Full Story Chain

I had been traveling for days—my armor weighed heavy, my legs were sore, and my stomach longed for a decent meal. My mission was simple enough: find the lost city of Arindel. But as I approached a large city at dusk, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The spires of the buildings gleamed gold under the fading sunlight, and the streets were filled with chatter. This wasn’t Arindel.

I stepped up to the gates, and a guard approached, giving me a hard look. "State your name and purpose."

I paused for a moment, considering my options. Should I tell him everything? Or should I play it simple?

I told the guard my name was Knight Thornsly and I was looking for the lost city of Arindel. The guard’s eyes narrowed as if he’d heard that name before. "The lost city, huh? That’s not something we hear about often." He paused, clearly thinking. Then, without another word, he gestured for me to follow him. "The king may want to hear about this."

I followed him through the gates and into the city. The streets bustled with life—vendors shouted out their wares, children played in the streets, and torches lit the way toward a massive stone castle in the heart of the city.

The guard led me through the grand halls of the castle, eventually bringing me into a magnificent throne room. At the far end, seated on a raised platform, sat the king. His regal robes shimmered in the torchlight, and his piercing blue eyes studied me with keen interest. “So, you seek the lost city of Arindel, do you?” His voice echoed throughout the chamber. “Perhaps you’re the one I’ve been waiting for. But first, you must prove your worth."

The king rose from his throne and motioned to a grand, silver chest beside him. "There is a creature that has plagued my kingdom for years—a giant, ravaging villages, destroying crops, and instilling fear in the hearts of my people. If you can defeat this beast, I will help you find the city you seek. But there is a catch—only the sword of a fallen hero can slay this giant, which i possess."

He paused, his gaze sharpens. “I will allow you to wield it, but know this: The sword is cursed. Many before you have tried, and all have failed.”

The king’s eyes gleamed as he unlocked a nearby chest and pulled out a sword—a gleaming blade with runes etched along its hilt. “Take it. If you succeed, not only will I help you access the lost city, but you will also have a place in my court.”