Darkness enveloped the new world, making every step feel uncertain. Sai Fan, Nai Seng, and Sei Fun stepped slowly across the hard, dusty ground. They were amid ruins that looked like remnants of a great battle, and in the distance, the large shadow of a red-eyed demon they saw earlier was getting closer.
"This… is much more dangerous than I imagined," Nai Seng whispered, clutching her staff tightly. "We need to find a way into this dimension quickly."
Sai Fan nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings. The golden aura surrounding him throbbed intensely, as if giving him extra strength to face the impending danger. "We must find something that can open a path to a safe place. If not, we'll be trapped here forever."
Sei Fun held the metal pieces he had taken from his bag. "I sense strong energy coming from that direction," he said, pointing toward a large, fog-covered ruin. "Perhaps there's something there that can help us."
Without much speaking, the three of them began walking toward the indicated ruin. Their steps suddenly halted when another figure emerged from behind the rubble—a man in a black cloak with his face covered by a mask, watching them with piercing eyes.
"If you want to enter this dimension, you have to pay the price," the man's voice was cold and commanding. "This dimension is tightly guarded by demons, and there are no shortcuts without facing them."
Sai Fan stepped forward, trying to speak politely. "We have no intention of disturbing anything here. We only want to save the trapped humans and stop the evil force threatening this world."
The cloaked man smiled eerily behind his mask. "Such noble words sound admirable. But you should know, entering here is not just about courage. You must pass a very difficult test. Otherwise, you will be trapped forever."
Sei Fun, with a slightly cynical tone, asked, "Then what should we do?"
The man raised his hand, and suddenly a small portal appeared in the air nearby. "This is the way to the core of the power, where you can find a way to enter the real dimension. But remember, this journey won't be easy. Many demons will try to stop you."
Nai Seng looked at the portal with worry. "Should we step into it?"
Sai Fan gazed into the portal, feeling the pulsing energy vibrating inside. "This is the only way. We have to face whatever awaits us there."
"Then we have no other choice," Sei Fun said firmly.
Without hesitation, the three of them stepped into the shimmering portal. Blinding light enveloped them, and suddenly they felt pulled into a vortex of tremendous energy.
---
The world they entered was vastly different from what they imagined. The sky was blood-red, with dark clouds swirling overhead. The land was full of ruins and shattered buildings, as if this world had once experienced a great war.
"This… is terrifying," Nai Seng whispered, gripping her staff tightly.
"This is just the beginning," Sai Fan said. "We need to find the source of power here. If we can find that, we'll know how to enter the real dimension."
Their steps were followed by thunderous sounds from the distance. A large shadow crossed the sky, and from behind the ruins, a massive creature with glowing red eyes appeared—just like the one they saw earlier. It was the first guardian demon of this world—an awful creature with sharp claws and tough, stone-like skin.
"Time to fight," Sai Fan declared firmly, raising his sword.
"Don't be reckless," Nai Seng warned. "We need to think first."
But the creature had already seen them and started charging toward them with heavy steps. Without waiting, Sai Fan leapt forward, swinging his sword, which shone with a bright golden aura. His sword gleamed with full power as he slashed at the creature.
The beast roared and retaliated, its massive claws swinging toward Sai Fan, who dodged nimbly. Nai Seng and Sei Fun quickly prepared to help, Nai Seng shooting blue energy from her staff, creating a magical wave that struck the creature's chest.
"This isn't over!" shouted Sei Fun, swinging his sword with full force.
The battle was fierce, and they had to summon all their strength and wit to defeat the creature. After a hard fight, the beast finally collapsed and disappeared in a burst of energy.
"Phew," Sai Fan exhaled in relief. "We did it."
"Was that… just a warning?" Nai Seng asked anxiously.
"Maybe," Sai Fan replied. "But we need to stay focused. We have to find the source of the power and uncover the secrets of this world."
In the distance, they saw a large building that seemed to be the center of the ruins. They were sure that's where the answers they sought lay.
"Our next step," Sai Fan said, "is to head there. We need to know what awaits us—and how to enter the real dimension."
They slowly approached the building, realizing that their journey had just begun. Greater dangers awaited them ahead, and they had to prepare for everything.
Because they knew, behind that hidden gate, there was a force far greater than they could imagine. And they must face it—to save their world—and the other world trapped in shadows of darkness.