บท 25: Dead Forest (1)

"Are they the people you wanted to show me?", Travis asked after his immediate outburst of surprise.

"Yep!", Duane replied.

In front of them was a group of people. They all had the same cloth on. They looked more like members of some royal family or something. They were all wearing the attire given to those with superpowers! Yes, the ones with superpowers were given an attire that helped to boost their powers for the program.

Although a few refused it with the claim that it was cheating, most of them took it. More importantly, they all had superpowers! It seems that Travis would be the only one without superpowers in the group!

"They all have superpowers. That is cool, right? We can protect you from any harm", Duane said.

"Hmm", Travis simply nodded.

"Hello, welcome to the group! Hope we could work together!", Travis heard a voice behind him. Turning his head to where the sound came from, Travis discovered a young boy about the age of fifteen.

He wore a fairly short-sleeved, velvety jacket that covered him to just above his waist and is almost completely buttoned up at the centre. The sleeves of his jacket are wide and reach down to well above his hands, they're decorated with a single thread lining and a decorative band.

The jacket has a deep v-neck which reveals part of the stylish shirt worn below it and is worn with a dark cloth band, which is held together by a small belt buckle. The cloth band is a functional addition but does have some decorative value.

His pants are simple and incredibly wide and reach down to his hide shoes. The shoes are made from a very rare hide but are otherwise a common design. He seemed to be one of the few people who didn't choose to wear the attire.

"Hey, Jared! I hope we could also work together.", Travis replied.

Jared was the only son of the fifth strongest family head. However, compared to his status, he dressed like a normal person and was never a bully. He was one of the few people Travis knew to be trustworthy.

"Hmph!", a cold snort came from behind Travis. As for who coldly snorted, it was none other than Sarah Gregory. She didn't seem pleased with how Duane and Jared were treating Travis. She expected them to be aloof and cold towards him.

"You were one of the few three normal people who were able to pass the trail. I am not really surprised. From your bravery alone, you deserve it. I still remember how you were able to stand up and oppose power with your own bravery. I wish I had that kind of Bravery.", Jared said as a flash of helplessness flashed through his eye. It was a very minor detail but Travis noticed it.

"Yeah, I wish I had that kind of bravery too! However, I am more curious about how you were able to pass the trail", Duane said jokingly.

"Hehe, I have my tricks", Travis said with a slight chuckle. He deliberately didn't reveal all his secrets. After all, there can never be too many deceits in war.

"Come on, let me introduce you to the last person on the team so that we can start moving!", Duane said whilst laughing loudly.

"Okay!", Travis replied.

********

The group consisted of just five members. The team consisted of Duane Gregory, Sarah Gregory, Jared Hayden, and finally, Roland Hart.

Roland Hart was actually the cousin of Lance Hart. He had silver, frizzy hair slightly revealing a full, masculine face. Expressive green eyes set narrowly within their sockets, giving all those who saw them a sense of insecurity.

Smooth skin beautifully compliments his hair and cheekbones and leaves a memory of his great start in life. Moreover, he has a very friendly face. However, looks can be deceiving. And this is very true in Roland Hart's case.

Unlike his friendly face, Roland was very arrogant and proud of himself. He was very cold and wicked, especially to normal people who had no superpower.

He was wearing a simple shirt and buttoned it up fully to support the elegant tie he was wearing. On top of the shirt he's wearing a stylish vest with 4 buttons, it has a very narrow v-line, which allows for a large portion of the top to remain visible, even if the suit's jacket is buttoned up.

The jacket is a perfectly tailored fit for him. It has an elegant windowpane pattern which radiates confidence. The 5 buttons of his single-breasted jacket have been left unbuttoned, he's clearly going for a more casual look, but at the same time, he looks elegant as well.

The jacket is the same length all around, it has no vent, there's a pocket on either side and there's a breast pocket which contains a pocket watch.

He's wearing pants which copy the style of the jacket, both in colour and pattern and they perfectly complement his shoes. He's wearing a handsome pair of brogue derbies.

To top it all off he's wearing a classic belt, which can be accompanied by a hat and gloves. He seemed to be the only one among them who dressed so classy, even flashier than Duane!

~*~

"Okay, here is the plan. We are currently in the Fallford Woods Forest! And we have to reach The Eroded Peaks to claim the target. The shortest way, even though is the most dangerous way, is the route where we will pass. Yes, we will take the Dead forest route! I hope that everyone will work together so that we win this Trail!", Duane said.

Duane was chosen to be the leader of the group. At first, though, Roland disagreed. He thought he was better than Duane. However, with the complaints coming from his mates, he decided to accept it. After all, Duane was the strongest person amongst them. Even stronger than him.

"Yes sir!", the group responded as they started their journey through the most dangerous, but shortest route to their target, the dead forest.