NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Palm Wine of Chaos
Chapter 5: The Palm Wine of Chaos
Kayode leaned against the violet-leafed tree, marveling at his newfound power and grinning at the thought of his successful encounter with Kanayo O. Kanayo's spirit. He opened the Shop again, scrolling through the absurdly overpowered Nigerian treasures.
One item caught his eye.
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Legendary Palm Wine of the Ancestors
Cost: 50 Ancestral Points
Effect: Grants unparalleled courage and unpredictability. Warning: Side effects unknown.
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Kayode laughed out loud. "Palm wine? Really? What kind of system puts that in a cultivation shop?"
The system chimed in with its usual shameless tone. "The best kind of system, that's who. Trust me, you need this. You've been acting too uptight. A little drink will loosen you up. Plus, it's legendary palm wine—crafted by the finest ancestral brewers in Nigerian history."
Kayode hesitated, glancing at his Ancestral Points. He had just enough. "I feel like this is a bad idea."
"Bad idea? Or the best idea you've ever had? Buy it!"
With a resigned sigh, Kayode exchanged 50 points for the Legendary Palm Wine. A glowing gourd appeared in his hands, its rich, enticing aroma wafting through the air.
"Well, here goes nothing." He uncorked the gourd and took a long swig. The taste was heavenly—sweet, earthy, and powerful all at once. Warmth spread through his body, and he couldn't help but laugh.
"This is good!" he exclaimed, taking another swig.
The system snickered. "Oh, it's good alright. Now, enjoy the ride."
Before Kayode could respond, the world spun around him. The forest blurred, and a strange, golden light engulfed him.
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When the light faded, Kayode found himself standing in a massive cavern. Glittering gold and treasures surrounded him, piled high in every corner. The air was hot and heavy, and a faint growl rumbled in the distance.
Kayode blinked, trying to process what had just happened. "Where… am I?"
He turned around and froze. Right in front of him was a colossal golden egg, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly glow.
"No way," he muttered, stepping closer.
The egg pulsed with energy, drawing him in like a magnet. But before he could touch it, the ground shook violently, and an ear-splitting roar echoed through the cavern.
Kayode turned around slowly, his heart sinking. Thousands of dragons—big, small, and terrifying—emerged from the shadows, their eyes blazing with fury.
"Oh no," Kayode whispered, clutching the gourd of palm wine. "System! What is this?!"
"This? Oh, just a little side effect of the palm wine. You're welcome."
"Side effect?! I'm about to get roasted alive!"
The dragons circled him, growling and hissing. One particularly massive dragon, with shimmering red scales and golden horns, stepped forward. Its voice boomed like thunder.
"Who dares trespass into our lair and approach the sacred egg?"
Kayode raised his hands in surrender. "Wait! I didn't mean to—"
"Summon a spirit, Kayode! Quick!" the system interrupted.
Kayode fumbled with the Summon Comedian Spirit option in the Shop, barely managing to select it before the dragons lunged.
"Ding! 20 A.P deducted from your points and you are left with nothing, broke and stranded."
A portal of golden light opened, and out stepped a familiar figure wearing a bright, mismatched suit and a wide grin: Basketmouth.
Kayode stared. "You've got to be kidding me."
Basketmouth looked around, unfazed by the army of dragons. "Ah, Kayode! You summoned me to a barbecue? You didn't even bring meat!"
"This isn't a barbecue!" Kayode shouted. "We're about to die!"
Basketmouth smirked. "Die? With me here? Relax, my guy. Let me handle this."
The dragons roared and charged. Basketmouth raised his hands, and a wave of glowing energy erupted from him, creating a protective barrier around them.
The system chimed in. "Congratulations! You've summoned Basketmouth, Spirit of Chaos and Distraction. His abilities include:
Joke Shield: Deflects all attacks while confusing enemies with jokes.
Chaos Laughter: Disorients opponents and reduces their strength by 70% through laughter.
Ultimate Escape Plan: Teleports allies to safety after a successful prank."
Kayode watched in disbelief as Basketmouth began telling jokes—terrible jokes. The dragons stopped mid-attack, tilting their heads in confusion.
"Why did the chicken cross the road?" Basketmouth shouted.
The dragons growled, unsure how to respond.
"To tell the dragons to calm down!" Basketmouth yelled, bursting into laughter.
The dragons roared, seemingly offended, but their movements slowed as the Chaos Laughter ability took effect.
"Kayode!" the system shouted. "Now's your chance! Grab the egg!"
Kayode hesitated. "Are you insane? There are thousands of dragons here!"
"Do you want the egg or not? Move!"
With no other choice, Kayode dashed toward the golden egg, scooping it up into his arms. The moment he touched it, a surge of energy flowed through him.
"Basketmouth! Do something!" he yelled.
Basketmouth grinned, raising his hands dramatically. "And now, for the grand finale!"
The comedian snapped his fingers, and a burst of light erupted around them. Kayode felt the familiar warmth of the palm wine kick in again, and the world spun.
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When the light faded, Kayode found himself back in the forest, lying on the ground with the golden egg clutched tightly in his arms.
He sat up, breathing heavily. "I can't believe I survived that."
The system snickered. "Survived? You thrived! Look at you—back safe and sound with a legendary dragon egg. Not bad, Kayode. Not bad at all."
Kayode glared at the air. "Don't ever give me that palm wine again."
"Oh, please. You loved it."
Kayode shook his head, looking down at the egg. It pulsed with energy, radiating warmth. Whatever this egg was, it clearly held immense power.
"I hope this was worth it," he muttered.
The system chuckled. "Trust me, Kayode. This is just the beginning. Things are about to get even crazier."
Kayode sighed. "Of course they are."