Emily and Liam gathered all possible clues and necessary items for their forest search. In just a week, they had gone through most of the books in the geography section.
"It's somewhere cold, with many old pine trees that reach to the sky, and the top is nowhere in sight," said Emily.
"Forests like that are in the north of the city. We should prepare well. I already messaged my parents that I will be going on a trip with a friend. You should do the same," replied Liam.
"Oh! I forgot. I will send it today. So, we are leaving after the graduation," said Emily.
"Yes, I think we are ready for a wholesome adventure."
Two days later, they left the small town and headed for the forest, using their magical power to reach the pine forest after a couple of days.
"It should be deeper in there," Liam said. "Yeah, I feel a bit of familiarity with this place."
"Then we are at the right place. We'll continue after a rest," Liam said, putting down his bag.
After resting and eating for a bit, they continued their journey, walking deeper into the forest. As the trees became taller and thicker, the wind started to turn cold, and strange sounds were heard through the surroundings.
"It's getting creepy as we move deeper," said Liam.
"Hm, it's closer to night. We should find somewhere safe for the night, to be safe from the wild creatures," replied Emily.
"Yes, you are right. We should find somewhere clearer to put up the tents."
They soon found an area with fewer trees and an opening, which seemed like a nice place to rest. They set up their tents, put up protection spells, and laid traps around the tents.
Late in the night, they were awakened by the sound of heavy footsteps. They packed up their tents and hung their bags on a nearby tree. When the owner of the steps appeared, they were surprised to see a Tigon, a hybrid of lion and tiger.
"I think we can kill it and run away. What do you say?" Emily asked.
"Let's do it. It's a matter of life and death," replied Liam as they communicated through signals developed during their library meetings.
After half an hour of combined efforts, the strange creature, stronger than an ordinary tigon, was finally defeated. While trying to save Emily from a sneak attack, Liam got injured.
Continuing their journey, they encountered a vast area filled with fog and decided to enter it without any prior preparation.
"Maybe it's just an illusion that tests one's courage, likein the school test's," said Liam.
"I was thinking the same," Emily replied.
They held each other's hands and entered the fog to avoid getting separated.
When they opened their eyes, they were on the other side of the fog with it now behind them.
"It's a pass, I guess," said Liam.
"Looks like it. Let's move on," said Emily.
Later, they came across a building made of stone that looked like a temple.
"It's a strange place for a temple. Don't you think so?" asked Liam.
"We will know what's inside when we go in," Emily replied.
"It might be a trap."
"But it is also possible that it's a much-needed clue," said Liam.
They entered the building and found a stone slab in the middle of the hall covered in a layer of dust.
"Let's see what it says," Liam suggested.
The inscription read:
"To the fated person: The ancient prophecy welcomes you to try. To those who can fulfill, a great reward of eternal companionship is promised. In the very centre of the dark forest lies the ancient heart of the forest, waiting for the blessed ones to revive it and help reinvigorate the forest."
They also found another clue in the temple, which instructed them to place their hands on a shiny stone and emerge victorious.