Rest and Planning

• The heroes settled by a small river within the Bloody Forest, their battle with the Earth Dragon leaving its marks on all of them.

• Zian sat by the river, washing the blood and dirt off his face and hands while contemplating the Celestial Sword, which now glowed brighter after the fight.

• Samer worked on repairing his bow, damaged during the battle, while talking to Kimara.

• Lian, despite her injuries, leaned against a tree trunk, inspecting the jewel they had obtained.

• The heroes gathered around a small fire lit by Raenor, who studied the jewel intently.

• Raenor: "The second piece of the Eye of Fate enhances the sixth sense. It grants the ability to glimpse the near future… but using it comes with risks."

• Lian: "What kind of risks?"

• Raenor: "Your minds could become clouded if you overuse it. You'll need training to control its power."

• Samer turned to Zian and asked: "What's the plan now? Do we go after the final piece?"

• Zian: "Not until we regain our strength. The Earth Dragon was just a small test… what's coming will be much harder."

• Late at night, Zian approached Raenor, who was sitting on a rock, gazing at the starry sky.

• Zian: "Raenor… tell me the truth. Why are you helping us? Who are you really?"

• Raenor smiled faintly: "I thought you'd ask me that sooner. But the answer isn't simple."

• Zian: "I need to know everything. We're fighting Raghub and his followers, but it all feels like we're just pawns in a bigger game."

• Raenor: "I am neither a king nor fully human… I'm a mix of both. I was once part of the Old Council of Jinn, but I chose exile after witnessing their corruption."

• Zian: "And what's your connection to Raghub?"

• Raenor's eyes turned serious: "I was part of those who created his power. We, the Ten Kings, as the legends call us… but I turned against him later."

• Samer woke up late at night and found Lian staring at the fire. A conversation unfolded:

• Samer: "What's on your mind?"

• Lian: "I've been thinking about everything we've been through. Do you think we can do it?"

• Samer: "Do you know why I keep going? It's not just for revenge. I want to be part of something greater. And Zian… he's the only hope to achieve that."

• Lian smiled faintly: "I hope we're strong enough."

• The next morning, Raenor gathered everyone to outline the plan:

• Raenor: "The next place where you'll find the final piece of the Eye of Fate is even more dangerous. It lies deep within the Sunken City of the Jinn. You'll need to prepare yourselves well."

• Zian: "And how do we get there?"

• Raenor: "We'll need a creature to help us… and there's only one capable of doing so: the Phoenix of Flames."

• Lian: "The Phoenix of Flames? Isn't it one of the creatures of the Bloody Forest?"

• Raenor: "Indeed. It's the strongest after the Earth Dragon. But if you managed to tame the Monkey King, you might stand a chance."

• The chapter ends with Raghub appearing in his throne room, smiling wickedly as he gazes into a magical mirror showing the heroes.

• Raghub: "They've come farther than I expected. But now the game enters its final stage… and I decide how it ends."

• In the shadows, one of the Ten Kings—long thought to be missing—emerged and said:

• The King: "It won't be that easy, Raghub. Even you don't know everything about the Eye of Fate."

…