After defeating Dr. Arrox and thwarting the evil plans of the Tekrogi clan, Zadi, Kael, and Rina decided to head to Shadow City, a metropolis renowned for its powerful Shadow Wielders and the mysteries hidden beneath the shadows. They hoped to find more information about the hidden clan and the ancient Shadow artifacts in this city.
The journey to Shadow City was not easy. They had to traverse dangerous forests, avoid fierce Shadow monsters, and face power-hungry bandits. However, with their skills and strength, they managed to overcome every obstacle and continue their journey.
During the journey, Zadi began to feel a strange change within himself. One of his eyes, his left eye, started to ache and sting. He tried to ignore it, but the pain grew stronger and stronger. Finally, he couldn't bear it anymore and decided to examine it.
When he looked in the mirror, he was shocked by what he saw. His left eye had turned a shade of purple darker than usual, and the eyelid seemed to be pulled down, as if some force was trying to close it. Zadi tried to open his eye, but he couldn't. The eyelid remained tightly shut, and he could only see with one eye.
"What's wrong, Zadi?" Kael asked, noticing the worried expression on Zadi's face. "Are you alright?"
"I don't know," Zadi replied, confused. "My left eye... my left eye is closing on its own. I can't open it."
Rina approached Zadi and examined him with her technological device. After a moment, she raised her head and looked at Zadi with a serious expression.
"This is strange," Rina said. "It seems like a Shadow force is trying to take over your eye. I don't know why this is happening, but I know that it's dangerous."
"What should we do?" Kael asked, worried.
"I don't know," Rina replied. "I need to do more research. But for now, we have to be careful. We don't know what will happen next."
With Zadi's one eye closed, their journey became more difficult. Zadi had to rely on his right eye and other senses to see and feel his surroundings. He also had to be careful not to let the Shadow force take over him completely.
Finally, they arrived in Shadow City. The city was a labyrinth of tall buildings made of black stone and adorned with shimmering Shadow lights. Shadows danced in the streets, creating a mysterious and frightening atmosphere.
"Welcome to Shadow City," said a man in a black robe who greeted them at the city gate. "I am the guardian of this city. Who are you and what do you want?"
"My name is Zadi, and these are my friends, Kael and Rina," Zadi replied. "We came to this city to seek information about the hidden clan and the ancient Shadow artifacts."
The guardian stared at Zadi with a sharp and probing gaze. He noticed Zadi's one closed eye and smirked.
"I know who you are," the guardian said. "You are the ones who defeated Dr. Arrox and thwarted the plans of the Tekrogi clan. I've been waiting for your arrival."
"What do you mean?" Zadi asked, suspicious.
"I can't tell you now," the guardian replied. "But I can take you to someone who can give you the answers you seek. Follow me."
The guardian led Zadi, Kael, and Rina to a tall building in the city center. They entered the building and took the elevator to the top floor. When the elevator doors opened, they saw an old woman sitting in a rocking chair in front of a large window overlooking the entire city.
The old woman wore a purple robe and had long white hair that flowed down her back. She had sharp and wise eyes, and she looked like someone who had seen a lot in her life.
"Welcome, Zadi Arci," the old woman said, her voice raspy but full of power. "I've been waiting for your arrival. My name is Grandmother Esmeralda, and I am the guardian of Shadow City."
"You know who I am?" Zadi asked, surprised.
"Of course, I know who you are," Grandmother Esmeralda replied. "I know everything about you. I know about your Shadow powers, about your friends, and about your one closed left eye."
"How could you know?" Zadi asked, confused.
"I have the ability to see the past, present, and future," Grandmother Esmeralda replied. "I know that you are destined to play an important role in the history of Aethel."
"An important role?" Zadi asked. "What role?"
"You will be the one who will uncover the secrets of the hidden clan and the ancient Shadow artifacts," Grandmother Esmeralda replied. "You will be the one who will save Aethel from darkness."
"Me?" Zadi asked, disbelieving. "But I'm just an ordinary archer. I don't have any special powers or abilities."