As they approached the hidden entrance, Lee Sung's senses went on high alert. The air seemed to thicken with an ominous energy, and he could feel Akane's tension beside him.
They cautiously descended into the darkness, their eyes adjusting to the dim light. The air was musty and dank, and the silence was oppressive.
Suddenly, they heard footsteps echoing through the corridor. Lee Sung and Akane exchanged a look, and then crept forward, trying to get a glimpse of who or what was making the noise.
As they turned a corner, they saw a figure standing in the shadows. It was one of the shady characters Lee Sung had seen earlier, but this time, he was different. His eyes seemed to burn with an otherworldly energy, and his presence was imposing.
"Welcome, Lee Sung," the figure said, his voice dripping with malice. "I've been waiting for you. My name is Helios, and I've received the blessing of the God of the Sun."
Akane stepped forward, her eyes flashing with warning. "You're not going to hurt anyone else, Helios. Not while I'm around."
Helios sneered, his eyes gleaming with fanaticism. "You're too late, Akane. My power is too great, and you're no match for me."
With a swift motion, Helios summoned a blast of solar energy that sent Akane flying across the corridor. Lee Sung watched in horror as Akane struggled to get back to her feet, but it was too late. Helios unleashed a devastating beam of energy that struck Akane with incredible force.
Lee Sung felt a scream rising in his throat as Akane's body crumpled to the ground, lifeless. He was consumed by rage and grief, and his eyes burned with a fierce determination.
"You'll pay for this, Helios," Lee Sung growled, his voice low and menacing. "I'll make sure you suffer for what you've done."
Lee Sung charged at Helios, his shadows swirling with fury. But despite his best efforts, he was no match for Helios's divine power. The sun-blessed warrior landed a series of devastating blows, each one sending Lee Sung crashing to the ground.
As Lee Sung struggled to get back to his feet, Akane, badly injured, stumbled forward. With a Herculean effort, she managed to grab Helios, holding him back long enough for Lee Sung to escape.
"Go, Lee Sung!" Akane shouted, her voice weak but determined. "I'll hold him off. You need to survive."
With a heavy heart, Lee Sung turned and ran, the sound of Akane's struggles and Helios's enraged roars fading into the distance. He didn't dare look back, fearing what he might see.
As he emerged from the hidden entrance, Akane's voice echoed in his mind. He felt a gentle touch on his arm, and turned to see Akane's spectral form handing him a leather-bound journal.
"Lee Sung, I'm sorry," Akane's spirit whispered. "This journal contains the truth about the artifact you possess and the last four tests. You must survive and uncover the secrets within."
With those final words, Akane's spirit vanished, leaving Lee Sung alone and grief-stricken. He clutched the journal tightly, vowing to honor Akane's memory by completing what they had started together.
Lee Sung took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. He would make Helios pay for what he had done, and he would uncover the truth about the mysterious artifact and the tests. The journey ahead would be treacherous, but Lee Sung was determined to see it through.