Crossing the Mountains of Doom(0)

• 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?"