Chapter 12: Welcome to Tavill 2.0

Holding Selene tightly in my arms, I prepare for the imminent impact as we plunge towards the ground. But just when I anticipate the crash, everything comes to a sudden stop, and we find ourselves landing safely on solid ground.

A purple bird swoops towards us, its form shimmering with an otherworldly glow. It speaks with Thaddeus' voice, circling us in the air.

"What do we have here? Love birds?" the bird's voice taunts, a mischievous tone lacing its words.

"My, my, my, a bunch of little snake lovers," it snickers, its presence both eerie and unsettling.

"Interesting. Anyway, you've been dropped into a secluded space run by the academy," the bird continues, its eyes glinting with an otherworldly intelligence.

"The goal is to survive for 48 hours, and possibly... kill monsters." it adds, the word hanging ominously in the air.

"Remember, in Tavill, everything depends on your merit points. Food, housing, learning materials, weapons—everything will be judged based on your ability to survive, innovate, and think strategically. The council is watching, and they'll award you points as they see fit. Good luck," the bird concludes before flapping its wings and disappearing into the distance.

As the bird vanishes from sight, I exchange a glance with Selene.

*

As the news from the birds spreads, all students at the arena receive the same message simultaneously. Outside, the once-empty chairs are now filled with their respective owners, and the massive arena buzzes with excitement as hundreds of students gather.

Thaddeus steps forward, his voice commanding attention as he utters a spell. Suddenly, hundreds of orbs materialize in the arena, each showing a vision of the students in the secluded space. The images flicker to life, displaying the first years as they navigate the challenges before them.

In the stands, senior students are gathered, some with popcorn and others with food in hand, eagerly anticipating the spectacle unfolding before their eyes. They are ready to watch the first years embark on their journey of survival and competition, their eyes fixed on the orbs that display the unfolding events.

*

Locking eyes with Selene, a silent understanding passes between us. Without a word, we begin to walk forward, the weight of the challenge ahead hanging in the air.

Glancing down, I notice her shoes—clearly not meant for the rough terrain ahead. Without hesitation, I scoop her up into my arms, eliciting a giggle from her.

~

As Nathaniel carries Selene in his arms, a group of students watching their orb orbserve with mixed reactions.

"Look at this guy, trying to impress his girlfriend. Does he think this is some sort of date?" Student A sneers, eliciting snickers from his companions.

"Exactly, he'll probably panic at the first sight of a monster," adds Student B, nodding in agreement.

On the other hand, a female student, Student C, offers a different perspective. "I think he's being sweet," she interjects, her voice cutting through the mockery. "Not that any of you would understand that, considering you're all still single," she adds, a hint of defiance and longing in her tone.

Fictional arrows pierce into the two male students as if in response to their mocking words. Meanwhile, a gloomy-looking student chimes in with a more cynical view. "I think she's taking advantage of him. Girls do this all the time," he mutters, his mood casting a shadow over the group.

The three other students unconsciously move a few feet away from the gloomy student, as if wary of catching his negativity. The atmosphere around Nathaniel and Selene is a mix of curiosity, amusement, and judgment as they continue on their journey through the secluded space.

~

Venturing further into the secluded space, Nathaniel and Selene come across a hidden cave nestled among bushes and trees. They decide it will serve as their temporary home base.

Carefully setting Selene down on a smooth rock, Nathaniel takes a moment to massage her tired feet.

"So, my goddess, this is our humble abode," he says with a playful tone, earning a soft laugh from Selene.

"My dear, anywhere with you is heaven to me," she replies affectionately, standing up and giving him a knowing look before heading into the cave.

Outside the cave, Nathaniel begins to gather dry branches and grass for a fire. Suddenly, Selene's voice calls out from inside.

"Nathaniel, get in here," she calls, her tone urgent yet playful.

Taking a deep breath, Nathaniel starts to unbutton his shirt, hoping that whatever surveillance system they have in place won't follow him into their private space.

~

The number of students gathered to observe Nathaniel and Selene had steadily increased, curiosity about the couple piquing among their peers. As they watched the orb displaying the events unfolding outside the cave, Nathaniel's actions drew a collective gasp from the onlookers.

Some students couldn't contain their excitement, their cheers blending with the gasps of disbelief and stunned silence from others. The commotion attracted even more students, their numbers growing around the orb.

"There's no way they're going to do 'that,' right?" Student A muttered, voicing the thoughts that were undoubtedly running through many minds.

The question hung in the air, unanswered as all eyes remained fixed on the expanding orb. It seemed that the more people watched, the larger the orb grew, magnifying every movement and detail outside the cave.

~

Less than five minutes later, Nathaniel emerges from the cave wearing nothing but his underwear, a pair of boxer like garment and his inner shirt. Following closely behind him, Selene steps out wearing Nathaniel's pants carefully tied around her waist, with his shirt serving as makeshift clothing.

"Let's do this," Nathaniel declares with determination as he takes charge. With swift movements, he rips the sleeves off Selene's dress and uses them to fashion makeshift coverings for their feet, doing the same for himself.

"I heard the sound of running water, let's check if it's drinkable," Selene suggests, taking the lead as they follow the sound of a stream. Their footfalls are light and quiet as they move through the secluded space.

Eventually, they come upon a small pond, its surface shimmering in the soft light filtering through the trees. Selene wastes no time and bends down to wash her face.

Suddenly, without warning, a venomous snake darts towards her with incredible speed, poised to strike. Selene's reflexes are equally swift as she grabs the snake by the neck with a wicked grin.

Realizing the opportunity, Nathaniel quickly improvises, tearing the bottom of Selene's dress to create a makeshift bag. Selene deftly tosses the snake towards him, and he catches it skillfully, depositing it into the bag.

As if the first snake was a signal, hundreds more emerge from the pond, their slithering forms creating a chaotic scene. Nathaniel and Selene spring into action, working together to catch the snakes. Despite a few bites here and there, they press on, the venom no match for individuals from the House of Shadows. Each captured snake is swiftly secured in the makeshift bag, their movements becoming more efficient as they continue their unexpected task.

About two hours later, Nathaniel and Selene return to their cave, the hissing of snakes filling the air as they carry their unusual bounty.

Nathaniel grins mischievously as he holds up two snakes, presenting them to his lover. "Dinner," he announces with a playful tone. Selene simply rolls her eyes at his antics, settling down to carefully break down her corset into usable pieces.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel sets about gathering more wood and finding sharp stones for their makeshift tools.

As Selene finishes with her corset, she reveals a surprising secret hidden underneath—bone. Testing its strength on a nearby stone, she confirms its durability, breaking it into eight pieces of bone.

With a plan in mind, Nathaniel begins digging small holes at one side of the cave, while Selene takes the other. Together, they create multiple holes, each serving a purpose in their survival strategy.

After a brief absence, Selene returns with large banana-like leaves. She covers Nathaniel from head to toe in the leaves, creating a makeshift bed and setting up a plate and bowl for their meal.

With their preparations complete, the green-covered Nathaniel returns with a large boulder, ready to handle the next task. In a swift motion, he smashes open the bag of snakes, their hissing suddenly silenced as their fate is sealed.

Snake insides splatter everywhere as Nathaniel smashes the bag with the boulder, the viscous fluids coating his body in a gruesome scene. Undeterred, he continues to strike the bag again and again, determined to ensure none of the creatures survive. Each impact sends a sickening squelch through the air, the sound echoing in the cave as the bag is thoroughly demolished.

Covered in snake innards, Nathaniel resembles a character straight out of a horror movie. As he stands amidst the aftermath of the smashed bag, Selene approaches him with gentle care. She removes the banana-like leaves from his body with tender hands, revealing his gruesome appearance.

Leaning in close, Selene plants a soft kiss on his cheek, her lips brushing against his skin. She whispers something inaudible into his ear, her words a private message meant only for him. Nathaniel's expression softens, a smile forming on his lips as he winks playfully at her in response. The tension of the moment dissipates as they share a quiet, intimate exchange amidst the chaos of their survival situation.