Lira and Kaden continued their journey, moving further away from the temporary shelter they had found. The streets grew emptier, and the air felt heavier, as if something was lurking just beyond every corner. Lira could feel the tension in the atmosphere, and the deeper she became involved in this journey, the more she felt that the world she once knew was transforming into something unrecognizable.
Eventually, they arrived at a small town located at the far edge of the world known as Aera. This town, though seemingly peaceful, held many secrets, including pieces of information that could help them uncover the whereabouts of the Keepers. Kaden knew that this place would be a crucial starting point in finding the answers. "This place won't give us all the answers," Kaden said, his voice serious. "But it will give us a clue."
Upon reaching the town, they blended in with the locals, trying to gather information in a subtle manner. Lira felt somewhat uneasy in the midst of the seemingly calm crowd, but she knew they had to stay here for a while. They encountered an old merchant who was known by many in the town, a man who seemed to know more than he let on.
Lira approached him cautiously. "Do you know anything about the Keepers?" she asked softly. The merchant eyed her for a long moment, his gaze sharp and questioning. He didn't answer right away, but after a brief pause, he nodded slowly. "There are some stories that have long been forgotten," he said, "but not everyone is ready to hear them."
The merchant led them to an old, neglected house. Inside, there were many ancient books and dusty artifacts. "This is where I keep knowledge that might help you," the merchant said, as he began rummaging through the shelves. He pulled out a thick, weathered book and opened it. "Long ago, the shards were part of the balance of the world. But the Keepers lost control, and they knew that their world would not survive if the shards fell into the wrong hands."
Lira felt that there was something very important in this story, but there were still many pieces that didn't make sense. "So, who can help us find the remaining Keepers?" Lira asked.
The merchant stared at them with a meaningful gaze. "Perhaps you need to seek answers in a place farther away, a place not many know about. It is the ruins of an ancient kingdom, now forgotten by most. If the shard truly holds the power you believe, then that place will give you the clues you need."
Kaden looked at Lira, his eyes silently communicating his thoughts. They had no choice but to continue their search. "Let's go," Kaden said finally. "We need to find that place."
Together, they left the town after receiving important, albeit cryptic, information. Lira felt her heart racing, knowing that the answers they sought were out there, but there were still so many uncertainties ahead.