Chapter 5: A Forgotten Treasure
A Forgotten Treasure
The name "Kelnor" echoed in Dani's mind, stirring memories buried deep in his subconscious. He sat silently by the dying embers of the fire, his thoughts spiraling back to the novel he once read.
Kelnor.
The "cursed planet," a forsaken place where the desperate sought refuge. But he knew the truth—this barren land wouldn't remain cursed forever.
A Glimpse into the Future
In the novel, Kelnor's fate took a dramatic turn. A group of researchers stumbled upon a hidden cave in the northern mountains, its walls glistening with veins of rare minerals and coal. The discovery turned the planet into a treasure trove of resources, attracting the attention of the major families. Within a decade, Kelnor transformed from a deadly wasteland into a bustling hub of prosperity and safety.
Dani's heart raced as he pieced it together. If he could locate that cave, he could not only secure his survival but also gain immense influence. However, the timeline wasn't clear in his memory. The researchers hadn't been mentioned until much later in the story, after countless lives were lost on Kelnor's unforgiving terrain.
He glanced at the sleeping fox by his side, its steady breathing a comforting rhythm. "It's too early to act," he thought. "But knowing this changes everything."
Journey into the Mountains
The group packed up at first light, the fire reduced to ash and their makeshift camp dismantled. Dani stayed quiet as they prepared to move, lost in thought about Kelnor's hidden potential.
"Ready?" Arya asked, tightening the strap on her blade.
Dani nodded. "Yeah."
As they began their trek into the mountains, Dani noticed the fox stir. Its golden eyes blinked open, focusing on him with an intensity that sent a chill down his spine.
"Guess it's time for you to go," Theo muttered, glancing at the fox.
But to everyone's surprise, the fox stood and began following the group. More specifically, it followed Dani, keeping close to his heels.
"Is it… coming with us?" Jace asked, incredulous.
"It looks like it," Arya said, her brow furrowed in confusion.
Dani felt a mix of surprise and unease. "Why me?" he thought, glancing back at the creature. The fox met his gaze with a calm, almost knowing look, as if it had made up its mind.
"You've got a new friend," Arya teased, though her tone was guarded.
Dani forced a smile. "Looks like it."
An Unlikely Companion
The group trudged through the rocky terrain, the fox keeping pace with Dani. It moved silently, its nine tails swaying gracefully behind it. Despite its size and power, it didn't seem threatening.
Arya eventually broke the silence. "It's strange. Foxes like this don't usually form attachments, especially not to humans."
"Maybe it's grateful," Jace suggested.
"Or maybe it's waiting for the right moment to eat us," Theo muttered.
Dani couldn't help but smirk at Theo's paranoia, but deep down, he wondered if there was more to the fox's behavior. It wasn't just following—it was watching him, as if it understood more than it let on.
A Plan in the Making
As the day wore on, Dani's thoughts returned to the cave. He needed to find it before anyone else, but he couldn't let the others suspect his knowledge. For now, he decided to stay quiet and focus on earning their trust.
The fox trotted beside him, its presence a constant reminder of the choices he'd made so far. Dani glanced at it again, feeling that same strange connection as the night before.
"This world might be dangerous," he thought, "but with allies like this, I might just survive."