Chapter 8: Moment of despair

After they left the laboratory, suddenly a golden aura enveloped the room as the final magic circle formed perfectly on the floor. Light radiated from each symbol, piercing the darkness and giving new life to the previously gloomy room. In the center of the circle, the Red-Haired Man stood with his arms raised, feeling the power coursing through his body. He realized that at this moment, the decisions he took would determine the fate of many lives.

Meanwhile, in the winding corridor leading to the laboratory exit, Aether, Beatrice, and Elena ran as fast as they could. They have just managed to retrieve the last artifact they need to complete the ritual to save the world. Aether, with her long Yellow hair tied into a ponytail, held the glowing artifact tightly to her chest.

Suddenly Beatrice Casts Something Like Magic, with her fiery Orange hair and sapphire blue eyes, leading the way with the sparkling light of her light armor. Elena, with a gaze full of determination, covered their backs.

"Come on, hurry! Keep running. We're almost there!" cried Beatrice, her voice full of certainty.

However, suddenly, a roar filled the corridor, and a huge shadow appeared in front of them. A ferocious demonic creature with sharp horns and wide wings blocked their way. His eyes were glowing red, and his evil laughter echoed throughout the corridor.

"You won't get away easily," the demon hissed, pointing his sharp claws at Aether.

Aether felt the air around him turn cold. "We have to defeat him," he said in a firm voice, even though fear lurked in his heart.

Beatrice suddenly cast magic and then drew her sword from the Storage Magic Pocket Reality Dimension, which glowed with silver light, ready to face the threat. "Protect the artifact, Aether. Elena and I will take care of this."

Elena nodded, raised her hand and cast a protective spell. Elena casts the spell "Greater Ward" and blue light covers the three of them, providing temporary protection from the demon's attacks.

The demon roared, launching a vicious attack with its claws. Beatrice parried the attack with her sword, setting off sparks in the air. Elena aimed a magic attack, the energy balls hit the demon's body, making him take several steps back.

However, the demon was not easily defeated. With a quick movement, he attacked again, this time targeting Aether who was behind. With one stomp, he grabbed Aether, trying to kidnap her.

Aether struggled to break free, but the devil's grip was too strong. "Let me go!" She shouted, feeling a dark force sucking away his energy.

Beatrice ran towards them, swinging her sword with full force. "I won't let you take it!" he shouted, slashing at the demon's hand with his sword. The demon roared in pain and released Aether.

Elena, quickly, cast an exorcism spell, hitting the demon with full force. The demon screamed in anger before finally slamming into the wall, disappearing in a puff of black smoke.

Aether fell to the ground, gasping for air. Beatrice and Elena immediately helped him up. "You are okay?" Elena asked, her face full of worry.

Aether nodded, although still surprised by the sudden attack. "We must return to that man immediately. Without this artifact, all our efforts will be in vain."

The three of them continued their journey more alertly. Finally, they reached the ritual room where the man was waiting. Quickly, Aether handed the artifact to the man.

With the additional power of the artifact, the energy in the magic circle became more stable. Aether felt a tremendous surge of power. He knew that now was his last chance.

"Ancient Gods, hear our call. With this power, we ask for peace and harmony for the universe!" shouted the Red Haired Man, his voice echoing throughout the room.

The magic circle vibrated once again, but this time with a regular rhythm. Light radiates from the circle, penetrates the ceiling of the room and reaches the stars. Rumbling sounds filled the air, but amidst the chaos, the Red-Haired Man felt a deep silence. The once wild energy now began to subside, controlled by the Man's will and the power of the artifact.

When the light finally subsided, the man fell to the ground, his breath coming in gasps. Elena, Aether, and Beatrice immediately approached him, making sure he was okay.

"You did it, congratulations," said Elena with a relieved smile. "We did it."

The man nodded weakly, but there was deep satisfaction in his heart. He knew this was only the beginning of their journey, but they had already made great strides towards hope. With their new powers, they are ready to face whatever challenges come their way.

~A New Hint?~

After the ritual was successful, the man felt his body light but full of new power flowing through him. He got up slowly, helped by Elena and Beatrice. The magic circle that was once shining now faded, leaving behind traces of the power that had just been used.

"We don't have much time," said Beatrice, her eyes looking at the door that had been broken open by the demon. "This is just the beginning. There will definitely be more to come."

The man nodded, holding tightly to the artifact that was still emitting a gentle light. "We have to leave this place and make our next plan. This place is no longer safe."

The group moved quickly out of the laboratory, down the halls they already knew well. Outside, night had fallen, and the stars shone brightly in the sky, as if watching over their struggle.

They finally arrived at their secret base, a place hidden behind a dense forest. Once inside, they immediately held an emergency meeting in the main room.

Then they asked the red-haired man his name. The man nodded and introduced himself as Aiden and he was someone who had become a victim of the ritual.

"Aiden, how do you feel after the ritual?" Selene asked, her voice soft but caring.

Aiden took a deep breath before answering. "I feel a new strength within me, but there is also a feeling that we are not finished yet. The threat of darkness is still out there, waiting to strike."

Elena nodded in agreement. "We have strengthened our defenses, but we have to think of a way to completely destroy that source of darkness."

Aether, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke. "I remember something from the past, a legend about an ancient weapon that could wipe out darkness. Maybe this is what we need."

Beatrice looked at Aether curiously. "Where can we find that weapon?"

"There is a place at the end of the world, known as the Temple of Light. That is where the weapon is kept, but it is not easy to get to it," explained Aether.

Orion pondered for a moment. "If that is the only way, then we must try it. We must be prepared to face any danger."

With a new plan formed, the group decides to prepare themselves before undertaking the dangerous journey. They know that the journey to the Temple of Light will be full of challenges and obstacles, but they also realize that this is their chance to end the threat of darkness once and for all.

That night, they went to sleep with mixed feelings—between anxiety and hope. When dawn breaks, they will begin a new journey, leaving the comfort of their base and heading where they have never been before.

Dawn has finally arrived, illuminating the world with new hope. With new enthusiasm and determination, Aiden, Elena, Aether, and Beatrice prepared to leave. They know, whatever awaits them ahead, they will face it together.

"This is our First journey," Aiden said as they stepped out of the base. "And we will not back down."

With full confidence, they stepped forward, towards their destiny that awaited at the end of the world.