Chapter 7- The Pull of Destiny

Elandrei's mind spun like a wild stallion as she processed the implications of their discovery through her racing eyes. The synchronized stare of the zombie horde gave her a shiver, prompting the need for quick action. "Get back to the car, quickly!" she shouted to her bodyguards, the urgency clear in her voice.

They ran towards the car as if their survival hinged on it, with the zombies close behind. Elandrei's hand automatically moved to the handle of her sword, finding comfort in its familiar heaviness. As they approached the vehicle, she unsheathed the blade, its glowing light a symbol of optimism in the midst of turmoil.

Elandrei charged at the zombies with a quiet war cry, her sword cutting through the air with lethal accuracy. The creatures were faster than usual, their movements eerily coordinated, but she refused to back down. Her blade danced through the horde, cutting down zombies with swift efficiency.

When she turned around to meet up with her bodyguards again, she felt her heart beating quickly in fear. What would happen if they didn't survive? The idea motivated her, causing her to run quickly towards the car while tightly holding her sword. She plunged into the vehicle, the door closing forcefully behind her as a barrier.

The convoy quickly drove away from the group of zombies, their tires squealing in defiance. Elandrei's chest was rising and falling with effort, her thoughts still in turmoil after their narrow getaway. She glanced around at her bodyguards, their faces set with determination. They knew the stakes – one misstep could mean certain death.

Meanwhile, miles away, Kimani stood amidst a scene of carnage. Blood splattered the walls, a grim testament to the battle that had unfolded. His system fairy whispered secrets in his ear, guiding him towards an unknown destination. Annoyed and frustrated, Kimani followed the pull, his senses on high alert. When faced with a group of men attempting to rob him, he released his anger, swinging his sword through the air with lethal accuracy.

While leaving the scene of destruction, Kimani experienced a mysterious bond with Elandrei, with their journeys coming together like intertwining fibers in a woven artwork. He was unaware that their destinies were on the verge of becoming closely interconnected.

---

In Snow Valley, Elandria turned to her group and asked, "Shall we stay or go?"

Elsa's response was immediate: "I vote go." The others nodded in agreement; their faces set with determination.

Elandria nodded, her mind already racing with the next step. "I'll grab more food from storage."

An unawakened man, still shaken from their recent close call, offered, "Need help?"

Elandria's smile was warm and reassuring. "Thanks, but I've got this."

Lisa spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper, "Little Gilly warned about an evolved raccoon in storage."

Elandria's hand instinctively went to her weapon, her eyes scanning the surroundings. Alphonso stepped forward; his eyes locked on hers. "I'll come with." Without another word, they headed to the storage room, the tension between them palpable.

After arriving at the storage, they didn't encounter the raccoon and left unharmed.

After gathering supplies, they left the hotel, the group's weariness evident in their slow pace.

Sam, the young boy who had awakened the water dragon bloodline, asked, "Where to now?"

Alphonso's response was calm and reassuring. "Our spot's safe. We've cleared the area."

Elandria surveyed the group, noting the exhaustion etched on their faces. "We'll stay there for the night."

---

After arriving at Alphonso's hideout, the group settled in, their exhaustion evident in their slow movements and heavy sighs. Elandria, meanwhile, used her acrobatic skills to reach the roof, her feet finding holds in the worn brick. She sat atop the roof, the setting sky a kaleidoscope of oranges and pinks, and asked aloud, "What are you two doing? Are you handling this better than I am?" The wind carried her words away, leaving only the creaks and groans of the old building in response.

As she gazed out at the horizon, Elandria's thoughts turned to her sisters. Elandrei, ever the warrior, was likely facing her own battles, while Elandra... Elandria's heart ached thinking about her gentle sister, about to face a grand meeting that could change everything. The roof creaked beneath her, and Elandria's thoughts snapped back to the present, her eyes scanning the surroundings as if searching for answers.

---

Jameal and his group finally escaped the goblin horde, their heavy breathing and fatigue evident as they collapsed against a building's walls. After a brief respite, they continued their journey, unsure of their destination. Hours passed, and the warehouse loomed before them once more. "Why are we here?" someone asked, to which Jameal shrugged, his expression baffled.

In that moment, Elandra materialized, her knife pressed against Jameal's neck. He laughed, unfazed, and said, "I guess I know why I'm here now."

Elandra's gaze narrowed, her voice firm. "Who are you, and how did you find us?" Jameal's eyes locked onto hers. "I'm Jameal. A pull guided me here... and I think I understand why now."

He requested a private conversation, and Elandra nodded, her eyes never leaving his.

As they stepped aside, Elandra's thoughts turned to her system fairy, Ella. "Why does he feel familiar?" she asked silently.

Ella's response was enigmatic. "The more you get to know him, the more you'll learn. Keep him close." Elandra's gaze returned to Jameal; her voice measured. "Alright, you can stay."

The tension between them was palpable, their connection a mystery waiting to be unraveled.

----

Meanwhile, Elandrei and her bodyguards were driving away from the intelligent horde of zombies. They realized a serious problem: their vehicle's gas light was signaling low on gas. It was now night, and Elandrei suspected that the horde was coming in their direction. Not long after seeing the blink light, the cars stopped. They got out of the car and turned to Elandrei, who said, "Let's go, I saw a turnoff a short distance from here." They turned back and headed the way they came from, as Elandrei stated, they did see a turnoff not far from where the cars broke down.

While walking along the dusty path to an unknown destination, the moon shone with a spooky silver light, brightening the empty scenery. Their footsteps and the creaking of old wooden signs in the wind were the only noises present. Elandrei was extremely alert, scanning the horizon with her eyes for any potential danger.

At the end of the road, they found a small little community downhill in a small valley. They silently and vigilantly entered the dead town, the creaking of windows and doors echoing through the empty streets. In the town center, they spun around, wondering where to go. They turned to Elandrei again for direction.

Inside Elandrei shook her head, thinking, "These grown men, all looking to me for direction. Shake my head!" Right as Elandrei was about to point in a random direction, she saw movements from the corner of her eye. Turning around quickly, she saw a small young girl motioning to them. Elandrei decisively followed the girl, and her bodyguards followed her, no questions asked.

While this was happening, Kimani was moving closer and closer to Elandrei, not knowing where this pull would lead him. On Elandrei's side, she was brought to the biggest house in the town, it seemed. After entering, the young girl introduced herself, "I am Silvia, the whole town perished when the darkness descended."

Elandrei looked at her vigilantly, "Why did you not leave here then? How did they die?" She smiled at Elandrei, "Your name is Elandrei."

Elandrei backed away cautiously, holding her katana tightly in her hand and pointing it at the little girl.

Silvia continued speaking, "I am here to join you on your journey. You might not believe me, but I know you will achieve great things in the coming future."

Outside, Kimani finally reached the mansion Elandrei was in. He entered the house, and Elandrei thought it was a conspiracy, so she positioned herself where she could see both the front and back.

She turned to him, "Who are you? Are you in collusion with this girl?"

He raised his hands in the air, saying, "I do not know the girl, I am here because of you." Hearing that, Elandrei muttered inside, "Why does everyone keep saying that? What does that even mean?"

She asked aloud to both of them, "What does that mean?"

Kimani, assuming she was still referring to him, answered, "My name is Kimani. I felt a pull that was leading me in this direction. It was quite annoying and grating on the nerves, so I decided to follow it, and it led me here. Upon seeing you, I knew you were the reason, still unsure why, but you are the reason."

Silvia had a secretive smile on her face, saying, "I know something you don't."

While Elandrei was trying to figure out what was happening around her, winds were blowing strongly outside, like something was coming. Before anyone could even think or wonder what was happening, a shadowy figure, not able to discern whether man or woman, spoke aloud in a mysterious voice, only in Velanore, "Hello, humans of Vardrak. Welcome to the chaotic games, where you have a chance to become an Awaken. An awakening gazebo will randomly be placed in the city you are residing. However, you will have to face the apocalyptic creatures of your city to receive the chance to awaken - you can work together or as an individual."