Beneath the cold morning sky, Kano walks along a narrow path leading to the majestic mountains, where, on the horizon, the dazzling dream of the dwarven city glimmers. Alongside him, Rudgard tirelessly walks, enthusiastically describing the future kingdom:
—"Look, Kano, beyond those peaks lies a city, where treasures of mithril and gold rest in massive royal vaults, and the dwarves themselves possess ancient wisdom that could change the course of history!"
Yet, Rudgard's voice fades into the background of Kano's deep thoughts, as he struggles to find the strength to move forward.
"Once, I was just a servant to a cruel boss, but now... now I am a leader. But can I stand firm against the new challenges ahead? The new world promises not only wealth but uncertainty, where every step might be a mistake."
At this moment, their attention is drawn to the grand sight unfolding before them: at the base of the mountain, where the massive dwarven city hides beneath towering cliffs, sprawls the bustling city of merchants.
—"This city is the gateway to the dwarven kingdom," explains Rudgard, "where merchants from all continents gather. Its narrow streets are filled with colorful stalls, selling rare artifacts, magical potions, exotic fabrics, and other treasures. Only the chosen few are allowed to cross these thresholds and enter the majestic city, hidden beneath the protective cloak of the mountain."
Kano pauses for a moment, taking in the view.
"I see the organized chaos that rules here — every merchant, every buyer, living their life, chasing profits and new opportunities. But inside me, doubt stirs: Can I confidently lead my horde through this chaos? Can I find the strength and inspiration to defend our path?"
Beside them, Elgot walks silently, his senses keenly aware of an elusive threat lingering in these mountain realms. His gaze intently studies the distant stone masses, while his inner dialogue brims with questions:
"Does this majestic land conceal something more than just wealth and power? Is every shadow, every whisper of the wind a harbinger of inevitable disaster? Will I recognize the signs ahead?"
Elgot quietly addressed Rudgard:
—"You speak of wealth and glory, but I feel that every one of these stones hides a secret that cannot be ignored. Perhaps more trials await us than we can imagine..."
Rudgard clicked his tongue comfortingly:
—"Do not fear, my friend. True strength lies not in never feeling fear, but in knowing how to overcome it. The dwarven city is not only about wealth, but wisdom. When we enter, we will gain priceless experience that will help us find our way."
Kano lowered his head, inhaling deeply the cold air, and gathering his strength, he spoke quietly, but with resolve:
—"I must be strong. Our path is filled with uncertainty, but I cannot stop. This step, even if painful, brings me closer to my goal. We must move forward, despite all doubts and fears."
At this moment, the sight of the merchant city struck Kano with its beauty and organized chaos. The stone houses adorned with colorful fabrics, the halls where merchants exchanged news from all corners of the world, created an atmosphere of unusual energy. These gates to the dwarven kingdom symbolized that only the chosen could enter the mysterious city, where each step led to new possibilities and trials.
"How strange," Kano thought, "that despite all the grandeur and promises of wealth, every road leading here is steeped in uncertainty and risk. My path is not just a road to new gains, but also a path to understanding myself. I must find the strength within me to not betray the faith placed in me and lead my horde to true light."
Thus, under the morning sky and before the grand city of merchants, which served as the gateway to the dwarven kingdom, each of them felt a blend of hope, fear, and determination. Reflections, dialogues, and inner contradictions filled this journey with special meaning — a meaning of choice, one that would change not only one fate but that of the entire horde.
The throne hall, once radiating splendor and grandeur, had now turned into an arena of shattered dreams and relentless chaos. The walls, once adorned with rich tapestries, now silently testified to the ruined glory, while the symbols of power, which Lokris had ruthlessly forced others to worship, lay scattered on the floor — the remnants of past magnificence.
Lokris, standing in the middle of the hall, appeared as an enraged beast, his face twisted with cruelty and disdain. He wandered between the broken fragments, each step filled with a thirst to restore his power. In his distorted thoughts, the words echoed:
"These 'obedient slaves', who once laughed and dreamed of freedom, have now become a symbol of my downfall. But I will bring them back to me, I will torment every one of their weaknesses, forcing them to bow before me! They must understand that I am the one true master!"
Suddenly, Lokris turned to the gathered and issued an order, his voice, filled with fury, echoed through the hall:
—"Send the orders across all kingdoms! For the return of the slaves and the kidnapper, I will pay 1000 gold!"
His words reverberated among the ruins, causing cold fear in everyone who had once worshiped his name. The hunter, who had just entered the hall, silently accepted the command, adding further chill to the atmosphere.
Lokris leaned over the hunter, his voice dripping with arrogance:
—"Where are they heading?"
The hunter replied coldly:
—"To the continent of the beastfolk, only there will he vanish without a trace."
At that moment, an uncontrollable fury burned inside Lokris. His thoughts, filtered through a prism of ruthlessness, rang out like this:
"I will take back my toys! I will crush their shattered dreams of freedom and show them that their will is nothing but a vain illusion. No one will stop my will, nothing will break me!"
After this, Lokris left the hall, slowly surveying the remnants of his former glory, his inner voice tearing free from the chains of pain and rage:
"Let this chaos be the beginning of my return. I will rebuild my kingdom with the flames of vengeance, and every one of these souls that once betrayed me will fall to their knees before my power!"
Thus, amidst the ruins of the once-great kingdom, Lokris remained the embodiment of malice, greed, and twisted power — a true villain, ready to torment those who had once risen against him.