As West issued his challenge, an almost palpable tension filled the air. The surrounding soldiers held their breath, awaiting what might happen next.
A young soldier whispered to the person next to him, "Who exactly is this guardian? Will he help us or join forces with the enemy?"
The other shook his head, "I don't know, but no matter what, we must trust our partners."
Sophia's determined gaze fell upon the Guardian. "Whatever trials you bring, we are prepared. Please tell us, how do we proceed?"
The Guardian nodded, as if affirming her resolve. "Very good." His deep voice echoed across the battlefield. "What lies before you is not only a competition of strength, but also a contest of hearts and minds. The power of the 'Heart of Darkness' is not something anyone can easily master; only those who pass the trials of the heart are worthy of its glory."
Just then, a strong gust of wind stirred up the dust on the ground. Everyone looked up in unison and saw another new force quietly approaching in the distance—another expedition team that had come from afar. They wore different styles of armor, and their eyes were filled with greed and desire.
"Hmph, I didn't expect there to be competitors... But it doesn't matter, we're going to take that treasure with us no matter what!" The male leader of the opposing team said arrogantly, waving to his subordinates, seemingly eager to start the competition.
Hearing this, Aiden frowned slightly but then smiled. "It seems things are more complicated than we thought," he said to his companions, "but that doesn't mean we'll change our minds. Let's let our strength speak for itself!"
Nova nodded in agreement. "That's right, and I think the real trial has only just begun..."
At the same time, the shadows that had surrounded the "Heart of Darkness" gradually weakened until they completely disappeared. In their place, a barrier of light slowly formed, completely isolating the artifact.
"It seems the only way to prove I deserve this power is through a direct confrontation," Lightol said after observing the situation.
At this moment, Jerry gently took Lala's small hand to comfort her, and a faint glimmer of confidence flashed in the little girl's eyes. "Brother... I want to fight alongside everyone too! Although I can't do anything big right now, at least I can let everyone know that I'm someone they can rely on..."
Just as the two factions were about to clash head-on, the armored guardian suddenly raised his greatsword, drawing a golden arc in the air. "Listen up, everyone!" His voice was loud and authoritative, clear to every warrior present. "This place is no ordinary battlefield. Only those who uphold justice and dare to face their own weaknesses will earn my approval. Those who attempt to gain personal advantage through evil means will ultimately suffer nothing!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the entire atmosphere instantly became solemn. The antagonism between the two sides temporarily eased. Everyone understood that this special war was not just about the superiority of force, but more importantly, whether the spirit of unwavering pursuit of truth and justice in each person's heart was resilient and tenacious enough!
Just as silence fell over the room, a young man from the opposing team suddenly stood up. He looked at his captain and muttered a few words to himself, then turned to everyone and said, "Perhaps... we should put aside our prejudices and try to find the truly right solution?"
This sentence stirred up ripples like a pebble thrown into a lake... Everyone fell into deep thought, wondering what would happen next.
"You're right, young man, but the real test isn't over yet." Sophia looked at him thoughtfully, her tone carrying a hint of admiration, but also a warning. "In that case, let's face the challenge together and see who has the last laugh!"
An unprecedented contest is about to begin...
After Sofia finished speaking, the tension on the scene seemed to reach its peak. Members of both expedition teams gripped their weapons tightly, their eyes filled with vigilance and wariness. An indescribable sense of oppression permeated the air.
"Wait! Hold on a minute." A young man who looked inexperienced stepped forward from the opposing team, a hint of hesitation on his face. "Captain... are we really going to do this? Is it worth so many people sacrificing their lives for a legendary artifact?"
Hearing this, the captain, who had been full of confidence, turned somewhat ugly. He glanced at the young man and said in an icy voice, "Do you know what you're saying? The value of the Heart of Darkness is beyond your comprehension."
At this moment, almost everyone present could feel the chill in the air.
Aiden lightly patted his waist, where a finely crafted dagger was tucked, and a sly glint flashed in his eyes: "Hey, the guy over there is right. Since everyone wants that thing, why don't we have a proper contest? But it won't be as simple as just fighting and killing—" Aiden paused, deliberately whetting everyone's appetite.
Sofia smiled slightly and added, "Yes, for example, a battle of wits. Whoever can solve the riddles set by the guardians will be the ultimate winner. How about it?" Her suggestion won the approving glances of the surrounding soldiers.
Just then, the guardian reappeared before them, arms crossed, a enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "It seems you've made your decision. Very well, I will give you three chances to be tested. The first will be a test of your intelligence and teamwork. Are you ready?"
The young soldier in the opposing team visibly relaxed, turned to his teammates, and shouted, "Guys, I have a feeling we should trust them this time!" He then nodded in a friendly manner toward Aiden and Sofia.
However, not everyone shared the young man's optimism. In the crowd, a burly man in armor sneered, "Stop pretending to be clever. Who knows if they've deliberately set a trap?"
Another companion countered, "Didn't you see? That guardian just clearly stated his position. This is a golden opportunity! Instead of wasting time arguing, why not try a new plan?"
The sounds of arguing began to rise and fall, and just as the situation was getting out of control, the Guardian suddenly raised his arm, signaling everyone to be quiet. "Enough." Those two simple words seemed to possess some kind of magic, instantly silencing the entire area.
"I have already announced the rules. Now, please each side select three representatives to participate in the first challenge. But please note that each challenge will consume a lot of physical and mental energy, so I hope you will make the wisest choice." The guardian's tone resounded throughout the surroundings without any room for argument.
Sofia immediately looked at her friends Jerry and Nova beside her, conveying her intention with her eyes; at the same time, the opposing team began to discuss who should be sent out. After a brief exchange, both sides finally finalized their respective lists of participants.
Just as the four warriors were preparing to step onto the battlefield, a small figure quietly squeezed into the crowd and tugged at Sophia's sleeve. "Sister... I want to fight alongside you too." The childish voice was weak but exceptionally firm.
Looking at Lala, this courageous and persistent girl, not only moved everyone present, but also filled the upcoming competition with even more unknowns...
At that moment, the young man from the opposing team who had offered the suggestion stepped forward and waved goodbye to everyone, saying, "Take care, everyone! No matter the outcome, please remember that friendship and respect are always the most important!"
Following this, under the guidance of the Guardians, all the participants began their unique competition... and the story continues to unfold as to which side will ultimately gain the approval of the Dark Heart...
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