Jin-woo clutched the ancient guide, its cryptic symbols now seeming to dance with a newfound clarity. The map within its pages pulsed with a faint, ethereal light, revealing hidden pathways and forgotten landmarks. He knew, with a certainty that resonated deep within his core, that Ryuu was connected to this hidden world.

  "Elder Theron," he said, his voice filled with urgency, "this map… it shows a place. A place I think Ryuu might be."

  Elder Theron peered at the map, his eyes widening slightly. "This is… a path to the Shadowfen," he murmured. "A dangerous place, shrouded in mist and ancient magic. Few dare to venture there."

  "Ryuu is there," Jin-woo insisted. "I can feel it."

  Elara, who had been observing the map over his shoulder, frowned. "The Shadowfen is said to be haunted," she said. "By creatures of shadow and whispers. It's not a place for the faint of heart."

  "We have to go," Jin-woo said, his gaze fixed on the map. "Ryuu is my friend. I won't leave him there."

  Elder Theron nodded slowly. "Very well," he said. "But be warned, the Shadowfen is a place of illusions and deception. Trust only what you see with your own eyes, and even then, be wary."

  He handed Jin-woo a small, intricately carved compass. "This will guide you through the mists," he said. "And remember, young mage, the greatest strength lies in understanding, not in brute force."

  Jin-woo thanked the Elder, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He was about to embark on a journey into the unknown, a journey to find his lost friend.

  They prepared for their departure, gathering supplies and packing their gear. Jin-woo spent some time studying the map, trying to memorize the landmarks and the hidden pathways. He also practiced his code magic, focusing on spells that could help him navigate the treacherous terrain of the Shadowfen.

  As they were about to leave, Jin-woo remembered something. He pulled out the small, leather-bound journal he had found in the abandoned hut, the one that had mentioned Ryuu and Eldoria.

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  "I almost forgot," he said, handing the journal to Elara. "This might be helpful."

  Elara opened the journal, her eyes scanning the handwritten notes. "This is… incredible," she said. "It's written by someone who came here from another world, just like you."

  She flipped through the pages, her eyes widening as she read. "They mention Ryuu," she said. "And they describe a riddle, a riddle that Ryuu told them. It might be a clue."

  She read the riddle aloud: "When shadows dance and whispers rise, where ancient echoes touch the skies, seek the heart where starlight sleeps, and find the secret Ryuu keeps."

  Jin-woo frowned. "That's… cryptic," he said. "What does it mean?"

  "I don't know," Elara admitted. "But it might be a key to finding him. We should remember it."

  They set off, following the compass and the map, venturing into the treacherous terrain of the Shadowfen. The air grew thick and cold, the sunlight dim and hazy. The ground was covered in a thick layer of mist, obscuring their vision.

  As they journeyed deeper, they encountered strange creatures, shadowy figures that flickered at the edge of their vision. They used their stealth and magic to avoid them, moving silently through the mist-shrouded landscape.

  Jin-woo began to experiment with his code magic, trying to find ways to manipulate the mist, to create openings, to reveal hidden pathways. He discovered that he could use runes to create temporary pockets of clear air, allowing them to see further.

  "It's like… remote debugging," he muttered to himself, his fingers tracing runes in the air. "I'm manipulating the environment from a distance."

  They followed the compass, the needle pointing towards a hidden valley, a place where the mist seemed to swirl and thicken. As they approached the valley, they heard a faint sound, a low, resonant rumble.

  "Ryuu?" Jin-woo whispered, his heart pounding.

  They ventured into the valley, the mist parting before them, revealing a breathtaking sight. In the center of the valley, bathed in a pool of moonlight, stood Ryuu. But he was different. He was surrounded by a circle of glowing runes, his eyes closed, his body still.

  "Ryuu!" Jin-woo called out, running towards him.

  But as he approached, the runes flared, creating a barrier of energy. Jin-woo stopped, his hand outstretched, his eyes filled with concern.

  "He's trapped," Elara said, her voice filled with worry. "The runes are holding him captive."

  Jin-woo frowned. "But why?" he asked. "Who would do this?"

  He looked at Ryuu, his eyes closed, his body still. He remembered the riddle, the secret Ryuu kept. He had a feeling that the answer was here, in this valley, in these runes.