The battle had been arduous. The creatures they encountered in the forest were colossal beasts, with scales that reflected the starlight and a roar that made the earth tremble. Now, exhausted and wounded, Lia, Kael, Maren, Pyra and Aeron found themselves gathered in a peaceful clearing. The soft moonlight bathed the area, and along with the campfire, created a contrast with the darkness of the surrounding forest.
Lia wiped the sweat from her brow and looked at her friends. "In this makeshift HQ of ours, now in the time we think and structure the next step."
Kael nodded, still panting. "Yeap, what's the next move."
Pyra, trying to calm the flame within her, sat on a nearby rock. "The Elemental Wises told us we would find answers, but so far, all we've done is fight for our lives."
Maren was pensive, her eyes shining with an idea. "What if we're looking in the wrong place? Perhaps the answers we seek aren't just in the advice of the Wises."
Aeron, who was examining an old map he found in the village library, raised his head. "Maren's right. Remember what the Wises said about needing to seek the elemental artifacts? To find these ancient elements, we must search where no one has ever searched. These maps of ours won't show us where they're stored."
"And is there a map for that?"
"I don't know, but there is a place where we can start looking... The Temple of Shadows."
Lia frowned, intrigued. "Temple of Shadows? I've never heard of it."
Aeron pointed to a part of the map where an enigmatic symbol was drawn. "Here, in the depths of the Broken Tooth Mountain. This temple is known for guardian ancient and powerful secrets. If there's a place where we could find answers about anything is there."
Kael looked at his friends, his face serious. "How do we know it's not just a legend? What if we go there and find more danger?"
Maren replied, her voice firm. "We're facing dangers at every step. We can't go on without a plan. We need something concrete to guide us."
Lia looked around, nothing the determination in her friends face. "So what do you think? Shall we go to the Temple of Shadows?"
Pyra stood up, her gaze fixed on Lia. "We don't have many choices. If there's a chance we'll find answers, we should try."
Kael nodded slowly. "Agreed. We're all in this together. We need to do this for our village and for our world."
Aeron carefully rolled up the map and stowed it in his backpack. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow at dawn, we'll head to the Broken Tooth Mountain."
The clearing fell silent again, but the tension was replaced by a renewed determination. Each of them knew that this journey would be full of challenges, but they also knew they were on the right path. the next morning, the group woke up early, eager to begin their new mission. Pyra stoked the fire to prepare a quick meal, while Maren checked the supplies. Lia and Aeron discussed the best route to reach the temple, and Kael watched the surroundings ever vigilant.
"We need to be prepared for anything." Kael said, breaking the silence. "We don't know what we'll encounter in the mountains."
Lia agreed, stowing her map. "Exactly. We're facing the unknown."
The journey to the Broken Tooth Mountain was long and grueling. the paths were steep and treacherous, and the dense vegetation made passage difficult. They passed through several villages, where they were warmly welcomed and had their supplies replenished. They found out that the fame of the journey they were undertaking had already spread. In one village, an elderly lady looked at Lia and said,
"You are the Balancer!" Lia couldn't understand what the lady said, and it was probably for the best, otherwise the weight of those words would have felt heavier than all the backpacks of the group combined. It was very difficult, but after three days of travel, they finally reached the foothills of the mountains.
Aeron looked at the map, pointing to a specific spot. "We're close now. The Temple of Shadows should be just ahead, hidden among those rocks"
Maren raised her gazed, observing the towering rock formations that stood out
the towering rock formations that stood out against the darkening sky. "Let's proceed with caution. We don't know what kind of magic or creatures might be guarding this place."
At that moment, the amulet Aeron wore around his neck began to glow with an intense, mysterious light. He smiled and said, "We are protected, but even so, let's not let our guard down."
"No!" Lia's voice was harsher than she intended. "We must show respect to this place and its magic. We are on sacred ground; let's lower our weapons."
Pyra took a deep breath, feeling the energy around them. "I can sense something... an ancient presence. We're in the right place."
With hearts full of anticipation and apprehension, the group advanced through the mountains, following the signs that would lead them to the temple. Each step brought them closer to the answers they sought, and each challenge overcome only strengthened their determination. When they reached the temple's entrance, a massive stone door adorned with ancient runes, they felt a powerful energy emanating from the place.
Lia touched the door, and the runes began to glow, but the door did not open. At that moment, Aeron understood: the runes glowed the same colour as his amulet. He brought the amulet to the Great Door and pointed it at the inscriptions. After a thunderous sound, the door opened slowly, revealing the darkness beyond.
"We're here," said Lia, looking at her friends. "Let's discover what the Temple of Shadows has to reveal to us."
Entering the temple, an imposing structure carved into the mountain's rock, they were met by a heavy and mysterious atmosphere. The air was cold, and sunlight barely penetrated the thick stone walls.
Pyra, always impulsive, was the first to speak. "This place gives me the creeps," she murmured, looking around suspiciously. "But if the prophecy is here, we need to find it."
Kael nodded, trying to stay calm. "Let's split up and look for any clues. There must be inscriptions or an artefact to guide us."
They spread out through the temple, examining the moss-covered walls and ancient sculptures. It was Lia who found the first clue. In a hidden corner, there was an inscription almost erased by time.
"I found something," she called, her voice echoing through the temple. The others ran to join her.
Aeron examined the inscription, his eyes widening as he read. "These are ancient runes. They speak of a prophecy about five elemental warriors who will save the world from a great evil."
Maren frowned, trying to comprehend. "Five warriors? That sounds familiar. It must be about us."
Lia continued reading, her fingers tracing the symbols. "It says here that the warriors must find the Circle of Fire and Water, where they will receive the power of the elements."
Kael stepped closer, his face serious. "But where is this Circle of Fire and Water?"
Before anyone could answer, a soft, ethereal voice filled the air. "The Circle of Fire and Water lies deep within the Broken Tooth Mountain, protected by ancient magic. Only those with pure hearts and unwavering determination can find it."
The friends turned quickly, but saw no one. Only the echo of the voice continued to reverberate through the temple walls.
"Who's there?" asked Pyra.
The voice replied again, now closer. "I am the Guardian of Shadows, protector of this temple's secrets. You are the chosen ones, those who must restore balance among the elements."
Aeron, ever curious, asked, "How do we know it's us? How do we find the Circle?"
The Guardian of Shadows appeared before them, a figure cloaked in what seemed like pure darkness. "You will be guided by the elements already awakened in your hearts. Each of you must learn to control your power, and together, you will find the way."
Lia stepped forward, courage in her eyes. "I haven't managed to awaken any yet."
"In due time, you will understand! First, you must prove your strength and unity. Each of you will face a test, reflecting your element. Only then can you proceed to the Circle of Fire and Water."
Maren looked at her friends, her determination renewed. "Then let's begin. We're ready for the tests."
Pyra nodded, her inner flame burning brighter. "Together, we can overcome anything."
Kael clenched his fists, feeling the earth beneath his feet give him strength. "For our village. For our world."
Aeron, eyes fixed on the Guardian, concluded. "We're ready. Let the games begin."
The Guardian of Shadows raised a hand, and the room around them began to change, the walls shifting and forming new paths. "So be it. Let the elemental tests begin now."