ELDORIA
THE ELDORIA 11

Elara and Prime Minister Kael stand on the edge of a forbidden forest that has long been forbidden for anyone to enter. The trees that were once green and lush, were now withered and entwined by poisonous lianas. The atmosphere of the forest felt dark and gripping.

"I never imagined that this forest could become like this" Elara said with a concerned tone.

Kael nodded in agreement.They stepped deeper into the forbidden forest. Their steps were restrained by the branches of trees growing uncontrollably and rooted in the shattered ground. The atmosphere of the forest was so gripping, and the blowing night wind felt cold as if it carried horror stories.

Shortly after entering the forest, they heard a miserable trembling sound. Elara and Kael walked up to the sound and found a sight that surprised them. Lying on a land full of moss and severe injuries, they discover magical creatures that are like fairies, elves, dragons and various other magical creatures.

Kael whispered, "Elara, they need immediate help. We must use our power to heal them."

Elara nodded in agreement, and the two of them immediately crouched down beside the injured creatures. Elara focused her magical energy on the hand, and a glittering light emerged from the tips of her fingers. He began to touch their wounds, feeling the pain and fear that existed within every wounded being.

One of the fairies with torn wings and burns on her body turned to Elara. "Thank you, Elara. We lost hope before you came."

Kael also tried hard, using his magic to treat more serious injuries. "We will do our best to save you all"

After they managed to heal most of the injured magical creatures, Kael said, "We should go back to the palace and prepare well"

Elara nodded in agreement.Elara closed her eyes and read something, making all the magical creatures that keep the forbidden forest disappear."They've moved me to the Snow Gunug."

Elara and Kael prepare to leave the forbidden forest.

***

Drako stood in the middle of the temporary camp they had built on the edge of the forest that enveloped the Shadow Labyrinth. The dim light from the glittering bonfire reflected shadows on his weary faces. After a long journey that took weeks, their energy began to plummet, and they all knew that they had to make big decisions. Drako stared at his friends who had become his friends and adventurer companions.

"Listen?!," said Drako, his deep voice reflecting his wisdom and experience. "We all know how important this mission is. Finding the Light Artifact of Life is the key to saving our kingdom from the ever-expanding darkness in this Shadow Labyrinth. But we have to be realistic. Our physical strength is running low, and our journey is not finished."

Sitting around the campfire, the heroes nodded in agreement. They also feel the same fatigue and realize that they cannot keep moving without rest.

"What about finding firewood?" ask Dharon.

Drako nodded. "Right, Dharon, you're going to find firewood. We need a big bonfire to keep us warm and bright at night."

Hearing his task, Dharon smiled and stood up. "No problem, Drako. I'll be gone soon."

Drako then continued, "In the meantime, Lyra and Elysia, you will prepare the food ingredients. We cannot continue our journey on an empty stomach. Make sure you collect whatever you can eat around here and cook it carefully."

Lyra and Elysia nodded in agreement and began to arrange their cooking utensils.

"I and Arin will be on guard tonight" Drako added. "We don't know what might lurk us during the night. I'll make sure we're safe."

The heroes were relieved to hear this plan. They know that Drako has always protected them with great dedication.

Once the tasks are shared, they begin to work diligently. Dharon enters the forest in search of firewood, Lyra and Elysia arrange their cookware, Drako and Arin guard a campfire that continues to emit warm light on dark nights.

A few hours passed, and they all regrouped around the campfire. Dharon carried a pile of firewood enough to keep the fire burning through the night. Lyra and Elysia prepare food that tastes fragrant and appetizing. They sat together around the fire, enjoying their food while telling stories about their adventures during this journey.

Drako looked at his friends gratefully. Although they have gone through many trials and difficulties, they remain together as a solid and inseparable team.

When night fell, they slept soundly in the tents they set up. Drako keeps watch and tells Arin to rest too.At first Arin refuses, but Drako continues to force until Arin is forced into the tent.

Actually Drako is also very tired, but he also feels relieved that his friends have gotten the rest they need.

The next morning, after a quick breakfast, they prepared to continue their journey to the Shadow Labyrinth. They all felt fresher and prepared to face anything that might be waiting for them inside that mysterious labyrinth.

With renewed vigor, they continue on their journey, convinced that with teamwork and common struggle, they, they would succeed in finding the Light Artifacts of Life and bringing the light back to their kingdom that was threatened by darkness.