Arya and the others watched the old woman's figure gradually disappear into the mist, unsure how to react. Rex warily surveyed the surroundings, making sure no one else was lurking nearby. "Just who is she?" he whispered to Thomas.
“I don’t know.” Thomas frowned. “But she mentioned the upcoming confrontation, which means she has some knowledge of our situation.”
Samir brandished his longsword and said casually, "Anyway, whoever she is, at least we can be sure of one thing now—we're definitely on the right track."
Robin patted Arya on the shoulder. "Don't worry too much, Arya. We've come this far. As long as we keep going, the truth will eventually come to light."
Arya nodded, her eyes resolute: "You're right. What we need to do now is find the gate to the next trial grounds and open it as soon as possible."
After regaining their composure, the group refocused their attention on the puzzle before them. The ancient document in Thomas's hands contained complex symbols and instructions, and according to those clues, it seemed that only by solving a special mechanism could the enormous door ahead open automatically.
Just as they were figuring out how to activate the device, they suddenly heard a deep, slightly trembling voice from not far away, "Wait, heroes..."
Everyone looked up and saw another group appearing not far away. Leading them was an elderly man who looked weathered but still spry, followed by seven or eight young people who also looked nervous yet expectant. "My name is Grayson, and I'm an elder responsible for guarding this area," the old man introduced himself as he stepped forward. "I heard you encountered something strange? Do you need any help..."
Arya breathed a slight sigh of relief and replied with a smile, "Thank you, Mr. Grayson. Actually, we are facing the problem of how to open that door."
Upon hearing this, one of the boys who had come with them lit up. "Oh, this isn't difficult at all! I remember my grandfather telling me when I was little that there are usually hidden buttons or password input methods in these old buildings!"
Another girl chimed in, "Yeah, yeah! And often this crucial information is hidden very cleverly, sometimes even in the most inconspicuous place!"
Seeing everyone's enthusiasm and positive attitude, Arya felt a warmth in her heart. "Thank you all so much for your kindness. It would be wonderful if we could really find a way to activate it! But please keep a safe distance for safety."
So, with the help of Grayson and the group of young adventure enthusiasts, the four heroes began to carefully examine the entire area again. Sure enough, it wasn't long before Rex discovered a stone with a pattern carved on it that was extremely similar to the document in Thomas's hand. "Hey, look over here!" he shouted excitedly.
The crowd gathered around to take a look and couldn't help but marvel: "So that's how it is! It seems that you just need to touch these three points in the correct order to activate the switch!"
As the last finger pressed down on the final spot, the massive, previously still stone gate began to slowly move until it fully opened, revealing a path fraught with unknown challenges. Arya turned to look at the crowd of supporters and solemnly thanked them: "Thank you again for each and every one of your help! When we return, we will bring even more surprises and miracles."
After watching the four brave figures disappear through the gate, the villagers lingered, reluctant to leave. Especially the young people who had been eager to join them but had been refused, their faces filled with longing. "Wow, I'm so envious of them! How wonderful it would be if I could become one of those amazing people!"
Grayson smiled gently and comforted them, "Children, don't be too anxious. Everyone will have the opportunity to prove their worth. The key is to maintain a heart that dares to pursue dreams and to work tirelessly for them! Who knows what the future holds? Perhaps one day you too will embark on your own legendary journey like heroes!"
Meanwhile, in front of that door that had just been activated and opened...
Arya stopped and looked around at the unfamiliar, shadowy surroundings. "This place seems even more eerie than outside... Everyone, be extra careful."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a cold laugh echoed from the darkness once more. "Welcome to the real test... I hope you won't pass so easily this time."
Four pairs of eyes instantly focused on the corner where the sound had come from. An unprecedented sense of crisis filled the air, and this adventure was far from over...
Samir tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, his voice firm yet wary: "It seems our uninvited 'welcomeor' is eager to show himself. Since he's so enthusiastic, we can't be impolite."
Rex whispered to Thomas, "Ready? This looks more difficult than any we've faced before." His gaze never left the blurry figure in the depths of darkness.
Thomas nodded, clutching the tattered book even tighter to his chest. "I've gone over the relevant information again and again. If it really is hidden in this document, we should be able to find the key to solving the problem."
Arya said softly, "Let's not worry about that. Let's face this unknown together. Everyone stay alert and keep in touch." With that, she took her first step forward, and the other three followed closely behind, cautiously making their way through this unfamiliar land.
Suddenly, a gust of wind, seemingly from nowhere, swept towards them, carrying an icy chill. The surrounding scenery began to turn eerie and unpredictable; the once clearly visible road was instantly shrouded in a thick fog. At the same time, the figures of countless strange creatures appeared and disappeared, their low, angry roars seemingly warning of how unwise the intruders were.
"Watch out, these things don't look friendly!" Robin shouted, gripping the old bow and arrows that had always been by his side, ready to deal with any possible attack.
Just as this crisis loomed large, a group of onlookers not far away—the kind villagers and young people who had helped the four adventurers—also appeared extremely tense. "Are they in trouble?" one of the girls asked worriedly, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and anticipation.
Grayson patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t be afraid, my child. Courage will always overcome difficulties and find a way out. I believe they can overcome their predicament.”
As their exploration deepened, the environment became increasingly treacherous. Just when the four were on the verge of despair, a dazzling light suddenly illuminated the space ahead—Samir had used his exceptional skills to create a simple lighting device. "Hey, see? There's always a way to solve a problem!" he winked triumphantly at his friends.
Guided by the faint light, the group discovered the entrance to a mysterious ruin hidden ahead. Just as they were about to continue, an unexpected voice broke the silence once more—"Hmph, so eager to end it all?" The speaker slowly emerged from the shadows, revealing his true form. He was a man in a long robe, with exceptionally sharp eyes and an aura of intense pressure. "Let me introduce myself. I am one of the last guardians of this continent. Only those who pass the trials I have set, proving themselves worthy of this power, can continue."
Upon hearing this, the villagers immediately began to murmur amongst themselves. Several of the bolder teenagers even started speculating whether this new character was friend or foe, and how he would treat the heroes they supported and respected. "What kind of questions do you think he'll ask? Hopefully, they won't be too difficult!"
At this moment, Arya, who was standing at the forefront facing her challenger, simply took a breath, her gaze resolute: "Whatever awaits us ahead, we will do our best to overcome it. Now, please tell us the rules and how to pass your test."
The gatekeeper smiled slightly. "Very good, this is the attitude I wanted to see." He then turned and waved towards the cave entrance, and several energy portals of different shapes and sizes immediately appeared. "These passages represent various types of ability tests. Each person can only enter one type and successfully complete the corresponding trial to gain final recognition."
Looking at the choices before her and the curious or expectant expressions on her companions' faces, Arya felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders grow heavier, but at the same time, an unprecedented flame of passion ignited within her. "No matter what we choose, the outcome won't change. Let's each embark on our own journeys, and then meet again as victors!" she encouraged, leading everyone towards the door to the challenges of the future…
Just as Arya stepped into the first energy portal, she heard encouraging words from her companions and cheers from the villagers behind her. Then, all the light seemed to be sucked into some unknown realm and vanished completely, leaving her only darkness and the first real challenge to come…
At that very moment, in the small village outside, where people anxiously awaited news, a little boy looked up at the sky and murmured to himself with longing, "I wonder how Sister Arya and the others are doing? I hope they come back safely... I want to be a brave person like them too!" Grayson, on the other side, simply smiled and shook his head: "It's good that young people always have dreams. There's still a long road ahead that you need to walk with your own two feet..."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com