Chapter 40: Trials of the Heart
The shard's power flickers slowly and faintly in Jin Soo's hand as they continued their journey. The forest had tested their minds, but the path ahead promised even greater challenges.
As they climbed higher into the mountains, the air grew colder, and the landscape became more desolate. They came across a crumbling stone bridge spanning a deep chasm.
"We have no choice," Seo Jin said, peering into the abyss below. "We have to cross."
The group stepped onto the bridge, its ancient stones creaking under their weight. Halfway across, the air around them shimmered, and the world seemed to shift.
Suddenly, they were no longer on the bridge but in a vast, empty void. Each of them stood alone, facing their deepest fears.
Jin Soo found himself back in his village, standing in the ruins of his childhood home. The sky was dark, and the ground was littered with broken memories.
"You failed them," a voice said, echoing in the void.
Jin Soo turned to see a shadowy version of himself, its eyes filled with contempt. "You couldn't save them, and you won't save anyone else."
Jin Soo clenched his fists, the tether glowing faintly at his side. "You're wrong," he said, his voice steady. "I won't let the past define me."
The shadow lunged at him, but Jin Soo held his ground. The tether flared to life, its light banishing the shadow and breaking the illusion.
One by one, the others emerged from their own trials, their expressions grim but determined.
"The shadows are trying to break us," Hye Rin said. "But we won't let them."
With renewed resolve, they crossed the bridge and continued their journey.
To Be Continue.......