Chương 40: Chapter 39 - Alpha (I)

Alonso squinted as he focused on the figure far on the horizon. It was unmistakably human—or at least, it looked like one. The figure was also holding a sword, just like him. Another poor soul dragged into this hell, perhaps? The real question was: how should he approach this new variable? His stomach suddenly growled, reminding him of his immediate needs. He could really use some food and water right now. He quickly checked the coconut tree next to him.

There were enough coconuts to serve as a good snack and to wet his mouth. He looked back at the figure in the distance. It didn't seem to be in a rush to meet or attack him.

"What do you think, Houston? Shall we enjoy the standby by drinking some fresh cocos?"

"Unless he comes close enough, there's no reason to rush. Replenishing our energy is more important."

"Wait… did you actually approve of my idea just like that?"

"Just go and eat the coconuts."

"Hahahaha, okay, okay, grumpy one," Alonso gave the figure one last look before walking over to a cluster of dwarf coconut trees. He remembered seeing similar ones somewhere... was it Fiji? Yes. They looked very similar. The coconuts hung low, within easy reach, unlike the towering ones he was used to. He quickly sliced a coconut from the tree, then chopped it in half with his sword before sitting on a dune with a good view of the beach and the sea.

"I must say the setting received a much-needed improvement," he said, taking a quick gulp that emptied all the water in the coconut.

"I was getting tired of the same white rooms. It could really make anyone claustrophobic." As he bit into the coconut's flesh, savoring the sweet taste, he let his gaze drift back to the horizon. The figure was still there, unmoving, as if it too was contemplating its next move. After finishing the first coconut, Alonso reached for another, then grabbed a few more for good measure. As he sliced them open and drank the refreshing water, he noticed the figure in the distance seemed to be doing something similar.

The person had also grabbed something and appeared to be eating as well.

"Huh, looks like they've got the same idea," Alonso muttered, but he didn't dwell on it. After finishing his impromptu snack, Alonso stood up, dusted the sand off his pants, and looked toward the figure again. They were still there, but now they seemed more relaxed, just like him.

"Well, they're not coming to us," Alonso said to himself. He secured his sword at his side and glanced toward the distant figure.

"What do you think, Houston? Friendly or not?"

"Could go either way. Just be ready," Houston's voice echoed in his mind. Alonso nodded, taking a deep breath.

"Alright, let's not keep them waiting." He began walking toward the figure, keeping his pace steady, his senses alert. The closer he got, the more details he could make out. It was definitely a person, dressed similarly to him, with a wary stance that suggested they were just as uncertain about him as he was about them. As Alonso approached, he could see the man more clearly. He was big—tall and broad-shouldered—with an Indian complexion.

Despite his size, there was something about him that suggested he had recently lost a lot of weight. His prominent mustache, coupled with a scruffy beard, gave him a rugged, almost intimidating look. His chest was hairy and upright, the kind of physique that spoke of raw strength. Alonso couldn't help but think that the man looked manly enough to star in an action movie—perhaps a Bollywood action movie, he mused to himself. The thought almost made him smile, but he quickly refocused.

The man was still watching him closely, his grip on his sword firm but not overly aggressive. There was a sense of mutual wariness between them, each sizing the other up, trying to determine whether they were friend or foe.

"Hey," Alonso finally called out, his voice steady but cautious.

"Do you speak English?" The man frowned slightly, then gave a curt nod, still on guard. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. Alonso let out a small breath of relief.

"You stuck here too?" The man frowned again but nodded.

"Looks like it. Were you also teleported into the white room?"

"Yeah," Alonso replied, maintaining a measured distance between them—not too far to seem standoffish, but not too close to appear threatening. Both had their swords in hand, after all.

"Seems we're both caught up in this twisted challenge, mister…"

"Abhijit," the man answered.

"A pleasure to meet you, Abhijit. You can call me Alonso. The circumstances couldn't be more… strange, but here we are," Alonso said with a small smile.

"So, let's get this out of the way. Friend or foe?" Abhijit's frown deepened, and his grip tightened on his sword.

"Hello, Alonso. That's rather direct, but I get it. I'll say this—I'd prefer not to resort to violence unless it's necessary. If it comes down to a fight, then so be it. But I suggest we take a moment to analyze this situation, this new trial, and see what it's about before jumping to conclusions. Do you agree?"

"What are your thoughts on this, Houston?"

"A neutral approach would indeed be the best course of action when faced with an unknown trial. While it might test us against each other, it could also require cooperation to succeed. And another point is… it's too risky to fight now, with no certainty of victory. Even if you win, the cost could be too high, possibly leading to eventual death. So…"

"Yeah, yeah, I got the point." Alonso's smile widened as he looked back at Abhijit.

"Agreed. Fighting now would be foolish indeed. So the next question is: should we work together or go our own separate ways?" Abhijit's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered Alonso's question. He seemed to weigh the options carefully before speaking.

"Given the circumstances, it might be wiser to stick together, at least for now," Abhijit said, his tone cautious but measured.

"Two minds are better than one when it comes to figuring out whatever this trial is. Besides, if cooperation is what's needed, it's better to start that way rather than scrambling to trust each other later." Alonso kept his refreshing smile, staying silent and still. Seconds merged into minutes as Abhijit's expression shifted, confusion turning to apprehension. Suddenly, he took a step back, raising his sword and getting into a fighting stance.

"So you can see it too?" Alonso said calmly, still not moving.

"I agree that cooperation would be the wisest move, Abhijit, but as much as I'd like to trust another person, this situation is far from normal. To make it work, we need to get a measure of what the other is capable of. And given the circumstances, there's a simple way to sort that out." Abhijit slowly lowered his sword, though his eyes remained wary.

"I understand. So, to measure that skill, you want to do what?"

"Oh, relax, no need to fight or anything," Alonso replied with a casual wave of his hand.

"Talking would be enough. Why don't we sit down and talk over some coconuts?" Abhijit raised an eyebrow at the unexpected suggestion but eventually nodded. He sliced a few coconuts from the palm behind him and tossed one to Alonso, who caught it with a nod of appreciation. They walked over to the sand, sitting down at a cautious distance from each other, still alert but with the tension easing just slightly. Alonso sliced open his coconut with his sword and smiled at Abhijit.

He then raised his coconut slightly in a mock toast from across the distance.

"Cheers," he said with a grin, before suddenly taking a large, exaggerated slurp of the coconut water, making a loud, obnoxious noise as he did so. Abhijit blinked in surprise, then couldn't help but chuckle at the ridiculous sound. Alonso grinned wider, wiping his mouth dramatically with the back of his hand.

"Ah, nothing like fresh coconut to wash down the tension, eh?" Abhijit shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Well, now that we broke the ice… damn, now that I say ice, I'm thinking of how good a cold piña colada would be right about now," Alonso said, grinning as he leaned back on his elbows. Abhijit tilted his head slightly, the smile lingering but with a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

"What's a piña colada?" Alonso's grin widened in surprise.

"You've never had a piña colada? It's this amazing drink—coconut, pineapple, and, of course, a good dose of rum. It's like the taste of a beach vacation in a glass." Abhijit's expression remained serious as he processed that.

"I don't drink," he said simply, a touch of shyness creeping into his voice. Alonso raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming on his lips.

"No rum? That's practically sacrilege when it comes to piña coladas! But I get it. We could still make a version without the rum, but I gotta say, the rum really ties it all together." Abhijit nodded thoughtfully.

"I suppose I could try the non-alcoholic version. It sounds… interesting."

"Trust me, it's still pretty good," Alonso said with a wink.

"But if we ever find ourselves in a less crazy situation, I might have to convince you to try the real deal—just once." Abhijit's smile returned, a bit more genuine this time.

"I'll hold you to that. Maybe." Alonso stretched his arms and looked around.

"Alright, piña coladas aside… What can you tell me about your last trial?" Abhijit's smile quickly faded, replaced by a serious expression.