The duties of the chosen one

### Chapter 7: Unexpected Setback

In the dim glow of the early morning, our protagonists gathered in their secret hideout—a secluded cavern deep within the mystical forest. The air was thick with tension as they reviewed the latest developments. The ancient artifact, now partially decoded, had led them to a map revealing the next location they needed to explore. However, their rival group, the Shadow Seekers, was hot on their trail.

Just as they were about to set off, an unexpected setback struck. Arya received a message from their hidden ally, Kiran, informing them that the Shadow Seekers had launched a surprise attack on a nearby village. This village was known to harbor crucial information about the artifact's true power.

Despite their initial reluctance, the group decided to split up. Arya and Liam would head to the village to protect the inhabitants and retrieve the information, while Elara and Zephyr would continue on the original path to the next location.

As Arya and Liam approached the village, they were met with a scene of chaos. Buildings were ablaze, and villagers were frantically trying to escape. The Shadow Seekers had already begun their ruthless search for the hidden knowledge.

**New Detail**: Amidst the turmoil, Arya discovered a young villager named Rina, who held a key piece of information about the artifact. Rina revealed that the artifact was not just a source of power but a gateway to a forgotten realm. This revelation added a new layer of complexity to their quest.

As they fought to protect the villagers and fend off the Shadow Seekers, the group faced a major setback. Liam was captured by the Shadow Seekers, leaving Arya to grapple with her emotions and the gravity of the situation.

Despite the overwhelming odds, the group managed to rescue the villagers and retrieve the crucial information. However, the loss of Liam weighed heavily on their hearts, and they knew they had to regroup and come up with a new plan to rescue their captured friend.

The chapter ends with the protagonists standing on the edge of the burning village, determined to overcome this unexpected setback and continue their journey. The stakes were higher than ever, but their resolve was stronger.