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Chapter 8: Training, Bugs, and Battles
Back at Toad Tower, Mahishah stood tall in front of a group of toad soldiers.
"Let's move! Frog jumps, sit-ups, push-ups—keep going!" she shouted, watching as they pushed through her intense training drills.
The soldiers were sweating and panting, but none dared to quit. Mahishah smirked, proud of how far they'd come.
"Alright," she said, walking back to Grime. "They're getting stronger."
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Meanwhile, in Wartwood…
Victoria, Nicole, Branch, Polly, and Hop Pop were heading to Stumpy's Diner for a bite.
The group sat at a wooden table with bug-based dishes stacked high.
"Gosh, lil' snapper can't appreciate good food," grumbled Hop Pop as he bit into a bug burger.
Nicole and Victoria stared at their plates in horror.
"My stomach…" Nicole whispered.
"We don't eat bugs," Victoria added firmly.
"But bugs are good!" said Branch, happily chewing on a roasted beetle.
Nicole and Victoria gave him a look that could shatter glass.
"We. Don't. Eat. Bugs."
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Far away, deep in the glowing dungeon…
Aaron and Finley stood side-by-side, facing their final trial—a towering rock golem made of ancient stone and glowing blue runes.
It roared, shaking the whole chamber.
Aaron cracked his knuckles. "Ready?"
Finley nodded. "Let's end this."
To be continued…
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