Episode 36: The Challenge of the Necklace
---
Scene 1: Zai's Rest
The team continues their journey deeper into the forest, where the necklace is said to be hidden. Zai, as usual, looks utterly exhausted, dragging his feet behind the group.
Zai: (yawning) "Master, this is too much for me. I'm tired. I think it's time for me to take a break."
Before anyone can respond, Zai suddenly shifts into his snake form, slithers up Tanji's arm, and coils around his wrist, transforming into a sleek bracelet.
Zai: (his voice echoing softly) "Wake me up when you need me. Until then, I'm not doing anything."
Tanji glances at the bracelet on his wrist but says nothing, continuing to lead the group forward.
---
Scene 2: The Forbidden Place
The group arrives at a dark clearing surrounded by ominous energy. In the center stands a pedestal with the sparkling necklace, glowing faintly amidst the darkness.
Kai: (whispering) "This place… it doesn't feel right."
Ryu nods, shivering slightly as a chill runs down her spine.
Before they can proceed, a lone figure steps out from the shadows. His face is pale, and his eyes dart nervously between the group and the necklace.
Stranger: "Stop! Don't go any closer. This place is cursed! You'll regret it if you try to take that necklace!"
The students hesitate, but Tanji steps forward, his gaze meeting the stranger's. The moment their eyes lock, the stranger freezes, a look of terror spreading across his face.
Stranger: (stammering) "Y-you… you're not normal… I can't—"
Without another word, the stranger turns and flees into the forest.
---
Scene 3: The Challenge of the Necklace
The students gather around the pedestal, staring at the necklace with a mix of awe and trepidation. Spells and dark energy swirl around it, forming an almost impenetrable barrier.
Kai: (determined) "Alright, we can do this. Let's work together."
One by one, the students attempt to breach the barrier, using their magic and strength to reach the necklace. However, the spells are too strong, and each attempt ends in failure.
Ryu watches the scene, her breathing growing uneven as she clutches her head. Images flash through her mind—visions of a plump-faced figure and an overwhelming sense of dread.
Ryu: (whispering) "Kai… I don't feel well. I can't stay here. Let's go somewhere else."
Kai: (concerned) "Are you alright, Ryu? Okay, let's step away for a bit."
Kai leads Ryu to a quieter spot away from the group, where she sits down, trying to catch her breath.
---
Scene 4: Tanji's Quiet Resolve
Tanji observes the situation from a distance, his expression unreadable. He glances at Ryu, who is visibly shaken, and then at the struggling students around the pedestal.
Tanji: (to himself) "They're just kids. This is too much for them."
With a flick of his hand, Tanji subtly casts a spell, his movements so precise and discreet that no one notices. The dark energy around the necklace begins to dissipate, the barrier weakening just enough for the students to succeed.
Kai, unaware of Tanji's intervention, notices the change.
Kai: (excitedly) "Hey, the barrier's weaker now! Let's try again!"
The students rally together and manage to retrieve the necklace, cheering as they hold it up triumphantly.
---
Scene 5: A Quiet Victory
As the group prepares to leave, Ryu looks back at the pedestal, a lingering unease in her eyes. She glances at Tanji, who remains calm and composed as always.
Ryu: (softly, to herself) "Did he…? No, it couldn't be."
Zai's voice echoes faintly from Tanji's wrist.
Zai: (teasingly) "Master, I saw that. Helping the kids in secret, huh? You're not as cold-hearted as you pretend to be."
Tanji: (flatly) "Be quiet, Zai."
The group begins their journey back to the academy, the sparkling necklace safely in their possession. Though the mission is complete, the cha
llenges they faced leave a lasting impression on them all.
---
End of Episode 36