Chapter Four: How unfortunate

This story switches between narratives, and is done in segments and will sometimes be taken from the characters pov(point of view). Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy this story.

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            AGAINST THE GODS

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Chapter 4: How unfortunate

Akino's story might be true, or it might just be a legend, Neah thought to himself. *I know of the 13th kingdom,* the mysterious voice said in his thoughts.

Neah let out a sigh and said, "Everyone, let's get some sleep. We'll head out first thing tomorrow morning."

The four lay down on the ground around the fire and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Early the next day, they set out towards Tampa Bay.

"So, what kind of place is Tampa Bay?" Elizabeth asked Akino.

"I have no idea," Akino replied.

Elizabeth looked back at Akino, worried.

"Well, if there's any trouble when we get there, we'll just leave," Allen said.

Neah suddenly stopped. "What's wrong, big brother?" Elizabeth asked.

"It's nothing, must be my imagination," Neah replied.

The four continued their journey until they reached a small hut with a sign that read "Tampa Bay."

"Is this Tampa Bay?" Allen asked, looking disappointed. "I thought it would be some big, fancy town with food and girls."

"I don't understand," Akino said.

"Let's just take a look around to see if there's anything else," Neah suggested.

While searching the area, Elizabeth spotted a statue of two dragons hidden behind tree vines.

"Umm, I think I found something," Elizabeth called out loudly.

Neah and the others rushed over to her quickly.

"What is it?" Neah asked.

Elizabeth pointed at the statues.

Upon seeing the statue, Akino started to remember the stories her grandfather always told her.

"What could this mean?" Allen thought to himself.

"My grandfather told me stories about Tampa Bay," Akino said. "He said there's a kingdom in the middle of the town with two dragons on top of it."

"Wait, so if we're seeing these two dragons on land," Allen said.

"That means the town is underground," Neah said, smiling.

"But that still doesn't make any sense," Elizabeth said, trying to put things together.

"Let's search some more, then meet back here," Neah suggested.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

The four scattered and started to search for more clues that would help them.

Elizabeth and Akino decided to return to the statue to examine it further.

Allen ventured off to the west, searching the bushes for any more statues or gateways that might lead somewhere, while Neah ventured to the southern part of the forest.

While walking, Neah accidentally set off a trap that released thousands of poison arrows. Neah swiftly drew his sword and blocked all the arrows. He let out a sigh and began to walk towards a large stone he spotted up ahead.

He suddenly stopped and said, "I know that you're following me. Come out."

The air around him grew tense, yet the breeze blowing by felt cool.

A group of ninjas appeared from behind the trees, surrounding Neah and forming a tight circle around him. Neah's eyes narrowed as he tightened his grip on his sword, ready for the fight.

One ninja lunged at him from behind, but Neah spun around swiftly, blocking the attack with his sword and countering with a quick slash that sent the ninja sprawling. Another ninja attacked from the side, aiming a swift kick at Neah's head. Neah ducked just in time, sweeping the ninja's legs out from under him.

Two more ninjas charged simultaneously, their swords glinting in the dappled forest light. Neah parried their strikes with a series of rapid movements, his blade clashing against theirs with a metallic ring. He twisted and turned, his sword moving like a blur, cutting through the air and forcing the ninjas back.

As another ninja tried to attack from above, dropping down from a tree branch, Neah sidestepped and brought his sword up in a powerful arc, disarming his opponent and sending him crashing to the ground. The remaining ninjas hesitated, clearly impressed by Neah's skill.

Neah took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the circle of attackers. "Is that all you've got?" he taunted, his voice steady and confident.

"Let's end this fight," Neah said, his voice steady and resolute.

The ninjas regrouped and launched a powerful attack. "Ninja arts: Great Wave!" they shouted in unison, their combined energy forming a massive wave that surged towards Neah.

Neah stood his ground, summoning his own power. "Fire Skill: Fireball!" he yelled, hurling a blazing sphere of fire at the incoming wave.

The two forces collided with tremendous force, releasing a mass of steam that enveloped the entire area. The intense heat and water vapor created a thick fog, obscuring everything from view.

As the steam began to dissipate, Neah's voice cut through the haze. "Unique Skill: Devour!"

A dark, swirling vortex appeared, its pull irresistible. The remaining ninjas struggled, but the vortex drew them in relentlessly. Anything caught in this technique was said to reside in the stomach of the Death Dragon God, never to return.

With the immediate threat neutralized, Neah stood amidst the settling mist, victorious and unscathed. He took a deep breath and continued his walk.

Watching from afar was a man whose face was completely wrapped in bandages. He observed the battle with keen interest, his eyes narrowing as he watched Neah's display of power.

"He's skillful," the man muttered to himself, a hint of a smile visible through the bandages. "I can't wait to add him to my collection."

With that, the man vanished, leaving no trace of his presence.