After overcoming the nightmare that tested their bravery and the strength of their hearts, Siu Jou and Lumi stepped more carefully toward the forest's secret center. The air grew heavier and filled with mystery, and the glow from the artifact in his pocket emitted a gentle sparkle that gave them a little hope amid the darkness.
In front of them stretched a natural passage formed from the roots of large trees and massive stones arranged as a secret pathway. They knew that at the end of this trail, the greatest secret of the entire forest would be revealed. But they also understood that the great power hidden there would not surrender easily without resistance.
As they entered the passage, suddenly, the energy from the artifact in his pocket trembled violently. The light from the artifact began to shine brighter, then spread throughout their bodies, as if awakening the dormant power within both of them.
In the middle of the journey, they paused briefly. Lumi looked at Siu Jou and said, "This great power is within you, Siu Jou. You possess a strength you didn't realize before. Now is the time for you to use it."
Siu Jou nodded slowly, feeling the energy flowing from the artifact throughout his body. He realized that the power had already been inside him, waiting to be activated.
At the end of the passage, they found a large chamber filled with glowing symbols and stones surrounding it. In the center stood a large stone altar facing a luminous portal, swirling with energy and full of power.
Siu Jou knew that here lay the greatest secret of the forest and the power capable of changing everything. He looked at his artifact, then raised his hand and activated his power.
The light from the artifact and the symbols in the room merged, creating a powerful wave of energy. At that moment, the strength within him fully awakened, and he felt the immense power hidden inside him flood his entire body.
"This is it," Siu Jou whispered with a voice full of strength. "The hidden power that will unlock the greatest secret of this forest."
With full courage, Siu Jou stepped onto the altar and touched the glowing portal. As his fingers made contact with the swirling energy, the world around him changed. He felt a great force flowing through his entire body, and the entire world seemed on the brink of collapse and rebirth.
In an instant, he realized that this power was not only physical but also a strength of heart and soul capable of controlling all the power within and beyond himself.
---
End of Chapter 12