CHAPTER 8

As Lycen and his team made their way back to the village, they couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. They had defeated the sorceress and retrieved the treasure, and they had each grown stronger in their own way.

As they walked, Lycen couldn't help but think about what the other side of the portal might hold. He knew that there must be other worlds and adventures out there, waiting to be explored. And he was determined to find them.Hey guys," Lycen spoke up, breaking the comfortable silence. "I was thinking, now that we've beaten the sorceress and retrieved the treasure, what's next for us?"

His teammates exchanged glances before Nara spoke up. "Well, we could always sell the treasure for a hefty sum and retire early," she joked, eliciting a chuckle from the group.

"But in all seriousness," Rion interjected, "I think we should continue exploring this world. There are so many more dungeons and quests we haven't even touched yet."Lycen nodded, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more out there. "What about beyond this world? What if there are other portals to other worlds, with even more challenging dungeons and quests?"

His teammates looked at him skeptically, unsure of what he was getting at. But Lycen pressed on.

"I mean, think about it. We've already proven ourselves in this world. What if there are even greater challenges and rewards waiting for us on the other side of the portal?"Nara and Rion exchanged a worried look, but Lycen could tell that they were both intrigued. "I think he might be onto something," Nara said finally. "But how do we even begin to find another portal?"

Lycen grinned. "That's the challenge, isn't it? We'll have to do some digging, some exploring, and maybe even some fighting. But I know we can do it."As they approached the village, the group fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Lycen couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead. He knew that the road ahead would be long and challenging, but he was ready for whatever came his way.

The group made their way to the village inn, where they settled into a cozy corner booth and ordered food and drinks. As they ate and chatted, Lycen couldn't help but notice a group of travelers sitting at a nearby table, their voices hushed as they spoke in hushed tones.Intrigued, Lycen motioned for his teammates to follow him as he approached the group. "Excuse me," he said, his voice friendly but firm. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Is there something you need help with?"

The travelers looked at him skeptically before one of them spoke up. "We've heard rumors of something beyond the portal. Something powerful and dangerous. But we don't have the skills or experience to face it ourselves."Lycen's heart raced with excitement. This was exactly what he had been hoping for. "Tell us more," he said eagerly, as his teammates gathered around him.

The travelers hesitated, but Lycen could tell that they were desperate for help. "There's an ancient ruin beyond the portal," one of them finally spoke up. "We've heard rumors that it holds incredible power, but it's also heavily guarded. We need a skilled team to help us retrieve whatever's inside."

Lycen's mind raced as he considered the offer. This was exactly the kind of challenge he had been hoping for. "We'll do it," he said firmly. "But we'll need