Part 20 - In the Silence

Their footsteps echoed down the dark corridor, which seemed to stretch on endlessly, lined with ancient stone slabs. The air felt damp, and although the space was filled with ancient symbols carved into the walls, no sound filled the emptiness—only the echoes of their steps striking the walls.

Ethan walked casually, his eyes shifting from one symbol to another. "Have you ever thought about how strange it is that we find ourselves in a place like this?" he said, his voice filled with wonder, though the tension from earlier had slightly eased. "We used to be just ordinary people, and now we're here, trying to stop a power greater than anything we could have imagined."

Rowan walked beside Ethan, glancing at him with a slight smile. "You know," he replied, "I was just a chef who worried if someone complained about the food I made. Now I'm running around with you guys, carrying fire in my hands."

Lila laughed softly. "We all have unique stories, don't we?" she said, her voice carrying a touch of humor. "I was just an art student, spending my time drawing and creating illusions. Turns out, now I can create illusions more real than I ever imagined."

Asha, walking a bit behind, chimed in, "I was just a doctor. Never imagined that one day I'd be in a place like this, far from home, running to save the world." She looked ahead with a faint smile. "But even though this situation is strange, I feel like we're getting closer to something big. Maybe it's our destiny."

Kael, slightly trailing behind, snorted, feeling a little out of place in the conversation. "I was just a gamer," Kael said while clutching the medallion hanging around his neck. "But after this medallion came into my life, everything changed. From playing games to fighting dark gods—this is pretty surreal, right?"

"I still can't believe we've come this far," Ethan nodded, glancing at his friends. "But... we must have a reason for all of this. If I had a choice, I think I'd go back to the old days, working at the workshop, without any threats like this."

Rowan chuckled softly, "You think we can go back to a normal life after all this? I think we're too far gone to turn back."

Lila stepped slightly ahead, with a broad smile showing a bit of humor. "So, what are your dreams? After all this is over, what will you do?"

Asha thought for a moment, then said, "I want to open a clinic that can help more people, even those who can't afford it. Using everything I've learned from this world and our journey."

Rowan raised an eyebrow. "That's cool, Asha. I... maybe I want to open a restaurant, a place where people can enjoy food without feeling stressed. I always feel happy when someone enjoys my cooking."

"As for me," Lila began, "I might spend more time outside, looking for inspiration for my art, creating something that can inspire many people. There's nothing more peaceful than drawing beautiful scenery."

Kael grinned, looking at his friends with a not-so-serious demeanor. "Me?" he said. "Maybe I'll stop gaming and really enjoy life in the real world—but I think I'll still be drawn to things that give me a challenge."

Ethan laughed. "Well, then, our world is ready for a change, right?"

They continued walking further, enjoying the rare moments of camaraderie amidst a journey full of threats. They heard the sound of water trickling, and soon they arrived at a larger room, where the dim light from moss-covered walls cast long shadows.

However, the peaceful atmosphere changed in an instant. The floor began to tremble slowly, and the air felt heavier. Tension suddenly swept over them, turning the once light-hearted mood into one of full attention.

"Ethan," Asha whispered quietly, "Something's not right."

Everyone fell silent, sensing an unexplainable shift. Suddenly, dark shadows began to move, stretching across the walls, creeping like unseen creatures. They exchanged glances, feeling the dark power approaching.

And in the midst of those shadows, they saw it—a creature seemingly born from the darkness itself, tall and imposing, with glowing eyes, emanating an aura so terrifying.

Before they could prepare, a deep, menacing voice echoed in the room.

"You've been avoiding for too long, but now... it's time to face your fate."

All eyes were fixed on the creature. A threat far greater than they had imagined, and the battle they had avoided was now inevitable.