The dawn sun bathed the landscape in a soft orange glow as Jinwoo, Hyeri, and Donghyuk trekked deeper into the wilderness, leaving the familiar sights of the city behind. The path ahead grew more treacherous with each step, and the sprawling forest that marked the edge of the Forbidden Territories loomed ominously on the horizon.
"Ah, the smell of adventure!" Donghyuk stretched his arms over his head, grinning as he looked at the dense forest ahead. "I've been waiting for this!"
Hyeri, walking just ahead, rolled her eyes. "You always get excited before the chaos starts. Let's just hope this time your enthusiasm doesn't get us killed."
Jinwoo walked silently beside them, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of what lay ahead. The Sanctuaries, the Primal Energy, and the Watcher—it all seemed so surreal. Yet, the weight of their mission hung over him like a shadow.
The dense trees of the Lost Forest soon enveloped them, blocking out much of the sunlight. The deeper they ventured, the more the natural world seemed to warp. Strange, twisted roots coiled around the trees, and an unnatural fog began to thicken around them. Every step felt like it echoed, as if the forest itself was watching.
"We're getting close," Hyeri muttered, glancing around cautiously. "I can feel the magic in the air. It's... unsettling."
Jinwoo nodded, his grip tightening on his sword hilt. "Stay alert. The Lost Forest is notorious for confusing travelers. It's said people can wander for days, or even weeks, and never find their way out."
Donghyuk chuckled. "I hope we're not going to spend that long in here. I'm not a fan of forests with a mind of their own."
Hyeri stopped suddenly, holding up a hand. "Wait. I hear something."
The group immediately tensed, their hands going to their weapons. The eerie quiet of the forest was broken by a faint rustling sound, like something moving quickly through the underbrush. The fog thickened, swirling unnaturally around them.
Jinwoo narrowed his eyes, peering through the mist. "Prepare yourselves. This doesn't feel right."
Suddenly, the fog parted, and from the shadows, strange creatures emerged. They were humanoid but hunched, with long, twisted limbs and glowing red eyes. Their bodies seemed to shift and flicker, as if they weren't entirely bound to this world.
"Shadow Wraiths," Jinwoo said under his breath, recognizing the creatures from his training. "They're remnants of lost Ascendants, corrupted by the forest. They'll try to pull us into the shadows."
Donghyuk's grin widened as he cracked his knuckles. "Sounds like a challenge. Let's see what they've got!"
The Wraiths lunged forward, their movements swift and erratic. Donghyuk was the first to meet them, slamming his fist into the closest one with a thunderous impact. The creature screeched as it was sent flying, but its body twisted in mid-air, landing on its feet like liquid shadow.
"Harder than they look," Donghyuk muttered, raising his fists again.
Jinwoo wasted no time, his sword flashing as he sliced through two Wraiths that lunged at him from both sides. The creatures dissolved into black mist, only to reform moments later, their eerie red eyes glowing more intensely.
"They're not staying down!" Hyeri called out, summoning a barrier of light to block an incoming strike. "What do we do?"
Jinwoo's mind raced. The Wraiths were bound to the shadows, existing in both the physical and ethereal planes. Regular attacks wouldn't keep them down for long.
"We need to purify the area," Jinwoo said, dodging another swipe from a Wraith. "They're tied to the fog. If we can break the connection, they'll lose their power."
Hyeri nodded, her hands glowing with radiant energy. "Leave that to me! Just keep them off me for a minute!"
Jinwoo and Donghyuk formed a defensive circle around Hyeri as she began to chant an incantation, her voice low and steady. The Wraiths pressed in, growing more aggressive as if sensing the impending threat. Donghyuk met each one with powerful blows, while Jinwoo's sword danced through the air, cutting down any that got too close.
"Hyeri, how long?" Jinwoo asked through gritted teeth, slicing through another Wraith.
"Almost there!" Hyeri replied, her concentration unshaken.
As Hyeri's incantation reached its climax, a burst of light erupted from her, spreading in a wave that pushed back the fog and illuminated the entire area. The Wraiths screeched as the light engulfed them, their forms dissolving into nothingness as the fog dissipated.
The silence that followed was almost deafening.
Donghyuk exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Nice job, Hyeri. That light show of yours really packs a punch."
Hyeri smiled weakly, clearly drained from the effort. "I wouldn't call it a light show, but thanks."
Jinwoo sheathed his sword, his gaze scanning the now-clear forest. "That was just the beginning. If the Wraiths were this aggressive, the Sanctuary can't be far."
Hyeri nodded, though she still looked troubled. "This whole place feels wrong. Like it's alive, watching us."
Jinwoo didn't respond, but he felt it too. The Lost Forest wasn't just dangerous—it was aware of their presence.
Later...
As they continued deeper into the forest, Jinwoo pulled out the glowing stone Jihoon had given him. It pulsed faintly in his hand, emitting a soft hum that grew louder the closer they got to their destination. The ground beneath them seemed to shift, the forest subtly guiding them toward their goal.
Finally, after what felt like hours of walking, they came to a clearing. At the center stood an ancient structure—a massive stone archway covered in glowing runes. Beyond the arch was a swirling vortex of light, faint but powerful, as if it was waiting for something to awaken it.
"This is it," Jinwoo said quietly, stepping closer to the arch. "The entrance to the Sanctuary of Light."
Donghyuk looked impressed. "Looks... ancient. So, how do we open it?"
Hyeri studied the runes, her fingers brushing lightly against the stone. "These are protection runes, but they're tied to something deeper—almost like a lock. The guardian's power must be keeping it sealed."
Jinwoo stepped forward, holding the glowing stone in his hand. As he approached the archway, the stone pulsed brighter, resonating with the runes. Suddenly, a deep rumble echoed through the clearing, and the archway began to glow with a blinding light.
A voice echoed through the air, ancient and commanding.
"Who dares to disturb the Sanctuary of Light?"
The ground shook, and the vortex beyond the arch grew brighter, as if preparing to unleash something. From within the vortex, a figure emerged—tall, regal, and glowing with a radiant aura. Her body was made of pure light, her form shifting like the sun's rays. Her eyes, however, were cold and unyielding.
"I am Lysandra, Guardian of the Light," the figure declared, her voice echoing through the clearing. "Only those worthy may pass. Prove yourselves, or be consumed by the light."
Jinwoo felt the immense pressure of her presence, like standing in the heart of a star. But he stepped forward, undeterred.
"We're here to claim the Primal Energy of this Sanctuary," Jinwoo said, his voice steady. "We won't back down."
Lysandra's eyes narrowed. "Then prepare yourselves. The light will test your hearts, your strength, and your will. Only the pure of spirit may claim what lies within."
The vortex of light began to swirl faster, and the air around them crackled with energy.
"Your trial begins now."
End of Chapter 9