"This atmosphere...something's not right." Thomas looked around nervously, his voice trembling slightly.
Rex gripped his short sword tightly, watching the overcast sky warily. "Don't let your guard down, everyone. Since it's not over yet, it means the real test is yet to come."
Arya waved her staff, and the surrounding temperature instantly dropped, with wisps of icy mist condensing in the air. "Get ready. No matter what kind of enemy we face, we will surely defeat them."
Just as they finished speaking, a deafening roar suddenly erupted, and a gigantic figure slowly descended from the dark clouds—a creature with wings and four legs, its entire body covered in hard scales. Its gaze was cold and oppressive, as if it could devour all living beings.
Seeing such a horrific scene, the young people watching from the sidelines erupted in uproar:
"Wow! That's so cool!" A little boy jumped up excitedly, saying, "That thing looks really fierce!"
“Oh my god… I’ve never seen a monster like this before, it looks so terrifying…” The girl next to her was pale and her hands were clenched into fists.
Grayson maintained his usual gentle smile, but his eyes became unusually serious. "I believe they can overcome the difficulties before them, just as they have been brave and indomitable in every trial they have faced in the past."
At the same time, Robin took the lead. "Guys, follow my command! Focus your attacks on its weak points!" He immediately fired several arrows at the enemy. However, these projectiles passed right through the enemy's body without causing any damage.
Thomas quickly flipped through the book in his hand, which contained various information. "Wait, I remember now! There's a legendary creature called the Phantom Dragon. They are formed from negative emotions and fear, and can only be defeated by the deepest feelings in one's heart!" he shouted.
Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly understood what was going on.
As Rex charged forward, brandishing his sword, to fight the Phantom Dragon, he shouted, "Then let us use our courage to dispel this darkness!"
Meanwhile, Arya raised her staff and unleashed an even more powerful spell. "No matter when or where, I will steadfastly protect the dream we share!"
At that moment, Robin suddenly remembered the old man's earlier words about the importance of communication, understanding, and mutual trust. "Friends, trust each other, and let our strength come together in harmony!" So he put away his bow and arrows, turned around, and opened his arms to the three of them.
Seeing this, the other three companions immediately put down their weapons and responded, the four heroes huddling together tightly. In an instant, an indescribable warm light surged from their bodies and converged into a dazzling beam that shot into the sky.
The moment the light touched the Phantom Dragon, its massive body shook violently before disintegrating into countless fragments and vanishing into nothingness...
However, this victory does not seem to be the end...
A deep, familiar voice from afar interrupted everyone's joy: "Congratulations on completing the first trial of the battle of minds, but this is only the beginning..."
Everyone turned to look in the direction of the sound—standing there was the mysterious woman who had once guided them.
"The real battle of the mind is about to begin. Be prepared for an even more arduous task."
After speaking, the woman's figure vanished from the spot, leaving only a faint and meaningful echo that reverberated throughout the entire City of Holy Light...
What secrets does the future hold? What awaits these young warriors to uncover? The story continues...
Even after the mysterious woman disappeared, everyone was still immersed in the battle they had just experienced. Robin's eyes gleamed with determination: "Since she said it was the 'first trial,' then there are definitely more difficult challenges waiting for us." He took a deep breath and continued, "Comrades, we must unite and support each other to overcome this difficulty!"
Arya sighed softly in agreement, saying, "That's right, but I'm also very curious about what kind of challenges await us." She gazed at the sky in the distance, which was gradually regaining its clear colors, and fell into deep thought.
Rex was more direct: "We can't back down no matter what!" He then began to carefully check his equipment to make sure it was in perfect working order.
Just as the four were talking, a gasp of surprise suddenly erupted from the crowd:
"My goodness! Is this really happening?" a man in the crowd exclaimed in disbelief. "Those young people actually defeated a dragon bigger than a mountain? That's unbelievable!"
A woman standing nearby nodded in agreement, “Yes, I never imagined I would witness something so exciting… They are true heroes.”
On the other side, not far away, several young children were gathered in a circle, discussing excitedly. "Brother, brother, you saw it too, right? It was so cool when that dragon was smashed!" one of the little boys said excitedly, pulling his brother along.
Grayson listened to the lively discussion, a gentle smile playing on his lips. He silently wished his brave friends all the best on their future journey...
At this moment, a large crowd has gathered in the central area of the City of Holy Light, all waiting for the next challenge to arrive. What actions the four protagonists will take has captured everyone's attention.
Robin glanced back at his three teammates, exchanged a look, and slowly said, "I think we should first go and consult the wise man who guided us for more relevant information. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory."
Thomas immediately flipped through the documents at hand and nodded in agreement, "Good idea. I remember she said she could appear in the library at a certain time to answer questions about spiritual trials."
So the four of them quickly packed their belongings and headed towards the city's main library...
However, when the group arrived at their destination after navigating through the bustling streets and alleys, they were speechless with astonishment at the scene before them...
The once tranquil and solemn hall of knowledge was now in complete disarray—books were scattered everywhere, the walls were covered in scratches, and most disturbingly, the entire place reeked of a nauseating stench, as if some dark force had just passed through…
"What...what exactly is going on?" Rex asked, frowning, gripping his sword hilt, ready to deal with any unexpected situation.
Meanwhile, hidden in a corner, a pair of gloomy eyes stared intently at the intruders, a cruel smile on their face as they muttered to themselves, "Ha, finally they've appeared. I can't wait to see you fail..."
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