Chapter 5

I noticed the other girls looking shocked, but I felt a wave of relief wash over me. This was an unexpected turn of events, but it was fortunate that we hadn't encountered a monster that was even more powerful.

"Hey, before we do the mission, let's introduce eachother," The other girl said. "I'm Fiona."

The girls took turns introducing themselves, their names and voices blending together in a chorus of new acquaintances. Finally, it was my turn.

"My name is Mia," I said.

Minutes ticked by, and we sprinted towards the village, our senses on high alert. We moved stealthily, scanning our surroundings for any signs of danger as we desperately searched for the pregnant girl we had to protect from the Manananggal.

We held our breath, hiding in the shadows as the Manananggal came into view. Her eerie presence sent shivers down our spines as she hovered near the pregnant girl's house, her malevolent intentions palpable in the air.

"I think we should split up into two groups of five," I suggested, trying to sound tough. "One group can search for the Manananggal's other half, while the other group finds some salt."

Fiona's face lit up with a bright smile. "Woah, that's a genius strategy, Mia! Let's do it!"

I joined the group tasked with finding the Manananggal's other half, and we ventured into the woods, our eyes scanning the surroundings. After what felt like an eternity, Liezel suddenly let out a scream. "I found it!" she exclaimed.

"Good job, Liezel!" I praised, relieved that we'd found the Manananggal's other half. "Now, let's track down the other group and see if they've managed to find some salt."

The girls nodded, their faces set with determination. "Alright!" they chimed in, ready to reunite with the others.

After what felt like an eternity, we finally reunited with the other group. "Follow us." I instructed, as they nodded and fell in step behind us, carefully carrying the salt.

We arrived at the spot where the Manananggal's lower half lay, and I carefully took the salt from Fiona. With a steady hand, I poured the entire salt over the twisted form. Just as I finished, Fiona spoke up, "Uh, Mia, we also found some gasoline nearby... Maybe we should pour it on too?"

I nodded, grateful for her quick thinking. "Alright, thanks Fiona."

With a swift motion, I poured the heavy gasoline over the salt-coveref remains, the pungent smell filling the air.

A blood-curdling scream pierced the air, and I knew it was the Manananggal's upper half, Shrieking in agony as if it was being consumed by flames. My heart racing, I thought to myself, "Sylvia... I hope she's still alive. We have to complete the mission and save her."

[Mission Success!]

Reward: New Skill for the survivors.

Congratulations, you and your team have successfully completed the mission to defeat the Manananggal and save Sylvia. Your bravery and quick thinking have earned you a skill to aid you in future rounds in the Tower.

"Yes!" The others exclaimed.

As soon as we materialized back in the tower, I took in our surroundings. The room was empty, except for us and Meadow, who stood with a smile on his face.

"Congratulations, Team!" Meadow exclaimed. "You've successfully cleared the first round, and you're the first team to arrive out of the 11 groups. Well done!"

I slid into a corner, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion. Fiona settled in beside me, her eyes shining with admiration.

"Mia, you're amazing," She said, her voice filled with sincerity. "You're really like a great leader!"

I ignored her, not minding her compliments. Fiona asked, "But, if it's not a problem... what's your birthday?"

I turned away, my gaze drifting toward the floor. "It's none of your business," I replied, my tone a clear indication that I didn't want to talk to her. Despite Fiona's kind words, I was still exhausted from the day's events, qnd my emotional reserves were depleted. I just wanted to be left alone.

Fiona's expression softened, and she nodded quietly. "Oh... okay, I'll leave you alone for now," she said, her voice gentle, before getting up and walking away, giving me the space I so desperately needed.

I watched Fiona walk away. "I might have been to harsh..." I thought, sighing softly under my breath, my eyes dropping to the floor as I wondered if I'd overreacted.

Time ticked by at a sluggish pace, and I found myself lost in a haze of daydreams. Only a handful of groups had returned, and the tower's silence was oppressive. My mind began to wander, drifting to distant memories and fanciful scenarios, as I waited for the remaining teams to arrive.

To be continued…