[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 6: The Arcana of Power

After leaving the fortress, Jun, Calla, Sora, Marcus, and Lila progressed through varied landscapes, from dense forests to arid deserts. Each day brought its challenges, and each night, the strategic discussions around the campfire drew the group closer.

One night, while camping near a river, Jun opened the parchment scroll given by the Knight Lord. The information about the Güldenstern Order was troubling. The Order's network of influence seemed to stretch in all directions, making every step into unknown territory potentially dangerous.

« We must stay united and vigilant, » declared Jun as he closed the parchment. « Any information we can gather about their plans is crucial. »

The next day, the group crossed an open plain where they met an old merchant. After a few exchanges, he revealed the existence of secret caches used by the Order. Marcus examined the merchant's map with interest.

« This could be our chance to surprise them, » he said. « But we must act quickly and discreetly. »

In the following days, they located and infiltrated several of these caches. Each time, they gathered fragments of information that together began to form a clearer picture of the Order's intentions. The discoveries were alarming: the Güldenstern Order sought to use the Rose of the Winds to trigger a cataclysm that would give them absolute power.

« We must prevent this, » declared Calla, her face serious. « The future of Kirin depends on it. »

Sora, always alert, showed signs of unease. The wolf sensed the rising tensions and imminent threats. His sharp instincts were often the group's first warning of danger.

One night, while they camped in an ancient ruin, Jun was awakened by a faint noise. He saw a furtive figure moving away in the darkness. Without waking the others, he discreetly followed the figure to a small hidden camp. There, he overheard a conversation between two agents of the Güldenstern Order.

« The plan is progressing as expected, » one of them whispered. « We will be ready for the next phase soon. »

Jun silently returned to the camp and woke his companions, telling them what he had heard.

« We must prepare, » he said. « They are closer than we thought. »

The following days were marked by heightened vigilance. Each step brought them closer to their inevitable confrontation with the Order. Despite the dangers, hope and determination pushed them forward.

As they approached the borders of the City of Mirrors, they encountered a group of refugees fleeing the Order's persecutions. The stories of their suffering strengthened their resolve. They had to stop the Güldenstern, not only for themselves but for all those suffering under their oppression.

One night, around the campfire, Jun shared his thoughts with the group.

« We have learned a lot and grown stronger. But the real challenge awaits us in the City of Mirrors. We must stay united and ready for anything. »

Lila added, « Together, we have already achieved the impossible. Let's continue to move forward with courage and determination. »

The next day, they rose before dawn, ready to face the final trials that awaited them. The City of Mirrors was close, and with it, the answers they sought and the decisive battle against the Güldenstern Order.

« For Kirin, » murmured Jun, holding the Rose of the Winds to his chest. « For the future. »

They marched towards their destiny, united by their common quest and the promise to protect their world from darkness.