Arya took a deep breath, her gaze fixed firmly on the star map before her. "We can't waste any more time," she said, turning to her three companions. "We must set off immediately."
Rex gripped the Radiant Judgment tightly in his hand. "That's right. No matter how dangerous the trials ahead, we will forge ahead."
“That’s settled then,” Samir said with a soft laugh, her tone brimming with confidence. “With Thomas’s help, I believe we’ll have an easier time.”
Just then, a resident of the town rushed over, his face filled with shock and awe. "Heroes! The entire town felt the surge of power from your ceremony!" he exclaimed excitedly. "People are saying it's a sign that a true hero is about to be born!"
Another young man quickly joined the conversation: "Yes, how wonderful it would be to witness you making history! I really wish I could go with you!"
Robin smiled and shook his head, declining the request, but his eyes were full of gratitude. "Thank you for your support and blessings. But our mission this time is very difficult, and we cannot take anyone with us." He then turned to Thomas and continued, "So where is the information you mentioned? We hope to obtain it as soon as possible and begin preparing for the journey."
“Don’t worry, all the important documents have been prepared and will be handed over to you shortly.” With that, Thomas led the four to his hut to retrieve their belongings. Along the way, they encountered many other villagers who cast envious and even jealous glances their way—
"This is unbelievable! They actually found the legendary artifact!"
"I heard that even the old man who guards the sanctuary has personally admitted that these people are the only hope for saving the world..."
...
After obtaining the thick stack of scrolls, the four heroes left the town immediately without lingering and embarked on a new journey. However, just as they were passing through the last village, an elder suddenly blocked their path.
"Please wait," the other person pleaded. "I am one of the oldest wise men here, and having lived here for decades, I have never seen such a grand spectacle..." He paused, his eyes gleaming with barely concealed curiosity, "Could you tell me why such a bright light has descended from the sky? Is it truly to summon some kind of divine miracle?"
Rex hesitated for a moment, but decided to tell the truth: "Senior, actually it's because we are looking for a way to unlock the true power of 'Radiant Judgment' and have to go to a distant place to complete some special missions for this purpose."
Upon hearing this, the old man nodded repeatedly in admiration: "So that's how it is! So that's what a great undertaking it is! I wish you success in bringing back news of victory, so that we ordinary people can also share in the glory!" With that, he stepped aside and bowed in greeting.
The group politely thanked them, then quickly walked away and disappeared into the vast crowd...
Meanwhile, somewhere hidden, a pair of sinister eyes were constantly watching all these changes—
"Heh, things are going perfectly according to plan... But isn't this even more interesting?" The mysterious figure sneered. "Soon, the real game will begin. Let's see if the so-called Warrior of Light is truly as invincible as the legends say..."
As he finished speaking, the four young people gradually disappeared into the distance until they were completely out of sight. What kind of future awaited them became the most pressing question in everyone's mind at that moment…
Arya led her companions swiftly through the last village. Sunlight filtered through the sparse trees, casting dappled shadows on the forest path. Their hearts were filled with tension and excitement—ahead lay not only unknown dangers but also ancient mysteries yet to be solved.
As the group reached a more open area, a sudden gust of wind blew by, carrying with it a sound. Rex immediately became alert, the Radiant Judgment in his hand emitting a warm glow. "Wait, something feels off." Just then, several people of varying attire, each with an obvious curiosity on their face, emerged from the woods ahead. "Are you the legendary warriors the mayor mentioned?" one of the women, who looked like scholars, asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement and curiosity. "We are historians from a neighboring country. We heard you are about to embark on an extraordinary journey, and we came to see if there is any opportunity to join you."
Arya seemed somewhat surprised by this sudden turn of events, but she quickly regained her composure and politely declined their offer: "It is an honor to have your recognition and support, but this mission is extremely dangerous and complex, and cannot be overcome simply by curiosity or interest..." She tried to persuade these strangers to give up their idea in a tactful way, but unexpectedly, it only aroused their stronger curiosity and desire for adventure.
-
Samir chuckled, "Besides, we're not a tour group that you can just join anytime—you need to be very capable!" He then deliberately made an exaggerated gesture to demonstrate his swordsmanship, drawing gasps of amazement from the onlookers.
-
Just as the situation was starting to get a little out of control, Robin coughed lightly to get everyone's attention: "Thank you all for your warm hospitality and support! But our time is indeed very precious and urgent. Please believe that we will do our best to complete our mission and return safely to share our wonderful experiences with everyone." Then, turning to her companions, "Alright, let's continue on our way! Don't keep everyone waiting~" Only then did everyone reluctantly offer their blessings to the four main characters before gradually dispersing.
However, shortly after leaving the town, they encountered a new challenge—a massive and sturdy gate blocked their path. "Looks like we can't move forward without figuring this out..." Samir glanced back at his companions, only to see Thomas pull an ancient document from his pack and begin studying it. Meanwhile, strange noises in the surrounding environment alerted the other three…
Just as Thomas was intently poring over the scrolls for clues to break the puzzle, he heard soft footsteps nearby. "Who's there?" Rex shouted, rushing towards the sound, only to see a dark figure flash past and disappear without a trace. "Who is that guy?" Arya asked, her brow furrowed. "Who cares who he is, as long as we find the right route!" Robin replied optimistically. At that moment, after some investigation, Thomas excitedly exclaimed, "Found it! According to this ancient manuscript..."
Thomas was interrupted by Samir before he could finish speaking: "Wait! Look at that!" He pointed to a large rock not far ahead, where a figure was lurking and spying on them. The four immediately assumed defensive stances. "Stop! We know you've been following us. If you don't speak up, we'll have to take action," Arya said coldly.
After hesitating for a few seconds, the figure slowly emerged from the shadows. To everyone's surprise, it was an elderly woman dressed in simple clothes, holding a staff that appeared to be from a very old time. "I mean no harm, really!" the old woman hurriedly explained. "I was just... sent to observe you."
"Observe?" Robin looked at her, puzzled.
The old man nodded, his expression filled with helplessness and melancholy. "Indeed. But I am not an enemy. In fact, in this impending contest, I might even become a powerful ally..."
Her last words echoed in the air, leaving the four warriors with endless speculation and questions. As the old woman gradually disappeared into the hazy morning mist in the distance, a grander, more complex, and more enigmatic game had quietly begun...
Her true identity and the secrets behind it become key clues to be revealed in the next chapter.
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