After repelling the Shadow-kin's darkness with the power of the lanterns, each kingdom found a temporary peace. However, Merslin and his companions knew that the threat of the Shadow-kin still remained. They resolved to embark on a new journey to find the source of the Shadow-kin and eliminate them completely.
At a council held in the royal palace of the Luminaria Kingdom, Merslin and his companions discussed their future plans with the king, queen, and other key figures.
"Thanks to the lanterns, the kingdom was able to escape the darkness, but the Shadow-kin still remain a formidable threat," Merslin said.
The King of Luminaria, his face etched with deep contemplation, said, "We must find the source of the Shadow-kin and vanquish them completely. Otherwise, our kingdom will once again be shrouded in darkness."
Kaila spoke with a resolute voice. "As the Prince of the Luminaria Kingdom, I will join this journey. I will find the source of the Shadow-kin and protect our future."
The King of Luminaria nodded. "I will support you with the kingdom's most elite troops. They will go with you."
After delivering the lantern to the Frontier King alongside the prince he had met before, Merslin researched the kingdom's ancient records to find clues about the Shadow-kin's origin. They soon discovered a hint.
"According to this record, the source of the Shadow-kin is on the frozen continent to the north," the Prince of the Frontier Kingdom said. "It is an unknown land that no one has set foot on for ages."
Merslin nodded in response. "Then we must go there. We must find the source of the Shadow-kin and destroy them for good."
The Frontier King spoke with a determined voice. "I will send our kingdom's champions with you. They will be a great help on this perilous journey."
Daren returned to the Elven Forest and provided the Elven Queen and elders with clues to find the source of the Shadow-kin. In the depths of the forest, they discovered an ancient book of prophecies.
"According to this prophecy, the source of the Shadow-kin lies in the 'Frozen Heart of Darkness'," Daren said.
The Elven Queen took a deep breath. "Then we must find that heart and defeat the darkness. Daren, we need your wisdom and courage. I will send the elves' most elite soldiers with you. They will fight alongside you."
Sera and Ria, with information and help from the Village of the Ancients, made their final preparations for the quest.
"According to the records of the Ancients, a powerful magic lies hidden on the frozen continent. With that magic, we should be able to destroy the source of the Shadow-kin," Ria said.
Sera replied resolutely, "Then we must find that magic and eliminate the Shadow-kin completely."
The leader of the Ancients said, "The mages of the Ancients will accompany you. They will be a great help on this journey."
At this time, it occurred to Merslin that they would need the help of the goblin merchants, who operated ships and traveled to many regions. The party sought out the goblins' main base.
The leader of the goblin merchants, Grunk, welcomed them. "We goblins travel to many regions and gather information. We know a great deal about the frozen continent you seek."
Merslin said to Grunk, "We must travel to the frozen continent to find the source of the Shadow-kin. We need your help."
Grunk nodded. "Our merchant ship knows the only route to that region. You will be able to arrive safely with us."
"Then let us go together," Merslin said gratefully. "Your help will be a great strength."
With the aid of the goblin merchants, Merslin, his companions, and the support troops from each kingdom set off for the frozen continent to the north.
Merslin and the grand alliance boarded the goblin merchant ship and departed. They steeled their resolve to find the source of the Shadow-kin and destroy them.
"We will find the source of the Shadow-kin and free this world from darkness forever," Merslin declared, his voice firm with conviction.
A few days into their journey, the allied forces were hit by a storm. The sky suddenly darkened as a fierce wind and blizzard raged. The goblin merchant ship battled against giant waves and wind to continue its voyage.
"Everyone, hold on tight!" Grunk shouted. "We have to endure until the storm passes!"
In the midst of the storm, the ship pitched and rolled on massive waves. On the water-swept deck, the companions supported each other to keep their balance. As the storm finally subsided, they arrived at the frigid continent. A cold wind blew as if to freeze their skin, and snow was piled up to their ankles. The harsh environment made travel difficult, but they encouraged one another and pressed on.
Kaila planned their strategy with the Luminarian troops. "We must find traces of the Shadow-kin here. Everyone, stay alert as we move." A Luminarian soldier replied, "Your Highness, we trust and follow you. Let us win this together."
Merslin shared information with the champions from the Frontier Kingdom. "We must grasp the geography of this area. We need to combine the goblin merchants' maps with our experience to find the best route." A Frontier champion raised a hand. "We will always follow your command. We can all win this together."
Daren, along with the elven soldiers, searched for a hidden shelter in the woods. "The energy of the Shadow-kin is strong here. Everyone, be careful." An elven soldier said, "Lord Daren, we believe in your wisdom. Under your leadership, we can win."
Sera and Ria prepared magical spells with the mages of the Ancients. "This magic will be able to defeat the darkness of the Shadow-kin. We must all combine our strength." An Ancient mage replied, "We are inspired by your courage and resolve. We will also do our best."
Ria nodded. "Together, we can do anything."
**
Episode : The Preparations of Darkness
In the heart of the frozen continent, amidst a raging storm, the aura of darkness was thick. The stronghold of the Shadow-kin, the Fortress of Darkness, was hidden within a giant glacier, a citadel constructed from black crystal that rejected the light.
The Fortress of Darkness consisted of massive towers and walls that soared high into the sky. The walls were covered in thick black crystal and ice, their surfaces engraved with ancient runes and magical symbols that served to protect the citadel and enhance the power of darkness. At the fortress's peak, a giant black banner, emblazoned with the symbol of the Shadow-kin, flapped in the wind.
The only path into the fortress was through the Great Gate of Darkness. The gate, comprised of two colossal black doors etched with ancient sorcery, was sealed by the power of darkness, making it impossible to open from the outside. Before the gate stood two giant statues modeled after legendary Shadow-kin warriors of the past, while Dark Knights in black armor, their eyes glowing red, kept a constant, vigilant watch.
The fortress's interior was divided into multiple levels, each housing various dark bosses and monsters. The main areas included The Dark Core, the source of the fortress's power; The Hall of Shadows, teeming with dark creatures; The Cursed Halls, guarded by corrupt sorcerers; and The Shadow Throne, the highest level where the final battle would take place.
Within the Fortress of Darkness, the leader of the Shadow-kin, Nightfall, convened with his Dark Knights. Nightfall was a powerful being clad in black armor, his eyes glowing a malevolent red. His voice was cold and filled with authority.
"Our enemies are coming," Nightfall announced. "They carry the light of their lanterns, intending to threaten us. But we are prepared. Darkness will never perish."
He then addressed the other Shadow-kin leaders, outlining their history and purpose. The Shadow-kin were an ancient race, once comprised of powerful sorcerers and paladins. However, a faction among them was seduced by the power of darkness and became corrupt. The sorcerers transformed into masters of potent dark magic, and the paladins became the Dark Knights, wielding swords and shields shrouded in a dark aura.
The Shadow-kin leaders nodded in agreement with Nightfall's plan to gather their power and crush Merslin's party. The Dark Knights, the elite warriors of the Shadow-kin, moved to their designated positions.
As the storm intensified, Nightfall commanded his forces. "The storm will throw them into chaos. We will concentrate the power of darkness and destroy them. Our darkness will rule this land. We are its masters."
Throughout the fortress, the preparations for war were finalized. In the Cursed Halls, the corrupt sorcerers began to chant their spells, their eyes flashing with black light as the dark aura around them intensified. In the barracks, the corrupt paladins, now Dark Knights, stood ready in their black armor, their weapons glowing with dark energy.
From his throne, Nightfall commanded the power of the storm, ready to greet his enemies. "We will be victorious," he declared. "Darkness will never perish."