Sixteen

Jade regarded Alana with a mix of caution and curiosity. "Who are you, and how do you know Eloise?"

Alana, realizing the need for collaboration, decided to share her story later. "I'll tell you everything soon, but for now, please explain the situation to me."

Alice took a deep breath, her voice heavy with emotions. "Eloise saved me. She took my place when a man wanted to hold me hostage. Now, we're trying to find her."

Alana's eyes widened with understanding and determination. "I know where she is. We need to team up and rescue Eloise."

Alice and Jade nodded in agreement, their faces etched with relief. Together, the trio set off towards Eloise's location, determined to bring their friend back to safety.

Meanwhile, Eloise found herself trapped with the man, his sadistic nature gradually unveiling itself. Her voice trembled with defiance and a hint of desperation.

"Can I at least have a drink? You're being really mean to me here," Eloise pleaded, her voice tinged with weariness and frustration.

The man's grip tightened on the knife, his frustration apparent. "Shut up, you little brat! Besides, I can't hit you, and you won't shut up. I can't take it anymore."

Eloise's magic surged within her, shielding her from the man's attempts to harm her. She maintained her composure, her voice filled with a mixture of defiance and curiosity.

"No, I won't shut up until you give me a drink," Eloise persisted, her voice laced with a faint trace of admiration.

Frustrated, the man ordered his subordinate, Bandis, to fetch water for Eloise. The young girl, Bandis, obeyed reluctantly, fully aware of the cruelty surrounding her.

"You're not so bad after all, sir," Eloise remarked, attempting to break through the man's cold exterior.

Internally, the man seethed, his regret for the choice he had made surfacing. "Please make her shut up. I can't stand it anymore. I should have kept the other one. At least it would have been better," he thought to himself, the weight of his decisions gnawing at his conscience.

While Eloise faced her predicament, Alana and her newfound allies, Alice and Jade, closed in on the location where Eloise was held captive. Their determination and unity bolstered their spirits as they prepared to face the challenges ahead.

"We've arrived right next to where Eloise is," Alana stated confidently, her voice filled with purpose. "We'll stick together outside, but as soon as we're inside, we'll split up to find Eloise faster."

Alice, voicing her concern, questioned their ability to overcome the brigands. "But how do we do that? We can't defeat all of them. And there's a magic barrier we need to break."

Unveiling a sword through her magical prowess, Alana handed it to Jade. A surge of power emanated from the blade, hinting at its potential.

"Here, take this, Jade, and use it," Alana instructed, her voice filled with confidence in Jade's abilities.

Observing the power exuding from the sword, Alana marveled at Jade's potential. "This girl has to be really strong. Even my father can't wield this sword. She has a great future as a mage and remarkable potential," she thought, her voice laced with admiration.

Alice's concern turned toward the magic barrier obstructing their path. Alana, undeterred, assured her allies, "Don't worry. I'll take care of that." With a wave of her hand, a magic circle materialized, dispelling the barrier, granting them access to the building.

Alana handed Alice and Jade a small device resembling a buzzer. "As soon as one of us finds Eloise or if you're in danger, just press this button," she instructed, her voice firm yet reassuring.

Jade expressed her gratitude, her voice filled with determination. "Thank you very much. Now, let's split up."

With their paths diverging, Alice and Jade ventured into the manor, while Alana pursued her own path in search of Eloise. Each step forward carried the weight of their shared goal: to save their brave friend from captivity and reunite their group once more.

Eloise watched as Bandis relayed the information to their boss about the intruders in the base. She couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope, knowing that her friends might be on their way to rescue her.

The boss, annoyed by the news, barked orders for his men to stop the intruders. He turned to Eloise, his cold demeanor evident. "You're staying with us, kid. No one is coming to save you."

Jade surveyed the imposing building they had entered, realizing the daunting task ahead of them. Nevertheless, a determined fire burned in her eyes as she glanced at Alice, her steadfast companion.

"This building is massive, but we'll find Eloise," Jade affirmed, her voice filled with conviction.

Alice nodded in agreement, her resolve unwavering. Together, they methodically searched each room, their determination unwavering. Finally, they stumbled upon a group of bandits who rushed toward them, ready to thwart their progress.

Without hesitation, Jade wielded her sword, effortlessly dispatching the bandits with precise strikes to their heads. She marveled at the sword's power, recognizing its significance.

"This sword is incredible," Jade remarked, her voice filled with awe. Alice, though temporarily sidelined, remained supportive, understanding the importance of their mission.

"Even though I can't contribute much right now, I'll support you," Alice whispered, her voice infused with determination.

Undeterred by the encounter, Jade led the way, deciding to follow the path the bandits had taken. Her intuition told her they would eventually cross paths with Eloise.

"We should head in the direction the bandits came from. I'm confident we'll find Eloise there," Jade suggested, her voice brimming with determination.

Alice nodded, acknowledging the soundness of Jade's plan. "Yes, that's a good idea. Let's press on."

As they proceeded, Jade's prowess allowed her to effortlessly dispatch any Bandis they encountered along the way. Her skill with the sword appeared unmatched, instilling confidence in both herself and Alice.

While Jade and Alice fought their way toward Eloise, Alana found herself engaged in her own battle against the bandits. As a mage of considerable power, she relished in the thrill of effortlessly defeating her opponents.

"These bandits are nothing more than a minor inconvenience," Alana thought to herself, a smirk playing on her lips. She took pleasure in each precise strike, relishing the display of her magical prowess.

As Jade and Alice neared their destination, anticipation surged within them. Finally, they stood before Eloise, their dear friend who had endured so much.

"Eloise, we found you!" Jade exclaimed, relief and joy evident in her voice.