Crimson Moonlight

XXV. Sacred Guardians

   We arrived back at my apartment late in the evening, exhausted but satisfied. Hyerin was waiting for us, her face lighting up with relief as we walked in. "You're back! Did you find it?" she asked eagerly. I smiled, holding up the amulet. "We did. One more piece of the puzzle." Hyerin clapped her hands in excitement. "That's amazing! You two are incredible."

   Sunghoon chuckled, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "We had a little help," he said, nodding towards the protective charm still hanging around my neck. Hyerin's eyes widened. "The librarian's charm! I'm glad it helped." "It did," I said, feeling a surge of gratitude for all the support we had received. "Now, we just need to figure out our next move." Sunghoon's expression turned serious. "We'll need to prepare carefully. The remaining artifacts won't be easy to find." Hyerin nodded, her face determined. "Whatever you need, I'm here to help."

   As we sat down to discuss our plans, I felt a sense of unity and purpose. We were a team, each of us bringing our strengths to the table. And with Sunghoon by my side, I knew we could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

   The next morning, Sunghoon and I woke up early, the excitement of our quest propelling us forward. As we got ready, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and nerves. The previous day's success in finding the artifact had boosted our spirits, but it also heightened the awareness of the dangers lurking ahead. Sunghoon and I packed our bags once more, ensuring we had everything we might need for the journey ahead. Hyerin had insisted on preparing a hearty breakfast for us, her way of showing support even though she couldn't join us on our quest.

   Sunghoon looked over the map spread out on the kitchen table, tracing the route with his finger. "According to the clues we've deciphered so far, the next artifact should be located in an ancient burial site in the southern province," he said, his brow furrowed in concentration.

   I nodded, scanning the map. "Do we have any idea what we might encounter there?" He shook his head. "Not exactly. The clues have been cryptic, but I suspect the site will be heavily guarded, both by natural obstacles and possibly by those who seek to protect the artifact."

"Should we expect more vampire attacks?" I asked, recalling the intensity of our last encounter at the mall. The memory sent a chill down my spine. "It's possible," Sunghoon admitted, his voice grave. "But we'll be prepared. We have the artifacts we've gathered so far, and each one strengthens our position."

   Hyerin joined us at the table, placing plates of steaming food in front of us. "Eat up," she urged, her eyes filled with concern. "You'll need your strength."

   We dug into the food, the warmth and flavors comforting in the face of the challenges ahead. Sunghoon and I exchanged glances, a silent acknowledgment of the dangers we faced and the determination to see our mission through.

   After breakfast, we gathered our belongings and headed out to the car. The morning air was crisp, the sky a clear azure blue promising a beautiful day. We drove in companionable silence, each lost in our own thoughts as we approached the southern province.

   As we neared the burial site, the landscape transformed from rolling hills to rugged terrain dotted with ancient trees. The road became rougher, forcing us to slow our pace. Finally, we reached a clearing where we parked the car and continued on foot.

   The burial site was hidden deep within a dense forest, its location known only to a few. We followed a narrow path that wound through towering trees and thick underbrush. The air was heavy with the scent of earth and pine, and the silence was broken only by the rustling of leaves and the occasional call of birds.

"There," Sunghoon said quietly, pointing ahead. Through a gap in the trees, we caught a glimpse of weathered stone pillars rising from the ground like ancient sentinels.