Faiss+&+Aidan

 The time has come for me to make a choice that would ultimately tip the balance of this unceasing war. My people have been beleaguered and devastated ever since this war started generations ago, and those leaders before me had to endure the temptation to use a weapon, so awesome that the mere talk of it ended wars. Crafted by the first ancient weapon smiths on the orders of the Ancient Emperor and unleashed by him during those ancient wars. Now this weapon has entered my hands and it is reluctantly my responsibility to use all the resources I have to end this war. Obviously, my enemies had no idea, not a single inkling of the existence of this weapon. The weapon itself had helped my people in times of need, fueled our need for gold during those ancient days. It was like no other, its unique destruction not only striking the hearts of the enemy, but enriching us in the process. It is said that the weapon was taken by King Midas, the self proclaimed god-king who had the divine gift of gilded touch imbued within himself. Grotesque yet so beautiful in its own way, only ambrosia could compete. The Hand of Midas, it was called.
 * __The Doomsday Engine__**

The Hand of Midas, one of the few surviving ancient doomsday engines each more deadly and strange than the other. It saddens me to realise that I would ever use this weapon in desperation, knowing the full capabilities and consequences of it being unleashed on an unsuspecting enemy. King Midas himself viewed it with suspicion upon receiving the infamous weapon by the Emperor. Given to him as a token of appreciation for his military endeavours on behalf of the Emperor, he was not able to fully comprehend the weapon's corrupting force despite having seen it in action once. The weapon itself was only used rarely and over a period of centuries maybe even millennia, the weapon was kept hidden and stored by the descendants of King Midas. Stored and kept safe, the weapon waited for its chance to once again wreak its corruption on the world. I fear that time is now as I peered through the window to watch the ensuing chaos of warfare desecrating our once beautiful city. Besieged and demoralised, I have no other choice.

The ancient locking mechanism creaked, moaning as I pulled the safe's hatch open. I reached in to obtain the tangible conundrum. The single gauntlet was safely perched on a pedestal, its appearance instantly planting doubt within me. Yet, as I touched it, my finger hardened, slowly turning into gold. The pain was excruciating. I pulled away, realising my finger to its biological self. Grabbing a piece of paper, I scraped the coiled wire up. This was my last chance to go back on my decision. After this, my people would be able to return to a state of normality.

After hearing the news of the enemy's successful breach into our walls from my trusted advisors, I hurriedly considered my chances of victory and survival. Forsaking my beliefs and principles, I chose the immeasurable power of the weapon over certain defeat and slavery. I cautiously equipped the Hand of Midas, avoiding the danger of being turned in to gold. I hastily returned to the battlefield and immediately asked for my commander's presence. Fully armed and armoured, I made the command to my armies to charge the enemy despite the insurmountable odds. The hour of reckoning was nigh.

Thinking about the fastest way to infect the approaching army, I made my way hurriedly to the northern turret of my manor. I knew a large reserve of water was kept here until times of need, and an idea sprung to mind. Beckoning my guards to help me, we pushed the reserve over, causing a sudden rain over the battlefield. Quickly, I struck the water with the Hand of Midas. I watched as the most common necessity on Earth turned to gold, descending upon the enemy. The golden shower reached the first of the soldiers at my manor's gate, who were now staring up in awe at their impending death.

The army leader stared up in shock with wide eyes. The fear was a downright give away. After a couple seconds, he ordered his army to run away and save themselves although deep down every single one of them knew that their deaths were inevitable. The next thing the Emperor saw was a sea of red soldiers all fleeing from the walls of the castle. Apart from the shrill cries of soldiers, a still silence filled the air in this short historical timeless moment when the odds of a great battle turned with a touch of the hand. Unforgiving pellets of gold hurtled into oblivion spilling blood and soul, and much like World War II, many died helplessly at the hands of a merciless enemy to bring an end.


 * __ Comments __**

Adibah: From the title of this essay, I could tell that this would be an interesting one. Each paragraph is linked to the other, resulting a pristine collaboration. The conclusion to this story is cool although I wish there was a little bit more suspense in the last paragraph. This essay uses a high standard of vocabulary which is good for the reader as it increases theirs too. I am no fan of stories about war but this essay manages to catch my eye! Good job guys! I’d be delighted to read more.

Mr. Suresh: Thank you, Adibah, for the constructive comments. I agree with most of what you wrote. Thank you to Faiss and Aidan for this wonderful collaborative essay. I appreciate the fact that both of you put much effort into this.

Jung Hwan: I was really amazed to see such a high quality essay. The plot was really interesting and well described too. I can see a vast range of vocabulary being used in the essay, which helped to drive the readers into the story. I wished to see the ending part to be described in more detail, since it's the climax of the story, however you satisfied my wish by editing it this morning. I really enjoyed reading the essay from both of you. It was a really well written, but there's one thing I'd like to say. It seemed that the story was setted in ancient time, but I could see World War II was being used as simile, this seemed a little bit strange since World War II is rather a modern event to be involved in this essay. It would be better if World Was II is replaced by other grand war at the ancient time.