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The sun began to rise over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the desert. Darian followed the old man, who moved with surprising agility despite his advanced age. After leaving the ruins of the temple behind, the landscape began to change. The sand gave way to rocky hills, and in the distance, Darian could see a dark forest stretching out like a sea of shadows.
"Where are we going?" Darian asked, breaking the silence.
"To the heart of Terralba, to the city of Zareth," the old man replied without turning. "It is there that you will learn about your mission and the challenges ahead."
Darian nodded, though questions continued to accumulate in his mind. Why him? Why was he chosen as the Guardian? And, most importantly, who was the old man guiding him? However, before he could ask another question, the old man stopped and turned to face him.
"Answers will come in due time, Darian. For now, you must focus on what lies ahead. Zareth is not just a city; it is the center of power in Terralba, and also where the forces of darkness have begun to stir."
Darian frowned. "What kind of forces?"
"Ancient shadows, beings that feed on chaos and despair. They are the reason the balance has been disrupted and why you have been called."
The Dawn Guardian nodded slowly, trying to absorb all the information. He knew his fate was tied to this city and that he needed to be prepared to face whatever was coming.
***
The journey to Zareth was long and fraught with obstacles. As they progressed, Darian and the old man encountered various dangers, from bandits to wild creatures, but none as formidable as the harsh terrain of Terralba itself. However, each challenge only served to strengthen Darian, who was beginning to discover more about his abilities.
One night, while camping under a starry sky, Darian finally dared to ask what had been on his mind from the beginning. "Old man, who are you really?"
The old man smiled, as if he had been expecting the question. "I am a guide, a keeper of the ancient teachings of the Dawn. My name is Arandor, and I have served the Guardians of the Dawn for generations."
Darian stared at him, searching for any hint of deceit in his words, but found only sincerity. "Then how can I regain my memories? I need to know who I was before… all this."
Arandor picked up a stick and began drawing in the dirt. "Your memories are tied to your power. As you progress in your training and unlock the ancestral artifacts, the pieces of your past will begin to fall into place. But you must be prepared, Darian. Not all memories will be pleasant."
Darian nodded in silence, realizing that his path was filled with more challenges than he had imagined.
***
After several days of travel, they finally reached the gates of Zareth. The city was majestic