As night fell, Alex and his companions continued their journey under the moonlight. The occasional cries of wild animals along the way added an element of adventure to their journey. They decided to take turns keeping watch to ensure their safety.

"Eileen, do you think that court astrologer Merlin is reliable?" When it was Leia's turn to keep watch, she gently woke Eileen beside her and asked in a low voice.

Eileen rubbed her eyes, gazing at the blurry mountain silhouettes in the distance: "There's an undeniable power in Merlin's words. But whether it's true or not, we have to find out. After all, the only way to resolve our doubts is to confront them directly."

"Hmm, that's true. What are your thoughts on the matter of those three families?" Leia adjusted her posture, appearing somewhat nervous.

“Every family has its own story and trials. We not only need to use our wisdom to persuade them, but we may also need to prove our worth with our strength.” A resolute look appeared in Eileen’s eyes.

Just as the two were talking, a series of hurried footsteps came from the distant forest, followed by a panting sound. "Help, is anyone there?" a trembling voice pierced the night.

Alex immediately became alert and quickly gathered everyone. They cautiously approached the source of the sound and found a ragged young man curled up on the ground, clearly frightened.

"What happened?" Alex asked, while gesturing for Eileen and Leia to prepare defensive magic.

The young man looked up, his face full of gratitude: "My name is Jack, and I escaped from the north. My village was attacked by a group of unknown creatures. They were fast and strong, and no one in the village could stand against them. I am the only survivor."

"Unidentified creature?" Bart frowned. "This is bad. We need to notify the royal city as soon as possible."

“We’ll help you,” Alex promised without hesitation, “but now you need to rest. We’ll work together tomorrow.”

The following morning, led by Jack, the group headed towards the northern village. When they arrived, the scene before them was horrifying—ruins, smoke and dust everywhere, their former homes reduced to ruins.

“Look, there are footprints over there,” Leia said, pointing to a series of huge tracks. They followed the footprints deeper into the forest and eventually arrived at the entrance to a hidden cave.

"It might be dangerous inside. Is everyone ready?" Alex looked around at everyone and received a firm response.

Inside the cave, they encountered unidentified creatures—a type of mutated beast never seen before. The battle was fierce and brutal, but thanks to their teamwork and individual strengths, they ultimately triumphed and rescued the imprisoned villagers.

Upon returning to the village, the villagers were moved to tears, deeply grateful to Alex and his group. "We thought all hope was lost, but you brought us light," the village chief said, tears streaming down his face.

"This isn't just one person's achievement; it's the result of everyone working together," Alex replied modestly, but a warm feeling welled up inside him. This incident undoubtedly strengthened their team cohesion and made them realize that they were gradually becoming the prophesied force.

Just as they were about to leave and continue their journey to the capital, an old man with white hair stopped them: "I am the wise man of this village. Last night, the stars told me that what you are seeking may be right beneath the altar in our village."

Guided by the old man, they found an ancient key beneath the altar, engraved with intricate patterns that matched the first key Merlin had described.

"Is...is this real?" Leia held up the key in disbelief, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“It seems the gears of fate have begun to turn.” Alex gripped the key tightly and looked at his companions. “We still have two keys to find, and every step could be a test for us.”

"No matter what the future holds, as long as we're together, nothing is insurmountable," Eileen said gently but firmly.

They embarked on a new journey, their hearts filled with both trepidation about the unknown and unwavering commitment to their mission. Amidst the gasps and blessings of passersby, they gradually disappeared into the distance, while discussions of prophecies and ancient secrets spread like the wind to every corner of the world.

"Look, they are not only heroes, but also guardians of prophecy!" At the village entrance, two children watched their backs, their eyes sparkling with dreams.

“I want to be like that too,” one of the children wished.

"Then grow up quickly. Maybe one day, you will also be one of those who change the world." The old man patted the child's head affectionately, his eyes full of expectation.

As the sun set, Alex and his companions, carrying the newly discovered key, wandered through the town, attracting countless stares. Merchants stopped what they were doing, children put down their toys, and even busy housewives couldn't help but peek out, whispering amongst themselves.

“Look, those travelers! I heard they fought off a monster in the northern forest last night and saved a village!” A woman holding a broom whispered to her neighbor with a look of awe.

"Really? They must be amazing!" Upon hearing this, the uncle next door nearly dropped his hammer, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Outside a bustling tavern, several burly men sat together. One of them raised his glass and shouted, "If I had half their courage and strength, my life would be worthwhile!"

"Hey, you're dreaming! He's the chosen one with the mysterious key!" another man joked, drawing laughter from those around him.

Alex and his group rested briefly in the tavern, discussing their next move. They were constantly under scrutiny, but seemed used to the attention, continuing their private conversation.

“We must find the next key. Merlin mentioned a forgotten library that might hold clues.” Leia lowered her voice, her gaze sweeping across the map on the table.

"A library? That sounds like a place for scholars. How are we supposed to find it?" Bart raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat puzzled.

“Don’t forget, Eileen is quite knowledgeable about ancient texts. As long as we can find that place, we, the beacon of knowledge, can handle the rest.” Alex chuckled and patted Eileen on the shoulder. She smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling with confidence.

“Let’s set off now. Time is of the essence, and who knows if other competitors are also on their way to find the key.” Eileen tidied up the map on the table and prepared to leave.

Just as they stood up, an old man in a tattered cloak suddenly appeared at the table and whispered, "Young man, if you are looking for lost knowledge, the answer you seek lies deep in the Misty Forest to the east, but it is a perilous path."

The group exchanged glances, both surprised by the old man's appearance and curious about his words.

"Who are you? Why are you telling us this?" Leia asked warily.

The old man smiled mysteriously: "I am just a passerby. Remember, true wisdom often lies hidden in the most unexpected places. Good luck, warriors."

Having said that, the old man vanished into the crowd as abruptly as he had arrived, leaving Alex and his group looking at each other, their questions deepening.

“Whether it’s true or not, since someone suggested it, let’s go check it out. But we need to be extra careful,” Alex decided.

The next day, they bid farewell to the town and set off towards the legendary, unknown, misty forest to the east. News spread rapidly with their steps, and more and more people began to talk about these brave travelers and the mysterious mission they carried.

"Do you think they'll succeed? Find all the keys and unlock the ancient secrets?" A young couple nestled under a tree, gazing in the direction the travelers had disappeared.

"Who knows? But if anyone can do it, it has to be them. Look at their eyes, so determined, like stars." The boy held the girl's hand tightly, his eyes full of hope for the future.

As the last rays of the setting sun faded, the earth fell silent, and in this tranquility, a new story was quietly beginning to unfold.

“Let’s go. Whatever lies ahead, we’ll face it together.” Alex said firmly, gazing at the darkening sky.

"Until the end of the world." Eileen, Leia, and their other companions echoed in unison, their figures gradually fading into the night, leaving behind endless legends and anticipation.

As the journey draws to a close, a new conversation drifts on the breeze, seemingly foreshadowing the start of the next adventure.

"Do you think they'll find all the keys?" a childish voice rang out under the night sky.

"Who knows? But one thing is certain: as long as they're together, nothing is impossible."