After destroying the second artifact and weakening Jonghyun, Hyunwoo and his friends regrouped outside the ancient temple.
Despite their success in the first and second missions, they knew their journey was not yet complete.
Sung-Min informed them that there was still one more artifact they needed to find and destroy to ensure Jonghyun's power was truly broken.
"The third artifact is in a much more difficult place to reach," Sung-Min said with a serious face.
"We must journey to the Underworld, a place full of dark spirits and terrifying creatures. Few dare to go there, let alone return safely."
Hyunwoo looked at each member of his team, seeing determination and courage in their eyes.
"We've been through so much together. If this is the only way to defeat Jonghyun, we have to do it. We cannot turn back now."
Hana, Yoona, Hyeon-Jin, and Seojun nodded in agreement.
They prepared themselves with enough supplies and ensured their weapons were in good condition.
Karta showed them the path they needed to take, leading them to a large cave said to be the entrance to the Underworld.
They entered the cave cautiously.
The air inside the cave felt cold and damp, and the deeper they went, the darker and more suffocating the atmosphere became.
Hyunwoo lit a torch to illuminate their way, while Yoona, Hana, Hyeon-Jin, and Seojun kept watch around them.
Karta led the way, showing the correct direction.
After several hours of walking in darkness, they arrived at a large gate made of black stone.
The gate was adorned with ancient carvings depicting dark spirits and terrifying creatures.
In the center of the gate was an inscription in an ancient language.
Sung-Min read it aloud softly, "Enter with a strong heart and firm resolve, for here dark spirits and terrifying creatures await. Only the brave and sincere will survive."
Taking a deep breath, Hyunwoo opened the gate.
They stepped into the Underworld, a place full of darkness and fear.
The air there felt colder and heavier, as if every breath they took contained darkness.
They walked along a winding path, surrounded by shadows that seemed to move as if alive.
Strange whispers echoed around them, making their hair stand on end.
Hyunwoo remained calm and focused, leading his team with confidence.
Midway through their journey, they were confronted by a group of dark spirits.
These spirits appeared as floating human shadows, with glowing red eyes and a terrifying aura.
Yoona quickly drew her bow and fired arrows at the spirits, but her arrows passed through their bodies without effect.
"Physical attacks won't work," Sung-Min said quickly.
"We need to use magic to fight them."
Seojun, who had learned some spells from Sung-Min, raised his hands and began chanting a protection spell.
A bright blue light emanated from his hands, driving back the approaching dark spirits.
Hyunwoo and the others tried to protect Seojun as he continued to chant, creating a light barrier that shielded them.
After a while, the dark spirits finally retreated, unable to penetrate the magical barrier created by Seojun.
They continued their journey, delving deeper into the Underworld.
Their journey became increasingly difficult, with treacherous terrain and lurking terrifying creatures.
In a deep valley, they encountered a large creature that looked like a cross between a wolf and a dragon.
The creature let out a growl that shook the ground around them.
Hyeon-Jin stepped forward with his sword, ready to fight the creature.
A fierce battle ensued.
The creature attacked with sharp claws and fiery breath, while Hyeon-Jin parried and struck back with full force.
Yoona released her arrows, aiming for the creature's weak points, while Hyunwoo and Sung-Min assisted by attacking from the sides.
Seojun, though exhausted from using magic, still tried to help by casting spells to weaken the creature.
With good teamwork, they finally managed to defeat the creature.
Seojun, though injured, stood proudly, watching the creature collapse before him.
"We're getting closer," Sung-Min said, looking at the ancient map he carried.
"The artifact is in a temple at the end of this valley. We must remain vigilant."
They continued their journey with full alertness, navigating the increasingly dark and terrifying valley.
In the distance, they saw a dim light coming from a large temple.
The temple looked eerie, with large stone statues that seemed alive and watching them.
As they approached the temple, the atmosphere became more oppressive.
They could feel the dark power emanating from within the temple.
Sung-Min signaled them to stop and plan their next move.
"This temple is guarded by very powerful ancient spirits," Sung-Min said.
"We need to be careful. I'll go in first to find a path while you all stay ready here."
Hyunwoo nodded. "Alright, Sung-Min. We'll keep watch here. Be careful inside."
Sung-Min entered the temple cautiously, while Hyunwoo and his friends waited outside, keeping guard to ensure no threats approached.
Moments later, Sung-Min returned with a tense expression.
"There are many guardian spirits inside," Sung-Min said.
"But I found the path to the artifact. We must move quickly and work together to defeat them."
They entered the temple cautiously, following Sung-Min's instructions.
Inside the temple, they were confronted by ancient spirits that appeared stronger and more terrifying than before.
A fierce battle ensued, with Hyunwoo and Hyeon-Jin fighting the spirits, while the others provided support from behind.
Sung-Min used all his knowledge and experience to fight the spirits, casting ancient spells he had learned over the years.
With hard work and good teamwork, they finally managed to defeat the guardian spirits and reach the main chamber of the temple.
In the center of the main chamber, they saw the second artifact glowing brightly.
The artifact looked like a large crystal emitting black and blue light.
Hyunwoo approached the artifact cautiously, feeling the strong dark power emanating from it.
"We have to destroy it," Hyunwoo said firmly.
"This is the only way to defeat Jonghyun."
With firm resolve, Hyunwoo lifted his spear and struck it forcefully against the artifact.
Bright light filled the room, followed by an explosion of energy that shook the entire temple.
The artifact shattered into pieces, and its magical power dissipated.
Hyunwoo and his friends, though exhausted, felt a huge burden lift from their shoulders.
They had successfully destroyed the second artifact and weakened Jonghyun's dark magic.
However, Hyunwoo suddenly lost consciousness.
It was likely due to the fact that he had expended all his strength and power while fighting their enemies earlier, causing his body to collapse and him to pass out.
Since Seojun's arm was still not fully healed, Seok-Jin and Sung-Min carried Hyunwoo's body back to the surface and transported him to the castle to rest.