LOST WARRIORS (ONGOING)

Celestine Sea Port

"You heard about that news?" Orin asked, the expression of joy evident on his face.

Brynn tried to think deeply but seemed to have failed. Then he asked, "Can you be more specific?"

Three close friends, billionaire trading merchants to be specific, Orin Duskwood, Brynn Glen and Rhea Moore were traveling around the port after completing their duties. They used to have a good chat. It is the best way to spend time with them. When three friends were together, no one noticed how time flowed like a river. They were talking on their way to the restaurant by the port.

"The two large kingdoms are in a conflict now. Barren and Tursia." Orin's face seemed bright.

"And what is that to be so happy?" Rhea asked without getting the reason for Orin's joy.

"Think a little deeper, guys. If they fight like this, how much will we gain?" Orin's teeth sparkled a little bit.

"Damn you man, you are very greedy, you know." Rhea was irritated.

"I get it. If they were engaged in a war for such a long time. Both of their resources would get scanty in no time. And all import and export works are directly or indirectly involved with us. So it is the best time to earn profit. Orin, my boy, you are a genius." Brynn patted Orin's back.

Meanwhile, they reached the restaurant. That was the best one in their area. They are extremely famous for being wealthy and prestigious. Seeing them, the owner of the restaurant himself welcomed them. As they entered, the owner chose the best place for them and told the servants to see to it that they were not inconvenienced.

Brynn called the waiter and ordered the food for them. Another waiter came with three glasses of juice for them. Taking them, Rhea said,"I thought about it. Anyways, it is not that bad of an idea if you ask me."

Orin smiled to see her sudden change in decision. He asked,"So you guys are in?"

Brynn asked,"What's the plan?"

In the meantime, the waiter arrived with the dishes. He put that on the table, asked if anything was required, and left.

Orin cut a piece of chicken with a fork and started saying,"Listen carefully. The most important during war is food. But secondly, it's the weapons. We will-"

Orin's words got interrupted by Brynn. He said,"Sorry for the interruption. Isn't that way too risky? What if we supplied one side and they lost? Our reputation and our money, both will be forfeited. Enormous risk."

"That's why we won't choose sides. We will supply both of them. Double the demands, double the profit. Let the kings squabble, we will count money." Orin replied casually.

"We will need a lot of money." Rhea seemed concerned.

"What nonsense, Rhea! We are billionaires. This much money is nothing but dust for us. You are getting nervous too quickly." Orin replied.

"So you have decided the next steps?" Brynn asked.

"Yes. I have already secured a shipment of crossbows from the Northern blacksmiths. They are hungry for money and our markup will be.... generous." Orin said and added,"It will get cold. Eat quickly, guys."

"But what of the logistics? Crossing borders in wartime isn't exactly a stroll through the marketplace." Rhea asked.

"I have made arrangements with dealers who know every hidden trail and mountain pass. For the fair price, they will ensure our goods reach the right hands." Orin answered.

"And if we're caught? Selling weapons to enemies is treason, punishable by death." Rhea seemed afraid.

"Oh, you overthink so much. That's why we will remain in the shadows. Our names will not appear on any manifest. We'll use intermediaries-- merchants with no ties to us. If things go wrong, they take the fall, not us. Anyways, being so reputable, do you think killing us is that easy? Am I right, Orin?" Brynn looked at Orin.

"Exactly. You are clever. That's why I like your personality. You understand everything quickly." Orin showed appreciation to Brynn.

"But don't you think we are being way too careless? Discussing this in a restaurant is too risky. Can't we go somewhere else?" Brynn clenched his jaws.

"Nothing to worry about. Normal persons are not allowed to enter this place. This place is only for VIPs and special guests. You guys can chill-"Orin assured them.

After finishing the snacks, they arranged the plan in a mature manner, they went down the stairs.

Orin came out of there and said, "Tomorrow, you will come at this time. The discussion will be finalized."

Arizona Cave

They came nearer to the other end. They were all hungry, thirsty and tired. It was all their mind which was pushing them forward.

"Something doesn't feel right to me. We are so close to the mouth of the cave that outside light is supposed to enter. So why is it still so dark?" Massimo furrowed his eyebrows.

"Don't tell me....."Lucifer shouted.

"Massimo is right. Somebody has closed the mouth of the cave."Adam said in deep thought.

Panic rippled through the group as Adam's words sank in.

"What???!! Then all of us will be dead. We are already half-dead because of this restless journey." Lucifer's loud voice echoed in the cave.

The air in the cave seemed to grow colder, more oppressive.

Massimo clenched his fists, trying to steady his breathing. "We can't lose our heads now." He said firmly, his voice slicing through the tension. "We need to think."

"I have an idea. Why shouldn't we use the vultures this time? Their sensory organs are stronger than humans. They will guide us outside." Emma said with a delightful voice.

"Great idea! The cave mouth is sealed and you are saying to use vultures like they will break the heavy rocks and make an entrance? So Foolish thinking, don't you think?" Lucifer shouted at Emma.

"You think arguing is going to help? We need a plan." Massimo glared at Lucifer.

A sudden, faint sound echoed from deep within the cave-a low rumble, like distant thunder. The group froze.

"What was that?" Emma whispered, looking through the darkness in the cave.

"It's coming closer." Adam said grimly, his hand instinctively reaching for the new sword he got.

"We have two options." Mike said, his tone sharp and urgent."We either try to open the entrance now to figure out what's back there. Or, we will move to Eryndor."

"And where is Eryndor?" Lucifer seemed impatient.

"There is a very thin passage through the cave which goes to Eryndor. I haven't told you before because it's so narrow and remote. But if the first option fails, it's the only way to survive though it's too risky." Mike gasped.

Massimo nodded. "The entrance might be blocked, but if we work together, we might create a small opening for air and light or we will start having breathing problems. But we can't ignore the sound."

Mike hesitated, then stood,"I vote we split into two teams. One works on the entrance, the other moves towards Eryndor. We can't waste time. Anyways, surviving alone is better than dying together."

Emma frowned. "Splitting up is risky. But it might be our best chance."

The group exchanged uncertain glances. The sound grew louder, almost like breathing.

"Stop it!! We won't split. I have already lost so much. I don't want to lose anything further. We will stay together, no matter what." Massimo encouraged them.

Massimo's words struck everyone's soul. Adam said,"Alright. We won't split. First we will try to open the entrance, if it fails then we will go through the second plan."

As this decision was in everyone's mind, everyone agreed unanimously.

The group worked tirelessly to clear the debris, but their efforts seemed futile.

Exhausted, Massimo leaned against the wall, his frustration palpable. "This isn't working," he muttered.

Emma, scanning the surroundings, noticed a faint trickle of water running along the cave floor. "Wait… this water must lead somewhere," she said, her voice filled with sudden hope.

They followed the stream deeper into the cave, despite the growing rumble. After cruel efforts, they found a narrow opening partially hidden behind a cluster of rocks.

Pushing through, they emerged into blinding daylight—outside at last. Relief turned to confusion as they realized they weren't at the original cave entrance. Instead, they stood at the edge of a dense jungle, its trees towering ominously.

Lucifer looked around, his face pale. "This... isn't on any map I've seen."

Massimo clenched his fists. "We're not out of danger yet."

From deep within the jungle came the sound of drums.