The weary orphans found respite within the shelter of a cave nestled amidst the mountain's craggy embrace. Gathering around a crackling bonfire, they huddled close, seeking warmth both from the flames and from each other's companionship.
In the flickering light of the campfire, Zachs, the leader, unfolded a tattered map and held it up for everyone to see. "Alright, everyone, we need to plan our route to the mountaintop. By morning, the number of monsters will have thinned out, and we can scavenge weapons from fallen soldiers. But remember, this is a stealth mission. Our goal is to kill the dragon while it's asleep. If we fail to do so, we must immediately abort the mission and make a swift retreat."
Vincent leaned in closer, scrutinizing the worn map. "Zachs, do you think we can trust this old thing? It looks rather unreliable."
Zachs nodded. "It's all we have, Vincent. Soon, we'll reach another cave, and we can't afford any missteps. Mandee, could you please wake up Fenrius? If necessary, hide his book for now. I've already warned him not to read too much."
"Let him rest a little longer, Zachs. We've been climbing Gronoa Mountain all day," Mandee replied, the only girl among their group. She was busy preparing water and the fruits they had gathered on their journey from her backpack.
Fenrius lay sprawled on his back, legs crossed, and a beloved book he always carried covered his face as if he didn't want to be disturbed. The book, titled "Beggar, Thief, Warrior, and King," was a gift from the late Sister Elle. Fenrius had mentioned to his comrades that he intended to leave the book at his grave, along with his worn-out hat, if he didn't survive this perilous mission.
The orphaned children, whose ages ranged from ten to sixteen, had made a well-thought-out plan to hunt down an Ice Dragon. Thomas dutifully stood guard at the entrance of the cave, savoring a piece of fruit as he maintained his watchful vigil. Fenrius, exhausted from their arduous journey, had already succumbed to a deep slumber, his peaceful form nestled away from the circle of his companions.
Zachs looked at his companions seriously and started the conversation. "This mission is about more than just slaying a dragon. It's about protecting our village. We're in this together. Palandria Heaven is a far better place than this Runeverse World."
Leroy halted his sword sharpening, a ritual he had performed for the past forty days. He looked at Zachs with a hint of skepticism. "Do you still believe in Sister Elle's words, Zachs? That children who die go to Palandria Heaven? To me, it's just comforting words for a moment."
"Shut up, Roy," Rodrick interjected, his voice tinged with frustration. He was concocting three explosives and carefully attaching them to his body. "None of us orphaned children really want to stay in this Runeverse world any longer. Ever since Sister Elle died at the hands of those Atria soldiers, we've been forced to steal royal cargoes and place the blame on the mountain bandits."
Leroy adjusted his grip on his weapon, shaking his head with a solemn expression as he resumed sharpening his blade. The memories of the incident that had thrust them into a life of hardship were still fresh, and he preferred not to delve into them at that moment.
A brief silence hung in the air until Mandee spoke up, "Can I ask something of all of you?"
"Go ahead, Mandee, as long as we survive another day," Vincent replied sarcastically.
Mandee took a deep breath, her eyes brimming with earnestness as she continued, "Please, let's stop stealing from the royal wagons. Ever since Sister Elle's death, we no longer have anyone to protect us. If we were to resume our thievery, we would need someone, or even the entire village, to step up and take responsibility for the consequences."
"You're suggesting that we abandon the name of the Witching Night Boy?" Zachs questioned.
Mandee nodded and added, "And there's one more thing. If I don't make it out of this alive, promise me that all of you who survive will protect Kagari—no matter what happens. She's still too young to understand the meaning of life."
"Don't worry about Kagari. Yaevin is still there for her, isn't he?" Zachs replied, trying to ease Mandee's concerns and shift the focus back to the task ahead.
Fenrius joined the circle around the campfire and voiced his thoughts, startling them all. "What if we call off this mission? The soldiers and warriors won't stand a chance, let alone us. I've reached out to a Dawnstrike Assassin in the tavern who's willing to take care of the Ice Dragon in exchange for our gold bars."
"Dawnstrike Assassin?" Vincent murmured in surprise. "I didn't know you had connections like that."
"He's a formidable man," Fenrius said, idolizing his newfound ally. "He's shared so much about Runeverse and the ongoing frenzy over Rune Wars."
"Rune Wars? So that's what's driving the warfare?" Zachs pondered. "By the way, Fenry, when did you ask for this man's help? What's he doing in Nightville, the most disease-ridden slums in the entire continent of Ardaenor?"
Fenrius paused and reluctantly replied, "I believe it was about a month ago. And as far as I remember, he's on a mission to hunt down sorcerers."
Disappointed gazes met Fenrius, even Thomas, who had just joined the conversation, appeared confused.
"That's your biggest flaw, my friend," Zachs advised Fenrius, acknowledging his youth. "How many times have I told you not to rely on others so heavily?"
"Why not?" Fenrius protested. "Five gold bars from the chief village are nothing compared to our lives. Survival must be our top priority. That's what I've learned from my favorite book."
Rodrick grinned and chimed in, "Sorry, Fenry, we may be orphans, but we're going to show everyone what we're capable of. From paupers to heroes, that's the path we're on."
Zachs added, "Yes, and remember, if any of us should fall, the rest must continue the legacy of the Children's Gang! Together, we will achieve victory in the Runeverse or Palandria!" His words ignited a collective sense of purpose among the group. With their discussion reaching its conclusion, their unity, and commitment to succeed were solidified.
The next morning, they resumed their journey and were greeted by a grim sight. The roads were littered with the lifeless bodies of monsters, soldiers, adventurers, and hunters, a testament to the fierce battles that had taken place before. The orphaned children scoured the area, searching for additional weapons amidst the aftermath, preparing themselves for the perilous ascent up the rugged mountain.
Guided by the map in Zachs' possession, the group made their way toward the cave marked as their destination, but their expectations were shattered upon arrival. Instead of finding a single cave, they were faced with three different paths, each leading to a distinct cave. One was engulfed in freezing cold, another battered by relentless winds, and a narrow passage shrouded in darkness.
"Shit! We need another plan," Zachs said, frustration welling up within him as he realized that the map he had purchased from an unknown adventurer was a deceitful fabrication.
"No, we need to separate," Rodrick suggested. "That frozen cave must be the Yeti's lair, but I don't know about the other two."
Faced with this setback, the children quickly engaged in a discussion, weighing their options. Based on their past experiences, they realized that traveling together had often brought them trouble, like the near wipeout by the Yeti at the first cliff. Therefore, they concluded that splitting up and taking separate paths would be the wiser choice. This strategy would allow them to avoid drawing the attention of the monsters lurking nearby, as these creatures had the ability to detect the sounds produced by a large group.
After some debate, the children decided to split into three teams. Zachs, Vincent, and Leroy would take the dark cave, Rodrick and Mandee would take the frozen cave, and Fenrius and Thomas would take the windy cave.
Although the overall route and path on the map could be wrong, the specific locations such as these caves and the previous cave proved to be reliable enough for them to use as checkpoints to rest and regroup.
"Alright, everyone, we will meet at the old tavern near the summit," Zachs said.
"Done. We must hurry; the monsters are going to wake up soon," replied Thomas impatiently.
They took a gamble, hoping that the old tavern near the summit depicted on the weathered map was indeed real. After all was clear, they set off on their separate paths.
Thomas, the adventurous one, ventured into the windy cave alone, leaving Fenrius who flinched as he looked from the heights down the valley whose bottom could not be seen because of the fog.
As Thomas tried to help Fenrius, a ferocious gust of wind swept through, extinguishing his flickering flame. He fumbled for his flint and steel, desperately attempting to reignite his torch, but his efforts proved futile. The howling wind seemed to mock him as it howled through the narrow passageway.
Fenrius, who was following closely behind, saw Thomas' torch go out and called out to him. However, the wind was too strong, and his voice was lost in the din.
"Fenry come quickly!" shouted Thomas over a rock grip, waking a harpy over the hills without his knowledge.
"I can't, it's so steep there!" Fenrius shouted back.
Just as Thomas retreated back, a chilling screech pierced the air. A Harpy, with its razor-sharp talons and menacing wings, swooped down from above. The creature's eyes gleamed with a hunger for blood as it unleashed a flurry of attacks upon the defenseless Thomas. With a final strike, the Harpy sent Thomas hurtling backward, his body crashing against the jagged rocks of a deep ravine. The impact was fatal, instantly shattering his skull upon contact.
Fenrius, who was still hiding behind a rock, kept his mouth shut from the patrolling harpies. He decided to go back and choose a dark cave with three other friends before.
Meanwhile, Rodrick and Mandee, both children from northern bloodlines, forged ahead into the frozen cave. Their bodies were accustomed to the biting cold, allowing them to navigate the icy terrain with confidence. As they ventured deeper into the cavern, their breaths turned into frosty vapors, and their steps left faint imprints on the frozen ground.
Cautiously, they moved past the slumbering Yeti, its colossal form resembling a towering building. The creature's snoring echoed throughout the cave, its rhythmic sound adding an eerie ambiance to the surroundings. Rodrick and Mandee exchanged glances, silently communicating the need for utmost stealth. Rodrick suggested taking the ice bridge upward, and Mandee nodded in agreement, her eyes fixed on the Yeti's dormant form. With their hearts pounding in their chests, their footsteps muffled by the thick layer of ice covering the ground.
Fenrius finally caught up with Zachs, Leroy, and Vincent in a narrow cave. They were confused by Fenrius' shivering body.
"Fenry, why are you here? What about Thomas?" Zachs asked.
"I-I'm lost, Zachs. Thomas already left me first."
"Shh! We'll talk later, Zachs," Vincent said. "Careful Fenry, these narrow passages are very tricky, the four of us might fall into a trap!"
They pushed themselves higher and higher, and as they ascended, they came across a makeshift campsite nestled amidst the rocky terrain. A flickering fire illuminated the area, and the enticing aroma of venison filled the air. Drawn to the scene, they cautiously approached the camp, where they discovered a wise old man tending to the bubbling pot.
Intrigued by the old man's presence, Zachs initiated a conversation, "Excuse me, sir. We seek the dragon's lair. Can you offer any insight or guidance?"
The old man looked up from his cooking with a warm smile, and replied, "Ah, the dragon's lair, a treacherous place indeed. There are three possible paths you can take."
The four children leaned in, their anticipation growing. "Please, tell us more," Leroy urged.
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The old man gestured toward the surroundings as he spoke, "The first path leads through the hermitage, where ancient knowledge resides. It is a path of wisdom and enlightenment, but one that demands solitude and introspection."
Zachs nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information. "And what about the second path?" he asked.
The old man's eyes twinkled as he continued, "The second path takes you through a winding tunnel, dark and mysterious. It is a path of courage and perseverance, for the shadows within test your resolve."
Vincent's excitement grew, but he couldn't help but ask, "And the third path?"
The old man's expression turned somber as he pointed toward the ice cave entrance. "The third path is a treacherous one, my young friends. It will lead you back to the ice cave, where you must cross a precarious bridge over a ravine. It demands a balance of skill and bravery."
Not wanting to waste any more time by turning back, Leroy and Vincent bid farewell to Zachs and Fenrius, their minds filled with concern over whether Thomas, Rodrick, and Mandee had also reached the old tavern where they were supposed to meet. Meanwhile, Zachs and Fenrius were determined not to rush their decision. They planned to ask the old man important questions about safely navigating the three paths ahead before proceeding further.
Undeterred by the warnings, Leroy gathered his courage and entered the hermitage. The dimly lit corridors exuded an eerie stillness, broken only by the touch of a chilling breeze that made his hair stand on end. A vengeful ghost emerged from the shadows, its spectral form blending seamlessly with the dense mist.
Leroy's heart pounded in his chest as he tightened his grip on his sharp blade, readying himself for a decisive strike. With a mighty swing, he unleashed a powerful blow toward the ethereal being, only to watch in dismay as the blade passed through it like a wisp of fog.
Drawing closer, the ghostly entity wore a sinister grin that sent shivers down Leroy's spine. Fear and desperation surged through his veins as he launched attack after attack, but each attempt proved futile. The ghost advanced, merging with Leroy's trembling body. In the throes of convulsions, his eyes rolled back, and he crumpled to the ground, never to regain consciousness.
The malevolent spirit had claimed its victim, leaving behind only the haunting memory of Leroy's valiant yet tragic encounter.
On the second path, Vincent approached the tunnel, its putrid odor wafting from the depths. Intrigued by the foul smell, Vincent followed its trail, which led him to a clearing. There, a goblin's bonfire crackled, engulfing the area with the acrid scent of burning garbage and raw meat. The goblin, sensing Vincent's presence, emitted a menacing growl, its eyes fixated on him.
Vincent raised his shield, bracing for the confrontation as the goblin charged at him, wielding a spiked club with savage aggression. Despite Vincent's initial parry, he soon realized the goblin's overwhelming strength. With a single mighty strike, the goblin shattered Vincent's shield, rendering him defenseless.
Desperate to protect himself, Vincent attempted to dodge and counterattack, but the goblin's relentless assault proved too much. The spiked club struck Vincent's face with brutal force, ending his life in an instant. His body fell to the ground, lifeless and broken.
In a gruesome turn of events, the goblin used Vincent's bones to make a bone broth soup, relishing in its macabre feast.
Fenrius, following his chosen path with a pouch of gold and a sack filled with venison stolen from the old man, stumbled upon Leroy's sharp blade lying on the ground and decided to take it with him. However, upon inspecting the blade, Fenrius noticed the absence of any bloodstains, which heightened his suspicion of imminent danger.
It didn't take long before he encountered the vengeful ghost and the lifeless body of Leroy. Recalling the old man's tale, Fenrius threw three gold coins toward the ghost, causing it to vanish and granting him the freedom to continue his journey.
Meanwhile, Zachs ventured into the tunnel where Vincent had met his demise. As the goblin lunged at him with ferocious intent, Zachs swung his mighty axe, cleaving the creature's head in two. The goblin's spiked club crashed to the damp ground, its threat extinguished. Emerging from the tunnel, Zachs joined Fenrius, both burdened by the weight of their fallen comrades.
Fenrius' breath grew ragged as he asked, "Have the monsters gotten Vincent too, Zachs?"
Zachs' face turned pale as he recalled Vincent's dismembered body. "Aye, they have," he replied, his gaze shifting toward the blade in Fenrius' hand, a grim reminder of Leroy's last legacy. "But we've come so far, Fenry. We must press on. There's no turning back now."
Their heavy hearts carried them up the hill, the weight of grief clinging to their every step. At last, they stood before a cave, its entrance veiled by an intricate tapestry of cobwebs.
Zachs, raising his axe, declared, "I won't let these cobwebs stop us. Stand back, Fenry!"
With a powerful swing, Zachs shattered the thick webs, a fleeting triumph snatched away by a colossal spider descending from above, striking Zachs with venomous precision.
Struggling against the venom's paralyzing grip, Zachs implored Fenrius, "Go! Don't worry about me. Save yourself!"
Fenrius' voice quivered with desperation, "No, Zachs! I can't leave you here."
Zachs weakened, ensnared by the spider's web, his voice a mere whisper, "You must, Fenry. There's no time. I'll leave the gang's legacy with you—"
Fenrius cast one final glance at Zachs before turning and sprinting away from the horde of spiderlings.
In a hushed tone, Fenrius muttered to himself, ("I'm sorry, Zachs. I'll honor your memory by surviving. I won't let your sacrifices be in vain.")
Emerging from the icy depths of the cave, Mandee and Rodrick found themselves standing on a narrow bridge that stretched across a treacherous ravine. As they ventured forward, the breathtaking sight of their half-frozen village of Nightville unfolded before their eyes. Streets lined with quaint buildings sprawled out beneath them, and the Majestic Kingdom of Atria passed through its border walls from end to end, painting a picturesque scene.
Above them, at the summit, a magnificent Ice Dragon lay in slumber, its rhythmic snores echoing through the air. Rodrick clenched his teeth, consumed by a burning desire to avenge the fallen villagers, even if it meant sacrificing himself in a fiery explosion alongside the dragon.
Mandee's eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and weariness as she looked at the inviting tavern ahead. She turned to Rodrick and said, "I think we deserve a moment of rest before we confront the dragon, don't you think?"
Rodrick glanced at the opulent exterior of the tavern, a sense of caution tugging at his instincts. "Mandee, I understand your weariness, but there's something about this place that doesn't sit right with me. It feels too isolated, too mysterious. Perhaps we should wait for the others here."
Mandee's brows furrowed in contemplation as she weighed Rodrick's words. She knew he had always been the voice of reason, their anchor in times of uncertainty. But the allure of warmth and shelter beckoned her, and the weariness in her bones whispered of the need for respite. "What if they are waiting for us in that tavern? Come on, just a moment to catch our breath and gather our strength. What could go wrong?"
Rodrick's gaze softened. "Mandee, you know I trust your judgment. But our journey has been filled with danger and unexpected twists. I would rather confront the dragon now while it slumbers."
Mandee reached out and gently squeezed Rodrick's hand. "Please stay here while I venture inside to assess the situation. If anything seems wrong, I will come back for you."
With a final nod of understanding from Rodrick, Mandee released his hand and proceeded toward the solitary tavern. Meanwhile, Rodrick, who had yearned for the fabled Palandria Heaven for years, made the decision to ascend to the peak alone, thus breaking his promise to Mandee and their companions.
As Mandee stepped through the pristine wooden door, her senses heightened, attuned to any hint of danger. However, to her surprise, the interior of the tavern unfolded before her in breathtaking beauty. People were drinking happily and laughing together, adding a lively atmosphere to the scene.
The bar, made of polished mahogany, shimmered under the flickering candlelight, casting a gentle glow upon the intricately carved wooden beams and elegant tapestries adorning the walls. The air was filled with the sweet scent of exotic flowers, tantalizing her senses with their captivating fragrance.
Mandee's eyes swept across the room, taking in the lively conversations of the crowd. A hint of confusion clouded her thoughts as she made her way toward the sommelier stationed behind the order table.
"Good evening, little girl. What can I get you?" the sommelier asked with an unsettling smile.
Mandee hesitated for a moment before mustering the courage to ask, "Umm, have you seen other children around my age here?"
The sommelier chuckled softly. "You can look around, little girl. It's very crowded here, and it's not easy to find kids your age. Would you like to order something while I search for them?"
Feeling a sense of relief amidst the bustling crowd, Mandee sat in one of the velvet chairs and replied, "Sure, I'll have a refreshing drink, something to quench my thirst after the long journey."
"Coming right up, my dear," the sommelier responded, disappearing behind the bar.
After a brief moment, the sommelier reappeared, holding a cup filled with a shimmering liquid. "I call it Sapphire Twilight, and since you're new here, don't worry about the price. Let's enjoy it together with the others," he said, placing the drink before Mandee.
Mandee's eyes widened in awe as she admired the drink's mesmerizing hue. The subtle hint of floral notes in its scent lured her further into its intoxicating state. She couldn't resist taking a sip, the sweetness masking the hidden danger that lurked within. Unbeknownst to her, the poison swiftly infiltrated her system, draining her strength and clouding her mind.
As the room began to spin, Mandee's surroundings underwent a surreal transformation. The once vibrant crowd and enchanting atmosphere dissolved, giving way to a dilapidated and mundane tavern. The visage of the sommelier contorted, revealing the true identity of a sinister sorcerer, his wicked grin filled with malice. The walls of the tavern seemed to close in, casting an eerie gloom that sent shivers down Mandee's spine.
Mandee's voice trembled with weakness as she struggled to comprehend the betrayal she had encountered. "Something...something isn't right."
The sorcerer reached for Mandee's backpack, ripping it open to reveal a trove of precious sapphire stones she had collected in Yeti's lair and a book entrusted to her by Fenrius. Mandee's world shattered as she realized the depth of the sorcerer's deception.
"Why?" she managed to whisper, her strength waning with each passing moment. With a final gasp, Mandee succumbed to the poison coursing through her veins, her journey abruptly cut short within the deceptive confines of the tavern.
"And so, another fool falls prey to my grand scheme," the sorcerer mused, his voice dripping with satisfaction.
A few minutes later, Fenrius entered the Tavern, his bag of gold coins in hand, but without the stolen venison. Navigating through the bustling crowd, his movements were filled with a sense of apprehension, catching the attention of the sorcerer disguised as the sommelier, who grew suspicious of the boy's presence.
Approaching the order table, Fenrius placed his bag of gold on the counter and ordered, "Some bottles of wine, please."
The sommelier, a sly smile playing on his lips, began counting the gold coins with greedy eyes. "Three bottles of our finest Sapphire wine shall be prepared for you, young man."
With a nod, the sommelier turned to the array of bottles on the shelves that were displayed on the wall. While waiting, Fenrius looked around and recognized some of the faces of the people here. They were villagers who had disappeared.
From the stories of the old man he had met earlier, he had learned that this tavern belonged to a sorcerer who had been kidnapping the villagers of Nightville one by one. His discussion with a Dawnstrike Assassin he had met one month ago confirmed this, as the assassin was also on a mission to hunt down the sorcerer. Determined to expose the sorcerer's nefarious intentions and find a way to free the trapped souls, Fenrius remained vigilant.
It was then that Mandee appeared by his side, her tear-stained face filled with relief. "Fenry, I thought you and the others were gone. I've been waiting for you."
Fenrius smiled, reassured by Mandee's presence, and replied, "Fear not, Mandee. Zachs and the others are on their way here. Oh, by the way, could I have the book I entrusted to you?"
As Mandee checked her backpack, the sommelier returned with the three bottles of wine, placing them on the table. "Please enjoy. It seems that this girl is also in search of—"
"Apologies, sir," Fenrius interjected. "But I intend to enjoy these wines alone."
Without hesitation, Fenrius swiftly gathered the bottles, stashing them in his bag, and made a dash for the tavern's exit.
Mandee called out to him from behind, "Wait, Fenry! What about your book?"
"Keep it safe, Mandee! I must hurry!" Fenrius exclaimed, his urgency palpable.
The crowd around Fenrius dissolved into an illusion, including Mandee, and the once opulent wooden tavern transformed into a dilapidated, forgotten establishment. Fenrius felt an evil aura coming from behind, corrupting the air, making him cough, and suffocating him every second until he couldn't breathe. His knowledge was still minimal; he was too young to know how black magic worked.
The sommelier dropped his pretense, revealing his true form as a sorcerer. The sorcerer knew the boy had seen through his disguise, but he still let him go, as he would no longer be able to survive if he drank one of the wines that the boy had bought.
Meanwhile, Rodrick had completed his perilous climb and reached the summit, where the dragon had made its lair. Growing impatient, he decided to proceed without waiting for his friends, knowing that the dragon would soon awaken. The gusts of wind whipped against his face, stinging his eyes as he carefully navigated the treacherous path strewn with scattered bones. With each step, Rodrick cleared away the bones that obstructed his way, driven by his desire to claim all the glory for himself.
Rodrick finally stood face to face with the slumbering dragon; tendrils of smoke billowed from its nostrils, a testament to its formidable presence. The creature lay on its side, exposing its vulnerable throat and belly, presenting two tempting targets before Rodrick's eyes. Cautiously, he crawled toward the exposed underbelly, but in a momentary lapse of attention, his gaze shifted away from the dragon's head. With lightning-fast reflexes, the dragon's head jolted, and in a single gulp, it consumed Rodrick whole along with his axe and all his gear.
After soaking the venison in his sack with three bottles of wine, Fenrius gathered his courage and stepped out from behind the rock. He moved along the cleared path in silence, his heart pounding in his chest, placing the poisoned meat bait near the dragon, then hiding back behind the rock.
While waiting for a few moments, Fenrius reviewed the plan he had made with Zachs. They had stolen venison and a collection of shiny gold coins from the old man and then went directly to the hilltop tavern. They had learned a secret about the tavern from the old man himself. It turned out that the place was secretly controlled by a mischievous sorcerer.
With the artificially sweet scent wafting through the air, the dragon suddenly woke up. Falling for the trap, the creature eagerly devoured the poisoned meat, unknowingly sealing its own fate. A few minutes passed, and just as the dragon prepared to unleash a devastating ice blast, its neck suddenly erupted in a violent explosion. The explosive concoctions concealed within Rodrick's body had ignited, rendering the dragon powerless.
As the perfect moment presented itself, Fenrius plunged Leroy's sharp blade deep into the throat of the weakened creature, ensuring its ultimate demise. The dragon thrashed its colossal body in an attempt to dislodge its assailant, but Fenrius held fast, refusing to release his grip on the weapon. With each relentless stroke, Fenrius' blade sawed through the dragon's flesh, severing its mighty neck and bringing an end to its reign of terror. The beast succumbed to its wounds, its life extinguished.
Victorious and overcome with tears of joy, Fenrius descended from the dragon's lair. Faced with the aftermath of such adversity, he grappled with a difficult decision. Loyalty to his fallen companions clashed with his instinct for self-preservation. With a heavy heart, he made the painful choice to prioritize his own survival above all else. The memories of his friends, their laughter, and their camaraderie now echoed bittersweetly in his mind.