“Well said!” A stranger’s voice joined in, and a young painter carrying a large backpack and holding a drawing board squeezed in from the periphery of the crowd. “I want to record this moment, this bridge, these people, this warmth and hope. In the future, wherever I go, this painting will remind me that everyone can add a touch of color to this world in their own way.”
Upon hearing this, everyone cast encouraging and approving glances at the young painter, and a new vitality surged across the land.
“It seems I need to quicken my pace.” The hunting woman adjusted her gear, a new determination gleaming in her eyes. “If the Lightbringer can leave seeds of hope in this vast world, then I too will protect those innocent lives deep in the jungle, keeping them safe from wild beasts.”
“And I,” the scholar-looking young man opened his notebook, his pen lightly touching the paper, as if he had a new research direction, “I want to delve into ancient documents and explore more about the truth of light and darkness. Perhaps one day, my research can provide key clues for the upcoming decisive battle.”
The tavern owner smiled and announced, "Tonight, the tavern is serving free food. Let's celebrate the birth of the new bridge and also remember the heroes who shone brightly in the shadows. Everyone has the opportunity to share their story, or tell us what 'light' looks like in your heart."
As night fell once more, the tavern was brightly lit and more lively than usual. Stories were told one after another, filled with laughter, tears, and an indescribable warmth and strength, taking root and sprouting deep within everyone's heart.
“I never imagined that a casual conversation could trigger such a chain reaction.” The burly man with the bushy beard raised his glass and clinked it with the traveler next to him. “It feels like we’ve become heroes in our own stories, albeit insignificant ones, but at least we’ve lightened the burden on the Lightbringers.”
“Yes,” the traveler replied with a smile, “Light doesn’t always have to be revealed by miracles; it’s more often accumulated in the little things of everyday life. You see, everyone is doing their part to make this world a better place.”
Just as everyone was immersed in the warm atmosphere, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the door. A messenger-like man rushed in, covered in sweat and panting: "Urgent news! The neighboring town has been attacked by an unknown force. We request assistance!"
The tavern fell silent instantly, and everyone looked at the messenger with solemn expressions.
“The Lightbringer and the New Woman are not here now, but we are.” The woman in hunting attire stood up, her gaze resolute. “Everyone, are you ready? This is our time to show our power.”
"I'll go with you!" The burly man with the thick beard slammed his hand on the table and stood up. The other guests followed suit, and a spirit of indomitable will was passed between them.
Looking at this group of brave ordinary people, the traveler was filled with emotion. "It seems that our story is not just the beginning; it is unfolding into an even more magnificent chapter."
"No matter what lies ahead, as long as we have light in our hearts, we have the possibility of overcoming all difficulties." The tavern owner's voice was soft, but it resonated like a hammer striking a drum.
As everyone prepared to depart, the traveler took one last look at the gradually dispersing crowd and murmured to himself, "Lightbringer, new woman, we walk our own paths, but we share one goal—to protect the light and peace of this continent. Until one day, under the stars, we can witness together that final showdown that will decide our fate."
As night deepened, a group of warriors embarked on their journey. Their shadows stretched long in the moonlight, each step filled with hope and courage. Behind them, the bridge that carried the hopes of all silently guarded this land, awaiting more miracles to unfold.
"Wait, I'll go too!" The young painter hurriedly packed up his easel, his eyes shining with unprecedented determination. "Although I cannot fight with a sword, I can use my paintbrush to record your bravery, so that future generations will remember this history and know how a group of ordinary people stood up to fight against the darkness in this era."
Whispers of approval rose from the crowd; everyone was contributing their own way to this unknown journey.
“Look, even painters are getting involved, what are we waiting for?” An old blacksmith put down his wine cup, his weathered face showing determination. “I will forge the strongest weapons for you, even if it’s just my old bones, I will do my part for the light!”
“I have healing herbs here.” A gentle voice joined in. It was a herbalist. Her hands gently caressed the carefully selected herbs, her eyes filled with hope for the future. “No matter how badly you are hurt, remember to come back. I’ll be here waiting for you.”
As more and more passersby responded, the tavern seemed to transform into a rallying stage, with everyone inspired by the sudden sense of mission and the power of unity.
“This is who we are. We don’t need extraordinary power to shine brightly.” The woman in hunting attire smiled at the bearded man beside her. In their eyes, there was both tension for the unknown challenges and unwavering trust in each other.
"Let's go, friends." The scholar-like young man closed his notebook, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "History is always written by the people, and today, let us add a magnificent stroke to this page with our own actions."
In the night breeze, they set off on their journey to the neighboring town, behind them a string of warm lights—the silent support and blessings of the town's residents. Every step they took was accompanied by the exclamations and encouragement of passersby.
"Go, warriors!"
May the light guide your path!
"Take care of yourselves, we're waiting for your triumphant return!"
As they walked, a child ran up to them and handed each of them a small stone with simple patterns carved on it, symbolizing courage and hope: "This is a small token of my appreciation. Carrying these is like carrying the blessings of the whole village."
The traveler took the stone, smiled gently, as if these warm moments had transformed into an indelible strength within him. "We will not let you down."
The group gradually disappeared into the distance, leaving only their vows echoing in the night sky and their increasingly blurred figures. Inside the tavern, the proprietress stood at the door, watching them leave, and softly said, "No matter how bumpy the road ahead may be, may you return with smiles still on your faces."
“Yes, may the light always shine on their path.” An old man, leaning on his cane, walked unsteadily to the proprietress’s side, his cloudy eyes gleaming with an inextinguishable flame of hope. “Young people are always like this, full of passion and fearless. Their stories will become legends, just like the New Bridge.”
"Grandpa, I want to help too!" A childish voice rang out as a little girl tugged at the old man's clothes, her eyes filled with longing for the heroes.
The old man bent down and picked up the little girl, smiling kindly. "You, the most important thing now is to grow up well. You will have your own battles to fight in the future. However, we can support them in another way." As he spoke, the old man took out an old coin from his pocket and placed it in the little girl's hand. "Make a wish with this lucky coin, so that the heroes far away can feel our strength."
The little girl clutched the coin tightly, closed her eyes, made a sincere wish, then ran outside the tavern and tossed the coin into the air. The coin traced a shimmering arc in the moonlight before disappearing into the night.
"Look, even the children aren't lagging behind," the traveler chuckled, turning to the crowd and saying, "Our journey may be difficult and long, but with such a group of people supporting us wholeheartedly, what is there that we can't overcome?"
“Indeed,” the woman in hunting attire nodded, her gaze becoming even more resolute. “Now, let us, with everyone’s blessings and hopes, challenge the darkness. Not just for that neighboring town, but for all hearts that yearn for light.”
The team set off again, and this time, every step seemed to carry more weight, not only because they were on the mission of rescue, but also because they carried the dreams and beliefs of the entire town and even more people.
Along the way, they met a wandering bard who was captivated by their story and immediately decided to join them, recording this legendary journey in song: "Let me weave your heroism with notes, so that this journey may live on in songs and be sung in every corner."
With the addition of the bards, the journey not only gained an artistic touch but also seemed to be protected by a mysterious shield, making each team member's heart stronger.
“Look, aren’t those the Seeds of Light left behind by the Lightbringer?” the scholar said, pointing to a small grove of trees ahead, teeming with life due to a strange light. As the group approached, they discovered encouraging words faintly appearing among the trees, seemingly guidance and strength left by the Lightbringer for those who came after.
“Even the Lightbringer is cheering us on,” the burly man with the thick beard murmured, tears welling in his eyes. “We absolutely cannot lose.”
In the darkness, the group, filled with anticipation and blessings, traversed mountains and crossed rivers, finally arriving at the neighboring town shrouded in shadow. The scene before them was terrifying, but no one flinched, for behind them were countless expectant eyes.
"Are you ready, my friends?" The woman in hunting attire gripped her weapon, surveying her surroundings. Her voice, though soft, was as inspiring as thunder.
"Be ready at any time!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices coalescing into an irresistible force that shattered the silence of the night.
The battle is about to begin, but at this moment, everyone believes that no matter the outcome, they have already written a glorious chapter for the world's light in their own way.
"Then let us create a story worth singing together." The traveler said softly, and with the first rays of dawn, took the decisive step, heading towards the unknown but hopeful battlefield.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com