Chapter 41: The Forgotten Ruins
Beyond the bridge lay a sprawling ruin, its crumbling walls and overgrown courtyards a testament to its ancient origins.
"This place is old," Aeri said, her voice filled with wonder. "Older than anything I've ever seen."
The group explored cautiously, their footsteps echoing in the empty halls. Strange symbols adorned the walls, glowing faintly in the dim light.
"These markings," Hye Rin said, tracing her fingers over the symbols. "They're from the time of the Light Core's creation. This must have been a sanctuary."
As they ventured deeper, they came across a massive door, its surface engraved with intricate designs. In the center was a circular indentation, the exact size of a Light Core shard.
"This is it," Jin Soo said, his voice filled with anticipation.
He placed one of the shards into the indentation, and the door began to glow. Slowly, it creaked open, revealing a chamber filled with light.
In the center of the chamber floated another shard of the Light Core, its brilliance undiminished by time.
But as Jin Soo reached for it, the shadows erupted from the walls, forming a monstrous figure that towered over them.
"Protect the shard!" Eun Ha shouted, drawing her blade.
The battle was fierce, the shadow creature's strength unlike anything they had faced before. But the group fought with unwavering determination, their combined efforts driving the creature back.
With a final, desperate strike, Jin Soo shattered the creature, and the shard's light filled the chamber, banishing the remaining shadows.
To Be Continue.......