The group gathered around Arianna, determined to come up with a plan to trap and kill the Shadow.
"We need to get Arianna out of here," Lucas said, "or find a way to bring the Shadow back into the dream world."
Arianna nodded. "I've been thinking about that. I think I can help us with that."
Rachel raised an eyebrow. "How?"
Arianna smiled mischievously. "I've been studying the dream world's properties. I think I can create a portal to bring the Shadow back here."
Abraham's eyes lit up. "That's perfect! We can trap him here and kill him."
Maya frowned. "But how do we lure him into the portal?"
Sophia thought for a moment. "We can use ourselves as bait. If we're in the real world, the Shadow will try to attack us. We can lead him into the portal."
Lucas said "That's a good plan. But we need to make sure we're prepared for anything."
Arianna nodded. "I'll work on creating the portal. You guys need to get back to the real world and prepare for the Shadow's attack."
Rachel stood up. "Let's do this. We have a Shadow to kill."
The group nodded in agreement,
Arianna smiled. "I'll meet you guys in the real world. Let's get ready to kick some Shadow butt."
With a final nod, the group stepped through the portal and back into the real world, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
As they emerged from the portal, the group found themselves back in the abandoned house on the outskirts of town. They took a moment to catch their breath and gather their thoughts.
"Alright, let's get to work," Lucas said, his eyes scanning the room. "We need to prepare for the Shadow's attack."
Rachel nodded. "I'll start setting up traps and defenses. Abraham, can you help me with that?"
Abraham nodded and followed Rachel out of the room.
Maya turned to Sophia. "We should try to gather more information about the Shadow. See if we can find any weaknesses or patterns."
Sophia nodded and the two of them set to work, scouring the internet and researching ancient texts.
Since Lucas and the others had returned to the real world, they needed a way to communicate with Arianna, who was still in the dream world creating the portal.
Lucas used a small, intricately carved mirror that Arianna had given him earlier. The mirror allowed them to communicate across dimensions, enabling Lucas to check in with Arianna and coordinate their plan.
"Arianna, how's the portal coming along?" Lucas asked, speaking into the mirror.
Arianna smiled. "Almost done. I just need to add a few more touches."
Lucas nodded. "Be careful. We don't know what kind of power the Shadow has."
Arianna rolled her eyes. "I can take care of myself, Lucas."
Just then, Rachel called out from the other room. "Guys, I think we have a problem."
The group rushed to join Rachel, who was staring at a computer screen with a look of alarm.
"What is it?" Lucas asked.
Rachel's eyes were wide. "The Shadow isn't just a simple entity. It's a portal key."
The group exchanged worried glances.
"What does that mean?" Sophia asked.
Rachel's voice was grim. "It means that the Shadow can open portals to other dimensions. And if we don't stop it, it could unleash a horde of monsters from other worlds."
The group's faces fell as they realized the true extent of the danger they faced.
But they didn't have time to dwell on it. The Shadow was coming, and they needed to be ready.
"Let's get to work," Lucas said, his voice firm. "We have a Shadow to stop."
The group nodded in agreement, They knew it wouldn't be easy, but they weren't ready to back down without a fight.
As Lucas finished communicating with Arianna, he turned to the others. "Arianna's almost done with the portal. We need to get into position."
Rachel nodded, checking her gear. "I've set up traps around the perimeter. If the Shadow shows up, we'll be ready."
Abraham grunted, hefting his sword. "I'll take point. If that thing shows up, I'll be the first to greet it."
Maya and Sophia stood back-to-back, their eyes scanning the surrounding area. "We'll cover the flanks," Maya said.
Lucas nodded, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. His friends were ready for this.
Just then, Arianna's voice echoed through the mirror. "Lucas, it's done. The portal is open."
Lucas's heart skipped a beat. "Why am I sweating." Lucas lamented trying to clear off the tension situation.
They smile at Lucas funny behavior but they all knew what they were up against and what they had to do.
As they stood there, waiting for the Shadow to take the bait, the air seemed to grow thicker, heavier. The shadows around them appeared to twist and writhe, as if alive.
And then, without warning, the Shadow emerged from the darkness.
Its presence was like a cold wind, sending shivers down their spines. The group stood firm, their hearts pounding in unison.
"Let the game begin," Lucas said, his voice steady.