Chapter 26: Injured

Steve was so tired that his ears were ringing. How could he hear anything? He weakly replied, "What? I didn't hear anything."

Sister Bird, who had been leading the way, strained her ears and said, "Listen carefully, I think it's the sound of flowing water. A waterfall, perhaps?"

Steve stopped for a moment, taking a few deep breaths to calm his rapid heartbeat. Gradually, he realized she was right. He could faintly hear the distant sound of water.

"There does seem to be water ahead," Steve said with a hint of relief. Finally, they might be able to rest. No more walking—he could hardly keep his eyes open.

Sister Bird's face lit up with excitement. She had been in the jungle for over two hours, and the exhaustion was starting to weigh heavily on her, but now, the thought of water made her spirits soar.

"Let's hurry," she said eagerly. "It's just ahead."

Steve, though his legs felt like jelly, mustered enough energy to follow. He caught up with her, despite his exhaustion. He couldn't wait to drink some fresh water and cool off under a waterfall.

As the two moved closer, the sound of rushing water became louder. The scent of damp earth and water vapor filled the air. It was refreshing.

Sister Bird, nearly unable to contain herself, quickened her pace. The sound was growing louder, the scent sharper. She could feel the water's proximity, and she was more than ready to dive in and wash off the grime from their trek.

Steve, struggling to keep up, gritted his teeth and followed. They walked one after the other, with Sister Bird leading the way, her face covered in sweat and dirt, a smile barely visible underneath.

But, as often happens in the wilderness, danger lurked when they least expected it.

Without warning, Sister Bird's foot caught on something hidden beneath the vines. A sharp scream escaped her lips as she tumbled forward, her body sliding into an unexpected hole in the ground. A natural pit, disguised by thick vines and leaves, had suddenly opened beneath her.

Before Steve could react, Sister Bird's body disappeared into the pit, her scream echoing through the jungle. The pit had a steep slope, nearly vertical, leading down into a deep, dark abyss.

"Ah!" Sister Bird screamed again, a mix of panic and terror in her voice, as she slid uncontrollably down the slope.

In those brief, heart-stopping moments, she was headed straight for the bottomless cave below. But, in a flash of instinct, she stretched out her hands to grab whatever she could. Vines—numerous thick, strong vines—were growing all around the edge of the pit.

She reached out, grabbing one with both hands, and though the vines provided some cushion, they were quickly pulled with her weight. Slowly, as if in slow motion, the vines began to slide along with her, heading toward the abyss.

Steve stood frozen above, unable to do anything at first. Then, with a surge of desperation, he lunged forward. He grabbed onto the vines that were slipping through his fingers, but his bare hands couldn't keep hold. They continued sliding, faster and faster.

The friction between his palms and the vines was unbearable. Steve's hands bled, his skin tearing, but he refused to let go. The pain was excruciating, but the thought of Sister Bird falling into that dark hole was far worse.

"Use the strength-doubling card!" Steve thought in a panic.

Instantly, he felt an overwhelming surge of energy, and his grip on the vines tightened. The sliding stopped. He was able to hold the vines in place, stopping them from sliding any further.

Sister Bird, having experienced this life-saving moment, seized the opportunity. She grabbed the vines more securely with one hand and reached for the rock at the edge of the cave with the other. Slowly, carefully, she pulled herself up just enough to stop her downward fall.

Steve's chest heaved with relief as he saw her secure herself, but his heart was still pounding. "Sister Bird, are you alright?" he shouted.

Sister Bird, her back aching with a sharp, burning pain, couldn't immediately respond. Blood trickled down her back, staining her clothes and soaking into the fabric. Her entire back was drenched in blood.

It was clear: her injury was serious. Even if she managed to survive, she wouldn't be able to continue the program. The thought was crushing.

Sister Bird, always the resilient one, had thought she could make it through anything. She had imagined herself as the last one standing, pushing through the trials no matter how hard they got. But now, the reality was harsh. She was the first to be eliminated, and the bitter taste of failure was more than she could bear.

As her thoughts spiraled, her throat tightened. She wanted to speak, to tell Steve she was okay, but the words wouldn't come. All that escaped her was a choked, desperate hum. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Steve, his heart breaking at the sound of her pain, trembled. "No… No, this can't be happening," he thought. He couldn't accept the idea that his teammate, the wilderness expert, would be taken out so soon.

He shouted again, "Program team, please send someone to rescue us!"

His voice cracked as he called out, panic rising in his chest. He couldn't let go of the vines; he couldn't risk it. If he did, Sister Bird might not even survive the wait for help.

A calm voice came through the drone's speaker. "Steve, hold on. The rescue team is on its way. They'll be there in three minutes."

Relief washed over him at the sound of the team's response. The rescue team was already on their way, but three minutes felt like an eternity when every second mattered.

"Sister Bird, just hang on! The rescue team is almost here!" Steve shouted, his voice full of urgency.

Through her pain, Sister Bird managed a faint, choked voice, "I heard you… don't worry. I'll hold on."

Steve nodded, even though he knew she couldn't see him. His heart raced as he glanced around, searching for something to help him. There were no trees nearby that he could use, so he wrapped the vine tightly around his waist, trying to stabilize himself.

The strength-doubling card would only last a minute. He was terrified he wouldn't be able to hold on if the power wore off before help arrived.

Every time Steve moved his hand, sharp pain shot through his body. His hands were raw, his muscles screamed in protest. But he knew he couldn't give up. He had to hold on.

The vines burned his palms, but the image of Sister Bird in danger, the helplessness he felt, pushed him forward. He knew she was counting on him, and he wouldn't fail her. Not now. Not when they were so close to safety.

All they had to do was hold on a little longer.

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