Chapter 5: Shadows in the Mist
Descending from the Stormforge, the group entered the Mistlands, a dense fog-covered region rumored to be haunted. Shu, naturally, was thrilled.
“This is like a horror story!” he said excitedly.
“It’ll be your horror story if you keep talking,” Lian Hua muttered.
The fog was disorienting, and soon they found themselves surrounded by shadowy figures. At first, they assumed it was another test—until one of the figures attacked.
“They’re Shadow Wraiths!” Lian Hua shouted, cutting down one of the attackers.
The Wraiths were relentless, their dark blades slicing through the mist. Shu’s powers fluctuated wildly, creating both obstacles for the Wraiths and unintended hazards for his friends.
Just when things seemed dire, Shu’s rune emitted a blinding light, forcing the Wraiths to retreat. The group was left shaken but alive.
“They’re getting bolder,” Wen Zhao noted grimly. “The Shadow Wraiths know you’re growing stronger, Shu. They won’t stop until they’ve eliminated you.”
Shu gulped. “Well, that’s comforting.”
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Chapter 6: The Celestial Beacon
At the heart of the Mistlands, they discovered the Celestial Beacon, a towering structure that emitted a faint glow. According to Wen Zhao, activating the beacon would reveal the path to the next trial.
Shu approached cautiously, half-expecting the beacon to explode. Instead, it reacted to his rune, flooding the area with light. The mist cleared, revealing a breathtaking view of the surrounding lands—and a looming dark fortress in the distance.
“That’s where we’re headed next,” Wen Zhao said.
“Of course it’s ominous,” Lian Hua sighed.
As they prepared to move on, Shu couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and dread. His journey was growing more dangerous, but he was finally starting to understand his powers—and maybe, just maybe, his luck was turning around.
“Let’s hope this fortress has fewer things trying to kill me,” he said.
“Doubt it,” Lian Hua replied dryly.
With laughter and determination, the trio set off once more, ready to face whatever came next.
-end of chapter 5-6