UNEDITED...

DENISE

After the leader's meeting, we started our plans. We already formed the groups according to their quests. Pinagsama-sama namin ang mga hindi pa nakakalampas sa Lost City. We divided them and assigned some groups to guide their journey. Isinama namin sila sa mga grupo na nakalampas na sa Lost City at Dragon Island. Alam na nila ang mga pasikot-sikot sa Lost City kaya sigurado ako na matutulungan nila ang iba. Kapag natapos na sila sa Lost City, tutuloy na sila sa Dragon Island.

May ilang grupo naman na patungo na sa Dragon Island. We grouped them too. Some groups already finished the quests in the Dragon Island and they will help to guide the others. Naghiwa-hiwalay kami nina Zero, Sky at Queen para mas mapadali ang lahat. We provided all the necessary information they needed. Right now, we're not here to compete with each other. We are here to make sure that we will come out of this game alive. Pagkatapos nito ay tutuloy na kami sa huling dungeons. There are still seven left and it will be a raid.

Inalis muna namin sa isip namin ang mga nangyayari sa katawan namin. Hindi ko alam kung makatatagal ang katawan namin dito sa loob ng dalawang linggo na walang pagkain o tubig. Wala akong alam sa nangyayari sa labas. Ang malala pa baka pinag-ieksperimentuhan din pala nila ang katawan namin habang natutulog kami. Biglang sumama ang pakiramdam ko dahil sa pumasok sa isip ko. Pakiramdam ko gusto kong mahilo at magsuka. I want to know what's happening outside but I don't know how. Pero natitiyak ko na kapag nalaman ng kapatid ko ang totoong nangyayari, hindi siya uupo lang. He'll do something to save all of us.

"Are you alright?" nag-aalalang tanong sa 'kin ni Sky. Nasa harap na kaming lahat ng gate at naghihintay sa pagbukas nito. I nodded in silence.

"Call me when you're in trouble," he whispered. Napangiti ako sa sinabi niya.

"As if you can come to my aid that fast," pang-aasar ko sa kanya.

"I can. Did you forget? I'm your partner and I can teleport to where you are whenever you're in trouble," he said, grinning.

"Oh. That will consume too much of your energy and a lot of money. I mean not just gold coins but gems," naiiling na saad ko sa kanya.

"Hindi na natin kailangang magtipid ngayon," nakasimangot na saad niya at ginulo ang buhok ko.

"Sige. If you need help, call me too," nakangusong saad ko. His face lightened up. I suddenly felt the need to rip off that playful grin on his face. Mukhang kinilig ang mokong. Namula ang mukha ko dahil sa nakakalokong ngisi niya. And yes, our couple level increased. I hate this fucking game now. Pakiramdam ko, madali naming nababasa ang isa't isa dahil lang sa couple level.

"I think everyone's ready. Kailangan na nating umalis," nakasimangot na saad ko upang ibahin ang usapan. He looked around. Everyone was still confused. Hanggang ngayon, makikita sa mukha nila na hindi pa nila alam ang gagawin at iisipin. Their minds were still disoriented with what had happened.

"Magkita na lang tayo sa last dungeon," seryosong saad ni Sky sa 'kin. I nodded. Lumapit na ako sa tatlong grupo na sasamahan namin. I patted Silver's head to ease my anxiety. "We still need to cross two mountains and a sea. As much as possible, let's avoid the monsters along the way. Your levels are not yet enough to fight the last dungeon boss. We need to do this so no one will be left behind. Are you already equipped with the necessary items?" seryosong tanong ko sa tatlong party na tutulungan namin - Night Destroyers, Red Warriors at Miracle's Haven.

They all nodded. Lumapit ako sa leader ng bawat grupo - Scorpion, Calix at Lux. Scorpion is a guy under the assassin's class. Calix is a boy and a bard. Lux is a girl mage. "I will be giving orders. I will let you fight the dungeon bosses to increase your levels. When our help is needed we will attack. But for the most part of this battle, we will act as supports," seryosong saad ko sa kanilang tatlo. Seryosong tumango silang tatlo. Alam kong natatakot din sila sa nangyayari pero hindi nila ipinapahalata. I already told them on our meeting that we can't show our weaknesses to our party members. Tiyak na panghihinaan din sila ng loob kapag pinanghinaan ng loob ang leader nila.

"Just raise your concerns if there are any. I'm open for your suggestions," seryosong saad ko pa. Bumubukas na ang gate. Marami ng players ang lumalabas sa Town. It seems that everyone is ready but they are actually not. Magulo ang sitwasyon at magulo rin ang utak nila.

"We will stick with your plans for now," Scorpion answered. I nodded with understanding. Lumapit na sa 'kin sina Ice at Fire. Mukhang nakausap na rin nila sina Zero at Queen. Kalmado naman si Rage pero halatang naguguluhan pa rin sina Scithe at Angel.

Nagtaka pa ako nang lumapit sa grupo namin si Sky. "Hey, let's talk. I forgot to tell you something," seryosong saad niya. Nagtatakang lumapit ako sa kanya at lumayo kami sa karamihan.

"Ano 'yon?" kunot-noong tanong ko sa kanya.

"Don't let Fire kiss you," he said with a frown. Mahinang pinitik pa niya ang noo ko. Mahina akong tumawa nang maintindihan ko ang sinasabi niya. I smiled playfully.

"At least, you will not be able to see," pang-aasar ko sa kanya.

"Bababa pa rin ang couple level natin," nakangusong saad niya. Halatang nainis siya sa sinabi ko.

"Sige. Ako na ang bahala," nakangising saad ko. Nagdududang tumingin siya sa 'kin at napailing. I wrapped my arms around his nape and he pulled me closer. He wrapped his arms around my waist. "Be careful," he whispered. "May naalala ako. Sinabi mo na may player na pumapatay ng kapwa nila players. I wonder who is he and what group he is in. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang binabalak ng bawat isa kaya mag-iingat ka. Some of them are unexpectedly calm. Some are still disoriented. Some are too silent that you will not notice their presence. Every players are different even their ways of thinking," seryoso at mahinang paalala niya sa 'kin. Nangamba ako sa sinabi niya. Paano kung mas malala pa ang gawin ng organisasyon? Paano kung mas dumami pa ang mga kalaban namin sa loob ng larong ito? Paano kung isa rin pala ako sa maging kalaban?

"What if I become a killer too?" mahinang tanong ko sa kanya. Saglit siyang natigilan. He pulled me even closer.

"Hmmm. Then let me slay your demons for you," nakangising saad niya. I chuckled.

"Good idea," nakangising saad ko. "Tara na. Nauubos na ang oras natin. Kung isa man sa mga kasama ko ang killer, sasabihin ko sa 'yo. Or I will handle it myself," dagdag ko pa.

"Okay. Keep in touch," he said and kissed my lips before he let me go. I actually don't want for this moment to end but I have no choice. He gently squeezed my hand for the last time before I walk towards my group. Naglakad na kami palabas sa Town.

We headed and ran towards our next destination. We avoided the forest monsters as much as possible. We're jumping from trees to trees. The Dark Fortress assisted everyone in order to help them increase their levels.

Sky sent me messages every hour to check on me. And everytime I received a message from him, I smile. Mabuti na lang may dahilan pa ako upang ipagpatuloy ang pakikipaglaban. Nauuna ang grupo namin kaya hindi pa kami nagkikita. I sighed heavily when we entered a dungeon.

It's not easy to fight when everything is not in sync. I just noticed that they were not really united and cooperative with their teams. They were competing with each other and they wanted to be the one to get the Last Attack Bonus or to have the most hits. They wanted to be the strongest and the best even when they were hurting or blocking others. I sighed heavily with frustration. This was the worst teamwork I've ever witnessed.

"Now I know why they're having a hard time to finish their party quests," seryosong saad ni Ice na nanonood sa mga ginagawang pag-atake ng bawat isa sa kanila. Wala silang strategy. Basta na lang sila sumusugod sa kalaban. Dahil sa ginagawa nila, mas madali silang mauubusan ng lakas at matatalo. Sayang lang ang pagsuporta namin sa kanila kung ganito ang gagawin nila. Hindi pa kami nakararating sa Dragon Island pero alam ko na agad ang kahihinatnan nila.

I'm not giving orders yet. I was still watching them to know their strengths and weaknesses. Hindi ako pamilyar sa kanila dahil ngayon ko lang sila nakasama. "Help them in a way you think is necessary," seryosong utos ko sa mga kasama ko. They moved to attack. Sina Fire at Angel ay nanatili sa puwesto nila upang magpagaling ng mga sugatan. Silver attacked too. I still need him to level up.

Some almost died but I still didn't give any orders. I doubt that they would listen. They were too focused with their own goals that they didn't have the time to listen from other's orders. And they didn't have the time to care for their teammates. Ang ilan sa kanila ay hindi sumusunod sa leaders nila. I'm glad that Ice and the others were saving them from death. Minsan ay ako naman ang umaatake upang iligtas ang ilan sa kanila.

Marami na ang sugatan dahil sa malakas na atake ng dungeon boss pero mabuti na lang natalo pa rin nila ang mga ito sa huli. Pagod na pagod sila na tila naubusan na ng lakas. Pawisan sila at wala sa sariling umupo na lang sa sahig habang hinihingal.

"Let's go," I said heartlessly. Agad na sumunod sa 'kin si Silver. Naglakad na ako patungo sa exit ng dungeon kahit ang iba ay nagpapahinga pa. Seryoso at diretso ang tingin ko sa daan at hindi sila tinitingnan. Sumunod agad ang mga ka-party ko sa 'kin. Ang iba namang party ay umungol dahil sa pagpoprotesta.

"Can't you see that we're still exhausted?" reklamo ng isa sa kanila.

"It's your fault for wasting too much of your energy," nakasimangot na saad ko. "This is just the first dungeon and yet you already waste too much of your mana and health replenishers," I added. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ako sa paglalakad. Mabuti na lang may nakukuhang health and mana replenisher sa mga halimaw na nakakalaban namin. Ang iba ay napilitang tumayo at sumunod sa 'kin. Ang iba naman ay nagngitngit pero wala namang nagawa kaya sumunod pa rin.

"You didn't even help us. We thought you will give us orders and will support us?" reklamo ni Scorpion.

"Gusto mo sapakin ko siya para sa 'yo?" bulong ni Ice sa 'kin.

"Kung gusto mo pang makulong ulit," pang-aasar ko kay Ice.

"Okay. Next time na lang kapag may malambot na kama na sa kulungan," nakasimangot na sagot niya. Ngumiti ako at napailing. Pero tumigil ako sa paglalakad at hinarap si Scorpion.

"Did your teammates listen to your orders?" kunot-noong tanong ko sa kanya. Namula ang mukha niya at napayuko.

"Well, some," he answered.

"And the others? You didn't dare to give them orders because you know they will disobey you," I said as if I'm interrogating an incompetent leader. "And you let them do what they want to do. You never questioned their actions because you're afraid that they will rebel against you. But don't worry, you're not the only one. I'm letting Calix and Lux hear this too because they are doing the same," naiiling na dagdag ko. Natahimik ang lahat dahil sa sinabi ko.

"Let's get out of this dungeon first and then let's make our real goal clear," seryosong saad ko sa kanila. Nagpatuloy na ako sa paglalakad. I sighed heavily.

"It's really hard to lead, right? Mabuti na lang hindi ko ginusto ang posisyon mo," naiiling na saad ni Ice.

"Baka sumabog ka sa inis at galit. Tiyak na mapapatay mo lahat ng members mo," nakangising komento ni Fire sa kapatid niya. Narinig ko ang mahinang pagtawa nina Angel at Scithe na parang sumasang-ayon sa sinabi ni Fire. Ngumiti lang si Rage dahil alam na niya ang kayang gawin ni Ice.

Napangiti ako. Ilang segundo lang ay nawala ang ngiti ko sa labi at nagsalita. "I bet not. When you become a leader, you will think and act differently. You must assess and take everything into consideration for the welfare of your subordinates and for the risk every situations offer. Kahit gusto mo ng magalit, hindi ka pwedeng magpadala sa galit mo. Because you know, your anger will not help to solve any problems. You need to keep your cool and be strong because you are the center of your group. You are the model they're looking into. But leaders are not that great. Always remember that your members are still the foundation and without them, you're nothing but a useless piece - a King on a chessboard without his officials or subordinates. You can't do anything. You can only have a step forward but you can't go any farther," seryosong saad ko.

"Wow! Masyadong mabigat, girl," nakangising saad ni Ice pero alam kong sumasang-ayon siya.

"Well, you're right. But I always believe that the King is still great even when his moves are limited. Because without the King, the subordinates will not win," Fire said meaningfully.

"Talking about your favorite boardgame," pang-aasar ni Ice sa kapatid niya. Napangisi ako dahil pakiramdam ko may mga plano na nabubuo sa utak ko. I remembered that my brother was fond of playing chess too. I wonder if he's already manipulating the center of this game. Kapag naglalaro kami ng chess, lagi niya akong pinagtitripan. He's giving me clues about his next moves and right now, I felt that this situation is the same. I must find the clues.

Nang makalabas kami sa dungeon. Sumandal ako sa malaking puno upang harapin ang mga kasama ko. "I know some of you are just too stubborn to follow orders but when you joined a party, you know too that you must submit yourselves to your leaders. You are not on your own anymore. This is not a solo quest. This is a party quest. And what's the essential thing you must know when doing your party quests? Teamwork. A party must be synchronized and united. You are not fighting for your own good but for everyone's benefit. And if a leader ordered you to do this and that, then it's for the best and is necessary," seryosong saad ko sa kanila.

I sighed heavily. "Some of you asked why I didn't give any orders? You already know the answer. You lack that essential thing and there's no doubt that it can destroy you. You are only focused on what you want to achieve for yourselves. You never thought of others and you wanted to leave them behind. Why did we help you in the first place? We didn't want to leave you inside this game. We want for all of us to survive. If we don't help each other, who will help us? Remember, your level alone cannot save you. If you think that you can survive this game alone, think again," seryosong saad ko pa.

"So now, I'll give orders for the next up to the last dungeons. And those who don't want to follow me or help others can now leave. It's your decision to make. No one will stop you. If you choose to stay inside this game forever then fine. I will respect your decision. And for those who think that they can survive alone in this game, then fight alone. You can now leave too," mariing wika ko. Gusto ko silang gisingin pero sana sapat na ang mga salitang ito upang matauhan sila.

"How can we make sure that you can really give better orders than our own judgements?" tanong ng isa sa kanila.

"We've already been here," seryosong sagot ko sa kanya. "We already know some of the tricks to defeat the dungeon bosses at this level. We're not guiding you for nothing. We want you to pass this level without dying repeatedly," dagdag ko pa. "But if you don't trust us too, you are free to go but don't blame us for the fate you choose."

Nagkatinginan sila. Ang ilan sa kanila ay nag-aalangan. Ang ilan ay tahimik na nagngingitngit. "Everyone needs to sacrifice to survive. When will you learn? When will you accept the truth? This is no longer a competition. Right now, this is the time to fight together," I hissed.

Alam ko naman na hindi lahat ay maniniwala sa 'kin. But I already lay all the cards in front of them. Sila na ang bahalang magdesisyon para sa sarili nila. Napansin ko ang pag-aalangan sa mga itsura nila habang nag-iisip. Ang ilan sa kanila ay kinausap ang bawat leader nila at bahagyang lumayo sa 'min upang hindi namin marinig ang pinag-uusapan nila. I sighed heavily. I'm not expecting to gain their trusts that fast and easily but we don't have time.

Tumingala ako sa langit habang nakahalukipkip na naghihintay. Ngayon ko lang napansin ang pagbabago ng kulay ng paligid sa araw at sa gabi. It seems that six days inside this game is equivalent to a day outside. The beautiful stars and the huge full moon seem so real. Even the heat of the sun in the morning could penetrate our skin and make us sweat. I wondered why I didn't notice it before.

Ilang minuto akong naghintay sa desisyon ng bawat party. Hinarap ako ng mga leader. "No one will leave. We will all cooperate with your plans," seryosong sabi ni Scorpion. Tumango naman sina Lux at Calix. I smiled with relief. Mabuti na lang, hindi na sila nagmatigas pa.

"Then let's go. We still need to cross two mountains before we reach the Dragon Island. You can also capture your pets along the way," seryosong saad ko sa kanila. Fire gave them the information they needed about the Dragon Island while we are on our journey.

Ang ilan sa mga players ay tinuturuan ni Ice ng mga tricks kung paano nila mapapalakas ang mga atake. I was watching them silently as they get along really well. Sa tuwing pumapasok kami sa dungeons, unti-unti na silang natututo kung paano susuportahan ang bawat isa. Their levels were increasing at a good rate. Madali nilang nagagawa ang mga utos ko sa kanila pero hindi pa rin maiiwasan na may masaktan dahil malakas pa rin ang mga dungeon boss para sa level nila.

Alam kong pagod na sila dahil sa sunud-sunod na dungeon boss na kinalaban namin. We're already on the second mountain. Dahil gabi naman ay hinayaan ko na silang magpahinga. Ang ilan ay naglabas ng tent na dala nila upang matulog. Hindi na kami gumawa ng bonfire upang hindi na namin maagaw ang atensiyon ng mga natutulog na halimaw sa kagubatan.

"Rest now," utos ko sa kanilang lahat. Maaga pa kami bukas. Maging ang mga ka-party ko ay pagod na pagod na rin. I watched them all as they entered their tents. Tahimik lang ako habang nakaupo sa isang troso. Silver was sleeping on my lap while I'm looking on the bright stars. I smiled when I noticed that Sky was calling. I swiped my dashboard to answer his call.

"Hi, wife," he teased.

"Hi husband," I greeted with a chuckle. "Bakit hindi ka pa natutulog?" takang tanong ko sa kanya.

"Hindi ako makatulog," he answered. "Saka tanghali pa lang sa labas ng laro. And I miss you. How are you? How are the others? Hindi ba sumasakit ang ulo mo sa kanila?" natatawang tanong niya. "Hello, Zeus! How's Silver?" singit ni Regan sa matinis na boses. Mahinang tumawa si Sky dahil sa tanong ng alaga.

Napansin ko ang marahang paggalaw ng tainga ni Silver. "He's sleeping, Regan," sagot ko habang sinusuklay ng mga daliri ko ang puting buhok ni Silver.

"You sleep too, Regan," mahinang utos ni Sky sa kanya. "Fine," she answered.

"You have a lively pet," natatawang sabi ko sa kanya. Mahinang tumawa si Sky. "Well, maayos naman kaming lahat. Wala pang masyadong problema. Kayo ba?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Actually not good. Some of them are controlled by the organization. They are unpredictable. I'm not sure if they are capable of attacking other players. I'm still watching their moves. Mukhang mas malala ang nangyayari ngayon dahil madali ng napapansin ang pagbabago sa kanila. They can be aggressive sometimes," mahinang sagot niya.

"Kung ganu'n, isa ba sila sa mga pinaghihinalaan mo na pumapatay ng players?" mahinang tanong ko. Pinakikiramdaman ko ang buong paligid at nag-iingat upang walang makarinig. Sa palagay ko naman ay halos tulog na ang lahat.

"I'm not sure. May kutob ako na hindi lang isa ang hinahanap natin pero sana mali ako," makahulugang sagot niya. Napasinghap ako. Huwag naman sana. Natigilan ako nang may marinig akong kaluskos mula sa gubat. Hindi ako sigurado kung may halimaw na papalapit sa kinaroroonan namin kaya hinawakan ko nang mahigpit ang pana ko.

"Are you still there?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Sky nang hindi ako magsalita. I held my breath when I heard the rustle of dry leaves from someone's feet. Maging si Silver ay nagmulat ng mga mata dahil naramdaman din niya ang presensiya nito. Sigurado na ako ngayon na hindi ito halimaw dahil sa magagaan at maiingat na yabag nito.

Agad akong gumulong sa lupa nang maramdaman ko na may ibinato ito sa direksiyon ko. Maging si Silver ay mabilis na gumalaw upang umiwas. I noticed the daggers that were stuck on the log. Tinalasan ko ang paningin upang maaninag ang pangahas. He was wearing a black cloak. It was a special cloak that could hide his name and level.

"I'll call you later," mahinang sagot ko kay Sky. I dropped the call. And watched the guy as he slowly approached us but he stopped on his tracks. Ramdam ko ang mabilis na tibok ng puso ko. Itinutok ko ang pana ko sa lalaki. I thought he would fight but he choose to retreat. He ran away. Based on his speed, I could categorize him as an Assassin.

"Shift, Silver," utos ko. Nang magpalit siya ng anyo ay sumakay agad ako sa likod niya. Mabilis na tumakbo si Silver upang habulin ang umatake sa 'min. Mabilis na nagpapalipat-lipat ito sa mga sanga ng puno. Because he first attacked me, it's fine if I hit him with my arrows. Nagpakawala ako ng sunud-sunod na palaso upang patamaan ito. Dumaplis ang palaso ko sa binti nito kaya nawala ang balanse nito at nahulog sa puno. Gumulong siya sa lupa at agad na nagbato ng daggers sa direksiyon ko. Mabuti na lang, mabilis ang reflexes ni Silver at agad na nakaiwas.

Bumaba ako sa likod ni Silver at agad namin siyang pinalibutan. Silver growled as the man stood up. He healed himself. Napasinghap pa ako nang maramdaman ko na hindi lang kami ang tao sa kagubatan. Mula sa likod ng mga puno ay may apat pa na lumabas. They were also wearing black cloaks. Ngayon, kami na ni Silver ang napapalibutan. Bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Malayo na kami sa mga kasama namin. Mukhang sinadya nilang pahabulin ako. I gritted my teeth in frustration. Ramdam ko ang mabilis na tibok ng puso ko. I fell to their trap. Sky was right. Hindi nag-iisa ang kalaban namin pero ang tanong ngayon, sino-sino sila?

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TO BE CONTINUED...

Hello. May part 2 tong chapter na to. Hindi ko lang itinuloy kasi nama-mind blown ako sa mga mangyayari at ang tamad ng kamay ko wahahaha. Anyways, thanks for the reads, votes and comments. I'm reading it, hindi lang ako makareply hahahaha. Lovelots and God bless. <3