Chapter 8: The Tormented Land

  Scene 1: Edge of the Valley of the Lost

  The Sacred Knights, after departing from the palace, arrive at the Tormented Land—a realm of trees shaped like sharp blades and a sky cloaked in darkness. As for the evil here, it takes on twisted, deformed forms.

  Hanto (gazing at the grim sky):

  "This place… it screams in pain."

  Kayn (sensing energies through his shadow):

  "Something is watching us… from deep within the earth."

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  Scene 2: Entering the Cursed Village

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  The knights come across a small village nestled within the valley. They notice the villagers are silent. All faces show pure terror. In the center of the square sits an old man with a long grey beard and glowing red eyes. His body is thin, cloaked in a tattered black robe.

  Lorena (whispering):

  "That man… he’s not just cursed. He is part of the curse."

  Hakura (raising her hand cautiously):

  "Who are you?"

  The Man (in a hoarse voice):

  "My name is Irmald… I was once a sage of the Sacred Kingdom, before Garmosh sent his curse upon me."

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  Scene 3: The Secret of Garmosh

  Irmald reveals that Garmosh is one of Zork’s followers—a shadowy servant who uses forbidden rituals to spread corruption. His true goal is not only decay, but to open the "Grand Gate" and unleash an ancient darkness.

  Raiger (his fist ignites with black flames):

  "Tell us where he is… I’ll burn him alive."

  Irmald hands them a black stone etched with a complex sigil.

  Irmald:

  "In the Weeping Forest… you'll find him. That is where the first altar lies—where the darkness began."

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  Scene 4: The Curse Awakens

  Suddenly, Irmald's hand trembles. His eyes blaze a dark crimson. Black markings crawl across his skin.

  Kayn (casting shadows to shield the group):

  "He’s transforming!"

  Hakura summons a silent windstorm to sever the spiritual link between him and the curse.

  Raiger unleashes black fire as a defensive wall.

  Irmald (voice cracking):

  "Listen to me… Zork is not merely evil… he is the first sin..."

  Then his body disintegrates—turning into pure ash, scattered by a cursed wind.

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  Scene 5: The New Oath

  Hanto grips the black stone tightly.

  Hanto:

  "The real journey begins now…"

  Lorena:

  "Garmosh is the first… we won’t let him open the Grand Gate."

  Kayn:

  "And we won't let Zork finish what he began centuries ago."

  The knights march toward the Weeping Forest—hearts burdened by warning, eyes shining with unbreakable resolve.