As the words from the mysterious source echoed through the hall, the four explorers' hearts pounded once more. They faced a group of seemingly well-trained and well-equipped opponents, every glance revealing their determination.
An unidentified enemy, A (mockingly): "I didn't expect you to get this far with such a simple mechanism, but the game should end now."
Jack (gripping his weapon tightly, his eyes burning with fire): "We're not planning to leave yet! We'll find out the secrets of this place, no matter the cost."
Meanwhile, the people in the village continued to pray for their safety.
Aunt Zhang (pacing back and forth anxiously): "Are those children really in danger?"
Uncle Li comforted them, "Don't worry, everything will be alright. We must have confidence; these young people won't be easily defeated!"
Inside the underground sanctuary, a confrontation seemed imminent. Raine and Xiaowei exchanged a resolute glance, and quickly assumed defensive stances.
Raine (in a low voice): "Protect the stone tablet. Don't let anyone damage it."
The other side was clearly surprised by this sudden resistance and did not immediately take action, but instead began to sized up these young people who dared to challenge their authority. The tension in the air grew even stronger.
Just as the stalemate was at hand, the stone tablet under the golden light suddenly emitted an even more dazzling glow. The entire space froze for a few seconds, and even the sound of breathing seemed to disappear.
**The mysterious man** (his eyes widened in surprise): "What... what's going on? This stone seems to contain an even more powerful force!"
Suddenly, several soft rays of light floated out from the stone slab, weaving an incredible picture in the air—the figure of an ancient king, majestic and awe-inspiring.
-**Mysterious Voice** (conveying a message through this image): "Welcome to this place, brave heart... I am the memory left behind by the last ruler of this land, but my existence does not mean that everything can be explained as easily as you wish... Only the soul that passes the test can see the truth."
Upon hearing these words, everyone present, including the enemy, involuntarily stopped what they were doing and showed expressions of astonishment.
-Unidentified person C (confused and somewhat frightened): "Wait, you said you're a spirit? Is this some kind of curse or trap?!"
-Unidentified Person B (hurriedly shaking his head): "Impossible... how could such a thing exist..."
However, a different emotional fluctuation emerged among the expedition members—excitement, anticipation, and a touch of indescribable awe mixed together.
Xiao Wei (sighing softly): "It's incredible. Everything here is far beyond my imagination."
Then, the ghostly old king slowly spoke:
- Mysterious voice (calm and collected): "Everyone, what awaits you next are three trials. Those who succeed will not only gain knowledge but also receive unexpected rewards... while those who fail may lose their lives forever."
As soon as he finished speaking, the team members who had been surrounding the crowd looked at each other, and it seemed that some of them were already considering backing out; but for the four main characters, it was a rare opportunity.
Jack (clenching his fists, resolutely declaring): "No matter how difficult the road ahead, we will not give up this expedition!"
Just as this adventure was beginning, in a secluded corner not far away, two characters who had been secretly observing everything reappeared...
**Unidentified Person A** (whispering): "It seems our mission has become more complicated, but since they were able to open this path to the treasure, perhaps they can also bring us something of greater value..."
**Unidentified Person B** (nodding in agreement, adding): "That's right, following these people shouldn't be a mistake. We just need to be more careful from now on."
As the story temporarily concludes, all the suspense still revolves around the unknown trials. Which side will successfully overcome the obstacles and ultimately uncover the secrets hidden behind the Dark Night Star Palace?
As the old king's voice echoed through the air, the entire underground palace fell silent. The four young explorers stared intently at the golden stele, their eyes filled with both anticipation and tension.
**Jack** (firmly to his companions): "No matter how difficult the trials are, we've come this far, we will never give up!"
**Rain** nodded in agreement and quickly checked his equipment. "Ready? Let's face these challenges," he said, giving Xiaowei a look that signaled her to follow.
At this moment, a bystander, who appeared to be a former soldier, stood at the edge observing the situation.
**Warrior Ludwig (surprised and with a hint of reverence):** "These people actually want to challenge the ancient trials... The legendary three trials are not so easy to pass."
Meanwhile, heated discussions also broke out within the group of unidentified individuals.
**Alyssa, one of the enemy members** (whispering uneasily): "This power is too terrifying... I hope we can get out of here before we encounter real danger..."
**Enemy Leader Carlos** (sternly rebukes): "No, now that we're here, we can't back down. If we seize the opportunity, we might be able to get more useful information from them."
Just as the two sides were arguing, a powerful beam of light suddenly shot out from the central stone tablet, illuminating the entire cave. When the light faded, what appeared before them was an unopened iron gate leading into the depths.
The mysterious sound source emitted a deep and solemn voice once again:
"First task: The Eye of Wisdom—You must unravel the secrets hidden within the ancient texts. Only those with strong wills and profound knowledge can successfully open the next door... Are you ready, explorers?"
Everyone who witnessed this scene was shocked, and some even began to discuss the ancient legends about this place.
**Villager Maria** (excitedly explaining to those around her): "It is said that long ago, the rulers here set three arduous tasks in order to find the most suitable successor! And now... these brave young people seem to be about to embark on the same journey..."
Just as the atmosphere reached its climax, a strange little creature suddenly appeared beside the door. It was very cute and lively.
**The mysterious creature Pipi** (bouncing forward, curiously looking everyone over before asking): "Oh, new friends? You'll have to answer my questions before you can come in!"
Everyone, including those from opposing factions, showed great interest and curiosity in this unexpected new character. However, it was clear that what lay ahead was an intellectual test fraught with unknowns...
Jack responded first, "Okay, let's see what this first 'challenge' is all about!" He was also mentally prepared to accept the challenge.
However, just when everything seemed to be going so smoothly, a sinister smile gradually appeared in the eyes of another pair of eyes that had been silently observing the entire process from a distant corner...
**Unknown Force Representative x:** "Interesting... So this is what they call the 'entrance'... Looks like it's time for our show to begin..."
As the story gradually reaches its climax, the secrets and variables hidden behind each turning point remain unknown...
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