With the sixth fragment now in Van's possession, the group left the Forgotten Lands, filled with threats and dark powers. Although they had succeeded in obtaining what they sought, they felt the journey growing heavier with each step. The energy emanating from the sixth fragment was still strong within Van's body, as though delivering a cryptic and foreboding message.
That night, they camped on the outskirts of the Forgotten Lands, far from prying eyes and the dangerous creatures that still roamed the area. Van held the fragment carefully, trying to comprehend the strange power flowing within it.
"What did you see in the fragment?" Lyria asked, sitting by the campfire, her eyes shimmering with curiosity.
Van shook his head, trying to process what he felt. "I saw… something. A massive shadow, a destroyed world. Countless unseen creatures, and someone trying to control them all. They called him the Outsider."
Eren, seated on the other side, frowned. "So, the fragment is giving us hints about what's to come?"
"It seems so," Van replied. "But it's more like a warning. It feels like something is waiting for us ahead, something far greater than anything we've faced before."
Lyria nodded slowly. "We need to prepare ourselves better. Our time is running out."
---
Encounter with a Fallen Hero
Their journey continued northward, toward the Karai River, where rumors claimed the seventh fragment was hidden within ancient ruins. But before they could reach their destination, they encountered someone they did not expect: Auren Valhentis, a man known as the Forgotten Hero.
Auren was a legendary knight who once led armies in a great war against the Outsider hundreds of years ago. However, during the final battle, he vanished without a trace, and since then, he had become a forgotten legend. Now, Auren appeared before them, looking younger than they had imagined, though his scars and the aura of sorrow surrounding him spoke of great suffering.
"Who are you?" Auren asked, his cold voice laced with tension, though there was a faint trace of curiosity behind it.
"We... are on a journey to stop the Outsider," Van replied, surprised to meet the legendary hero.
Auren's sharp gaze locked onto Van. "The Outsider? That is not something you can simply face. I have spent ages trying to end this threat, but its power is far beyond what we can imagine."
"What do you mean?" Lyria asked hesitantly.
Auren let out a heavy sigh and began to recount his story. "After the last war against the Outsider, I was tasked with guarding the Forbidden Gate a portal connecting this world to another dimension, the Outsider's realm. But over the centuries, I began to sense the dark power growing stronger. I don't know when, but one day, the Outsider will return."
Van looked at Auren intently. "So, can these fragments we're gathering stop the Outsider?"
Auren's gaze fell upon the sixth fragment in Van's hand, his eyes filled with fear. "You don't understand what you're dealing with. These fragments are not tools to stop the Outsider. On the contrary, they are keys that could reopen the Forbidden Gate."
"So we have to destroy the fragments?" Lyria asked, her confusion evident.
Auren shook his head. "It's not that simple. The fragments are connected to a greater power. You might be able to destroy them, but the consequences could be far worse. The Outsider's power is already seeping into this world."
Van felt a heavy dread settle over him. "Then what must we do?"
Auren stared at him with piercing eyes. "If you truly want to stop the Outsider, you must seal the Forbidden Gate forever. But it won't be easy. Many forces seek to reopen the gate, and some of them are already lurking in the shadows."
---
The Rise of a Dark Force
The next day, as they continued their journey, something unexpected happened. A dark power began to seep into the atmosphere, turning the land around them barren and lifeless. The sky above grew gray, and strong winds carried whispers filled with malice.
Eren looked up at the sky, his expression sharp. "Something's wrong. I can feel it."
Van tightened his grip on his sword, remaining alert. "We're not alone here."
Suddenly, out of the darkness emerged a figure they had not expected: Jareth, the leader of the Cult of Revival, now appearing stronger and more dangerous than ever. He strode forward with confidence, his face brimming with certainty.
"Did you think you could stop what has already begun?" Jareth said in a chilling voice. "The Outsider cannot be stopped, Van Vallaga. These fragments are the path to true resurrection."
Van stepped forward, his sword drawn, his eyes filled with determination. "We will stop you, Jareth. We won't let this world fall to darkness."
Jareth laughed coldly. "You don't understand. You're already too deeply entangled in this game. Soon, the Outsider will rise, and this world will return to its original form."
Van felt the air vibrate with ominous energy. Something terrible was approaching. Without warning, Jareth's army of darkness surged toward them, as the skies above grew ever darker.
---
The Final Battle at the Forbidden Gate
Van's group fought with all their might against Jareth's forces. Despite their valiant efforts, Jareth's army vastly outnumbered them, and the overwhelming dark energy made them nearly unstoppable.
Van realized this was no longer just about the fragments. This was a battle to prevent the world from plunging into inevitable darkness. As Jareth advanced, wielding a glowing black sword, Van steeled himself for the final confrontation that would decide the fate of the world.