Meanwhile, the other three friends were in the prison cells located beneath the Chief's tent. They had been behind bars for a few hours. Mark continued to shout to attract the guards' attention, while the two girls were passing the time with magic tricks using nonexistent cards. That's right, nonexistent.

On the other side of the bars, the two guards, Rock and Paper, seemed quite irritated. However, unlike Paper, the female guard who was trying to ignore Mark at all costs was heavily arguing with him: "Stop hitting the bars! It won't work!"

Rock was 100% from the aquatic tribe; he was ambitious but also very impulsive. "Rock, if you keep giving him attention, it's obvious he won't stop..." Paper replied. She was also from the fish race, dutiful and calm in every situation.

Before the two could continue their heated rivalry, a guard descended from the surface, bringing water and three slices of bread for the kids. It was the Chief's assistant: Charlie. "Guards, be careful with these little devils. They may seem defenseless, but they are brutal war machines. Keep your spears ready for any eventuality and unforeseen circumstances!" she said.

"Hey, don't tell me what to do," Rock snapped back angrily. "Just because he chose you doesn't mean you can take the reins of the village. He only called you because he felt sorry for you!"

After hearing these words, Charlie shot him a suffocating look, almost threatening. Then he quickly approached, looking him straight in the eyes, face to face. "Do you dare challenge me, recruit?" she asked in a challenging tone.

Paper intervened, increasing the distance between them: "It's not worth it. What will the chief say if he finds out?"

Chuckling, Rock replied, "Ah! Do you really think you have any chance? You? You from the magic department? Don't make me laugh! Do you really think a skilled swordsman could lose to a mage recommended by the chief?"

Then he gave her a playful poke on the nose with his thumb and index finger. "Let's meet soon in the training field. I need to put your insolence in check, recruit Rock." After saying this, Charlie dropped the tray with the kids' food. Then he returned to the surface, exiting the Chief's tent as well.

"You shouldn't have provoked her like that. You know she worked hard for her position," Paper said, with a disappointed look.

"Shut up! She's still the chief's favorite because they're siblings! We both know that position should have been yours!" After retorting, Rock also left the prison, furious.

<Chapter 18 will be revealed on 01/20/25>