militia leader drew his handgun, pressing it against the professor's forehead. The entire group held its breath, paralyzed by fear. Costa bent to retrieve an item from the man's jacket, and for a moment, it seemed like he was reaching for a gun.
The fearsome leader returned the gun to its holster and spoke again. This time, he didn't wait for Joao to translate before walking away. The anxious group turned to Joao, eager to hear the man's words.
“You all will come with me. As long as you cooperate, we won’t harm you. Pray to whatever god you serve that your government also cooperates with us.”
A stunned silence enveloped the group. In less than thirty minutes, their world had been turned upside down, and now, they were hostages for a militia group.
The soldiers shouted in unison, gesturing for the group to stand. Swallowing their grievances and resentment, the students, and professors, along with Joao, reluctantly followed, encircled by armed soldiers.
“D-Dude, w-what do you think is going to happen to us?” Omar whispered, his reddened eyes revealing the despair plaguing his thoughts.
Scott's voice wavered as he responded, “I don't know, but it's not good. Those of us who can't adapt might be killed. I'm mostly worried about the girls.”
Their conversation paused as another group of soldiers approached, dragging a lifeless body. Though disfigured, the uniform left no doubt: it belonged to the previous commander. The realization hit them like a heavy blow. Death was a real possibility.
The group continued their journey, passing military vehicles and multiple checkpoints, the atmosphere heavy with uncertainty. After over an hour, they entered an area dominated by towering trees. Numerous camouflaged tents and crude structures adorned the militia camp.
Scott gasped, a gap forming between his trembling lips. Even more soldiers roamed the area, but their demeanor was noticeably different from their captors. However, upon the newcomers' arrival, they too became tense and apprehensive.
Captain Costa raised his handgun proudly, shouting at the top of his voice. Once again, the atmosphere in the camp shifted, the agitated soldiers regaining their composure. The foreigners couldn't help but notice the change in acceptance.
A soldier wearing a camouflage tank top brought a chair over, and Captain Costa sat down, his hazel eyes fixed on his captives. He gestured to the surrounding soldiers as he spoke to Joao. It didn’t take Joao long to translate his words.
“The commander says you should divide yourselves into groups. Men and women should be in separate groups.”
“J-Joao… please tell him they're just kids. They can't survive in a place like this, especially the girls,” Professor Evelyn pleaded, her blue eyes darting between Joao and the seated commander.
Captain Costa spoke again, signaling to his men to bring the professor forward. The soldiers didn't know what she had said, but it had to be something significant for her and the others to look at him. Several armed soldiers approached the group, escorting the frightened professor to their leader with no resistance. Joao followed behind, ready to explain her words.
Costa spoke again, a somewhat mocking smile gracing his face as he glanced at the nervous professor.
“Professor, he says he has no intention of letting anyone leave until their demands are met. He also asks why you think the girls are incapable of surviving here,” Joao reported. The commander seemed to have become more talkative, and the surrounding soldiers chuckled at his words. The oblivious foreigners could only wait for Joao to provide them with an explanation.
Even Joao struggled to stifle a laugh, biting his lower lip. “Professor, the commander says you shouldn’t underestimate women, especially as a woman yourself. He mentioned that even his father and uncles feared his mother. Or do you think you were captured for your bodies?”
The professor couldn't help but consider the possibility. After all, several soldiers had been eyeing the women with interest.
“Professor, the commander assures you that you needn't worry about any of his men bothering your people. He said it doesn't…” Joao paused, miming with his hand around his groin area before continuing, “that it doesn't work anymore. So, no one will touch you or your people.”
Professor Evelyn instinctively glanced at the commander. Even if he speaks the truth, there were no guarantees about their safety yet.
Despite the looming threat of being murdered at any time, the anxious woman couldn't help but relax her features. At least, they didn't have to endure the traumatic events of sexual assault.
Quest timeline has been updated! Main Quest has been updated! New Quest has been generated!
Costa shot out of his chair; his eyes fixed on the floating system window. He looked at the others, who also had similar panels flashing before them.
New Ability generated!
“Another message?” Costa muttered in amazement.
At the same moment, the foreigners' ears perked up; they were stunned to understand the militia leader. Their reactions didn't go unnoticed, as the startled commander spoke again. “You understand me?”
Professor Evelyn nodded.
Costa turned his attention back to the floating system panel before clicking on it.
Champion Interface Basic Stats
Name: Armando Arturo Costa Level: 1 Experience Points: 0/100 Mana Points: 40/40—Locked Race: Human
Class: Class advancement Possible! Would you like to look at all possible classes available to your current skill set?
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
[Yes] [No]
Physical Stats Strength: 18 Agility: 9 Endurance: 18 Dexterity: 7 Toughness: 12
Abnormal Stats
Loyalty: 20 Leadership: 75 Perception: 58 Negotiation: 78
Skills Leadership (Level 3) Intimidation (Level 2) Survival (Level 3) Hand-to-hand Combat (Level 2)
Abilities Ruthless Tactics: Increases damage output by 10% when attacking enemies. Jungle Mastery: No matter the jungle, you will be able to move through the dense foliage with ease and detect threats from afar. Increases agility by 5 and perception by 2. Aggressive Negotiations: Intimidates the opponent to gain a tactical advantage in negotiations or combat. Healing Salve: Potential of restoring full health when a medicine is taken. Camouflage: Conceal your presence in the jungle, making it more difficult to be detected by enemies. Tongue of All (New): You will understand every language, written and spoken, native or foreign to your world!
Inventory Machete: A sharp, durable machete for cutting through thick vegetation or enemies. Revolver: A reliable revolver for self-defense or taking out threats from a distance. Water Canteen: A canteen filled with fresh water for hydration in the jungle. Quests
Main Quest: Survive the first baptism — Not started. Side Quest: Complete the first baptism – New! Side Quest: Complete class advancement – Needs main quest to become active!
Costa laughed heartily; his arms wide apart. His intense eyes scanned the surroundings, shifting between the soldiers and their captives. “Do you see this?” he exclaimed, patting his chest. “The gods have chosen me, and I shall conquer this world.” The captain raised both arms, clapping one hand with the other. “With these hands, we'll change the course of history. Absolutely no one will deny us our heritage.”
The passionate commander then turned his attention back to the captives, amid the cheers of his subordinates.
“I want to see your screens.” He removed the handgun from its holster while stroking his thick, bushy mustache. “If you resist, heaven or hell will gain a new angel or demon.” He spat on the ground and randomly pointed at someone. “You, come here.”
Scott hesitated, swallowing a mouthful of saliva. The silver barrel of the handgun was aimed at him, but it didn't intimidate him as much as the bloodthirsty gaze of the commander.
“Are you coming or what?” Costa didn't need to finish his sentence. His presence alone was enough to compel Scott to submit. He timidly approached the bald man, avoiding direct eye contact.
“Open it,” Costa commanded. He didn't care whether others feared or respected him as long as they obeyed his orders.
Scott hesitated for a moment but soon opened his status sheet. Costa, with the gun still aimed at the college student's heart, carefully examined the status screen.
“Why do you have such a high envy stat?” Costa asked without turning. “How bitter must you be to have such uncontrollable jealousy?” The commander shifted his gaze from the status screen to lock eyes with Scott. “Tell me why I shouldn't kill you. After all, someone like you is only bound to cause trouble in the future.”
Costa pressed the gun's barrel against Scott's chest. “Go over there for now,” he said, pointing to a tree covered in blackened marks. “I'll deal with you later.”
Costa then turned his attention to the women, choosing another student at random. Jessica, who tried to hold onto Ethan's hand, cried out as some soldiers forcefully dragged her toward the commander.
“You're lucky I have great respect for women,” Costa said, wiping away the tears streaming down the frightened woman's cheeks. “But I won't tolerate any further disrespect. Is that clear?”
Jessica nodded.
“Open it, then.”
Champion Interface Basic Stats
Name: Jessica Anderson Level: 1 Experience Points: 0/100 Mana Points: 60/60—Locked. Race: Human
Class: Class advancement Possible! Would you like to look at all possible classes available to your current skill set?
[Yes] [No]
Physical Stats Strength: 9 Agility: 8 Endurance: 11 Dexterity: 7 Toughness: 5
Abnormal Stats
Loyalty: 85 Inferiority Complex: 63
Skills Fitness (Level 3) Physical training (Level 2) Acting (Level 1)
Abilities Body Transformation: Born out of an intense longing to seek perfection; your body will succumb to your will. Strength, Agility, and Endurance stats increase by 10% for 10 minutes. Charisma Boost: Charisma stat increases by 20% for 5 minutes. Method Acting: Acting skill level increases by 50% for one hour. Composure, Charisma, Wisdom, and Intelligence stats will increase by 50% when Method Acting is activated. Willpower: When activated, you will be immune to all forms of mental manipulation and control for 5 minutes. Fitness Mastery: Dexterity increases by 10% and Physical Training skill increases by 50% for 10 minutes. Muscle Memory: You will quickly learn and execute physical movements with precision and efficiency. Photographic Memory: You will remember details of people, places, written words, and objects with remarkable accuracy. Tongue of All [New]: You will understand every language, written and spoken, native or foreign to your world!
Inventory Empty!
Quests
Main Quest: Enter the Tower of Champions – Not started! Side Quest: Complete the first baptism – New! Side Quest: Complete class advancement – Needs main quest to become active!
Costa whistled and shook his head. “You have a lot of impressive abilities, but why are you so insecure?” He glanced at the system window again. “No matter how beautiful a fruit looks, it’s all for nothing once it’s riddled with worms. Truly a pity. Go join the envious one over there.”
Jessica's expression darkened. She wanted to respond, but Joao silently warned her not to provoke the commander any further. Overwhelmed with emotion, Jessica walked over to the same tree.
Scott felt his heart tighten as Jessica joined the group by the tree. Why would Jessica of all people be insecure? He wondered, gazing at the crying lady, who still looked beautiful despite her swollen eyes.
Scott wrestled with his thoughts. Should I console her? he questioned, glancing at the crying woman.
“Hey, don't let him get into your head,” Scott whispered, observing Professor Wilson who was now approaching the commander. Jessica wiped her eyes with the unsoiled parts of her tank top. “Thank you,” she said, managing a smile.
Scott acknowledged her smile with a nod, keeping his emotions in check. Nonetheless, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at being able to console her. However, he focused solely on the others who waited their turn to be vetted by the militia leader.
In this manner, thirty minutes passed in the blink of an eye. The number of people on Scott's side had increased from two to twenty, each with character flaws that Costa despised. Meanwhile, the other group, which included the remaining half of the students, had been led to a different area.
Scott could only watch as Omar, Alex, Professor Evelyn, and Professor Wilson left in forced silence. Jessica cried as soon as Ethan and her friends left the area. This time, however, Scott couldn't bring himself to console her. After all, their survival was far from guaranteed. He glanced at the commander, who remained seated, fiddling with his mustache, and occasionally observing the group.
Scott and his classmates couldn't discern the thoughts of the mercurial commander. The more time passed, the greater the unease among the students.
Costa finally stood up and broke the silence. “I've finally figured out what to do with all of you.” He dragged the chair along the ground, causing some grass to scatter. “How do the books define it again?” he mused, tapping the sides of his head as if trying to recall a long-forgotten quote. “Ah, I remember now. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” The commander smiled, pointing at the group. “You are all the weakest links. No matter how talented some of you may be, it's still a risk to keep you.”
He drew his gun from its holster, causing gasps and screams.
Costa sat back down in the chair. “I'll give you a chance to prove yourselves. After all, I am who I am today because I took risks.” He smiled, lowering his gun for a moment.
The group stared anxiously at the commander, not knowing what to expect. None of them could have fathomed they would experience such a scenario in their live times.
“I don't know how you're going to do it, and frankly, I don't care,” the commander continued. “But you must reduce those flaws by at least three points in the next three days.” He stood up, locking eyes with the stunned students. “Your fate is in your hands. Show me your determination.”