In an alley, a woman was running, looking back desperately. At a certain point, she screamed for Jiang Yi:
— The shadows are close. They're very close. Where are you, Jiang Yi?
She kept running, feeling the shadows closing in. Suddenly, she fell and looked back, seeing a face that took her breath away.
— Mother? Mother? Mother?
Suddenly, Hye-jin woke up, panting, her body covered in cold sweat. Her friend Soo-min, who was beside her, asked worriedly:
— Are you dreaming about your mother?
— Yes, it's been a long time since I had a dream. Strange. It was like I was there. It was... I can't even explain it properly, but I felt, I felt her fear. — Hye-jin replied, still trembling.
Jin-woo, her bodyguard, approached, his expression serious and grave.
— The amulet showed you something, something that happened a long time ago. But it's not the time to explain it now.
— Please, tell me what happened? — Hye-jin pleaded.
— It's not the time to explain now, not at this moment. I need to leave. When I return, I'll tell you. Take care of her — Jin-woo told Soo-min before leaving quickly.
Soo-min looked at Hye-jin with concern and firmness.
— We will find out what is happening, but you need to be strong. What you saw may be the key to understanding your past and your destiny.
Hye-jin nodded, still processing the dream. She knew there was something deeper connected to the amulet, something she needed to understand to protect herself and the world.
While Jin-woo was away, Soo-min decided to investigate more about Hye-jin's lineage. She hacked into old systems and accessed secret documents that revealed information about the guardians of the lunar artifacts. Amid these documents, Soo-min found an ancient prophecy that spoke of a moon heir destined to restore the balance between light and shadow.
— Hye-jin, you need to see this. — Soo-min said, showing the documents to her friend.
Hye-jin read the ancient words, feeling a shiver run down her spine.
— So, I am the moon heir. But what does that really mean?
— It means you have an enormous responsibility, but also a great power. And we will help you understand and control it. — Soo-min replied, determined.
The depth of the revelations and the gravity of what was happening began to sink into Hye-jin's mind. She stood up, still holding the documents, and began to pace around the small room where they were hiding. The words echoed in her mind, responsibility and danger intertwining in a complex web.
— I never imagined my life would become this. — Hye-jin murmured, more to herself than to Soo-min.
Soo-min approached, placing a comforting hand on Hye-jin's shoulder.
— No one expects this, but you have a strength within you, Hye-jin. You are stronger than you think. And you are not alone in this. Jin-woo and I are here to help you, to ensure you can fulfill your destiny.
Hye-jin looked at Soo-min, her eyes shining with a mix of fear and determination.
— Thank you, Soo-min. I know it won't be easy, but I am ready to face whatever comes. At least, I think I am.
Soo-min smiled, a smile full of confidence and friendship.
— You are. And we will face this together.
While waiting for Jin-woo's return, Hye-jin and Soo-min began to plan the next steps. They needed to discover more about the lunar artifacts and the conspiracy surrounding them. They needed to find allies and prepare for the enemies that would surely come.
Hours later, when Jin-woo finally returned, he brought worrying news.
— The shadows are moving faster than we thought. We need to leave here immediately.
Hye-jin, Soo-min, and Jin-woo quickly gathered their things and prepared to leave. Hye-jin took one last look at the place where she had spent the last few days, knowing she was leaving behind an increasingly distant part of her old life and embracing an uncertain and dangerous future.
As they moved through the dark streets of the city, Hye-jin felt the weight of the amulet around her neck, a constant reminder of her mission. She knew many questions still needed to be answered, but one thing was certain: she was ready to fight for the balance between light and shadow, to honor her parents' memory, and to protect the world from a dark fate.
The night was cold, and the deserted streets of the city created an atmosphere of tension. The sound of footsteps echoed through the alleys as the group moved quickly, staying in the shadows to avoid detection. Jin-woo led the way, his eyes alert for any sign of danger, while Soo-min helped Hye-jin carry the few belongings they had brought.
— Where are we going? — Hye-jin asked, trying to keep her voice low.
— There's a safe hideout on the outskirts of the city. A place where we can regroup and plan our next steps. — Jin-woo replied without taking his eyes off the route.
As they advanced, Hye-jin couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The responsibility she now carried seemed overwhelming, but at the same time, there was a growing determination within her. She knew her journey was just beginning and that she would need all the strength and courage she could muster.
They arrived at an old abandoned factory, hidden among the decaying buildings. Jin-woo checked the area before signaling for them to enter. The interior was dark and cold, but it offered the temporary safety they needed.
— We'll rest here for now. Tomorrow we will start training and seek more answers. — Jin-woo said, lighting a small lantern to illuminate the space.
Hye-jin sat in a corner, hugging her knees while watching her friends prepare for the night. Soo-min set up her laptop, ready to continue her research, while Jin-woo kept watch.
— It's hard to believe all this is happening. — Hye-jin murmured, her voice full of uncertainty.
— I know. But we will get through this together. — Soo-min replied without taking her eyes off the screen. — We will find the answers you need and learn to use the amulet's powers.
Jin-woo approached, sitting next to Hye-jin.
— Your mother was a great guardian, and you have the same strength within you. I believe that, in time, you will understand more about your role and how to protect our world.
Hye-jin looked at the amulet around her neck, feeling the energy pulsating softly. She knew the journey would be long and arduous, but she was determined to move forward, honoring her parents' memory and fighting for the balance between light and shadow.
The night passed slowly, and Hye-jin finally managed to fall asleep, the dreams once again bringing confusing and fragmented images. However, now there was a new sense of purpose within her. She was ready to face whatever came, knowing she had friends by her side and a mission greater than herself.
As she slept, her memories blended with the fragments of the prophecy she had read, creating a tapestry of ancient images and mystical symbols. She saw her mother, a strong and fearless figure, fighting against shadows that seemed to consume the very light. She saw Jiang Yi, a mysterious figure, beside her mother, both protecting an artifact that radiated a silver light. The scene shifted to an ancient temple, where priests chanted under the light of the full moon, while the amulet shone intensely on the altar.
The next morning, Jin-woo gently woke Hye-jin, shaking her shoulder.
— We need to start training, Hye-jin. There is much to learn and little time.
She got up slowly, still feeling the effects of the intense dreams from the night before. Soo-min was by her side, ready to help with anything she needed. They followed Jin-woo to an open area inside the factory, where he had prepared a space for training.
— Today, we will start with the basics. — Jin-woo said, handing Hye-jin a wooden staff. — We need to strengthen your body and mind before exploring the amulet's powers.
The training was exhausting. Jin-woo taught hand-to-hand combat techniques, defense, and agility. Hye-jin felt every muscle ache as she repeated the movements, but the determination in her eyes did not waver. She knew she needed to be prepared for the challenges that would come.