After leaving the strange forest behind, Peter and the old man traveled toward the Water Nation. The air grew fresher and cooler as they descended into a lush valley dotted with rivers and small villages. Peter couldn't help but look around in awe at the vibrant world of Nyland.
Curiosity finally got the better of him. "Hey, old man," Peter said as they walked along a dirt path lined with wildflowers. "Do elves really exist in this world?"
The old man chuckled. "Yes, the elves are the nation of wind. Graceful, swift, and cunning."
Peter's eyes lit up. "So that means I'm going to marry the elf princess? That's awesome!"
"If you can," the old man replied with a sly smile.
Peter rubbed his hands together eagerly. "Hey, old man, is she hot? I bet she's got an amazing figure. I can't wait to meet her. Hehehe."
The old man rolled his eyes. "The princesses are more than just their looks, Peter. But yes, the elf princess is said to be quite stunning."
"What about the other two princesses?" Peter asked, curious.
"The humans are the Water Nation, the elves are the Air Nation, the Cat People belong to the Earth Nation, and the Draconic race rules the Fire Nation," the old man explained.
Peter raised an eyebrow. "Draconic race? What do they look like?"
"They resemble humans, but they have patches of scales on their skin and horns sprouting from their heads," the old man said seriously. "The Draconic are proud and strong-willed. Convincing their princess to marry you will not be easy."
Peter grinned. "Whatever. I'm more excited to meet the elf and cat princesses, hehehe."
The old man nodded. "We'll get there soon. But first, there's a village nearby. Let's stop to buy supplies before we continue our journey."
They arrived at a small village nestled between rolling hills and sparkling streams. But as they approached the village gate, two stern-looking guards blocked their way.
"Hold up," one guard said, eyeing them suspiciously. "No one is allowed to enter or leave the village for now."
Peter frowned. "Why not?"
The guard's expression darkened. "A girl was just kidnapped."
Peter's eyes narrowed. "Kidnapped? What do you mean? Who took her?"
The old man stepped forward. "Maybe we can help?"
The guards laughed scornfully. "You? Don't make me laugh."
The old man looked at Peter and winked. "Do you know who stands next to me?"
Peter straightened up proudly. "That's right. I'm Peter, the Hero of Nyland."
He lifted his hand to show the glowing Ring of Elements on his finger. The guard's eyes widened in disbelief.
"You're... the hero?" the guard whispered. "Please, follow me. Quickly."
They followed the guard through winding cobbled streets to the village tavern. From outside, Peter could hear a woman's anguished cries.
Inside, the tavern owner knelt beside a table, clutching his head in despair. "My daughter... they took her! Please, hero, help me!"
Peter approached cautiously. "What happened? Do you know where they took her?"
The tavern owner's eyes filled with tears. "A gang of thugs drugged her when no one was looking and dragged her away. If you find her... I'll pay you handsomely."
Peter looked to the old man, whispering in a corner. "They want me to fight a gang? Are they crazy? I can't just walk in there and fight a whole gang!"
The old man smiled gently. "Don't worry, Peter. I'll share all the knowledge and experience I've gained over the years."
Peter raised an eyebrow. "Oh hell yeah! Maybe my level will jump from 1 to 99 instantly, hahaha!"
The old man closed his eyes and murmured a spell. A warm glow surrounded Peter as a sudden rush of energy filled him.
"Whoa, I feel incredible! Thanks, old man!" Peter gave a thumbs up.
What Peter didn't know was that the old man's experience was, well... not exactly legendary.
Peter turned to the tavern owner. "Alright, sir, I'll do my best to find your daughter."
The man handed Peter a small portrait. "Her name is Amy."
Peter's eyes widened as he stared at the picture — a young woman with flowing blue hair and bright eyes. And, well, a very generous figure.
Inside Peter's head:Daaamn, she's hot! Maybe if I save her, she'll let me... hehehe.
Peter blinked and cleared his throat. "Uh, by the way, old man, do pictures like this actually exist here?"
The old man nodded. "Yes, they were recently invented by a girl from the Magic Academy with bright pink hair."
Peter smirked. "Is she hot too?"
Before the old man could answer, the tavern door burst open. A rough-looking man rushed in.
"I've seen your daughter," he shouted. "They took her to a secret hideout, not far from here."
The tavern owner gasped. "Really? Hero, please save her!"
Peter stood up, heart pounding. "Looks like this is my first challenge as the hero. Lead me to their hideout."
Just as Peter was about to leave, the old man handed him a gleaming sword.
"This ancient blade was forged from the scales of a legendary dragon," he explained.
Peter grinned widely. "Whoa, nice! Now I'm definitely winning. Thanks, old man!"
They hurried through thick woods until they reached the entrance of a dark dungeon hidden beneath tangled roots and moss-covered stones.
Peter looked at the random man. "This is their hideout?"
The man nodded grimly. "Yes, Mr. Hero. This is where I saw them take her."
Peter flexed his fingers around the sword's hilt. "Alright, I'll take it from here. You can go."
The man bowed and left without a word.
Peter took a deep breath. "Amy's waiting for me. Let's do this!"