The young man in all black sat under the tree, his brown hair fluttering softly in the breeze. His eyes, reflecting the golden rays of the rising sun, were fixed on the horizon, where the mountains stretched into the distance. As the sun climbed higher, its warmth began to kiss the land, slowly waking the world from its slumber.
Suddenly, a sweet voice called out to him. "Moros, what are you doing?" A girl with golden hair, gently swaying in the wind, approached him. Her blue eyes sparkled with the light of the rising sun, and her smile radiated warmth and affection.
Moros rose slowly, his face breaking into a soft smile. "What could I be doing?" he asked with a grin. "I was waiting for you guys." As he spoke, seven more figures appeared, talking and laughing loudly as they made their way toward him.
The oldest among them, known in the future as the Historian but now just as Sandro, raised his voice first. "Hey, you two lovebirds! Get over here and help us. You've had enough time to rest!" His rough voice carried a hint of annoyance, though it was softened by an underlying tone of humor.
A middle-aged man named Josh, covered in tattoos and sporting a thick beard, placed a hand on Sandro's shoulder. "Don't be so strict, old man. Let the young ones have some fun. Don't you remember how you were in your younger days?"
Sandro scowled at Josh but couldn't help chuckling as he was gently pushed toward the tent. Muttering under his breath, he disappeared inside. The others laughed, enjoying the light-hearted teasing, and resumed their preparations for the journey ahead. They gathered their gear, preparing for the final leg of their long and arduous adventure.
Their destination was a mysterious set of ruins, long forgotten by time and recently rediscovered by Sandro during one of his many archaeological expeditions. The group had journeyed through dark forests, vast deserts, and treacherous mountain ranges over the last two months, and now, their journey was nearing its end.
As night began to fall, the group made camp one last time before reaching the ruins. There was an air of nervous excitement among them. No one knew what awaited them in the ancient ruins. They gathered around the bonfire, discussing their expectations and concerns.
"Finally, it's almost over," Moros said, breaking the silence. "Tomorrow, I'll set up the teleport, and we'll be able to return whenever we want."
A boy named Lawless, dressed in a brown jacket and sporting a white top hat, responded eagerly. "So, we can finally take a break? That's great! I can't wait to get back to my computer."
"Yeah, that's great," Solutus, a boy with striking blue eyes and wavy brown hair, chimed in, his white tuxedo an unusual choice for such a rugged journey. "Rest? I have just one question for you—why in the world do you insist on wearing that ridiculous top hat on a journey like this? It even doesn't suit your style!"
Lawless scowled, standing up abruptly. "Oh, really? Coming from the guy in a white tux? Why are you dressed like you're going to a wedding in the middle of the journey?"
Solutus stood up, his posture rigid. "How dare you question my style? I believe in looking perfect, no matter the situation."
Lawless scoffed, rolling his eyes. "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. I can't believe I'm stuck with someone as vain as you. Forget it. I'm going to bed. Good night, everyone." With that, he turned on his heel and stormed off to his tent.
Solutus, unable to let the comment slide, muttered angrily under his breath as he too retreated to his tent. The others exchanged amused glances, but as the tension faded, they began to follow suit, seeking rest before their big day.
One by one, the group members left the bonfire. Hanz, a young boy with short black hair, was next to head to bed. He had been saved by Moros in the past, and since then, the two had become inseparable. They would do anything for each other, their bond unbreakable. Voltra, a boy with curly hair and glasses, followed Hanz, wearing a red jacket. After him came Spinell, a shy young man who always kept his face hidden behind a black mask. Like many others in the group, Spinell wore something red—his hoodie—making him blend in with the team's unofficial uniform.
Soon, only Moros and Misa remained by the fire. Misa, the girl with golden hair, approached Moros and gently wrapped her arms around him, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "So, tomorrow, it'll all be over? That's great. Maybe we can go out somewhere after we get back to town," she suggested, looking into his eyes with affection.
Moros smiled down at her, brushing a strand of golden hair behind her ear. "Yeah, after we're done here, I'll take you to places you've never seen before," he promised. He pulled her closer, holding her tightly. "Thanks for coming this far with me. I don't think I could've done it without you."
They sat together by the fire, watching the flames dance under the light of the moon. The world seemed peaceful, the moon's glow bathing the two in its soft light, while the fire provided warmth and comfort. It was a rare moment of calm in an otherwise challenging journey.
Just when the two of them were lost in the serenity of the moment, Voltra snuck up behind them, placing a hand on their shoulders. "Hey, lovebirds! Don't you think it's a bit late to still be up?" he shouted playfully, his sudden loudness breaking the tranquility.
His voice stirred the others, and soon the rest of the group emerged from their tents, smirking and chuckling at the couple. They stood around the fire, teasing Moros and Misa about their obvious affection for each other.
Sandro, always the voice of reason, clapped his hands and called out, "Alright, alright, leave them alone! Let's get some sleep. And you two," he added, winking at Moros and Misa, "don't stay up too late, alright?"
The group erupted in laughter, but soon enough, they all returned to their tents, leaving the couple alone once more.
Eventually, Moros and Misa retired as well, the night peaceful and serene. Fireflies danced among the trees, their glow adding to the twinkling of the stars above. The only sound to be heard was the distant howling of wolves, a reminder of the wildness of the world outside their camp.
As the sun began to rise the next morning, the camp slowly came to life. The final preparations for their journey were underway. Excitement buzzed through the group as they packed their belongings and prepared to face whatever awaited them in the ancient ruins. What would they find in the forgotten depths? And what dangers or treasures lay hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered?