The sun began to rise, painting the dense canopy of the northern swamp forest in hues of red. The three Otherworlders, exhausted but undaunted, had successfully brought Zane out of the Shadow Syndicate's encirclement. They found a small clearing, hidden deep among ancient trees, where sunlight could filter down. Elara quickly fashioned a makeshift stretcher from branches and vines to transport Zane.
"We need to find a safer place to treat him," Arthur said, his voice weary but his eyes still vigilant. "And we need to figure out what Zane did in the Crystal Dragon Hall."
Kai nodded, his mind still overwhelmed by the information the Ancient Soul Emblem had just imparted. He felt a strange urge, a call from deep within the forest, not of danger, but of something... ancient.
"I think... I know a place," Kai said, his voice carrying a certainty that surprised Arthur and Elara. "Memories from the Ancient Soul Emblem... it leads to a location. An ancient valley, with powerful healing energy."
Arthur and Elara exchanged glances. Though a bit skeptical, they trusted Kai. Since absorbing the Emblem, Kai's senses and understanding of Aethel seemed to have surpassed theirs.
"Then, lead the way," Arthur said. "Quickly. We don't have much time."
Kai led the way, moving through the dense foliage. He felt the Emblem's call grow clearer as they ventured deeper into the forest. The air became fresher, and the scent of damp earth and wild herbs replaced the swamp's muddy smell.
They passed through a narrow gorge, and before them lay a spectacular sight. A small valley, enclosed by moss-covered rock walls. And at the valley's center, stood colossal trees with trunks as crimson as blood, lush green canopies, and blooming white flowers. From these trees, a faint, ethereal green light emanated, carrying a sense of peace and life.
"Bloodwood Trees?" Elara exclaimed, her eyes wide. "These trees... they only exist in legends! They're said to have the power to heal all wounds!"
You have arrived at 'Bloodwood Valley - Ancient Respite Point'.
Danger Level: Low (Temporary).
They carefully laid Zane down at the base of one of the Bloodwood Trees. Immediately, Zane's wounds slowly began to close, and his breathing became more regular. The energy from the Bloodwood Trees not only healed Zane but also affected Arthur and Elara, making them feel less weary.
Kai also felt the strong resonance of the Ancient Soul Emblem with the energy of Bloodwood Valley. He approached one of the trees, touching its crimson trunk.
Ancient energy flow is being transferred to you.
Skill 'Vitality Regeneration (Water System)' (Level 1) has been activated!
Your mana is rapidly recovering.
Kai felt a warm, soothing energy flow through his body, restoring his mana and stamina at an incredible rate. He realized this Bloodwood Valley was not just a place of healing, but also an ancient energy nexus, directly connected to the Ancient Soul Emblem and perhaps even the Crystal Dragon Hall.
"Amazing!" Arthur cheered. "We found a safe haven. Here, Zane will have a chance to recover."
Elara nodded, but her eyes were still filled with worry. "But the Shadow Syndicate won't give up. They know Kai has the Emblem."
While Zane slowly recovered, and Arthur and Elara rested, Kai focused on exploring the new powers of the Ancient Soul Emblem and the information it had unlocked. He touched the Emblem within him, and a clearer stream of memories emerged. They were fragmented images of an ancient war, of a colossal creature with obsidian scales, and of a "Seal" created by many dragons.
You have received a fragment of memory about 'The Shadow Seal'.
New information: The Shadow Syndicate not only seeks the Ancient Soul Emblem but also wishes to break 'The Shadow Seal' guarded by 'Legendary Guardians'.
"The Shadow Seal?" Kai whispered. He looked at Arthur and Elara. "The Shadow Syndicate... they don't just want the Emblem. They want to break something. A 'Shadow Seal'."
Arthur frowned. "A Seal? Like sealing away a demon or something dangerous?"
"The memories aren't clear," Kai said, "but it mentions 'Legendary Guardians' – those who protect the seal. Perhaps that's why Zane came to the Crystal Dragon Hall. He wanted to reinforce the seal, or seek help from those Legends."
Elara suddenly tensed. "If the Shadow Syndicate wants to break a seal... we're facing a much bigger threat than we ever imagined. Perhaps... that's why Aethel has fallen into such chaos."
Kai's words unveiled a new layer to the true nature of the conflict. The battle wasn't just confined to the Bounty Hunters Guild or Zane, but was a war against a dark force plotting to unleash something sealed away since ancient times. Zane had been a part of that war, and now, with the Ancient Soul Emblem, Kai had also become an inseparable part of it.
Lying within the peaceful Bloodwood Valley, beneath the twinkling stars, a new burden settled upon Kai's shoulders.