• After defeating the Wolf King, the group begins their climb up the mountains, where the atmosphere grows increasingly ominous.
• Jagged rocks, dark storm clouds, and eerie echoes surround them.
• Raynor leads the group, but his visible tension only deepens Samir's suspicions.
• Lian uses her energy to sense incoming dangers.
• Along the way, they come across a group of Djinn merchants who have set up a small market amidst the mountains.
• The merchants sell magical tools that could assist the heroes but at exorbitant prices.
• During a conversation between Zian and one of the merchants, Zian learns that this particular merchant witnessed the Great Battle 120 years ago.
• The merchant recounts memories of Ragheb:
• Merchant: "Ragheb wasn't merely after dominion. He sought something greater… something buried beyond the Gate of Secrets."
• The heroes reach the Mirror of Souls, a mysterious barrier that prevents anyone from advancing without confronting their reflection.
• Each hero sees a distorted version of themselves, filled with hatred and weaknesses.
• Zian faces a mocking version of himself:
• Reflection: "You're just a shadow of a man who was once strong… Do you really think you can bear this burden?"
• Samir sees a reflection reminding him of losing his hand:
• Reflection: "You're weak… nothing more than a burden to them."
• Lian faces the image of her father, blaming her for abandoning the tribe and forsaking her past.
• The heroes overcome their fears with great difficulty, but the experience leaves them emotionally drained.
• Zian resolves:
• Zian: "I've lived my life as a shadow, but no more… I am Zian, and I will carve my destiny with my own hands."
• Samir declares:
• Samir: "One hand or two… I'll protect everyone, no matter the cost."
• Lian gathers her courage:
• Lian: "The past doesn't matter… My goal now is to ensure a better future."
• They arrive at the mountain peak, where an entrance leads to the Gate of Secrets.
• They are confronted by three formidable gatekeepers:
• Reema, Lady of Shadows.
• Karo, the Ice Warrior.
• Zoran, Master of the Storm.
• The gatekeepers attack mercilessly, forcing the heroes to split up and face them individually.
• Zian battles Zoran, who uses the winds to immobilize him.
• Samir confronts Karo, struggling to adapt to his prosthetic hand in combat.
• Lian faces Reema, who overwhelms her with powerful illusions, causing her to doubt herself.
• During the battle, Lian is severely injured after falling into one of Reema's shadow traps, prompting Zian to abandon his fight to help her.
• Zian: "I won't leave you! We're a team, and we protect each other."
• Samir manages to use his prosthetic hand to freeze Karo but finds himself in danger when the tide of the battle shifts in the gatekeeper's favor.
• The three gatekeepers begin merging into a massive, monstrous creature, making the situation even more perilous.
• Raynor watches from a distance, his expression enigmatic:
• Raynor: "This is their true test… but will they prevail?"
…