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墨書 Inktalez
As Emily and her companions ventured deeper into the cave, the massive figure of the Shadow Guardian loomed ever closer. With each step it took, the ground trembled slightly beneath them. A chilling sensation crept over Emily, akin to the biting cold of a winter night that struck at her spine. Despite the rising tension in her heart, she stood her ground, determined not to avert her gaze.
The Guardian spoke slowly, its voice deep and ethereal, as if emanating from all directions. "Why have you trespassed into the Dark Side of the Moon?"
Taking a deep breath, Emily stepped forward bravely, striving to keep her voice steady. "I want to see my grandmother."
"Do you think wanting is enough?" The Shadow Guardian let out a low, rumbling laugh. "This is not a playground, little girl. Every life that enters the dark must face a trial."
"What kind of trial?" Emily asked, her heart racing, yet she suppressed her fear.
"Three riddles," the Guardian replied, its red eyes flickering ominously. "Answer correctly, and you may pass; answer incorrectly..." Its gaze sharpened in the darkness. "You will remain here forever."
Pipi and Lulu shivered simultaneously, their eyes filled with concern.
"I accept," Emily declared firmly, her voice unwavering.
"Emily!" Lulu exclaimed anxiously, gripping the hem of her shirt. "This is too dangerous! We can find another way!"
"This is the only way," Emily whispered back, her eyes reflecting an undeniable resolve. "If we don’t try, we’ll never know the answer."
The Guardian nodded, seemingly satisfied with Emily's determination. "Very well." Its voice was deep and powerful. "The first riddle: I am invisible and colorless, yet I am everywhere; I can bring life or bring death. What am I?"
Without hesitation, Pipi shouted, "It's time!"
The Guardian's red eyes flickered slightly. "Incorrect," it replied coldly. "Moreover, the one who answers must be her." It pointed at Emily.
Closing her eyes, Emily let memories of time spent with her grandmother wash over her. She recalled how her grandmother often said that the essence of life was everywhere, like air—unseen and intangible yet flowing through every inch of space. Suddenly, clarity struck her.
"It’s air," she opened her eyes and answered resolutely. "My grandmother told me that air is like love—unseen and untouchable, but always present."
The Guardian's eyes flickered, seemingly moved by her response, and nodded. "Correct."
The second riddle followed immediately: "What becomes more when shared, yet less when treasured?"
Emily hesitated no longer; her thoughts raced swiftly. The riddle seemed simple, yet the answer quietly emerged in her mind. "It's memories," she said calmly.
"Oh?" The Guardian's voice carried a hint of surprise. "Why do you say that?"
Emily lifted her gaze, staring into the profound darkness ahead, recalling every moment spent with her grandmother. "Because whenever I share memories of my grandmother with others, the joyful times we had come alive in their hearts again; but if I keep those memories to myself, they gradually fade away, as if they never existed."
The Guardian silently nodded, seemingly touched by her answer. "An interesting response, and indeed correct."
Now, the Guardian's voice grew deeper: "The final riddle, the hardest one: What can be seen but not touched, is right before you yet can never be grasped?"
Upon hearing this question, Emily furrowed her brow. This riddle was more complex than the previous two, and the answer did not come easily. She glanced back at Pipi and Lulu, who were whispering to each other but seemed to have no clue.
"It's the moon!" Lulu suddenly exclaimed, eyes brightening. "It's always up in the sky, visible but untouchable!"
"It's the stars!" Pipi chimed in eagerly. "Stars are always so far away; you can't touch them!"
Emily shook her head, feeling that those answers were incorrect. She placed her hand over her heart, feeling the pendant her grandmother had given her. Suddenly, a warm sensation emanated from it, and she understood.
"It's longing," she said softly, her voice low and gentle. "Just like my longing for my grandmother. I can see her in my heart and feel her presence, but no matter what, I can never touch her."
The cave fell silent in an instant; even the air seemed to stop flowing. The Guardian's red eyes flickered a few times as if stirred by her words, then gradually shifted to a gentle blue.
"No one has answered all the riddles correctly in a long time," its voice softened. "And your answers are even better than the standard ones."
Emily cautiously asked, "Does that mean...?"
The Guardian slowly nodded, as if granting her the highest recognition. "Yes, you may proceed." Its form began to fade, merging into the surrounding darkness. "But remember, the road ahead will not be easy."
"Thank you," Emily said gratefully, lowering her head, her voice filled with sincerity.
"Wait." Just as the Guardian was about to vanish completely, its voice echoed once more. "Take this." It separated a small piece of shadow from its being, which gently transformed into a ring that fell into Emily's hand. "In the darkest times, it will help you see the truth."
As the Guardian's figure completely disappeared, the surrounding darkness seemed to shatter suddenly, and a faint light began to illuminate the path ahead. Emily looked down at the ring in her hand, feeling a warm power emanating from it.
"That's amazing!" Pipi cheered, jumping up in excitement. "Emily, you're incredible! You answered all the riddles!"
"Where did you come up with those answers?" Lulu asked curiously, leaning in with admiration in her eyes. "How did you think of them?"
Emily gazed at the ring in her hand and smiled slightly. "It was all my grandmother's teachings. She once told me that the simplest truths are often hidden in the deepest places; the things that are hardest to see can change everything."
Pipi patted her on the back. "You're such a clever girl!"
Emily looked ahead, feeling an immense sense of calm from the warmth of the ring. The Moonlight Amulet pointed toward the path ahead, and her grandmother's Pendant also glimmered softly. She took a deep breath and steadied her gaze.
"Let's move forward," she whispered. "I feel like we're getting closer to our goal."
The three continued their journey, the darkness behind them gradually dissipating. Though the path ahead remained filled with uncertainty, Emily's heart brimmed with strength. She knew that as long as they persevered and remembered her grandmother's teachings, they would surely uncover the truth on the other side of the moon.
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