Keyboard Warrior's Otherworldly Adventure

The enormous shadowy figure almost completely filled the exit of the canyon. As it drew closer, the screams grew increasingly piercing, like the wailing of countless vengeful spirits. Li Jin squinted, trying to make out the shadowy figure's true form, but found it shrouded in a thick layer of black mist, making its shape completely indistinguishable.

"Holy crap! What is that?!" Xiaomei screamed in fright, clinging tightly to Sophie's arm, wishing she could bury herself in her embrace. Although Sophie was also scared, she forced herself to remain calm and patted Xiaomei's back, reassuring her, "Don't be afraid, Xiaomei, we..."

Before she could finish speaking, the dark figure suddenly let out a deafening roar, and a powerful shockwave swept over them, knocking all three to the ground. Li Jin felt a sharp pain in his chest, a metallic taste rising in his throat, and he almost vomited blood. He struggled to his feet, only to find that Sophie and Xiao Mei had both been knocked unconscious.

"Damn it!" Li Jin cursed under his breath. He knew this was not the time to hesitate. He quickly took out a protective shield from his system space, shielding Sophie and Xiao Mei inside. Then he raised his dagger and warily stared at the slowly approaching shadow.

The shadowy figure seemed very interested in the dagger in Li Jin's hand. It stopped, its crimson eyes gleaming with greed in the darkness. Li Jin gripped the dagger tightly, his palms slightly sweaty. He knew that although the dagger was sharp, it would probably be difficult to cause any real damage to such a behemoth.

Just then, Ares suddenly rushed out, standing in front of Li Jin, her golden eyes burning with fierce flames. She chanted incantations, and a powerful energy wave emanated from her body, forming a golden barrier that blocked the shadowy figure's attack.

"Ares!" Li Jin was overjoyed. He knew that Ares must have regained some of his memories, otherwise he could not have unleashed such powerful strength.

Ares ignored Li Jin and continued chanting the incantation, making the golden barrier thicker and stronger. The shadowy figure seemed to sense the threat as well, letting out an angry roar and launching another attack. This time, its attack was even more ferocious, and the golden barrier trembled violently, as if it would shatter at any moment.

"Hold on, Ares!" Li Jin shouted anxiously. He knew that if the barrier broke, they would all perish.

At this critical moment, Ares suddenly stopped chanting. She abruptly opened her eyes, and golden light shot out from them, striking the shadowy figure. The shadowy figure let out a shrill scream, its massive body trembled violently, and then slowly dissipated into the air.

"Phew..." Ares let out a long sigh, swaying slightly and almost falling to the ground. Li Jin quickly stepped forward to support her, asking with concern, "Are you alright?"

Ares shook her head, her face pale and her lips bloodless. She said weakly, "I...I remembered something..."

"What's wrong?" Li Jin asked hurriedly.

Ares took a deep breath and slowly said, "This 'forbidden land'... is a sealed place... sealing away a powerful demon..."

"A demon?!" Li Jin was startled. "Then who was that dark figure just now...?"

"It's a projection of a demon..." Ares explained, "It was summoned here, wanting to break the seal and return to the world..."

"Calling? Who is calling it?" Li Jin pressed.

Ares shook his head. "I don't know... I only remember... I had to stop it..."

After saying this, Ares's vision went black, and she fainted in Li Jin's arms. Li Jin quickly caught her, his heart filled with doubt and unease. What secrets did this "forbidden place" hold? Who was Ares? Why was she here? All of this was like a huge mystery, waiting for him to unravel it...

Just then, Li Jin suddenly felt a sharp headache, and countless images flashed through his mind, causing him to groan in pain. He saw an ancient altar, a mysterious figure dressed in black robes, and a huge figure bound by chains…

"Ah!" Li Jin clutched his head, letting out a painful scream. He felt like his head was about to explode; the images were becoming clearer and clearer, more and more real...

Suddenly, he saw the black-robed figure on the altar slowly raise his head, revealing a familiar face...

That face... it was Jack?!