NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 8: The Stairs of Garuda Tower
With the memories still fresh, David returned to the present, feeling the pulse of the Dragon Crown stronger than ever. He understood that he could no longer remain a passive observer. The urgency of the situation demanded action, and his role as a conservation officer was merely a cover for what he needed to become—a warrior for the earth.
David clenched his fists, determination surging within him. “If the Nine Dragons believe they can harness this power for their gain, they are gravely mistaken,” he vowed, the weight of his family’s legacy igniting a fire in his heart. He knew he had to confront his fears and embrace the psychic abilities that had lain dormant for too long.
As he descended The Stairs Of Garuda Tower, the noise grew louder, a clarion call urging him forward. David understood that the path ahead would not be easy, but the crown was awakening, and with it, his purpose. He could no longer hide from the curse within him; it was time to wield it against those who threatened the balance of nature. The battle lines were drawn, and David was ready to embrace his destiny.
As David made his way through the corridors of Garuda Tower, he could feel the energy of the Dragon Crown resonating within him. Each step felt charged as if the very air around him crackled with ancient power. He reached the door to the main conference room, where representatives from various sectors were discussing strategies to counter the Nine Dragons’ encroachment.
“David, you’re here!” called Clarissa, her expression a mix of relief and urgency. “We were just about to discuss how to mobilize our forces. We need your insights on the environmental impact of their projects.”
“More than that,” David interjected, surprising even himself with the strength in his voice. “We need to understand what they’re after. It’s not just about profit; they’re tapping into something far older and darker.”
The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to him. “What do you mean?” asked Kiran, leaning forward, intrigued.
David took a deep breath, recalling the whispers of his ancestors. “The Nine Dragons are seeking to control forces of nature itself. This isn’t just about a casino or beach cottages; they’re awakening ancient powers linked to the land and its creatures. I can feel it—the Crown is responding to this chaos. It’s our key to understanding their true intentions.”
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As he spoke, vivid memories flooded back to David. He remembered the stories of ancient rituals performed by his ancestors, designed to protect the island from external threats. Each ritual was a testament to their bond with nature, a reminder that balance must be maintained.
“David, what does this mean for us?” Clarissa asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
“It means we’re facing a force that doesn’t just threaten our livelihoods but could reshape the very essence of our world,” David replied, urgency creeping into his voice. “If we don’t act now, we risk losing everything. I can tap into the power of the Crown to counter them, but I need your help to channel it effectively.”
Felix, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke. “How can we trust this power? The legends speak of curses. What if it consumes you instead?”
David met Felix’s gaze… determination etched on his face. “It’s a risk I’m willing to take. We don’t have the luxury of time, and the Nine Dragons are already planning their next move. If I can access the Crown’s power, I might be able to disrupt their operations from within.”
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The tension in the room thickened, but David could see the resolve in his friends’ eyes. They were ready to stand by him, no matter the risk. “All right,” Clarissa said, breaking the silence. “Let’s devise a plan that plays to both our strengths. David, if you can harness the Crown’s energy, we’ll create a diversion while you infiltrate their operations.”
David nodded, his heart racing with purpose. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but he could feel the Crown urging him forward. “We need to gather intel on their current projects and identify any weaknesses we can exploit. If we can disrupt their supply lines or sabotage their construction efforts, it could buy us time.”
As they mapped out their strategy, David felt the power of the Crown resonating within him, guiding his thoughts. He could sense the ancient spirits of his ancestors lending him strength, whispering wisdom from the past.
“Let’s move quickly,” he urged, his voice steady. “The fate of not just our homes, but the entire region, depends on our actions in the coming days. We cannot allow the Nine Dragons to claim dominion over the land.”
With their plan solidified, the group prepared to split up, ready to face the impending storm. As David stepped out of the conference room, he felt the weight of the Dragon Crown more than ever—a burden and a blessing. He was no longer just a conservation officer; he was a guardian of balance, a protector of the land.
The battle for IKN was about to begin, and he was determined to wield the legacy of his ancestors against the rising darkness. The clock was ticking, and with each passing moment, the stakes grew higher.
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As David stepped into the humid evening air, the sounds of the city buzzed with an undercurrent of tension. He could feel the pulse of IKN beneath his feet—a vibrant, living entity threatened by the greed of the Nine Dragons. His mind raced with strategies as he made his way to the meeting point with Kiran and Rhea, who were already gathering intel on the syndicate’s operations.
“David, over here!” Kiran waved him over, her laptop open, displaying maps and data on the proposed casino construction sites. “We’ve pinpointed their key locations. If we can disrupt their supply chains here and here,” she pointed at the screen, “we could delay their progress significantly.”
David nodded, feeling the weight of their collective resolve. “We need to focus on their vulnerabilities. They’re overextending themselves with these projects. If we can create dissent among the workers—”
“—we can weaken their hold,” Rhea interjected, her passion evident. “I’ve been speaking with some of the local activists. They’re ready to rise, but they need a clear plan. If we frame it as a fight for their rights and the environment, it’ll galvanize more support.”
The urgency in her voice resonated with David. “Exactly. Let’s harness that energy. We can use social media to spread the word and create a narrative that paints the Nine Dragons as the villains they truly are. Meanwhile, I’ll try to connect with the Crown, channel its power, and see if I can sense their next move.”
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As they prepared to disperse, David felt a sudden wave of nostalgia wash over him, memories of his childhood on Komodo Dragon Island surfacing vividly. He recalled the stories his grandmother would tell him by the fire, tales of their ancestors who had once protected the island from invaders. The Dragon Crown, a symbol of their lineage, had been a source of both pride and fear.
“David!” Kiran’s voice broke his reverie. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” he replied, shaking off the memories. “Just thinking about the past. My family has always had a connection to this land, to the Crown. It’s why I can’t sit back and let the Nine Dragons destroy everything.”
Rhea smiled, her eyes shining with determination. “Then let’s honor that legacy. We’re not just fighting for ourselves; we’re fighting for every soul connected to this land.”
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As they moved into action, David felt an electric charge in the air, a blend of fear and hope swirling around them. Each member of the group had their role, and together they formed a formidable alliance. They spread out across the city, armed with information and a shared purpose.
David returned to Garuda Tower, intent on finding a quiet place to meditate and connect with the Dragon Crown. He locked himself in his office, surrounded by mementos of his family—a reminder of the legacy he was bound to protect. As he closed his eyes, he focused on his breathing, allowing the Crown’s energy to envelop him.
Visions flooded his mind: scenes of lush forests, roaring rivers, and the majestic Komodo dragons roaming freely. But then the images shifted—dark figures obscuring the land, machinery tearing through the earth, and the cries of those who would suffer.
“Wake up!” a voice echoed in his mind, urgent and commanding. “You have the power to stop this!”
David opened his eyes, sweat beading on his forehead. The Crown pulsed with life, and he felt its weight both as a blessing and a curse. “I won’t let you down,” he vowed to the spirits of his ancestors. “I will protect this land and those who call it home.”
He exited his office, determined to share his insights with his team. “We’re in for a fight,” he said as he found Kiran and Rhea back at their makeshift headquarters. “The Crown has awakened something within me. We must strike swiftly and decisively.”
With the urgency of their mission hanging in the air, David and his allies readied themselves for the inevitable confrontation with the Nine Dragons. They were not just fighting for their lives; they were standing up for the very soul of IKN.
As they moved out into the night, the echoes of ancient power guided David, solidifying his resolve. The clock was ticking, and the fate of many rested in their hands. The battle for the future had begun.
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The streets of IKN were alive with tension as David, Kiran, and Rhea maneuvered through the alleys, their senses heightened. Every sound seemed amplified—the distant clatter of construction, the murmur of conversations, and the rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. They were walking a tightrope between hope and despair.
As they approached the gathering point for local activists, David felt the Crown’s energy thrum within him, a reminder of his purpose. “We need to rally everyone tonight,” he said, glancing at Kiran. “If we can ignite their passion, we can turn this into a movement.”
Kiran nodded, her fingers flying over her laptop as she drafted a message to spread across social media. “I’ll get the word out. We need to show the people that we’re united, that we’re not afraid of the Nine Dragons.”
Rhea leaned in, her voice steady. “And we should prepare for pushback. They won’t take kindly to our interference.”
David’s heart raced at the thought. “Let them come. The more they show their hand, the easier it will be for us to expose them.” He paused, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. “But we must also be strategic. We need to protect the activists and ensure they’re safe.”
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As they finalized their plans, David's thoughts drifted back to his childhood on Komodo Dragon Island. He recalled the rituals his family performed to honor the spirits of nature, instilling a sense of respect for the environment that had been passed down through generations. It was during one of those rituals that he first laid eyes on the Dragon Crown—a mystical artifact adorned with jewels that gleamed in the sunlight.
“Remember that night when we tried to summon the spirits?” David chuckled, recalling a particularly mischievous childhood moment with Bintang. “We thought we could talk to them if we just believed hard enough.”
Bintang had grinned, eyes wide with excitement. “And then you freaked out when the wind picked up! You thought it was a dragon coming for us!”
“Hey, I was a kid!” David defended, laughing. “But it felt so real back then like the spirits were watching over us.”
Now, the weight of those childhood stories felt more like a promise than a memory. “We are those spirits’ guardians now,” he said, the realization striking him. “It’s our turn to protect the legacy of our ancestors.”
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Night had fallen by the time they reached the designated spot, a small park near the construction site. Activists were gathering, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension. David stepped forward, his presence commanding attention.
“Everyone!” he called out, his voice cutting through the chatter. “Thank you for coming. We stand at a crossroads, and our actions tonight will determine the future of our land. The Nine Dragons think they can exploit us, but together, we can show them the power of unity.”
Applause erupted, and a wave of energy surged through the crowd. David felt emboldened, the Crown’s influence urging him forward. “We need to share our stories and highlight the impact of their actions on our lives and our environment. If we show them that we won’t back down, they’ll see they can’t just bulldoze over us.”
Kiran took the floor, her passion infectious. “Let’s organize a peaceful march to the construction site. We’ll stand together, raise our voices, and demand justice. If they want to play dirty, we’ll show them what real resistance looks like.”
As the crowd erupted in agreement, David’s heart swelled with pride. They were not just a group of activists; they were a movement, a force fueled by a shared love for their land and its heritage.
But in the shadows, the Nine Dragons were already watching, their plans set in motion. As David felt the weight of the Crown pressing down, he realized that their struggle was just beginning. They were up against an enemy that was ruthless, calculating, and willing to do whatever it took to maintain control.
With determination etched on his face, David turned to Kiran and Rhea. “We need to be ready for anything. The Crown has awakened, and with it, our destiny is intertwined with this land. Let’s show the Nine Dragons what true strength looks like.”
As they prepared for the coming confrontation, the air was thick with anticipation. The battle lines were drawn, and IKN’s fate hung in the balance.