Chapitre 25: Bad News!

Dean and Jasem, both immersed in their own affairs, were facing away from each other, purposefully avoiding any interaction. Each engrossed in their own world, they remained oblivious to one another's presence.

Jasem, his muscles straining, dangled from the sturdy tree branch, his body rhythmically rising and falling with each pull-up. It had been far too long since he last engaged in a rigorous workout, and his determination was evident on his sweat-soaked face.

Meanwhile, Dean found himself comfortably settled beside Luna, whose once grievous wounds had miraculously healed, leaving only faint scars as a testament to her resilience. Their voices mingled in laughter and conversation, the air around them filled with genuine warmth and camaraderie. They relished each other's company, finding solace and joy in the shared moments of connection.

Amidst the tranquil ambiance, a sudden disturbance fractured the peace as the distinct sound of hurried footsteps reverberated through the air. It was Adam, his footsteps pounding the earth with urgency as he rapidly closed the distance between himself and the group.

"Yo, we might have a problem," Jasem exclaimed, his voice laced with concern, as he swiftly descended from the tree, propelled by a surge of adrenaline. Dean, attuned to the urgency in Jasem's tone, instinctively rose to his feet, his eyes fixed intently on Adam's approaching figure.

"Why are you running like that? Did someone recognize you?" Dean inquired, his voice tinged with a hint of concern, as Adam finally reached their location. Before Adam could utter a word, Dean's mind raced with thoughts of potential danger or trouble that might have befallen him during his time in town.

Adam's head shook slightly as he addressed Dean and Jasem, a grave expression etched across his face. "It appears that our predicament may be far more dire than we initially anticipated," he revealed, his voice carrying a sense of urgency and apprehension.

Dean and Jasem exchanged puzzled glances, their curiosity piqued, while Luna's eyes widened with anticipation. The trio stood in eager anticipation, awaiting Adam's explanation. Before any of them could utter a word, a cacophony of voices erupted from the town, growing louder with each passing moment. The distinct sound of girls' voices, filled with urgency and excitement, carried through the air, drawing their attention towards the approaching commotion.

"We're gonna be rich!"

Dean's gaze swiftly shifted towards Luna as he spotted the trio of girls approaching. Without hesitation, he pointed to the tree, signaling for her to seek refuge.

"Hide in that tree, now!" he urgently commanded. Luna nodded, immediately comprehending the gravity of the situation. She swiftly scaled the tree, perching herself atop its branches, camouflaging herself within the foliage.

As the girls reached their destination, their hands tightly gripped their weapons, their eyes fixated on the trio of heroes. A mischievous smile danced across their lips as they remained silent, their expressions a curious blend of excitement and intrigue.

Adam, positioned at the forefront, took a step forward, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and caution. "Is there something we can assist you with, ladies?" he asked, his tone polite yet guarded.

In response, the girl at the front, exuding an air of authority, stared intently at Adam before delivering her chilling ultimatum. "Either come with us willingly or prepare to be forcibly taken," she declared with a firm resolve. Her vibrant red hair, braided into twin tails that delicately brushed her shoulders, complemented the sprinkling of freckles adorning her youthful face. Behind her oversized glasses, her eyes gleamed with determined focus, belying her seemingly tender age.

The two girls standing behind their leader, their features mirroring hers with dark red hair and similar hairstyles, appeared to be twins.

Adam, taken aback by the unexpected accusation, glanced back at his friends, a mix of confusion and concern etched on his face. Before he could utter a word in his defense, the girl at the front, overflowing with determination, forcefully pushed a wanted poster against his face, silencing any attempt at explanation.

"Don't attempt to deceive us, you criminal," she retorted, her voice laced with authority and conviction. "Come with us immediately, or we will be left with no choice but to employ our weapons."

Adam, his agitation mounting, took a step back, his hand reaching out to snatch the poster from the girl's grip. The tension in the air seemed to thicken as he unfolded the document, his eyes scanning its contents. Dean and Jasem, sensing their friend's distress, positioned themselves beside him, their curiosity piqued as they too examined the wanted poster.

"It looks like we gonna have a lot of trouble from now on"

Adam stated, his voice laden with concern, as Dean and Jasem nodded in agreement. They turned their focus back to the girls, determined to clarify the situation and appeal to their sense of reason.

"Listen, I understand that it may appear as though we have done something wrong. However, the truth is, we are the ones fighting for justice here. Those individuals from the church are manipulating you, using you as pawns for their own nefarious agenda," Dean earnestly explained, his eyes fixed on the girls, hoping to break through their initial skepticism.

The girls exchanged glances, their gazes briefly flickering with a hint of doubt upon hearing the mention of the church. However, their conviction remained steadfast, and they swiftly assumed defensive positions, ready to engage if necessary.

"This is your final opportunity," the leader declared with unwavering determination. "Either you come with us willingly, or we shall be left with no choice but to resort to force."

Adam, realizing the futility of trying to convince the girls, cast a knowing glance towards Dean and Jasem. They exchanged a silent nod, a shared understanding passing between them. With resolute determination, they too readied their weapons, fully prepared to face whatever obstacles lay ahead.

The girls' smiles widened as they observed the perceived vulnerability in the stances of their opponents. They saw this encounter as an easy victory and wasted no time, swiftly charging towards the trio with unwavering determination.

"Protect the blonde one at all costs, even if it means eliminating the other two," the leader commanded, her voice filled with a sense of authority.

"Understood, sister!" the others responded in unison, their voices echoing with loyalty and determination.

The girls, confident in their imminent victory, launched their attack on the trio. However, their confidence quickly gave way to perplexity as one of their own abruptly collapsed to the ground, unable to even reach their intended targets.

"Helen? Are you alright?" one of them anxiously inquired, their voices tinged with worry.

There was no response from the fallen girl, raising the alarm that something unforeseen and potentially dire had occurred. Fueled by a mix of concern and anger, the two remaining girls abandoned their initial plan, focusing their fury on the trio with renewed determination. Their fury intensified as they furiously rushed towards the three, their eyes burning with a newfound determination to avenge their fallen comrade.

the two remaining girls seethed in anger as they swung their swords towards the trio. However, their attacks proved to be slow and predictable, easily evaded by the agile and well-prepared trio. Even to an untrained eye, it was clear that their movements lacked finesse and precision.

Jasem, positioned near the leader, swiftly countered her attack, skillfully knocking her weapon aside before overpowering her and forcing her to the ground. Meanwhile, Dean and Adam dealt with the other girl with ease, their superior combat skills evident.

As the two defeated girls lay on the ground, their fear became palpable, replacing their initial bravado. Trembling uncontrollably, they mustered the courage to plead for mercy.

"Please, spare us," the girl with dark red hair implored, her voice laced with desperation. The leader remained silent, her gaze fixed upon the triumphant trio, fully aware of the dire situation they now found themselves in.

The heroes exchanged a knowing glance, realizing the defeated girls posed no real threat. They sheathed their weapons and quickly decided to flee before attracting unwanted attention.

"We need to go now. Someone might have seen this and alerted the guards," Adam urged his companions, who nodded in agreement. Without hesitation, they made their way towards the nearby tree, seeking cover and a swift escape.

Dean's voice resonated in Luna's mind as he utilized his [Telepathic Communication] skill. {Time to move, Luna. Get down from that tree,} he transmitted to her. Luna gracefully descended from the branches, landing lightly on Dean's back. The sight of the mystical creature caused the defeated girls to recoil, their expressions revealing a mix of astonishment and trepidation.

As Luna caught sight of the girls, she couldn't resist the opportunity to taunt them. With mischievous delight, she playfully stuck her tongue out, mocking them for their defeat. The trio of heroes, satisfied with their triumph, turned and began making their way out of the area, leaving the defeated girls behind. Luna's playful gesture served as a final reminder of their failure as the heroes disappeared into the distance.

"Why don't you let her walk now that she can?" Jasem suggested to Dean, a hint of curiosity in his voice. However, Dean retorted sharply, with his four favourite words. "None of your business."

Although Luna had recovered enough to walk, Dean chose to carry her, concerned that her wounds might reopen if she exerted herself. This decision meant additional trouble for him, as he now had to bear the weight of her presence. Despite the inconvenience, Dean saw it as an opportunity for personal growth and training, knowing that he would ultimately benefit from the experience.

The three heroes pressed on with their journey to escape the confines of the kingdom, but they encountered a minor setback along the way, further complicating their path to freedom.

*****

After hours of continuous walking, Adam, positioned between Jasem and Dean, finally spoke up. He needed to share the crucial information he had discovered earlier in the town with his companions.

"As I mentioned before, our predicament is even more dire than we initially perceived," Dean and Jasem, who had been silently contemplating their own thoughts, turned their gaze towards Adam, their expressions shifting to a heightened state of attention. They listened intently as Adam continued to speak, his words carrying a weighty revelation. "While I was in town, I discovered a disturbing truth. The church is sacrificing individuals in order to summon heroes like us into this world."

The weight of Adam's revelation hit Dean and Jasem like a sudden blow, causing them to abruptly halt in their tracks. Their eyes widened with shock and disbelief, their expressions mirroring the gravity of the situation. Adam nodded in confirmation, sensing the weight of the truth he had just shared. He found a nearby spot to sit down, allowing the reality of their circumstances to sink in.

"So, we need to keep our identity a secret from regular people from now on if we wanted to survive in this world." Adam declared, his voice tinged with a mixture of determination and caution. The severity of their situation demanded utmost discretion, and they knew that unveiling their true nature as heroes would only put them at greater risk.

Dean's recollection of the peculiar behavior exhibited by the child towards him suddenly clicked into place. Understanding dawned upon him as he realized the potential reason behind the unusual treatment. Glancing at Jasem, who had settled down and was lost in his own thoughts, Dean voiced his doubts, seeking further clarification.

"Are you certain about this information? I mean, when we were in the capital, the people there treated us with respect," Dean pondered aloud, his voice tinged with a hint of skepticism. He mulled over the stark contrast between the reverence they had experienced in the capital and the unsettling revelation Adam had just disclosed.

Adam nodded in response, affirming the validity of the information. He proceeded to recount his encounter with the old man in the bookstore, shedding light on a heart-wrenching tale.

"While I was in the town, I visited a bookstore to gather information about the heroes who, like us, were summoned to this world," Adam explained. "During my conversation with the store owner, he shared a tragic tale of how he lost his only daughter and granddaughters. They were taken away by the church as sacrifices."

The weight of the old man's words hung heavily in the air, reinforcing the unsettling reality they now faced. It became evident that the respect they had received in the capital was merely a facade, concealing the darker truth that lay beneath the surface.

"This sounds inhumane, and we can't let these bastards keep doing it, what do you think we should do?" Jasem asked his two freinds. Dean stayed silent while Adam spoke after thinking about what they could do to help these people.

Jasem's frustration was evident as he contemplated their next move. He acknowledged the reality of their current predicament, realizing that a direct assault on the church would be futile given the formidable foes they would face.

Glancing at Adam, Jasem's eyes conveyed a mix of disappointment and resignation. However, Dean, seemingly more composed than his companions, approached the situation with a different perspective. He gently set Luna down and settled beside her, choosing to remain silent for the moment.

"What do you think about this, Dean?" Jasem, consumed by anger and frustration, turned to Dean for his opinion. He sought to release his pent-up emotions, suspecting that Dean's response would only exacerbate his anger.

Dean looked squarely at his companions, his voice filled with unwavering conviction. "That's not my concern, and it shouldn't be yours either," he stated bluntly, emphasizing his point.

Adam and Jasem, their shock transforming into a mix of anger and disbelief, exchanged glances, ready to react in their usual manner of slapping some sense into Dean. However, before they could carry out their impulsive actions, Dean swiftly intervened, halting them in their tracks.

"You two are acting like we haven't already witnessed something like this happen before." Dean interjected, his tone steady and resolute.

Dean's gaze hardened as he locked eyes with his approaching companions. The weight of his serious expression conveyed that he was not to be taken lightly. Adam and Jasem, their intentions clear, halted in their tracks, their anger momentarily subdued. They realized that Dean's words held a deeper truth, one that resonated with their shared experiences.

They remembered how back in their old world there was a pandemic that took place that killed more than 50 million people, the whole world was in shambles as no one knew what to do and how to end it as there was no cure for this illness.

Everyone thought that was the end of the world for them. but they finally found hope again as one company managed to find the cure for that illness after years of research and hard work.

the people of the world were happy when they heard the news about that cure. But that happiness disappeared shortly after, when they learned that there were only 3 Billions doses of this cure for a world population of 10 billions.

Every country raced to secure this cure, and war almost broke out between them. But soon they realised no one would have the needed doses if such thing happened between them as the world would be destroyed, literally.

That's why an emergency meeting held by the namless company, that had all the world leaders and thier goverments. They agreed to save the young generation first as they were the most important ones for the future of this world.

And for everyone else like adults and old people, they had to take a test to prove their worth to the world. Only the ones who scored the highest in said test would receive this cure and have the opportunity to live longer.

Adam and Jasem, remembered these events as Dean was hinting towards it. They were 6 years old at that time when it happened. they stayed silent for a little bit before Jasem started speaking again.

"How does that relate to our current situation?" Jasem asked, his voice filled with skepticism.

Dean's smile widened as he looked at Adam who remained silent, his eyes fixed on the ground. Adam finally spoke, his voice a delicate blend of fear and determination.

"That company, they're like the world's puppeteers, controlling every aspect of the people existence. If they so desired, they could effortlessly recreate the very situation that happened before."

Jasem still didn't get what their point was, and he started shouting at them as he thought these two were afraid to go against the church.

"So what, back there no one had the power to do anything to these people. But here we are invincible Heroes, we can take these bastards down if we trained hard enough"

Dean couldn't help but smile at Jasem's stubbornness, realizing that he still didn't grasp the immense challenges they faced. He reclined, finding solace in the comforting touch of the ground beneath him, before continuing the conversation.

"How much time do you think it will take for us to acquire the strength needed to overcome them?" Dean inquired, his voice filled with curiosity and a touch of weariness.

Jasem remained silent for a moment, contemplating the weight of the question. Finally, he spoke with a sense of determination, recognizing the potential within their current progress.

"With the pace of our development, we could reach that point within the next year. And if we push ourselves even harder, we might achieve it even sooner."

Dean's gaze shifted towards Adam, who stood silently at Jasem's side. A playful smirk tugged at the corner of Dean's lips as he addressed Adam with a teasing nickname. "Four-eyes kun," Dean said, his voice laced with amusement, "do you want to explain it to him, or should I break it down for him?"

Adam locked eyes with Jasem, fully comprehending Dean's underlying message.

"How long do you think it would take them to summon other Heroes like us, train them with the best instructors, give them the best equipment after they perfected that summoning spell of thiers?"

Jasem's realization struck him like a bolt of lightning, causing him to freeze in his tracks. Adam, sensing Jasem's inner turmoil, gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder before retreating to his seat. Left deep in thought, Jasem contemplated the immense power the church would possess if they succeeded in summoning additional Heroes of their caliber.

Dean, still reclining on the ground, didn't hold back in hitting Jasem with the stark reality they were facing.

"We are speaking if they still didn't already started their summoning ceremonies, they might be in that same dark room we appeared at by now, preparing to summon thier next victims. All we can do is stop these idiots from kidnapping people when we can, other than that we cant do shit about it for now"

Dean finished his statement and calmly turned to his side, closing his eyes in an attempt to momentarily escape the gravity of their circumstances. Luna, sensing his need for comfort, responded with utmost tenderness. She shifted towards him, her soft gaze filled with empathy, and snuggled up against Dean, wrapping him in a soothing embrace.

Adam, seated across from the others, delved into a book he had purchased earlier. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge about the Heroes and their extraordinary abilities, he immersed himself in its pages. Reading fervently, he sought solace in the captivating world of these powerful beings such as himself, longing to escape the harsh realities that he and his freinds faced

Jasem, positioned in the very same spot he occupied moments ago, pondered fervently. His mind raced with strategies to dismantle the church, his unwavering determination refusing to waver. He remained resolute in his mission to thwart these malevolent individuals, determined to dismantle everything they represented and bring their reign of darkness to a crashing halt.

Meanwhile, within the confines of their concealed chamber, the priests of the capital convened once more. Gathered in the very room where they had previously summoned the trio of Heroes, they fervently prepared for the invocation of their next chosen champion.

With the wisdom accumulated over the centuries, the priests adeptly traced the summoning circle. Their hands moved with newfound ease, fueled by the knowledge they had regained after centuries of lost spells. Each stroke of their practiced hands breathed life into the intricate symbols, effortlessly etching the ancient patterns onto the floor. Their confidence soared as the memory of this long-lost ritual was rekindled, empowering them to summon the next Hero with resolute determination.

As they meticulously constructed the summoning circle, a sinister laughter emanated from the priests. Their eyes gleamed with wicked delight as they gazed upon the captive figures, bound and helpless within the confinements of the circle. Among them sat Carmen, Camellia, and the rest of the orphans, their faces etched with fear and desperation. The air reverberated with piercing screams, a cacophony of voices pleading for salvation, their cries echoing through the darkened chamber.

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