Chapter 7: Hidden Skills

Driven by determination and a surprising reservoir of skill, Yusen ventures deep into the jungle, his movements quick and calculated as he navigates through the unfamiliar terrain. His focus is unwavering as he infiltrates the tribe’s base, silently bypassing guards, and eventually reaching the room where Ken, Ruson, Ulbert, and Snow are held captive.

He manages to disable the lock, freeing them quietly. The team reunites, but Alec and Lina are nowhere to be found. Just as they begin to strategize, a loud shout echoes through the stone corridors, and they’re quickly surrounded by tribe guards. The guards hold up weapons unlike any they’ve seen before—upgraded spears Yusen modified, using the remnants of technology they had smuggled in and repurposed. Each spear gleams, containing a technological core that hums with a faint blue light, crafted to give them an edge in close combat despite the dead zone’s effect on other devices.

The team has no choice but to engage in an intense battle, surrounded by the overwhelming numbers of the tribe. Though they’re vastly outnumbered, the group’s combined expertise and coordination allow them to fend off the guards with grit and strategy. Yusen uses his gadgets to disable attackers, Ken wields a spear with surprising skill, and Ruson, Ulburt, and Snow support with quick maneuvers and teamwork. They barely survive the fight, each one exhausted and battered, but victorious.

They push forward, determined to rescue Alec and Lina. However, they come upon a terrible sight: Alec and Lina, bound and bloodied, tortured by the tribe’s highest-ranking guard—a formidable warrior with a ruthless gaze and a terrifying reputation among his followers. He notices the fallen guards and signals to his nine best fighters, summoning them to join the fray.

The team braces for another battle, knowing this might be their last stand. They fight with everything they have, but the guard and his elite fighters are well-trained and relentless, pushing the team to their limits. The scene becomes chaotic and desperate, each member struggling to survive. Just as they’re about to be defeated, the guard raises his spear, preparing to strike Alec down. In a final moment of desperation, Alec calls out, proposing a deal.

“If you defeat me in a duel, you can finish us—and I’ll even tell you how to use the powers you think I have,” Alec says, his voice steady but defiant. “But if I win, you agree to end this and let us go.”

The guard, intrigued by Alec’s audacity and eager to unlock the supposed “power” Alec possesses, accepts. Alec’s friends watch helplessly as Alec stands to face the guard, weaponless and physically weakened from his captivity.

The duel begins, and Alec is initially outmatched, each swing of the guard’s weapon bringing him closer to defeat. Alec falters, struggling to stay on his feet, his mind clouded with pain and exhaustion. But then, amidst the chaos, memories of his parents flash through his mind—memories of their strength and their belief in him. He remembers his mother’s gentle encouragement and his father’s quiet resilience. His determination reignites, and he finds a second wind.

With a surge of adrenaline and an unwavering resolve, Alec dodges the guard’s next strike, seizing an opening to retaliate. He fights with newfound strength, his movements sharper, faster, driven by the desire to protect his friends and honor his parents’ memory. Blow by blow, he turns the tide of the battle, catching the guard off-guard with a final powerful strike.

The guard collapses, defeated. Alec, breathless but victorious, stands over him, his friends rallying behind him. The tribe members look on, awestruck, and one by one, they lower their weapons, silently acknowledging Alec’s victory.

The team quickly regroups, helping Alec and Lina to their feet, and, with no time to spare, they make their escape, leaving the tribe behind in stunned silence. They return to their base, triumphant and united, their bond stronger than ever. As they catch their breath, Yusen watches Alec with a contemplative gaze, his mind turning with new schemes—ones that might one day test Alec's strength again.