In a remote village known as Afauz, situated in the vast desert, it was shrouded in silence. This village was incredibly secluded, hidden from the eyes of the outside world. Despite its isolation, Afauz held a wealth of knowledge, spanning across mathematics, scientific studies, and even seemingly inexplicable magical arts. The village lived in peaceful tranquility, yet questions lingered about whether this peace would endure forever.
On a scorching day, a young adventurer named Rowan, aged 34 and driven by an insatiable thirst for exploration, arrived in Afauz. He was warmly welcomed by the village's inhabitants who conversed in Arabic, a language he had mastered during his journeys across the world.
However, amidst the friendly villagers, Rowan caught sight of a mysterious group comprised of four individuals cloaked in black robes, tightly guarding a securely locked chest. When Rowan inquired about them, the villagers seemed reluctant to provide answers, and an enigmatic elderly man approached Rowan.
The elderly man introduced himself as Fahab, recognizing Rowan's quest for answers. Rowan questioned the group with the locked chest, and Fahab replied in a hushed tone, "If you wish to know, follow me." Fahab led Rowan to an ancient temple long forgotten.
Inside the dim and dusty temple, Rowan observed numerous neglected ancient books. Fahab searched for something without explanation, and when Rowan attempted to inquire, he was sternly silenced by Fahab, who uttered, "Shhhhhhh." A hidden door within the darkness suddenly creaked open mysteriously.
Fahab requested Rowan's fire striker. After receiving it, Fahab lit a torch while reciting ancient incantations. Illuminated by the torchlight, they ventured into a pitch-black room adorned with peculiar symbols and verses in an unfamiliar ancient language.
Upon reaching the far end of the room, Fahab retrieved a thick, ancient tome. Upon exiting the temple, a terrifying creature resembling a red-eyed dog chased after them. Swiftly, they managed to escape, and when Rowan glanced back into the temple with the still-burning torch, the creature had vanished without a trace.
Frightened, Rowan was reassured by Fahab, who then guided him to his home. During their dinner, Rowan noticed mysterious paintings and cryptic verses throughout Fahab's residence. Eager to understand their significance, Rowan inquired, "What do these verses mean? And what is depicted here in the paintings?"
Fahab smiled mysteriously and replied, "All will be revealed tomorrow when we visit the Grand Temple at the heart of the village."
However, that night, as Rowan listened to the joyful sounds of children playing outside, eerie and terrifying sounds also echoed. Fahab rushed outside, reciting incantations to drive away the menacing presence. When Rowan ventured outside, he discovered the gruesome remains of a child, severed in two with a missing head. The villagers solemnly gathered to bury the child in a chilling atmosphere of silence.
The haunting event troubled Rowan's thoughts. As he drifted off to sleep, he dreamt of a shadowy figure approaching him in a white room. He awoke abruptly to Fahab's voice, saying, "Prepare yourself; we will visit the Grand Temple."
Fahab, though regarded as eccentric by the villagers due to his peculiar appearance, seemed to possess profound knowledge about the village's history and the mysteries concealed within it. Despite his appearance, he was now 57 years old and appeared to hold the key to unraveling the enigma of Afauz.