Novels2Search
Prison of Champions
Chapter 13: The Child with a Castle

Chapter 13: The Child with a Castle

Jenny and Machi sat by the fountain, their anticipation mounting with each passing moment. They had thrown the necklace into the waters, hoping for a response from the Toy Guardians. However, as time wore on, it seemed that their efforts had been in vain.

Just as they were about to give up and continue their journey, a peculiar sight caught their attention. A child wearing an oversized suit of armor and a comically large helmet approached them. It was clear that the child's face was hidden beneath the metal visor.

In a surprisingly serious tone, the child spoke, his voice muffled by the helmet. "I've been waiting for you. Follow me to my castle. You'll be escorted soon." With that, he turned and waddled away, clutching a small stick in his hand.

Machi and Jenny exchanged puzzled glances before the guards approached them, ready to guide them to the castle. As they walked through the prison, the anticipation grew. However, their expectations were shattered when they arrived at their destination.

Before them stood a small sand castle in a modest sand pit. The sheer incongruity of the scene left Jenny and Machi momentarily speechless. This was not what they had imagined when they envisioned a castle within the prison walls.

Just as they were about to voice their confusion, the child with the armor removed his helmet, revealing a young face filled with indignation. He spoke in a childish manner, his voice carrying a hint of petulance. "I am Oya, and this is my castle. What do you want from me?"

Collecting their thoughts, Jenny stepped forward and replied, "We seek the TG2 key, the key of the Second Toy Guardian. We were told to come to you."

Oya's face contorted in anger, and his armor crackled with electricity. "IWhat? Huh? You think I have the key? Like I believe that you don’t know that I lost it already. You're making fun of me! You are very mean! Agh…" he exclaimed, throwing a tantrum befitting his young age.

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Jenny and Machi exchanged concerned glances, realizing that their approach might have angered the child-like Toy Guardian. They quickly reassured him, explaining that they meant no disrespect.

Seeing their earnestness, Oya's anger subsided, and his armor ceased its crackling. He let out a deep sigh and muttered, "I lost the key...

…in a game of rock-paper-scissors with him."

As Oya pointed towards a corner of the room, Jenny and Machi turned their gaze, their eyes widening in surprise. There, sitting with a goofy smile on his face, was Edon, the mad scientist and one of the Three Quartz Pillars. The puzzle pieces were starting to come together.

Anxiety tinged the air as Jenny and Machi exchanged uncertain glances. What role did Edon play in all of this? Before they could voice their concerns, Edon broke the silence.

"Surprised to see me here, huh?" Edon chuckled. "Well, let me tell you, I don't have the TG2 key either. It's lost, but I know where it might be."

Curiosity and apprehension swirled within Jenny and Machi as they listened intently to Edon's words. He explained that the TG2 key had been lost in The Iron Colosseum, a place that could only be accessed with a TG1 key. Their minds raced, connecting the dots of their past encounters.

Jenny and Machi's eyes widened as they realized the significance of Edon's earlier actions. He had brought them the necklace for a reason.

Eager to unravel the secrets of the prison, they asked Edon where The Iron Colosseum was located. To their surprise, Oya, the child-like Toy Guardian, and Edon both pointed toward a massive metal door situated behind Jenny.

Edon's voice resonated with excitement as he proposed a plan. "Why don't we work together to retrieve the TG2 key? It'll be a thrilling adventure, and who knows what other mysteries we may uncover along the way?"

Machi, however, hesitated. He had a singular focus: his progress through the prison. Reluctant to jeopardize his own journey, he declined Edon's offer unless he was assured possession of the TG2 key.

Oya, displaying his characteristic stubbornness, declared that he cared little about the key's power and had no intention of participating in Machi's pursuit. However, Edon, with his persuasive charm, managed to convince Oya that the adventure would be fun and worthwhile.

After a moment of contemplation, Machi relented, realizing that their collective efforts might be the key to obtaining the TG2 key and advancing through the prison. They reached a consensus: Machi would hold the TG2 key during their quest.

“Oh, and the other two Quartz Pillars are inside the Colosseum”, Edon said forgetfully.