GODAN GEARLOCK: Godan & The Water Goddess Stone

Before they left, Boss Rocko stood at the door of Grandma Miru's house, handing a rolled-up map to Godan. The older man's eyes reflected both trust and deep concern.

"I'm entrusting this map to you," he said firmly. "But remember, this isn't an ordinary journey. Others have tried before, and they never came back. You need to be ready for anything."

Godan accepted the map with both hands, nodding resolutely. "We understand, Boss. We'll be careful."

Boss Rocko looked at each of the three young adventurers in turn before pulling out several Delas coins from his pocket. He handed them to Marta.

"Use these to buy whatever you need—supplies, food, or even a small weapon if necessary."

"Thank you, Boss," Marta said sincerely. "This will help a lot."

Boss Rocko let out a long sigh. "I know you prefer to work alone, but if things get too difficult, let me know. I can send one of my workers to join you. Someone like Grel, for example. He's tough and doesn't talk much."

Godan shook his head gently but firmly. "We appreciate the offer, Boss. But this journey is something we need to do on our own. Having too many people with us will draw attention."

"Fair enough."

"And we might have to make tough decisions along the way. It wouldn't be as easy with an adult involved."

Boss Rocko gave Godan a sharp look but eventually nodded. "Alright. But don't hesitate to ask for help if you truly need it."

After bidding farewell to Grandma Miru, Boss Rocko left them with heavy steps, as if burdened by the weight of letting them go. Once the man disappeared around the corner, Godan, Marta, and Jomie said their goodbyes as well and began their journey.

On the way, Marta broke the silence.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" she asked, clutching the Delas tightly in her hand. "I know we've come this far, but it feels like we're in over our heads."

As they walked, Godan unrolled the map and studied it quietly. The map was covered in small markings—trails leading to hidden ruins and places that might hold the Star Key.

"We don't have a choice, Marta," he finally said. "We're doing this for Somara."

Jomie grinned faintly. "And besides, who knows? Maybe we'll find something even more valuable there. I've always been curious about what's really hidden behind all these legends."

Marta sighed but eventually nodded in agreement. "Alright. If that's the case, let's go."

* * * * *

The Night Market of Somara City

The three of them headed to the night market, a place where everything could be found—from simple food to handmade tools.

Located east of the barren town square, the market sometimes bustled with activity and sometimes felt eerily quiet. But there was one shop that was always open, every single day: The Adventure Gear Store—yes, that was its actual name.

Godan, Jomie, and Marta wandered around for a while, checking what they might need. In the end, they decided to purchase some digging tools, a small oil-fueled lantern, a folding knife for safety, and a length of sturdy rope.

Marta made sure they had enough dried food and water supplies, while Jomie busied himself picking out small bottles of herbal remedies, claiming they could heal wounds or relieve exhaustion.

"I'm sure we'll need these," Jomie said, proudly showing off the tiny bottles.

"And now we're almost out of money," Marta muttered, eyeing the remaining Delas in her hand. "But at least we're ready."

"Let's move over there!" Godan said, pointing to a quieter spot. "We'll organize our supplies and then head out."

* * * * *

The three of them made their way back toward the ruins on the edge of the city. A few people watched them from afar, curious and wondering what Godan and his friends were planning to do.

Step by step, they drew closer to the ruins. Occasionally, they exchanged small talk, but more often, they lapsed into silence, lost in their thoughts. Sometimes they passed by other people, who stared at them suspiciously. They weren't particularly close to most of the townsfolk, only to a select few.

When they arrived, the place seemed even quieter than before, with only the sound of the wind echoing through the crumbling remains. Yet the silence felt unnatural, as if something unseen was watching their every move.

"Why does this place feel creepier than yesterday?" Marta whispered, gripping the lantern tightly in her hand.

"Because now we know what we're looking for," Godan replied. "And maybe there's something here that doesn't want us to find it."

They began to explore the ruins, following the clues they had. Every corner, every room they entered, felt like it was pulling them deeper into the mystery of Somara.

Godan spotted strange carvings on a wall that they hadn't noticed before—a star encircled by a ring. "This has to be a clue," he said, examining the markings closely.

But before he could say more, the sound of shifting sand came from behind them. Marta immediately turned, clutching her folding knife with trembling hands.

"What was that?" she whispered.

Jomie lit another lantern, but its glow barely penetrated the surrounding darkness.

"Maybe just the wind…" he muttered, trying to sound calm.

"Wind doesn't sound like that," Marta hissed, her body tensing as she stayed alert.

The noise grew louder, closer now, accompanied by heavy footsteps and a strange growl they had never heard before.

Tension filled the air until a dark figure emerged from the shadows. It was a large creature, humanoid in shape but with dark, leathery skin and eyes that glowed like embers.

Marta and Jomie froze in fear.

"Hiiyyy! What is that?!" Marta whispered, her voice shaking.

Godan immediately pulled out his folding knife. "Don't ask!" he snapped, his instincts screaming danger.

The creature growled and then lunged at them with shocking speed. The three of them dropped their lantern, the flames creating a temporary barrier that forced the creature to pause. Seizing the chance, they ran in the opposite direction, desperately searching for somewhere to hide.

But the ruins were like a maze, filled with dead ends and shadowy corridors. They ran aimlessly, the creature relentlessly pursuing them, its guttural growls echoing in their ears.

"This way, hurry!" Godan shouted, pulling Marta and Jomie into a narrow gap in the wall.

They pressed themselves tightly into the crevice, holding their breath as the sound of the creature's footsteps drew closer. When it finally passed by without noticing them, they remained still for several moments, praying it wouldn't return.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Godan stepped out first, scanning the surroundings. "We need to move faster. Whatever that thing is, it doesn't want us here."

Jomie nodded, though his face was pale, and his hands trembled slightly. "Let's find the Star Key before that thing finds us again."

As Marta stood on the opposite side of Godan and Jomie, her eyes caught something faintly glinting beneath the remains of a large, broken window. She pointed at it, her voice quiet but urgent.

"There—look!"

Godan followed her gaze and crouched down to inspect the spot she indicated. He brushed away the thick layer of dust covering it, revealing something beneath.

"Marta, you found it!" Godan exclaimed in a hushed voice, his excitement barely contained. "This is the Star Key! Look at the symbol! We have to get it out of these ruins."