Chapter 224: Alternative Measures
Maurice’s brown eyes scanned their surroundings as they made their way through the muddy, coily path of the jungle. Giant ferns tower over them, their fronds stretching out like opened arms, as if inviting them further, but it was an invitation that promised many possibilities of encountering heaven knew what! But one thing was for sure, and that was the fact it won’t be a sight he’d foolishly anticipate for.
As they walked stealthily through the slippery moss earth, their environment became enshrouded in shades, cause when he glanced up, thick foliages and vines had obstructed the view of the sky. A symphony of vibrant flora awakened their senses, with colorful orchids peeking out from towering trees– their delicate petals proudly displaying nature’s artistry– but, however, an eerie silence filled the air.
No birds chirped, no insects hummed– only the distant murmur of a flowing river reminded them of the world’s existence beyond this magical realm they have been transported into. Bryn walked ahead with his sword unsheathed, his eyes cautious as he scanned the surrounding, as if ready to strike in case they get ambushed from the thick bushes. Maurice walked in the middle, and his fellow mate, Jack, walked behind him, his grip on his sword tightening incase they were any danger lurking and waiting for them to get distracted.
For a tropical forest to be this silent, nothing about it seemed right.
Maurice, who felt quite unsettled with the peacefulness of the jungle, glanced at Jack, and their gazes revealed an exchange of curiosity and caution.
"Isn’t it strange?" Maurice finally broke the silence after many hours of wandering through the jungle, his voice hushed as if fearing to disturb the forest’s mystique.
Jack nodded, his brows furrowing when one of the bushes alarmingly shook, but it was quick to stop.
"It’s like the whole forest is holding its breath, waiting for something." He whispered back to Maurice who also sensed the same feeling similar to Jack’s. Their wary attention was diverted when Bryn suddenly dashed towards a particular tree, and behind the growing shrubs were magical gemstones, all ranging from blue, red and green. A roguish smirk curved his lips as he placed them into his sack bag which he hung around his shoulder. He had noticed their glow from behind the shrubs and knew they had to be the required gemstones Helena lectured them about.
"Gemstones!" Maurice’s pupils dilated when he saw them glow. He wasn’t surprised when Bryn kept all those gemstones in his sack bag, he had hoped the vampire would spare him and Jack one of two of those multiple stones he found, but he absolutely did not, which could only mean it was every man for themselves.
As they continued to navigate the eerie, silent jungle, Maurice and Jack eventually spotted a couple of gemstones. Since they had seen it together, they decided to share the gemstones so the other won’t remain unarmed. As a team, it would be unadvisable to leave the other teammates defenseless, but that quote didn’t seem to hinder Bryn’s selfish thoughts, and he possessed more gemstones than the two of them.