Chapter 1 (Cause Titles can't be empty)

November 11 20XX Ukwu-Nzu, Delta State

A thick layer of toxic smoke covers the sky as an emergency response crew sifts through the debris, desperately searching for the last survivor. The remnants of the large building lay in ruins, courtesy of a bomb planted by Boko Haram. A Helicopter hovers above, it's blades slicing through the putrid air, carrying a news crew, ready to capture the aftermath of yet another act of terror. Amidst the tragedy, the reporter's voice cuts through the noises of Ambulances, Police and screaming ER workers. As she speaks, her eyes remain stagnant. This was now a regular occurrence for them after all.

"In a third attack this month, Boko Haram has attacked Southern Nigeria. Ukwu-Nzu, a peaceful village in Delta, became their target. Specifically, the Adi Manor, a grand structure belonging to none other than the multi-million dollar Adi family, fell victim to their deadly bombing. We can confirm the tragic deaths of philanthropist Okonkwo Adi and Mary Adi, his wife. However, the fate of their unknown first son remains uncertain."

The emergency response team continues their search, now beginning to seem like a hopelessly lost cause. The workers, covered in grime and frustration, now begin to voice their feelings about the matter. Their voices mingle with the sirens and various onlookers, the smell of smoke making their vision slightly hazy.

"Abeg oh, we should just tell the media that we tried." A worker said, laced with resignation, "There's nothing we can do again sef"

But another worker, named Wilberforce was filled with determination to find him.

"We haven't found him. Why should we leave here?" he said with an unwavering resolve.

"Ah, It's ok oh. He thinks he'll get a bonus," another worker says with a sigh.

As soon as he said that however, there were faint cries coming from a nearby pile of wreckage. Without pausing for a second, Wilberforce dashed toward the sound as his senses heightened. With the exception of a small scrape on his arm, the baby was strangely unscathed as gloved hands scuttled through the debris while kneeling down.

Wilberforce gently held the youngster in his broad, loving arms and experienced a wave of relief and motivation. He carried the saved child toward the waiting ambulance with a determined expression on his face, wanting to give the child the utmost care and love he deserved.

1 Month Later

One month had passed since the Ukwu-Nzu incident, and Wilberforce's frustration and concern for the abandoned baby boy, Eze Adi, had only grown. In the confined and dimly lit room that served as their quarters, he paced back and forth, his emotions swirling within him.

"It's not fair!" he exclaimed with anger. "The entire Adi extended family wants nothing to do with this poor child. I'm sure they're only concerned about the inheritance."

Ulu, his supportive wife, gently cradled the baby in her arms, trying to provide solace to both the child and her husband. "It's okay, Will," she reassured him.

"We can take him to the orphanage Okafor opened in Lagos. They'll give him the care and love he deserves. How I wish we could afford him."

Wilberforce calmed down as he stared at Eze Adi, the infant. He extended his finger, inviting the youngster to take it. 

"Eze Adi," he murmured. "You deserve so much more than this.".

The infant smiled broadly and had its little hands around Wilberforce's finger. The world appeared to weigh heavily on Wilberforce's shoulders at that moment.

12 Years Later, Illupeju, Lagos

As Eze stepped out of Gulf Flower International School, he felt the weight of exhaustion from a long week of school. The weekend had finally arrived, and with it, he longed for a day of rest and relaxation. However, it seemed his plans were about to change. Cue the arrival of his two friends, Obinna and Chinwe.

Obinna approached Eze with an unusual enthusiasm, "Are you ready? We haven't checked out that Cave that opened up in Iyana Ipaja."

"How did you know a cave opened up there?"

"Great question! Now, are you willing to go?"

Eze let out a tired sigh, his tie slightly sagging as he spoke, "I'm really tired though. Can't we just wait till tomorrow? And where's Chinwe?" 

Just as he spoke, Chinwe appeared, as if on cue. "How did you guess?" she said with a smile.

Chinwe was eager to explore the mysterious cave, adding a hint of melody to her voice as she spoke, "Anyways, we need to see the cave, Eze. We don't have much time tomorrow with the football match happening. Sporting Lagos is playing after all."

Eze couldn't resist the playful teasing, "Fine. But you both owe me Adventure Milk."

Chinwe frowned, "I still don't know how you can say that brand with a straight face."

With a weary grin, Eze responded, "I'm too tired to care right now."

The trio stepped out of the school building, and the intensity of the sunlight temporarily blinded Eze. The usually quiet neighbourhood of Illupeju provided a serene atmosphere, perfect for doing nothing. Alas, it wasn't to be. They noticed that the local supermarket was already bustling with cars pulling in.

"How are we even going to get to Iyana Ipaja? It's a three-hour walk from here," Eze exclaimed.

"We'll have to take the bus, but to catch one, we need to get to GRA," Chinwe explained.

"Do you have money?" Eze inquired.

"For the conductor?" Obinna interjected, "Yep! Chinwe's Dad gave her just enough."

Eze, however, meant something different, "I meant for some of Titan's area boys."

"In GRA? Impossible. That place has too much security," Chinwe assured.

The trio made their way to a secluded shed. It was an unassuming structure entirely made of metal, and while it offered shelter, it had an appearance that deterred most normal people from entering.

"Obinna, did you bring a change of clothes for me?" Eze asked.

"Of course! I wouldn't want you sneaking off and abandoning us," Obinna replied.

"Abandoning? Tough choice of words there," Eze retorted.

"Sha, be quick with your changing. Let's get in, out, and then back to the shelter," Obinna urged.

"You mean Okafor's?," Eze clarified.

"Yes, I mean Okafor's. What other shelter do we have?" Obinna said.

"Chinwe still has a home, you know." Eze heckled.

"Oh, is that a problem?" Chinwe said, supposedly stonefaced.

"I hope you don't make your parents too worried," he continued with a playful smile.

"Only you people can make me feel guilty for having parents. Chai," Chinwe sighed good-naturedly.

"This cave better have treasure or something with the way you people are so invested," 

Chinwe chuckled, "Come on, Eze. We've been to so many other caves before. This is no different."

"Yeah, don't be such a doubter," Obinna chimed in, "Besides, we might find something cool."

Eze shrugged. It only ever took a few precisely placed words to break down his defences. Especially from his friends. "Fine, fine. Let's get to Ikeja GRA quickly."

"We go by parkour?" Chinwe suggested, her eyes glinting mischievously.

"Sounds like someone learned some new moves," Eze remarked, a playful tone in his voice.

Beyond the serenity kept housed in by the gate of Illupeju, was Nigeria. The buildings showed signs of wear and tear and the walls were adorned with graffiti and worn-out posters featuring politicians. The streets were lined with makeshift stalls.

The trio set off, their journey taking them through the bustling streets of Maryland. The environment was rough and packed. They would move through the crowded market stalls, disrupting the noise of vendors vying for customers' attention.

"OGA! NA YOU GO BUY THIS THING FOR ME?" A vendor would shout, infuriated with them.

"Same as it always is huh?" Eze said.

"If it were different, this would be a lot harder, wouldn't it?" Obinna retorted.

They leapt over crates and boxes, nimbly dodged fruit stands, and jumped on top of stalls towards buses to gain higher ground. Each movement was calculated like they had done it a thousand times before.

Every time, it was the same. Once they had established a rhythm,their motions became more fluid, almost like a dance with the 'urban' surroundings, as the adrenaline rushed through their souls. 

Feeling the need to catch their breath, the friends stopped to rest by Oba Akinjobi Way. They found themselves in a quieter area, the hustle and bustle of the city fading away. Lush greenery covered the road, much nicer in contrast to the concrete jungle they had left behind.

"We're not that far away now. Let's keep pushing," said Obinna.

"Where to?" asked one of Titan's area boys, a hint of challenge in his voice.

Titan's area boys, though only two in number, exuded an air of dominance.The group had gotten lucky that there was only this many.

"I don't know why you came here, oh, but this is our area," the area boy declared, trying to assert authority.

"Make e get out of here, unless you have cash," the other one added.

"Eze, I think we should give it to them. I don't want any trouble. You know what these boys do," Chinwe whispered anxiously.

Chinwe didn't handle these situations well, and he didn't want to put her or Obinna in harm's way. But as the situation unfolded, a something crossed Eze's mind. He had an idea that might turn the tables. 

"Abeg oh, we don't want wahala," he calmly responded. "We are just passing through here to Iyana Ipaja. Sorry sir, we don't have money as we are from an orphanage. As you can see from the dust on our clothes, we walked here," Eze said with an innocent smile.

The area boys exchanged puzzled glances, clearly unsure of how to handle this unexpected turn of events. They had expected easy prey, not orphans. Can't blame them though. No one expects orphans.

The silence that followed was thick with tension, and Eze's heart raced as he hoped his gamble would pay off. Suddenly, the area boys' expressions changed from dominance to a mixture of confusion and, surprisingly, horror.

"You're motherless?" one of them blurted out.

Eze nodded, somehow maintaining his composure, "Unfortunately so. Will you let us go?"

"Get out and make it quick," the other area boy demanded, his bravado fading fast.

As they hurried away, out of earshot, one of the area boys would whisper to his companion, "I hope God doesn't punish us for this."

"Abeg, you shut up that your mouth jor," the other responded, shook.

"Quick thinking there, Hero!" Chinwe said with a playful smile.

"You can pay me back in adventure milk," Eze teased, unable to resist.

"Can we not say that," Chinwe retorted, rolling her eyes but still laughing.

"Bus is there, let's get on it," Obinna chimed in.

The yellow bus they boarded was packed like sardines, a common sight in Lagos. The trio found themselves squeezed together in the heat, no thanks to the overwhelming crowd.

Once the bus left Ikeja, the roads transitioned from the smooth roads of the city to ugly mud-ridden rocky "roads" that were all too familiar in Nigeria. The bumpiness of the journey was enough to keep even the most hardcore sleepers from nodding off. The windows couldn't be opened due to the bus's overcrowding, and even if they could, the route was taking them through a factory, so the malodorous air wouldn't have been much better. But this was normal in Nigeria, where everyday life was a dance with a brand new challenge. No matter how bad it gets, it always becomes normal eventually.

Soon enough, the destination would be reached after what felt like days of suffering. It was only an hour though, but such is the lifestyle of using the bus in Nigeria. The 3 got off more weary than before. They began to walk through the outskirts Iyana-Ipaja, soaking in the ever-present smell of goat dung.

"So where were the cave sightings, Obinna?" Eze inquired, still fiddling with the gym bag.

"We shouldn't be too far off now. According to my expert calculations, give or take 5 minutes," Obinna replied.

"5 minutes is way too much! Especially since it's right..." Chinwe's arm swept through the air, her eyes scanning the entire area before settling on an abnormal-looking rock sequence. "There!" she exclaimed.

"How do people even do this?" Eze asked, baffled.

Chinwe's sharp eyes as always had led them right to their optimal destination. Her talent for spotting things from afar had always proven to be an invaluable asset for their small group. They approached the cave entrance, overpowering any common sense or caution. It's not like they hadn't done this before.

Almost immediately, darkness engulfed them as they stepped into the cave's depths. All manners of light that filtered in from the entrance quickly faded, leaving them surrounded by an almost pitch-black environment. The air inside felt stuffy, reminiscent of the bus, and the walls were grimy with layers of unknown substances. Obinna rummaged through the gym bag Eze had carried and retrieved a torchlight, only to find that it didn't work. It was an impossible situation, considering that it was a brand-new torch.

"Obinna, Is it that the torch is fake or something?" Eze asked.

"It can't be! I tested it on the way here! Wait a minute, try using your own torchlight, Eze,"

Eze attempted to turn on the torch. To their surprise, it didn't work either. It seemed like no form of light could even penetrate the infinite darkness of the cave.

"This seems like a great time to call it a day, guys," Eze said, cleary already terrified.

But Chinwe's excitement was clear, and she had a different opinion on the matter. "Not at all! This is obviously supernatural, Eze! Now we have to explore the place."

"Please, Obinna, don't tell me..." Eze implored, hoping Obinna would realise how bad of an Idea this is.

"I can't lie, chief. I can't disagree. What if I get superpowers or something?" Obinna said, half-jokingly, half-seriously.

Eze shook his head, not amused at the half-joke. "You people. We are Nigerian. We are not white people in a horror movie. You guys literally make fun of situations like this. So let's go,".

"I mean, you can go. But we're staying here. There is still more ground to be covered," Chinwe asserted. Oblivious to the growing unease in Eze, she and Obinna ventured deeper into the cave.

Eze let out a sigh, his heart sinking as his friends vanished into the encroaching darkness. He had always hoped they would listen to him more often; maybe they would have found themselves in less danger. The full weight of the situation bore down on him. Alone in a dark, enclosed space with no light to guide him and no weapons to defend himself—was this really the best idea?

Suddenly, a torrent of terrifying scenarios flooded his mind. What if he injured himself? What if some mysterious enigma or something worse lurked in the shadows? His chest tightened, constricting more painfully than it had in years. Thoughts of finding his friends flickered through his mind, but where had they gone? How could he reach them? Each thought spiralled into a deeper abyss, making the situation he was in seem increasingly dire.

But before he could ponder further, a mysterious voice called out to him. It was unlike anything he had ever heard before.

"Bia Adi. Bia Adi."

Somehow, the voice seemed to know his last name, sending a violent shiver down his already shaken spine.

"Nope. Last straw," Eze muttered with panic, trying to turn away and leave the eerie cave behind.

To his shock, a grimy stone wall, just taller than he could jump, rose up at mach speeds and blocked his path, almost crushing him. Panic rushed through him as the realization hit. He was trapped.

"I SAID COME!" the voice boomed again, causing his heart to race in fear. As he looked around, his eyes fell on a small black spider with mesmerizing blue veins all over its body. The vibrant blue glow was the only source of illumination in the otherwise pitch-black cave.

The spider began to scurry towards a wall, and to his amazement, said wall opened up, revealing a branching path. Unsure of what to do, He froze in place.

"WELL? FOLLOW ME!" the voice roared once more. Eze began frantically thinking of what he could do in this situation. He thought of different ways to escape. He began to speak in his head. "Maybe I could gain a running start towards the wall and climb it instead of jumping." more confident in his idea he began to speak out loud. "Yes. Great idea Eze I just have to get my feet ready and..." 

"I CAN SEE YOUR THOUGHTS OGA." the booming voice interrupted. YOU'RE BETTER OFF NOT DOING ANYTHING BUT MY INSTRUCTION. NOW PLEASE. FOLLOW ME."

Eze didn't dare to delay. He sprinted toward the path, which is when it all began to be wonky. The place started to shift itself and he would trip over a rectangular stone that suddenly shot out of the ground. Eze stood up and dusted himself peering over the stone before being shot back out of shock. A bottomless pit.

"SHOULD I RETURN TO IGBO MM? FOLLOW ME!"

The voice echoed, oblivious to the chaos that engulfed him. The words seemed to blur into the pulse of his instincts as he flowed through the surreal landscape. As he leapt and twisted, his movements were fluid and dreamlike, as if guided by some otherworldly force.

The corridor warped around him, vaults morphing into spirals, rolls dissolving into liquid slides, slides rising into vertical ascents. The ground beneath him flickered and vanished, leaving him to navigate through a maze of intangible forms. 

"Mary, Mother of Jesus, save my soul," he whispered, a desperate prayer mingling with his breath as he defied death in this bizarre, shifting, unrelenting labyrinth.

The blue veins acted as a guiding trail, leading him deeper into the corridor. His heart pounded in his chest as he continued, trusting the spider, as he had no other choice. Finally, he reached the end of the road, where the spider awaited him, seemingly jumping up and down in happiness.

"I don't even know what I'm doing," Eze muttered, still in awe of the strange turn of events. He started panting harder. Then he bent over and panted even harder. The course had destroyed him physically. 

The spider scurried towards him faster than he could react. And without warning, the spider suddenly bit him, and shock shot through his body. His vision turned hazy and blurry, and he collapsed to the ground almost instantly.

But before darkness consumed him, what he now knew as the spider's voice, echoed in his mind.

"Then I'll help you."

The spider crawled up on top of his shirt, and Eze was left with his own lack of general thoughts. Soon enough, his vision started the fade faster and his body suddenly became far more fatigued. Gradually, his body slipped more and more out of his control. Why did he even come to this stupid cave? As he finally drifted into what he hoped was a temporary slumber, the mesmerizing blue glow of the spider's veins would be the last thing his blurry vision could observe. If only he had just gone home.