The boy took a deep breath, feeling a strange power gathering within him, as if this power was ready for the test to come. "No matter how afraid I am, I will not back down. I believe that everyone here has the same courage." After saying this, he turned to look at his companions, receiving firm responses in their eyes.
"Then let's begin!" The voice of the Ghost Warrior Alkmarus rang out again, but this time it seemed to carry a hint of respect. Immediately afterward, the air within the temple suddenly became heavy, as if everyone was tightly enveloped by an invisible pressure. A burst of white light instantly illuminated the entire space, gradually forming several enclosed cubicles, each containing only one team member standing in the center.
----
In Samir's solitary space, the surrounding scenery transformed into a familiar village, the place where he had grown up. But this time, what appeared before him was a heartbreaking memory—years ago, a sudden fire had engulfed most of the village's houses. The cries of agony and pleas for help from within the flames pierced his heart. "No...it can't happen again!" He gritted his teeth and rushed towards the burning houses, trying to rescue the souls of the villagers.
In another room, the blacksmith confronted his deepest shadow—an accident caused by carelessness that nearly injured or even killed an apprentice. This time, the recurring vision was more real and terrifying, almost making him unable to stand. "I will never let anyone get hurt again!" Finally, driven by intense self-reproach, the old man roared, severing the chains of his inner demons with the forged sword in his hand.
Meanwhile, the boy found himself in a dark forest. All around was silent except for the sound of his rapidly beating heart. Suddenly, a group of hideous monsters appeared out of nowhere and rapidly approached him. "Father, Mother… and all those who need my protection, please give me the strength to overcome all these obstacles!" With this thought, an unparalleled confidence surged within him, prompting him to swing his sword and slash at these nightmarish creatures.
When everyone had overcome their inner challenges and reunited, the entire Temple of Light shone even brighter than before. Alkmarus reappeared before them: "You have proven your worth. Now comes the final and most crucial test."
"Then please tell us directly what we should do." The young man was eager to know the next steps so that everyone could complete the mission safely.
The mysterious traveler's expression was extremely focused. He turned his head and softly chanted some kind of incantation into the void. After a moment, the ground changed again, revealing a path leading deeper underground. "At the end lies an item called 'Crystal of Wisdom,' which can elevate one's spiritual level to its ultimate potential," he continued, "However, this path is full of traps and mechanisms; sufficient strategy is required to pass through successfully..."
Just as the group was about to step into the passage, a huge roar suddenly came from not far away, shaking the entire earth!
"Not good!" Rex's expression changed drastically. "That monster must have tracked us here... We must hurry and find it, and use the Heart of Light to stop it!" With that, he drew his greatsword and led the way into the unknown...
As they disappeared from sight, only the tense atmosphere gradually spread in the air...
Hearing the sound, everyone turned their heads and saw a colossal demonic beast approaching from afar. Its enormous form blotted out the sky, and each breath stirred up a sandstorm. This was a race against time, and everyone felt an unprecedented sense of oppression. Yet, even in such a desperate situation, their morale remained undiminished.
"Stop looking! Hurry up and follow!" the boy shouted, his voice filled with determination and unwavering resolve. "We need to hurry, only then can we have a chance to stop this disaster." Gripping his weapon tightly, he took the lead and leaped into the deep tunnel leading underground.
Right at the entrance, an old farmer stopped his work and stared at the scene in astonishment. “I’ve never seen anything like this before… Those brave young people, they can actually summon light? Are they really chosen by the gods?” Another villager next to him nodded in agreement: “Yes, if even the Temple of Light recognizes them, what reason do we have not to trust them?”
Meanwhile, Samir had just emerged from the trial zone of the Flame of Memory, sweat and tears mingling as they dripped onto the ground, his eyes still burning with passion. The blacksmith, who happened to be walking out of his own area at that moment, saw his young companion and couldn't help but sigh, "You did a great job, young man." He patted Samir on the shoulder in comfort, "We must all fight to the very end for the people important to us."
Rex led the team forward swiftly, his feet seemingly flying. "Be careful, this place might be full of traps!" Suddenly, several sharp spikes rose abruptly from the floor beneath their feet, nearly injuring the last member of the team. Thankfully, the young girl Mary cast a protective barrier in time, blocking the attack. "That was close... thank you," the friend who had narrowly escaped injury said gratefully.
Along the way, many creatures lurking in the darkness were intimidated by the aura emanating from these heroes, silently retreating to deeper depths. Even the air seemed to warm up, infected by their determination. "Hey guys! There's still a bit to go~ Keep going!" A cheerful voice rang out; it was Robin, the thief who was always keeping the party going. Although he was always cracking jokes, he could always provide great encouragement to everyone in crucial moments.
Just as they finally reached their destination—the secret chamber where the 'Crystal of Wisdom' was hidden—the roars of the magical beasts outside grew ever closer. "Now!" Rex deliberately slowed his speech, each word spoken with extreme clarity and force: "Take it, and prepare for the battle to come!"
Inside the sealed chamber, a gem emitting a soft glow floated silently in the air. Just as everyone reached out to touch it…
Suddenly, an even more violent tremor erupted outside the secret chamber! Accompanied by heavy footsteps, the entire space began to shake slightly. Then, a deep, angry voice pierced through from the outside:
"Mortals! How dare you take away the core treasure belonging to the power of darkness! Hand over the wisdom crystal now, or you will face annihilation!!"
The roar from outside the door sent everyone's hearts leaping into their throats. Whether to continue the mission or confront the imminent, immense threat became an unavoidable choice for everyone...
"Everyone, get ready. No matter what happens, we must stand together. This is our shared destiny," the boy said calmly, his eyes shining with unwavering determination.
“Yes…no matter how it ends, at least we fought side by side, didn’t we?” Mary smiled gently, speaking these words with unusual tenderness despite her nervousness.
Outside the door, the deafening footsteps grew ever closer...
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