He found them in a secluded courtyard, surrounded by a circle of ancient trees. The boy, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and hope, held a shimmering orb, the artifact the Guild sought. The girl, her face pale and drawn, stood beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder.
They looked up as Kim Cheon approached, their faces etched with surprise and a flicker of recognition.
"You're the Shadow's Champion," the boy said, his voice trembling. "We've heard whispers of your name."