the Meeting in the depths of the forest

Darius finds himself exploring that eerie house. Suddenly, he encounters a terrifying man—muscular and imposing. Fear grips Darius, and he instinctively tries to flee.

"Don't worry, kid," the man says in a deep, steady voice. "I'm not here to kill you. But if you try to run, you'll likely die at the hands of that monster."

Darius hesitates, his breath uneven. The man introduces himself as Lutfi, revealing that he has lived here in hiding for ten years after miraculously surviving a fall from a deadly cliff. This place, he explains, is the deepest part of the forest, a realm where monsters beyond imagination roam freely.

Lutfi built a small cabin near the mist, knowing that stronger creatures fear it. He warns Darius, "The Mist Beast is easier to avoid compared to the others. Just don't follow the illusions."

As they speak, Lutfi notices something strange about Darius. With a serious expression, he states:

"The power in your heart… it's shadowed, dark… yet that's impossible. A Shadow Heart only reacts to shadow-born creatures."

Darius looks at him, confused. Lutfi explains that the temple has sealed the darkness within him, but something doesn't add up.

"The temple used its energy to suppress… whatever is inside you. That's strange—because the temple only responds to those of pure blood."