"So, where should we begin our search for the Key of Light?" The blacksmith rubbed his hands together, eager to get started.
The Mistwalker lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then pointed to an inconspicuous mark on the map: "This is the ancient ruins of Sarno, said to be the dwelling place of the ancient Guardians of Light. If the key really exists, then it is most likely hidden there."
“The ruins of Sarno... that place is not to be trifled with, it’s said to be full of traps and mechanisms.” An old hunter with a weathered face said with a frown, his experience seemed to give him some knowledge of the place.
“That’s right, but that’s why it hasn’t been found yet,” the Mist Walker replied, his tone revealing an undeniable firmness. “What we need to do is be more cautious and braver than our predecessors.”
The news spread quickly throughout the town, and even the usually reclusive hermit offered to provide some ancient clues. Suddenly, the tavern became the headquarters for planning the expedition, brightly lit every night, filled with lively discussions.
"I have some herbs here that might help you ward off the cold and fatigue on your journey," the town's pharmacist hurried over, carrying a small medicine box.
“And me. Although I don’t know martial arts, I do know some classical Chinese, which may be helpful in deciphering the inscriptions in the ruins.” A young man wearing glasses stepped forward shyly, clutching a scroll of ancient parchment tightly in his hands.
“Look, everyone’s so enthusiastic, I have to do my part too. I’ll be in charge of forging some special equipment, which will definitely give Hope and the others a better chance of winning when facing danger.” The blacksmith brandished his hammer, his eyes gleaming with unwavering passion.
“Wait, we haven’t decided who will go and who will stay!” The tavern owner suddenly interjected, looking around with worry on her face. “This trip to the ruins of Sarno is undoubtedly a life-or-death situation, and we can’t let everyone take the risk.”
“Yes, we must select the most suitable team.” The librarian nodded in agreement and then suggested, “How about we conduct a small test to select the explorers who best meet the criteria?”
The proposal was unanimously approved. The following day, a selection competition testing intelligence, physical ability, and courage was held in the town square, with men, women, and children participating. The crowd cheered them on, creating an unprecedentedly high atmosphere.
After a fierce competition, a five-person team emerged victorious, consisting of an experienced old hunter, a shrewd young thief, a knowledgeable librarian, a skillful blacksmith, and a mysterious Mist Walker.
On the morning of their departure, the town's residents spontaneously organized a send-off ceremony. Sunlight pierced through the thin mist, illuminating their resolute faces.
"Be careful, and bring us back with our hopes." The old village chief's voice trembled slightly, but his eyes were unusually firm.
"Don't worry, we will definitely bring back the Key of Light and unravel all the mysteries!" The young thief was full of confidence, and his smile infected everyone present.
Just as they were preparing to embark on their journey, the old woman who had once doubted everything quietly squeezed through the crowd and handed the Mist Walker a small package. "This is some dry food I made. Take it with you and don't go hungry on the road."
The Mistwalker accepted it and thanked him softly. At that moment, he seemed to see more intangible support and trust, which was warmer than any physical equipment.
"Alright, let's go." The Mistwalker turned and led the team onto the unknown road leading to the ruins of Sarno. Behind them, the townspeople waved their arms and gazed at them with reluctance, shouting their final blessings: "Have a safe journey!"
As the team disappeared into the distance, a child tugged at his father's sleeve: "Dad, will they find the Key of Light and save the world?"
The father gazed into the distance, a gentle smile playing on his lips: "Yes, because they are not fighting alone. They have us, they have love, they have faith—that is their most powerful weapon."
The town returned to tranquility, but in everyone's heart, a seed called "hope" had been planted, waiting for the light that would pierce through the darkness and illuminate the future.
Sunlight danced through the trees as the five-person team traversed the lush forest, each step taken with utmost care. The birdsong and the sound of the wind mingled into a natural symphony, yet it did little to alleviate the tense atmosphere that permeated the air.
"Hey, I heard you're going to find that Key of Light?" A sudden voice broke the silence, and everyone stopped. A young man dressed as a traveler was leaning against a tree trunk, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
The Mistwalker stepped forward and calmly replied, "Yes, is there a problem?"
The young man chuckled: "No problem, but I'm also going to the Sarno Ruins. How about we travel together? I'm quite familiar with the route there."
The old hunter frowned, scrutinizing the uninvited guest: "What, you're here for the key too?"
"Oh, no, no, I'm searching for my lost family treasure. But since we have similar goals, it's always good to have someone to look out for me along the way." The young man spread his hands, his attitude appearing very sincere.
After some consideration, the team decided to accept this travel companion who called himself Jack. Throughout the journey, Jack's humor and extensive knowledge certainly added some enjoyment to this arduous trip.
"Look over there, the ruins of Sarno are right in front of us!" The young thief pointed to the ancient stone wall that was faintly visible in the distance, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Amidst the ruins, rubble lay scattered and vines climbed, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura. The group cautiously traversed the crumbling walls, the special equipment crafted by the blacksmith proving invaluable in making their steps more steady.
"Watch out, something's not right with the ground here," the librarian whispered, her sharp eyes spotting a tiny trap mechanism.
Just as everyone was concentrating on avoiding the traps, a melodious song suddenly drifted into their ears, drawing them involuntarily to the source of the sound. Passing through a hidden door, they unexpectedly discovered a huge underground palace. On the central platform, a woman in gorgeous clothes was gently playing a harp, the music as soothing as a spring.
"Welcome to the Heart of Sarno, travelers." The woman slowly rose, her gaze gentle yet profound. "What you seek may be right here."
"Who are you...?" The Mist Walker took a step forward, his heart filled with vigilance and curiosity.
The woman smiled, and instead of answering, asked, "During this long journey, have you found something more important than the so-called Key of Light?"
"Something more important?" The thief frowned in thought, then suddenly his eyes lit up. "It's partners, it's trust, it's mutual support and understanding."
“That’s right.” The woman nodded, gently waving her harp. A beam of light spilled from the strings, gradually gathering into a key that shone with a soft glow. “The Key of Light is not only a symbol of power, but also proof of the unity of hearts. Only when hearts are connected can true miracles happen.”
The team members exchanged glances, a warm feeling they had never experienced before welling up inside them. The moment they received the keys, a warm and powerful force surged within them, as if the whole world was trembling.
"Now, take it and go to fulfill your mission." The woman's words echoed in the empty hall.
Back in town, they were greeted not with doubt and confusion, but with overflowing admiration and jubilation. The blacksmith raised his glass and shouted, "To friendship, to faith, cheers!"
As night fell, the tavern remained bustling with activity. The old village chief walked to the Mist Walker's side and asked in a low voice, "What are you planning to do next?"
The Mist Walker gazed at the starry sky outside the window, his eyes filled with determination: "There are still many unknowns in this world waiting to be explored. As long as we work together, nothing is impossible."
“Yes,” the librarian chuckled, turning the pages of the book in his hands, “the rest of the story will be written by us together.”
"So, a new adventure is about to begin?" The young thief was eager to try, his eyes gleaming with a thirst for the unknown.
The Mist Walker nodded, smiling as he left with a profound remark: "Yes, but before that, let us enjoy this moment of peace. For every tomorrow is born from the dreams of today."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com