"It seems that the castle is indeed the key, but the way to unblock it will definitely not be that simple." Sebastian frowned, his eyes wandering around the map, "We need more clues."
"I asked about a legend in a nearby village, saying that an ancient wizard sealed himself with the castle in order to protect a treasure." Leia said softly, tapping her fingers lightly on her knees, obviously thinking about this. The connection between legends and their goals.
"The treasures... If it is true that the treasures have attracted the interest of the shadow forces, then we must not let them fall into the hands of evil." Su Mo said with unquestionable determination in his tone, "Tomorrow morning, we will enter the castle to investigate , no matter what, we must solve this matter.”
The light of the bonfire reflected on the faces of the three people, showing a resolute and courageous look. Although the road ahead is unknown, they all hold in their hearts a dedication to light and a deep sense of responsibility for the world.
Just then, a small sound broke the silence, as if something was crawling in the dark. The three of them instantly became vigilant. The air around them seemed to freeze. They heard a low and slightly mechanical voice coming from the darkness:
"Welcome, heroes. Your arrival is the key to unlocking all this..."
Before he finished speaking, a strange creature made of light and shadow slowly stepped into the light of the campfire. Its shape was unpredictable, as if it was the boundary between reality and illusion.
"Who are you? What do you want to say?" Sebastian held the hilt of his sword tightly, his eyes sharp.
The creature bowed slightly, and the face composed of light and shadow looked extremely strange: "I am the guardian of the memory of this valley, the guardian of the sealed things. I can give you the answers you are looking for, but correspondingly, I also need to bear more responsibility. Big responsibility..."
As the guardian narrated, a picture emerged in their minds about the castle, the treasure, and an upcoming storm that could shake the whole world...
"It seems that our journey will be longer and more difficult than expected." Su Mo said solemnly, with fear of the unknown in his eyes and more of an unyielding attitude in the face of challenges.
"Then let's move on." Leah and Ivan spoke at the same time, their voices full of determination, as if no difficulty could stop them from moving forward.
Witnessed by the stars and bonfires, the three of them re-equipped themselves and prepared to go. They knew that as long as the light in their hearts does not go out, they can illuminate all darkness, even in the deepest places of oblivion.
"Then, Guardian, tell us where to go next and why." Su Mo asked the creature of light and shadow, his eyes shining with determination, as if he was ready to accept any challenge.
"Go north, through the Eternal Forest, where there is a secret passage leading to the depths of the castle. Remember, the real trial has just begun..." The guardian's voice gradually faded away, and finally disappeared into the night. middle.
"The Eternal Forest..." Leah murmured and repeated, with a trace of curiosity and uneasiness flashing in her eyes, "It is said that ancient souls and unknown magic live there. Do we really want to step into that forbidden place?"
"If it's for the sake of the world, there is no choice." Sebastian's answer was concise and powerful. He looked towards the north, his eyebrows furrowed, "We have seen too much darkness, and only by moving forward can we usher in the dawn."< br>
"Before departure, I want to go to the village." Alvin suddenly suggested, "Maybe we can find clues about the Eternal Forest, and even get some help."
The next morning, when the three of them stepped into the lively village again, their arrival quickly attracted attention.
"Look, it's those three heroes!" A little girl pointed at them excitedly, her eyes shining with admiration.
"Are they going to set off again?" An old man who was repairing the fence stopped what he was doing, with a look of concern on his wrinkled face.
The three of them stopped in front of a grocery store. The owner was an old man with a long beard. When he saw them, he smiled and said: "Oh, they are three warriors. Why are you free to come to my little store today?" ”
"Old man, we are looking for the way to the Eternal Forest. Can you provide some information?" Su Mo asked politely.
When the old man heard this, his expression became serious: "That is not an ordinary place. It is easy to enter but difficult to get out. However, the old man has heard a legend that there is a guiding stone hidden deep in the forest, which can point out the correct way for those who are lost. direction.”
"The Guiding Stone?" Leah's eyes lit up and she quickly asked, "Do you know how to find it?"
The old man narrowed his eyes, as if recalling the long past: "It is said that only those with pure kindness and courage can feel the resonance of the stone tablet. However, there are guardian beasts in the forest, and they will not be easily approached."< br>
"Guardian beast?" Sebastian frowned and his sword was half unsheathed. "It seems that we are busy again."
When they left the village, the three of them had a simple hand-drawn map in their hands, as well as food and blessings from the villagers. Carrying heavy expectations, they embarked on an unknown journey north.
At the edge of the Eternal Forest, the magical fluctuations in the air are awe-inspiring. The sun shines through the gaps in the dense forest and dapples the wet ground, making everything look so mysterious.
"Every tree and leaf here seems to have its own soul." Leah gently stroked the trunk of an old tree and sighed in a low voice.
Suddenly, a deep roar interrupted the tranquility, and a huge wolf-shaped creature sprang out from the shadows. Its green eyes stared at the three of them, exuding an unfriendly aura.
"Guardian beast?" Sebastian quickly stood in front of the two of them, pointing the tip of his sword directly at the creature. "We don't mean to offend, we are just looking for the stone of guidance."
The giant wolf seemed to be able to understand human speech, its roaring had weakened, but it was still alert. After a while, it turned around and walked into the jungle, as if signaling to follow.
"It seems that we have no choice." Su Mo sighed, and the three of them followed the footsteps of the giant wolf and went deep into the unknown territory.
After a series of tests and battles of wisdom, they finally found the legendary Stone of Guidance in a secret clearing. When they touched the stone tablet, a warm and powerful energy flowed through their bodies, and a clear path to the castle appeared on the surface of the stone tablet.
"This is our next step." Su Mo stared at the gradually clear road map on the stone tablet, feeling both expectation and anxiety about the unknown challenge.
The three of them embarked on a journey again, knowing that with each revelation, they would be drawn deeper and deeper into the center of the whirlpool. During this long journey, they are not only warriors, but also messengers of light, igniting hope with their actions and awakening every heart sleeping in darkness.
"No matter how dangerous the road ahead is, as long as we are together, there will be no difficulty that cannot be overcome." Leah's words were gentle but firm, like the source of her strength.
"Exactly." Sebastian agreed, "Let us rise to the challenge, for the sake of the world and for those who are still waiting for the light."
As the afterglow of the setting sun gradually dissipated, their figures disappeared into the dense forest, leaving behind a string of firm footsteps that echoed in the ancient and mysterious air of the Eternal Forest. The villagers' talks and speculations slowly subsided as time passed, but their admiration and expectations for the three heroes were like a burning flame that quietly spread in everyone's heart.
"Are they really going to fight against those terrible monsters?" The little girl tugged at the corner of her father's clothes, her eyes full of curiosity and admiration.
"Yes, son, they are going to fight for peace for all of us." The father knelt down, his eyes flashing with pride and expectation, "One day, you will become a warrior like them."
< br>
In a corner of the village, several old men gathered together and talked in low voices.
"The burden on those young people's shoulders is too heavy." One of the elders with white beard and hair sighed.
"But it's their time too. What we can do is pass on our experience and blessings to them." Another old man nodded, his eyes full of love and reluctance.
At this moment, Su Mo, Leah and Sebastian, who were deep in the jungle, did not know that their actions had planted the seeds of hope in people's hearts. As their journey continues, more and more stories of courage, sacrifice, and persistence spread among the people, inspiring everyone.
"Do you think they can find the secret that can change the world?" A young blacksmith chatted with his companions in the forge while tapping the sword in his hand.
"If even they can't do it, I'm afraid no one can." His companion wiped his sweat and his words were full of trust.
At this time, the three are facing unprecedented challenges. Guided by the Guiding Stone, they passed through an underground maze full of mechanisms and finally came to the entrance of the castle. The ancient stone door slowly opened in front of them, and a long and heavy breath rushed to their faces, as if the dust of history was gently brushed away at this moment.
"We're here." Su Mo's voice echoed in the empty hall, and every step seemed extremely heavy.
"Be careful, there may be traps everywhere here." Sebastian reminded, his sword was completely unsheathed, and he was patrolling around vigilantly.
Leia held her staff tightly, her eyes shining with wisdom and determination. "No matter what happens, we will never give up."
While the three of them were exploring cautiously, a low singing sound suddenly came from the depths of the castle. The sound was both ancient and mysterious, making people feel chilled. They looked at each other and in unison accelerated their pace towards the source of the sound.
"What is that?" Leah asked in a low voice.
"I don't know, but it must be the key to unlocking all this." Sebastian replied.
Passing through stone chambers and corridors, the sound got closer and closer until they came to a hall decorated with ancient runes. In the center, a seemingly ancient mage is chanting with his eyes closed. There is a faint light floating around his body, as if he is performing some kind of ritual.
"Stop!" Su Mo shouted, and the three of them surrounded him warily.
The mage slowly opened his eyes. His eyes penetrated the years and looked at them. His voice was old and distant: "Finally, the prophesied brave man has appeared. Your arrival will determine the fate of this world."
< br>
"Prophecy?" Leah asked puzzledly.
"Yes, about three warriors who can uncover the secrets of the castle and stop the power of darkness." The mage said with a hint of relief in his tone, "There is a key hidden deep in the castle that can fight against darkness and protect the world, but it At the same time, it is also guarded by the most dangerous force. ”
"Key?" Sebastian frowned, "What are we going to do?"
"Only by passing three trials can you prove that you are worthy of having that power." The mage pointed around the hall, and three doors of different shapes gradually appeared on the wall. "There is a trial hidden behind each door to test you individually. Courage, wisdom and sacrifice.”
"We are ready." Su Mo said firmly.
"Remember, the real power comes from the heart, not the outside." The mage's words echoed in the air, and his figure gradually faded away, leaving only the last words: "I wish you good luck, the fate of the world is now in your hands. In your hands.”
As the mage disappeared, the hall fell into silence again, leaving only three doors quietly waiting for their choice. At this moment, they realized that every next step would be the ultimate test of their will and belief.
"Let's split up and each person be responsible for a trial." Su Mo suggested, his eyes full of trust in his partners.
"Okay, then it's settled." Leah and Sebastian nodded in agreement, each walking towards their own door.
"Gate of Courage, here I come." Sebastian's steady voice sounded. He pushed open the door carved with beasts and battlefield patterns, and his figure disappeared into the shadows behind the door.
"A test of wisdom, I hope I can live up to expectations." Leah lightly touched the door engraved with complex runes and maze patterns. The door slowly opened, revealing a soft light. She stepped in with a determined look on her face.
"As for me, I will face the test of sacrifice." Su Mo looked at the last door depicting home and tears, took a deep breath, stepped inside resolutely, and the door closed silently.
The world outside the door was still, and only the sounds of the three people struggling in the trial were faintly heard, mixed with the roar of challenge, the collision of wisdom, and the murmur of sacrifice. Time seemed to be stretched out, and every second was full of uncertainty and suffering.
In the village, news spread quickly like the wind. The villagers talked a lot about the trials faced by the three heroes, with worry and hope intertwined on everyone's face.
"Will they succeed? Those trials sound more terrifying than the legends." The young blacksmith talked to his companions, with worry in his eyes and endless admiration for the hero.
"If anyone can do it, it must be them." The blacksmith's companion responded with confidence in his tone. Their conversation attracted the approval of the people around him. An invisible force gathered in this small village, which was a sign of the distant future. The deep trust of a warrior. Back deep in the castle, the trial is coming to an end. (End of chapter)