“Yes, especially that young man wielding the Sword of Radiance, he’s practically the embodiment of light.” An old merchant next to him chimed in, his eyes full of anticipation for the future. “I remember he once said that as long as hearts are united, nothing is impossible. Those words make even this old man’s blood boil.”
“That’s right,” a lively girl joined the conversation, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “I’ve heard that even the kingdom’s proudest knightly order is willing to pledge allegiance to him. How wonderful it would be if I could be one of them!”
At this moment, a taciturn swordsman in the corner slowly spoke, his voice low but containing an undeniable power: "Don't forget, they are facing not only the defeated evil lord, but also the chaos and monsters it left behind. The real challenge has only just begun."
"Challenge? Hmph, with that Radiant Sword, what can't we overcome?" A burly hunter scoffed, but then realized the arrogance in his words and scratched his head sheepishly. "Of course, I'm not underestimating those difficulties, it's just... my faith in the light makes it impossible for me not to believe."
"Faith is the source of strength, but wisdom and strategy are equally important." The middle-aged man who looked like a scholar, who had asked the question earlier, spoke again. He pushed up his glasses and looked solemn. "I am very curious about how that young man will guide those souls tainted by darkness. This is not just a contest of force, but a battle of the mind."
The discussion among the crowd grew increasingly heated, with everyone expressing their expectations for the boy and his companions in their own way, while also subtly reflecting on whether they could play an active role in the future turmoil.
Suddenly, the tavern door was pushed open, and a gust of cold wind rushed in, interrupting the conversation. A weary traveler strode in, glanced around, and hurried to the bar. He lowered his voice and said to the owner, "Did you know? There's news that something unusual has happened in the frozen mountains of the north. It seems that some ancient power is awakening."
Upon hearing this, the tavern fell silent instantly, and all eyes turned to the traveler.
“Ancient power? Could it be…” The old merchant only said half of his sentence, but everyone had the same answer in their hearts.
"Whatever it is, I believe that the boy and his brave companions will find a solution," the girl said firmly. Her voice was soft, but it was like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating ripples that brought expressions of determination and expectation to everyone present.
"Yes, they are our hope. May they continue to guide us through the clash between darkness and light." The old swordsman raised his glass, and everyone echoed his sentiment. The tavern was once again filled with a lively atmosphere, but this time, it was more of a profound sense of mission and a yearning for the unknown.
"But where are they now? Are they fighting for a brighter future in some unknown place?" the traveler murmured to himself, his gaze seemingly fixed on the distant, blurry horizon through the tavern window.
“Perhaps,” the young traveler continued, standing up and looking towards the doorway, his eyes sparkling with the anticipation of embarking on a journey. “But I believe that wherever they are, there will always be people following in their footsteps, spreading the flame of light.”
Inside the tavern, the conversation shifted once again to speculation and anticipation about the future of the young group. Meanwhile, in the distant sky, behind a dark cloud, a faint yet resilient ray of light seemed to pierce through, illuminating the path ahead.
"Move toward the light." This phrase became a shared oath deep in everyone's hearts, whether for that legendary boy or for every ordinary person who harbors dreams and yearns to fight.
As night fell, the lights in the tavern gradually went out, but in everyone's heart, the light woven from hope never faded. And that unfinished conversation was the best testament to that:
"What will they encounter next? A more powerful enemy, or an unexpected ally? But whatever the case—"
"As long as they are together, there are endless possibilities."
A ragged old man trudged into the tavern, his appearance like a sudden gust of wind, shattering the ease on everyone's faces. The old man glanced around, his seemingly cloudy eyes, yet gleaming with a profound understanding of the world, finally settling on the young traveler. "Child," he said, his voice aged and deep, as if echoing from ancient times, "I admire your ambition, but this path is a hundred times more difficult than you imagine."
The traveler smiled slightly, showing no sign of backing down. "Whether it's difficult or not, you'll only know after you try. Besides, isn't there a saying that goes, 'The more treacherous the road ahead, the more magnificent the scenery that accompanies it'?"
"Haha, what a courageous young man!" The old man's laughter carried a hint of satisfaction. He pulled a yellowed book from his sleeve and gently placed it on the table. "Since you are determined to follow the light, this book may be of some help to you. It contains some knowledge about ancient artifacts and lost magic, which may come in handy when fighting against the darkness."
The traveler turned the pages in astonishment, his eyes widening with surprise and delight with each page he turned. "This...this is...so precious! How can I possibly thank you?"
"No need for thanks, I only hope you remember that true strength comes from inner light and perseverance." The old man patted the traveler on the shoulder and turned to leave.
"Please wait a moment, senior," the traveler suddenly called out to the old man. "Excuse me, do you know where that young man is now? Or do you have any clues?"
The old man stopped, his back to the crowd, and spoke with a hint of mystery: "Everything in the world is interconnected. The way to find the answer is not outside, but within your own heart. When you are ready, the path will naturally appear. Now, go, young traveler, for time is especially precious to you."
The old man's words were like a riddle, yet they ignited the curiosity and desire to explore in everyone present. The young girl suddenly stood up, her eyes sparkling: "I've decided! I'm going to embark on a journey to witness those miracles firsthand, even if it's just from behind, cheering them on!"
"I'll go too!" the burly hunter and the old merchant exclaimed in unison, followed by the others, one after another, and the entire tavern seemed to be ignited by this passion for adventure.
At that very moment, a shooting star streaked across the night sky outside the tavern, leaving a brilliant trail, as if it were an affirmation and blessing of everyone's decision.
"Then let us make a pact: no matter when or where, we must keep the light in our hearts and strive tirelessly for that bright future." The young traveler's words were firm and powerful. He looked at everyone with an unwavering conviction in his eyes.
"Forward to the light!" the crowd echoed in unison. It was not just a slogan, but the most sincere call from the depths of their hearts.
Outside the tavern, the night remained dark, but everyone felt that the road ahead was clearer than ever before. Even though the unknown and dangers coexisted, they knew that as long as they held onto the light, there was no difficulty they could not overcome.
Just as the tavern lights began to dim and people prepared to embark on their respective journeys, the mysterious old man had quietly departed, leaving only a single sentence echoing in the air: "Remember, true light often arises from the deepest darkness..."
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