Welcome to the TDS Series
In this series, we follow Manu's journey and see how he survives in a world filled with danger. The road toward his goal is covered with countless spikes and obstacles.
Let's begin...
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Reminder
In the previous chapter, we saw Manu complete his training. During that time, he purchased a mysterious egg. Now, he and Falcon Team are preparing to participate in the competition.
Now next...
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Manu = Hey friend... why did you call out to me? Why aren't you speaking now?... Hah... maybe it's just my imagination.
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu was sitting inside his room, staring at the egg while talking to it. Suddenly, someone knocked on his door.
The sound echoed through the room.
Manu = Wait, I'm coming.
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu opened the door and found Lyra standing outside.
Lyra = How long has it been since you ate proper food? Come on, we're going for dinner.
Manu = Don't tell me you're actually worried about me. Fine, let's go.
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu had spent so much time surviving dangerous situations that he had forgotten one simple fact.
He was still human.
And humans needed food to survive.
Manu and Lyra headed toward Sun Academy's dining hall.
The dining hall was enormous.
More than a thousand students could eat there at the same time.
When Manu looked up, his eyes widened.
Manu = Wow... this place is incredible. Those giant chandeliers... the candlelight reflecting through the windows... the entire room feels magical.
Even the ceiling is covered with moss and soil. Water is dripping onto it.
The smell of fresh earth makes this place feel alive.
Lyra = Stop staring and keep walking.
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NARRATOR VOICE = Suddenly, an arrow flew toward Manu.
A voice followed.
??? = Target locked.
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu barely dodged thanks to his survival instincts.
The arrow brushed against his cheek.
A small cut appeared.
Only a few drops of blood fell.
Lyra = Elira Windmark! Stop it. He's your new leader.
Elira Windmark = Fine. Maybe you're not completely useless.
Manu = If that was your way of welcoming me, thanks. But that arrow could've hit my head.
Elira Windmark = Sorry...
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NARRATOR VOICE = Lyra dragged Manu toward Falcon Team's table.
Everyone was eating together like a family.
Lyra = Team, meet Manu. Your new leader. Introduce yourselves.
NARRATOR VOICE = A heavily armored warrior stood up.
A giant shield rested in his hand.
Armored Warrior = My name is Darius Ironwall.
I am this team's shield.
My only goal is to protect people.
As long as my shield stands, no Falcon member will fall.
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NARRATOR VOICE = After introductions, everyone went to collect food.
A middle-aged woman was serving meals.
Today's menu included chicken, milk, and salad.
Manu picked up a plate but immediately put it back.
Food Counter Lady = Hey boy, you're new here.
Treat this place like your home.
My name is Yashoda.
Don't tell me you don't like the food.
Eat something.
Manu = It's not that I dislike it.
I don't eat meat.
I'm a vegetarian.
Whenever I see animals being eaten, I remember that they have families too.
My grandmother taught me that hurting living creatures without reason is wrong.
She always told me to remember the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
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NARRATOR VOICE = Hearing those words, Yashoda became emotional.
She silently decided that from now on she would prepare vegetarian meals for Manu as well.
Manu ate only salad before leaving.
Before he left, he looked at Darius.
Manu = Friend...
One day let's sit together and talk.
You tell me your story.
I'll tell you mine.
When our eyes become heavy...
Let's share the burden.
Without asking each other any questions.
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NARRATOR VOICE = After saying that, Manu walked away.
The rest of the team remained silent.
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Scene Shift — Nyra's Room
NARRATOR VOICE = Nyra's room wasn't fancy at all.
Only a few useful items.
Black and white colors everywhere.
She sat at her desk thinking.
Nyra = Hmm...
What Manu said...
It sounds meaningless on the surface.
But there's something hidden underneath.
I need to keep a closer eye on him.
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Scene Shift — Darius
NARRATOR VOICE = Darius was walking toward his room.
Darius (thought) = Hmm...
My opinion of Manu improved a little.
That line somehow described the burden of a defender.
Maybe...
Maybe it wasn't just random nonsense.
Still...
He's suspicious.
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NARRATOR VOICE = Eventually everyone went to sleep.
The next morning, warm sunlight touched Manu's face.
But before he could enjoy it, a loud voice shattered his sleep.
Someone was knocking on his door.
Manu opened it.
Lyra = Hurry up! We're late!
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NARRATOR VOICE = Falcon Team boarded a carriage and rushed toward the stadium.
The horses galloped at full speed.
The wind howled past their ears.
Like thousands of bees buzzing together.
Soon they arrived.
The stadium stood before them.
A massive circular structure with orange-colored walls.
Loud cheers echoed from inside.
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Scene Shift — Kaizen Drath
NARRATOR VOICE = A black-hooded man approached.
Black Hoodie = Boss. They've reached the stadium.
Kaizen = Good.
Let's go.
It's time to show them that losers belong in the garbage.
And Manu...
I see you.
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COMING SOON...
Which part did you find the most interesting?
Keep commenting because your support motivates me to continue writing.
And brothers...
If you're enjoying the story, throw a Power Stone at it.
The red one.