After the night attack that shook them, Hyunwoo's team continued their journey with heightened vigilance.
They trekked through the dense forest, their minds racing to find answers to the mysterious assault.
Hyunwoo, with his determined demeanor, led at the front, while Yoona, Seojun, and Hyeon-Jin carefully guarded their formation.
Despite their fatigue and injuries, their spirits remained unbroken.
They had to uncover who was behind the attack.
After hours of walking, they arrived at a tranquil valley.
In the middle of the valley stood an old, seemingly abandoned hut.
Hyunwoo decided to inspect the hut, hoping to find clues or simply a place to rest.
As they approached, the door creaked open, revealing an old man with a face full of wrinkles.
He wore tattered armor and had an old sword hanging at his waist.
Despite his frail appearance, his eyes were filled with wisdom and resolve.
"What are you seeking here?" the old man asked in a deep, authoritative voice.
Hyunwoo, though surprised, remained calm and introduced himself and his team.
"We are on a mission to find out who sent the mysterious forces to attack us. Who are you, sir?"
The old man nodded slowly, as if he had anticipated their purpose.
"My name is Sung-Min. I am a retired warrior, but I still watch over this valley. Come inside, and we can discuss more."
Hyunwoo signaled the others to follow Sung-Min into the hut.
They were welcomed by the warmth of a small fire burning in the corner.
Sung-Min invited them to sit around a simple wooden table and began his story.
"It's been a long time since I've met people like you," Sung-Min said as he poured water into cups.
"I know a lot about Jonghyun and the threat you are facing. Jonghyun is a ruthless and ambitious warlord. He controls many territories with an iron fist and will eliminate anyone who stands in his way."
Yoona, sitting next to Hyunwoo, looked at Sung-Min intently. "What do you know about Jonghyun?"
Sung-Min sighed deeply before continuing.
"Jonghyun is a very cautious man. He never does anything without a clear reason. The attack on you is likely related to an ancient artifact you possess or crucial information you hold. Jonghyun has been searching for that artifact for a long time to bolster his power."
Hyunwoo paused, digesting this information. "An ancient artifact? We don't have such an artifact. We are merely trying to stop his unchecked ambitions."
Sung-Min nodded in understanding. "You might not realize it, but something you carry or know could be the key to Jonghyun's grand plan. In a great battle long ago, I fought against Jonghyun and learned some of his secrets. One of them is that he relies heavily on the magic from ancient artifacts. Without them, his power diminishes significantly."
Hyeon-Jin, who had been listening intently, asked, "Is there a way to find and destroy this artifact?"
Sung-Min nodded again. "There is a way, but it won't be easy. The artifact is hidden in an ancient temple guarded by powerful creatures. Only by finding and destroying it can you weaken Jonghyun and thwart his plans."
Seojun, still looking weak from his injuries, added, "We'll do whatever it takes to stop Jonghyun. But we need more help and information. Can you assist us, Master Sung-Min?"
Sung-Min gave a thin smile and looked seriously at Hyunwoo.
"I will help you. I've been waiting for an opportunity to take revenge on Jonghyun for all the destruction he has caused. I can guide you to the ancient temple and provide the information you need."
Hyunwoo felt a glimmer of hope rekindling in his heart. "Thank you, Sung-Min. Your help means a lot to us. We must move quickly before Jonghyun discovers our plan."
With Sung-Min's assistance, they began planning their journey to the ancient temple.
Sung-Min provided a rough map showing the temple's location, and they decided to move that night, using the cover of darkness to avoid enemy patrols.
As night fell, Hyunwoo, his friends, and Sung-Min left the valley and entered the dense forest.
Their journey was fraught with challenges, with difficult terrain and unfriendly weather.
However, their determination to stop Jonghyun's dark magic did not waver.
Despite his age, Sung-Min demonstrated remarkable resilience and an extensive knowledge of the terrain and combat strategies.
During their journey, Sung-Min shared more about his past and his battles against Jonghyun.
"Jonghyun is not only a ruthless warlord but also exceptionally clever. He's always a step ahead of his enemies. We must be cautious and never underestimate his power."
Yoona, always alert to their surroundings, several times warned them of approaching danger.
Seojun, though still injured, provided strategic advice, ensuring every step they took was well thought out.
After several exhausting days of travel, they finally arrived near the location of the ancient temple mentioned by Sung-Min.
The temple was hidden within a steep cliff, surrounded by dense forest and a raging river.
The sight of the majestic yet ominous temple left them momentarily speechless.
"We are close," Sung-Min said in a low voice.
"But we must be careful. The temple is guarded by very powerful creatures. We must work together to enter and find the artifact."
They planned their attack meticulously.
Yoona would monitor from a distance with her bow, ready to provide cover fire if needed.
Hyeon-Jin and Hyunwoo would lead the direct assault, while Seojun and Sung-Min would offer strategic and magical support from behind.
As they approached the temple, they began to feel the presence of the guardians.
The heavy footsteps and the rumbling breaths of the creatures echoed through the trees.
Hyunwoo signaled his friends to prepare.
The attack began suddenly. Yoona released her first arrow, piercing the darkness and hitting one of the guardians.
Hyeon-Jin and Hyunwoo charged forward with swords drawn, engaging the creatures emerging from the shadows.
A fierce battle ensued, with the guardians displaying extraordinary strength.
Seojun, despite his injuries, used his remaining strength to cast protective spells, shielding his team from the enemies' attacks.
Sung-Min, with his battle-hardened experience, provided guidance and directions, helping Hyunwoo and Hyeon-Jin overcome the creatures.
Through sheer effort and excellent teamwork, they finally defeated the guardians and entered the ancient temple.
Inside, the atmosphere changed to one of eerie calm, filled with an air of mystery.
The temple walls were adorned with paintings and ancient writings narrating the artifact's history.
At the center of the temple, they found an altar with an ancient artifact glowing softly.
The artifact resembled a large gemstone, radiating light from within.
Hyunwoo cautiously approached the altar, feeling the immense power emanating from the artifact.
"We must destroy it," Sung-Min said firmly.
"Only by destroying this artifact can we weaken Jonghyun."
With resolute determination, Hyunwoo raised his spear and struck the artifact forcefully.
A blinding light filled the room, followed by a powerful explosion of energy that shook the entire temple.
The artifact shattered into pieces, its magical power dissipating.
Though exhausted, they felt a sense of relief as the heavy burden slowly lifted from their shoulders.
They had succeeded in destroying the source of Jonghyun's power.
Hyunwoo turned to Sung-Min, gratitude evident in his eyes.
"Thank you, Sung-Min. Without your help, we couldn't have done this."
Sung-Min nodded, a look of satisfaction on his face. "This is just the beginning. Jonghyun will know of our actions soon. We must prepare for what comes next."
With a renewed sense of purpose and unity, Hyunwoo and his team, now joined by Sung-Min, prepared to face the next stage of their mission.
The battle was far from over, but with their newfound ally and the knowledge they had gained, they were ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.