After obtaining the fifth fragment, Van, Lyria, and Eren left the Kingdom of Veldara, which was now in ruins. Although their victory was celebrated, they were fully aware that their task was far from over. The threat of the Cult of Revival was growing, and Jareth, who was directly connected to the Outsider, was intensifying his efforts to seize the world's power.
With heavy steps, they made their way to the Forgotten Lands a region abandoned by many kingdoms due to its savage wilderness and the presence of mysterious creatures. Despite the uncertainty, they believed the sixth fragment was hidden somewhere within, protected by an ancient power that once ruled the world.
---
The Journey to the Forgotten Lands
During their journey, Van felt increasingly burdened. The fifth fragment they had just obtained possessed a power capable of shifting the balance of the world, but no one could predict the consequences. "Can we really control it?" Van wondered.
"Don't worry," Lyria said as she walked beside him. "We've overcome so many trials together. We'll make it through this one too."
Even as Lyria tried to reassure him, Van could sense the unspoken tension within their group. They all understood that the more fragments they gathered, the greater the danger they faced.
Meanwhile, Eren was unusually quiet. He gazed at the darkening sky, as if something was troubling him. "What exactly is in the Forgotten Lands, Van?" Eren asked after a while.
Van met his gaze seriously. "Those lands weren't just forgotten by ordinary people. Long ago, a great kingdom was destroyed there by a dark power. It's said that one of the most dangerous fragments is hidden there. But there's something worse... The Outsider once ruled that place."
---
A Welcome of Dark Creatures
As they reached the border of the Forgotten Lands, the atmosphere grew even more ominous. The land appeared barren and desolate, with trees that seemed either dead or corrupted by dark energy. The haunting aura of this forsaken place made them feel as though they were stepping into a nightmare.
As they ventured deeper, they were greeted by a swarm of shadowy creatures that emerged from the ground, floating with glowing red eyes that burned fiercely.
"What are those?" Lyria asked, raising her hand, readying her magic.
"These creatures aren't fully alive, nor fully dead," Van replied firmly. "They are guardians of this forgotten land, and they won't let anyone pass without a fight."
The shadow creatures charged at them with incredible speed, attempting to surround them. But Van and Lyria quickly sprang into action. Van unsheathed his sword, slashing through the shadows as they lunged at him, while Lyria unleashed bursts of light magic that burned the creatures away.
Eren, using his cleverness, moved behind the enemies, taking them out one by one. Despite their best efforts, the sheer number of foes kept growing. Lyria began to tire, her magic running low, and Eren showed signs of exhaustion.
Just as the situation seemed dire, a massive force suddenly erupted from the ground. A colossal shadowy figure with a blackened body, sharp, towering horns, and blazing red eyes full of malice appeared before them.
"Do not think you can proceed any further," the creature said, its voice echoing with a chilling resonance, radiating an aura of pure darkness.
Van gripped his sword tightly. "We'll go as far as we need to protect this world."
The creature let out a cold laugh. "Protect the world? Hahaha...This world is already cursed, and those fragments will only hasten its downfall."
A fierce battle erupted. The enormous creature attacked with incredible speed and power. Van fought valiantly, using all his strength and skills, while Lyria enhanced his attacks with increasingly potent magic. Eren darted around, distracting the creature with his agility, giving Van and Lyria openings for coordinated strikes.
After a long and grueling fight, they managed to defeat the shadowy monster. But as its body disintegrated into black dust, it left them with a final warning: "These fragments will lead you to destruction. You don't know what you're dealing with."
Van stared at the creature's remains. "Destruction or not, we have to move forward. We can't turn back."
---
An Ancient Chamber Beneath the Forgotten Lands
At last, after defeating the guardian, they arrived at an ancient temple buried beneath the ground. Inside, they found the sixth fragment, a large stone radiating a mysterious blue light. However, as Van approached it, a strange energy enveloped the chamber.
"Stay back!" Lyria shouted, sensing the powerful energy waves.
Suddenly, a deep voice echoed from within the stone. "You have found this fragment, but you must be prepared for the consequences."
"Who's speaking?" Van asked, but there was no reply.
At that moment, black lightning erupted from the stone, forcing them to retreat. But Van stood firm, his resolve unwavering. "This fragment is the key to stopping the Outsider. I won't back down."
With immense determination, Van reached for the sixth fragment. As he touched it, the blue light burst into a powerful energy that surged through his body, giving him a brief vision of the future and the horrors the Outsider would bring.
At the same time, they felt a dark force closing in, like shadows creeping from the abyss.
"This isn't over," Van whispered. "The Outsider is getting closer."