As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the village of Kola, Sam sits by the window in his small room, staring out into the darkening sky. The room is quiet except for the soft crackle of the fire in the hearth. Bella and Jack are in the living room, sharing a meal with Maya, unaware of the weight Sam carries on his young shoulders.
With a sigh, Sam turns back to the artifacts spread out on the table before him: the Heartstone, the Orb, and the ancient dagger he had found on one of his recent adventures. These items, pulsing with hidden power, are his alone to bear. He knows that if Bella, Jack, or even his grandmother Maya, were to find out the Guardian System, things would change forever. He can't risk it. They deserve peace, not the burden of knowing what lies ahead.
Tick! The clock on the wall makes a sound as the hour hand moves, pulling Sam from his thoughts. He shakes his head, trying to clear his mind. It's been a long day, and he feels the tension In his muscles, the fatigue settling in his bones. He wishes for a moment of normalcy, a moment where he doesn't have to think about ancient relics or the responsibilities that have been thrust upon him.
In the living room, he hears a burst of laughter, Bella's, bright and carefree. Sam smiles despite himself. He can picture her, her dark hair falling over her eyes as she leans back in her chair, eyes twinkling with mischief. Jack's deep voice rumbles in response, probably teasing her about something. Maya's warm, gentle laugh follows, grounding the two younger ones with her calm presence.
Sam rises from his seat and heads toward the living room, intending to join them, if only to listen to their conversation and feel some of that warmth. But as he reaches behind his room's door, a sharp sound echoes in his mind, stopping him in his tracks.
Ding!
The Guardian System's voice is clear and authoritative. He's gotten used to the sound, a voice that seems to exist both within and outside his mind. He knows he must respond.
He closes his eyes and takes a breath. "I am here", he thinks, knowing the System will hear him.
[The time is drawing near for the host to face a trial that will test his strength and resolve. The host must be prepared. There is no room for hesitation]
"Another trial?" Sam feels a knot tighten in his stomach. He's barely recovered from the last one, and his body still aches from the encounter with the wolf creature.
[This trial will be different. You will not be able to rely on brute strength alone. You must use your mind, your cunning, and the artifacts at your disposal. The village depends on you.]
"What about Bella and Jack?" Sam's mind flashes to his friends. "Will they be safe?"
[ The host can choose to involve his friends. However, they must not learn of the System or the true nature of your mission. You must protect them from the knowledge that could place them in danger.]
Sam nods, even though he knows the System can't see him. "I understand."
[The Heartstone and Orb will be crucial in the trial ahead. You will need to harness their power wisely. And remember, Sam, the Heartstone and your Sword will glow blue in times of truth, guiding you when doubt creeps in.]
The glow of the firelight casts flickering shadows across Sam's face as he contemplates the System's words. He knows that the Heartstone and Orb are powerful, but he hasn't yet mastered their use. He hopes that when the time comes, they will respond to his command.
"What do I need to do?" he asks, steeling himself for the answer.
Immediately he receives the system's prompt.
[There is a creature, a beast unlike any you have faced before, lurking near the village. It is drawn to the magic of the artifacts, and it will not stop until it possesses them. You must go to the old ruins just outside the forest, where it makes its lair. There, you will confront it. This is your trial. Succeed, and you will take one step closer to becoming the Guardian this village and the world needs]
Sam swallows hard, feeling the weight of the task ahead. "I'll do it."
The system's voice fades, leaving Sam standing alone at the wall of his room. He feels the familiar rush of adrenaline that always accompanies the System's messages. There's no time to waste.
He turns back to his room, quickly gathering the artifacts and placing them in a small leather pouch that hangs from his belt. The Heartstone pulses faintly, a soft blue light glowing through the fabric, reassuring him.
Before heading out, Sam glances in the mirror, catching a glimpse of himself. His eyes are sharper, more focused than they were just a few days ago. His face, once soft with youth, now shows the signs of someone who has seen too much, too soon. He wonders how long he can keep this from Bella, Jack, and Maya. How long until they notice the change in him?
He shakes the thought away and heads out. In the kitchen, Bella and Jack are still laughing, and Maya is humming softly as she stirs a pot of stew. The smell of herbs and spices fills the air, making Sam's stomach growl. For a moment, he wishes he could sit down with them, enjoy the simple pleasure of a meal with family. But there's no even a single time to waste.
"I'm heading out for a bit," Sam says, trying to keep his voice casual. He grabs his cloak from the hook by the door and throws it over his shoulders.
"Where to?" Jack asks, raising an eyebrow. His tone is light, but Sam can see the curiosity in his friend's eyes.
"Just for a walk," Sam replies, forcing a smile. "I need some fresh air."
Bella gives him a knowing look, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Be careful out there. It's getting dark."
"I will," Sam promises, pulling the door open and stepping out into the cool night air. He closes the door behind him, cutting off the warmth and light of the kitchen. The village is quiet, with only the distant sound of crickets and the occasional hoot of an owl breaking the silence.
Sam pulls his cloak tighter around himself and heads towards the forest. The path is familiar, but tonight it feels different. There's a heaviness in the air, a sense of foreboding that makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
As he reaches the edge of the forest, Sam pauses, looking back at the village one last time. The lights from the houses flicker softly, a reminder of the life he's trying to protect. He takes a deep breath and steps into the trees, the darkness swallowing him whole.
The forest is so quiet as Sam makes his way to the old ruins. The moonlight filters through the canopy, casting long shadows on the ground. Sam's footsteps are the only sound, crunching softly on the leaves and twigs beneath him.
As he approaches the ruins, the air grows colder, and the trees seem to close in around him. The ruins themselves are little more than crumbling stones and overgrown vines, but there's an undeniable aura of power that hangs in the air. Sam can feel it, like a static charge prickling his skin.
He stops at the entrance, his hand instinctively going to the Heartstone at his belt. It pulses with a soft blue light, guiding him forward. The System's voice echoes in his mind, reminding him of the task at hand.
Suddenly, a low growl rumbles through the air, sending a shiver down Sam's spine. He freezes, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement. The growl comes again, closer this time, followed by the rustling of leaves.
Sam's heart pounds in his chest as he draws the ancient dagger from his belt. The blade glints in the moonlight, sharp and deadly. He holds it at the ready, every muscle in his body tense.
Then, out of the shadows, the creature emerges. It's massive, easily twice the size of the wolf he had fought before, with black fur and eyes that glow a sickly yellow. Its fangs are bared, dripping with saliva, and its claws dig into the earth as it stalks towards him.
Sam swallows hard, his grip tightening on the dagger. He knows he's no match for this beast in sheer strength, but he has the artifacts, and he has the System.
The creature snarls, and Sam can see the intelligence in its eyes, this is no ordinary beast. It knows what Sam carries, and it wants the power for itself.
Sam takes a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. "I need a plan," he quickly thinks, his mind racing. He can't rely on brute force alone. He has to be smart, to outmaneuver the creature.
The Heartstone pulses again, the blue light growing brighter. Sam takes it as a sign and slowly backs away, leading the creature further into the ruins. The beast follows, its eyes never leaving Sam, its growls growing louder with each step.
Sam's mind works quickly, formulating a plan. He knows the ruins well. There's a narrow passage just ahead that could give him the advantage. If he can lure the creature into the passage, he might be able to trap it. He just have to time it well .
Sam took a deep breath and looked at the narrow passage ahead. He slowed down just enough to keep the creature close.
The creature growled and leaped at him, but instead, Sam pretended to stumble and lose his balance. The creature upon sensing weakness, rushed towards him with even greater speed. Sam quickly regained his footing and darted towards the passage
As they reached the passage, Sam suddenly turned.