Chapter 77: Secrets and Determination

As they were gathered around the campfire, the flickering flames cast long shadows over their faces. The night was still, the only sounds were the crackling of the fire and the distant hoot of an owl. Joan, dressed in a simple tunic and pants, looked up and said, "Dad, why do you look so sad? And Grandma and Thrain, you all are looking at each other weird."

Alex, clad in his black and white samurai armor, sighed heavily. The armor, though battered from countless battles, still gleamed in the firelight. "Do you want to know the truth?" he began, glancing at Samantha and Thrain, who nodded in silent agreement.

Joan's eyes widened in shock. "What?" he said loudly, his voice echoing through the quiet forest.

Lyra, wearing a sturdy leather tunic and leggings, looked up from her spot near the fire. Her red hair glowed like embers in the firelight. "The artifact? You all know where it is then. Where is it?"