Chapter 33: The Treachery

The shadows of Kokok's mansion stretched long across the manicured lawns as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an ominous glow over the opulent estate. Inside, the air was thick with tension as Kokok gathered the remaining candidates in a dimly lit room, their faces reflecting a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

Kokok paced back and forth, his mind racing with plans of revenge and power. The room was silent, save for the ticking of an ornate grandfather clock in the corner, its sound a constant reminder of the passage of time. The other candidates—Nicolas, Normilita, and Kudo—watched him with wary eyes, aware of the stakes involved in whatever scheme Kokok was about to propose.

Kokok paused, turning to face them with a determined glint in his eyes. “We have to do something about John. That bastard’s rise to the top is a threat to us all. We can’t let him win the final round,” he declared, his voice laced with venom.

Normilita, the elegant yet calculating chemist, folded her arms across her chest. Her eyes were narrowed in suspicion. “Do we need to do this, Kokok? What if they catch us? The risks are enormous, and you know the consequences if we’re found out.”

Kokok smirked, waving away her concerns. “We’re the ones in danger here. John, Marielle, and Jack are our rivals, and if they win, they’ll have the power to crush us. We can’t let that happen. We need to eliminate the competition, starting with John.”

Kudo, the portly weapons expert, scratched his chin thoughtfully. His brow furrowed as he considered Kokok’s words. “What are the benefits of doing this, Kokok? Are we all going to benefit from this plan, or are you the only one who stands to gain?”

Kokok turned to face him, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. “Of course, we all benefit. With John out of the picture, we have a better chance of taking the lead. You all know how dangerous he is, how easily he manipulates people. If we don’t act now, we’ll be left in the dust.”

Nicolas, the muscular martial artist, leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. His expression was skeptical yet intrigued. “You talk a big game, Kokok, but how do you plan on taking him down? He’s not just any rival; he’s a finalist for a reason.”

Kokok’s smile was predatory, his confidence unwavering. “I’ve got a plan that will take John by surprise. But I need your cooperation. We can work together to set a trap, something he won’t see coming.”
Normilita sighed, exchanging a glance with Kudo and Nicolas. “It’s a dangerous game you’re playing, Kokok. One wrong move, and we’re all finished. Do you really think this is worth the risk?”

Kokok’s expression hardened, frustration evident in his eyes. “We can’t afford to be cautious. We’ve come too far to back down now. This is our chance to seize control, to ensure our place in the Innovation family’s future.”

Nicolas spoke up, his tone measured but firm. “We understand the stakes, Kokok. But we also know what’s at risk. Going against John, Marielle, and Jack could mean the end for us and our families. Are you prepared to shoulder that responsibility?”

Kokok’s eyes flared with anger, but he quickly masked it with a composed facade. “I know the risks, and I’m willing to take them. But if you’re too scared to join me, then stay out of my way.”

The room fell silent once more, the candidates exchanging uneasy glances. Kokok’s proposal was tempting, yet fraught with danger. Each of them understood the precarious position they were in, caught between ambition and survival.

Normilita finally spoke, her voice steady. “We appreciate your enthusiasm, Kokok, but we can’t afford to take unnecessary risks. We’ll continue to compete, but we won’t resort to underhanded tactics. The Innovation family demands integrity, and we won’t compromise that.”

Kokok’s expression darkened, frustration boiling beneath the surface. “You’re all cowards,” he spat, his voice laced with contempt. “Fine, if you won’t help me, I’ll do it myself. But don’t come crying to me when John and his allies crush you under their heels.”

With that, Kokok stormed out of the room, leaving the others in tense silence. His anger simmered beneath the surface, a tempest waiting to erupt. He couldn’t believe they were so blind, so unwilling to take the necessary steps to secure their future.

Outside, the night air was cool against his flushed skin as he paced the garden, his mind racing with thoughts of vengeance. The shadows seemed to whisper around him, fueling his determination. He would find a way to take down John, even if he had to do it alone.

Back inside, Normilita, Kudo, and Nicolas watched his retreating figure, their expressions a mix of concern and resolve. They understood Kokok’s desperation, but they couldn’t risk everything on a single gamble. They would have to find another way to succeed, to prove themselves worthy of the Innovation family’s legacy.

Kudo sighed, breaking the silence. “We’ve got to be careful, guys. This isn’t just about us. It’s about our families, our future. We can’t let Kokok’s anger drag us down.”

Nicolas nodded; his gaze focused on the door where Kokok had disappeared. “Agreed. We must play smart. John may be our rival, but he’s not invincible. We’ll find a way to level the playing field.”

Normilita stood, her expression determined. “Then we do it our way. We’ll keep our integrity intact, and we’ll outsmart them. This isn’t over, not by a long shot.”

With their decision made, the three candidates left the room, their minds set on the challenges ahead. They knew the path to victory was fraught with danger, but they were determined to navigate it with honor and cunning.

Meanwhile, in his private quarters, Kokok seethed with frustration. His mind raced with plans and strategies, each more dangerous than the last. He couldn’t let John and the others win. Not when he was so close to achieving his dreams.

He picked up his phone, dialing a number with practiced precision. “It’s me,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “I need your help. We have to take John down, and I have a plan.”
On the other end of the line, a voice responded, cold and calculating. “I’m listening.”

Kokok smiled, a ruthless gleam in his eyes. He would stop at nothing to see John’s downfall, even if it meant aligning himself with those who operated in the shadows.
As he laid out his plan, the shadows seemed to close in around him, a harbinger of the storm to come. The battle for supremacy in the Innovation family was far from over, and Kokok was determined to emerge victorious, no matter the cost.

In the depths of the night, as the moon cast its pale glow over the mansion, Kokok vowed that he would not rest until he had claimed his rightful place in the Innovation family. The game was on, and he would do whatever it took to ensure his victory.

In the days that followed, the tension within the Innovation family continued to simmer, the rivalries and alliances shifting like the pieces of a grand chessboard. Each candidate knew that the stakes were higher than ever, and they would have to play their cards carefully if they wanted to succeed.

The path to power was treacherous, but they were determined to navigate it with skill and precision. In the world of the Celestials, only the strongest survived, and they were all prepared to do whatever it took to claim their place at the top.