Episode 5: Trial of Life

Reference Picture (Got it from Google) (P.S not making money out of this.)

Continuation of Day 3

9 am

The mysterious enigma that had taken hold of Carl and Jay's thoughts, linking Sylvia Griffith to the enigmatic Phantom Traveler, continued to unravel within their minds. One striking piece of evidence was the uncanny resemblance between Jay's newly transformed necklace and the pendant donned by the Phantom Traveler.

Amidst their contemplation, Jay's phone rang, prompting a swift change of focus. The call came from Mr. Sekano, inquiring about Jay's whereabouts. Mr. Sekano mentioned a school mental health checkup survey for students conducted by the guidance counselor, adding a question about Jay's roommate preferences. The inquiry subtly reminded Jay of the inexplicable disappearance of Shane.

Their thoughts circled back to the haunting riddle of Shane's vanishing act. The pair brainstormed tirelessly, theorizing that Shane's body might have been surreptitiously deposited at the Fresh Change Market, acting as a conduit for his baffling disappearance.

Their brainstorming continued as they determined to confront Chitose and Sayuri. The rendezvous point would be the school cafeteria, a decision solidified as they embarked on their journey to the university.

Upon arrival, they briefly parted ways. Carl ventured into the Research Organization room to gather supplies, while Jay ventured to collect his mother's notebook. As he prepared to depart the university, an unusual sight seized his attention.

A man drew the collective gaze of students and staff alike. He was introduced as Strait Hardin, the Chief of the EverChanging Police Department. He appeared to be awaiting his daughter, Antonia Hardin. Antonia recognized Jay and greeted him with a friendly wave. Strait, however, didn't let the moment pass unscrutinized. He approached Jay for a brief conversation.

In a surprising turn of events, Antonia engaged in a sudden confrontation with her father. She executed a judo throw that sent Strait sprawling to the floor, an act that left Jay utterly taken aback. Yet, Strait recovered with remarkable ease, continuing with an impromptu sparring session with his daughter.

Prior to their departure, Strait sought Jay's full name, leaving Jay in a state of bewilderment.

Returning to his room, Jay conducted a fruitless search for any lingering physical traces of Shane. His efforts uncovered just two items, a camera and a laptop, purchased with the pocket money they'd both contributed. The realization hit him with clarity: these objects were preserved because Jay remained, while all visual records and memories of Shane had vanished.

Resuming his journey to the university, Jay received a call from Carl. They decided to exercise caution, acknowledging the potential presence of eavesdropping allies of the hooded figures. With this in mind, the meeting with Chitose and Sayuri was moved to a secluded grassy field along the road leading to the enigmatic EverWood Forest.

The quartet rendezvoused at Jay's car, embarking on a journey towards the enigmatic EverWood Forest. They reached their destination, parking the car by the roadside before settling down in the lush grass, preparing for a crucial conversation.

Jay, his curiosity tinged with anxiety, took the lead, seeking to unravel the mystery shrouding their newly-acquired allies. He inquired about Chitose and Sayuri's true identities and the meaning of being a hunter.

Before delving into the complex world of hunters and their mission, Chitose extended a sincere apology to both Jay and Carl. She acknowledged her inability to assist them in a timely manner, despite their harrowing experiences. What astounded Jay and Carl even more was the revelation that Chitose and Sayuri seemed to have forgotten about Shane and his tragic demise. Sayuri, in a rare display of remorse, also expressed regret for her past rudeness during their turbulent encounters.

Chitose, her tone laced with solemnity, initiated the enlightening discourse. She expounded on the concept of a hunter, individuals entrusted with safeguarding the delicate boundary that separated the human realm from the supernatural. Their primary duty encompassed assessing supernatural entities and phenomena to determine their impact on innocent bystanders. If deemed safe, they pledged protection; if dangerous, they took measures to eliminate the threat.

With this foundation in place, Chitose proceeded to share their own harrowing backstories, shedding light on their characters and motivations. Chitose, a reserved girl hailing from a privileged family, was known for sponsoring a hunter group. Her life took a tragic turn when the malevolent Monarchs—a group of evil hunters—annihilated her family. Miraculously, Chitose escaped and found refuge among the very hunter group she had sponsored.

Sayuri's history was equally tumultuous. Born into a family bound to the Monarchs, she was implicated in the Chitose family's tragic demise. Despite her familial connections, she remained an outcast due to her gender. Her upbringing in an abusive household fueled a fiery temperament, occasionally veering into violence. The two girls forged a deep bond, akin to sisters, in clandestine meetings at a local playground.

When their friendship came to the attention of Sayuri's family, she faced a chilling ultimatum: eliminate Chitose or face dire consequences. Choosing loyalty over blood, Sayuri defied her family's orders and, instead, warned Chitose of the impending danger. Tragically, her family was aware of her betrayal and subsequently targeted both girls for death.

Their salvation came in the form of a mysterious savior who identified as the Phantom Traveler. Expressing gratitude proved challenging, as the enigmatic figure swiftly departed, leaving behind a cryptic clue—EverChanging City.

Chitose concluded their shared history, revealing their mission to investigate the city and, crucially, to locate the enigmatic Phantom Traveler.

Jay, though deeply moved by their accounts, remained vigilant. He questioned how they could trust their newfound allies. Chitose candidly admitted their inability to provide irrefutable proof of trustworthiness. Nonetheless, she emphatically conveyed their sincere desire to offer assistance and protect Jay and Carl.

Jay, after a contemplative monologue, presented a proposition: a united effort to safeguard the city. Both Chitose and Sayuri enthusiastically concurred.

With their bonds strengthened and knowledge deepened, the quartet embarked on a new phase of their journey, armed with newfound allies and a shared commitment to uncover the mysteries of EverChanging City.

In the wake of their revelations and newfound allies, the group resolved to seek answers from Joel Ashley, a man they believed held vital information. Upon arriving at the location they suspected Joel to be, they found him reclined in the verdant expanse of grass. Observing their approach, Joel displayed a katana, casting doubt on his intentions.

Jay, driven by his determination to uncover the truth, queried Joel, seeking the knowledge he harbored. However, instead of offering immediate answers, Joel denied their request, and with a swift and unsettling motion, he hurled the katana towards Jay. He set a peculiar condition for receiving the information they sought: Jay had to strike him with the katana.

Initially reluctant, Jay recognized the gravity of the situation and, guided by sheer determination, accepted the challenge. It took nearly twenty minutes of relentless effort, but Jay managed to land a blow on Joel. Impressed by Jay's unwavering resolve, Joel finally relented and agreed to share the enigmatic information they sought.

The revelation that ensued was of profound significance. Joel disclosed that the Phantom Traveler, their mysterious and elusive enigma, was, in fact, Sylvia Griffith—Jaylen Griffith's mother. The pendant that Jay had acquired once belonged to her, and the katana that had just been wielded in the challenge was a replica of Sylvia's own weapon, Enma, bestowed to Joel by her.

Joel went on to recount his own intriguing backstory. He had been a fourth-year student at Better Change University, part of a group of five individuals. Their lives took a fateful turn when they encountered the Monarchs, an enigmatic and malevolent group rumored to maintain a base in EverChanging City. As the Monarchs closed in for a deadly assault, they were rescued by Sylvia, whose valor and resolve inspired them.

Impelled by their profound admiration for her, they beseeched Sylvia to become their mentor for a brief six-month period. Under her guidance, they each developed unique skills. Joel, in particular, honed his prowess in the way of the blade, while the group as a whole adopted the name "The FiveWielder." Alicia Hess acquired knowledge, Francisca Macdonalod perfected her stealth talents, Issac Dickerson learned self-restraint, and Marina Fuller honed her foresight abilities.

After six months, Sylvia embarked on a mysterious mission, leaving her proteges behind. The FiveWielders, united by their shared resolve to protect the city, continued their battles against the Monarchs. However, an inexplicable event transpired one day—the Monarchs vanished without a trace. Determined to uncover the truth, they embarked on a perilous journey that led them to the labyrinth hidden beneath EverWood Manor.

There, they confronted the lifeless bodies of the Monarchs, surrounded by numerous hooded figures. The group engaged these mysterious adversaries but found themselves utterly outmatched. Faced with imminent annihilation, Alicia Hess urged Joel to escape, preserving the hope of one day challenging the malevolent forces that concealed themselves within the city.

Joel concluded his captivating narrative by emphasizing that the Jay's current capabilities were insufficient for the challenges that lay ahead. To bolster his strength, Joel entrusted Jay with an "artifact of growth," offering immense power in exchange for a portion of his lifespan. Jay, committed to his quest, accepted the consequences, embracing newfound power.

To gauge Jay's augmented strength, Joel proposed a final sparring match, during which Jay successfully overcame his mentor's skills, earning Joel's acknowledgment.

The group, now enriched with knowledge and determination, resolved to proceed to the maze beneath EverWood Manor. However, an unexpected interruption occurred as Mark, seemingly out of thin air, appeared before them. Mark's questions, focused on Joel's identity and the emotional turmoil surrounding the name "Joel Ashley," perplexed Joel. He spoke of Mark's growth and transformation into a fine young man, yet his words left Mark incensed, his emotions mired in confusion.

A peculiar name, "Issac Dickerson," invoked a severe mental breakdown in Mark, prompting him to hastily depart, tears in his eyes. Sayuri sought an explanation from Joel, revealing that Issac Dickerson had been Mark's master. While Joel remained uncertain about why Mark had forgotten him, it was clear that Mark regarded Issac as a father figure.

With levity, Joel humorously urged Jay and the group to continue their journey, considering the entire expedition an invasion of his property. As the group moved forward, they were laden with newfound revelations, mysteries yet to be unraveled, and the weight of their shared destiny in EverChanging City.

With newfound knowledge and the weight of their shared destiny pressing upon them, the group hastened toward EverWood Manor. Upon arrival, they were met with an eerie silence; the usual throngs of people were conspicuously absent, as were any law enforcement officers. In the midst of this eerie atmosphere, Jay noticed a small notebook slipping from Carl's back pocket.

Intrigued, they inspected the notebook, discovering it to be the storybook of Alicia Hess, featuring the enigmatic group's name, "The FiveWielders." Astonishingly, the name "Joel Ashley" was revealed to be a character within Alicia's narrative, suggesting the old man's true identity might be James Raven. Pondering this revelation, the group decided to venture toward the entrance of the enigmatic maze, determined to uncover the secrets it held.

As they reached the entrance, an unsettling stillness enveloped them, accompanied by an ominous sense of impending danger. The air seemed pregnant with secrets, and the maze before them stood as a cryptic testament to EverChanging City's mysteries.

Episode 5: Trial of Life ends at 4:15 pm