Dawn’s first light was pale as Ethan and Celestia followed Garrick’s map. The fertile fields of Carosso gave way to barren waste. On the dirt road bones crunched under their horses’ hooves and twisted gray trees lined the way. Celestia’s grip tightened. “Feels like the world is holding its breath,” she murmured.Ethan nodded. “Stay alert. The Guildmaster said bandits near the river — and worse.”Suddenly a dry whisper curled on the breeze, and a sound like bone against bone. Skeletons erupted from graves and cracked earth, clad in rusty armor with burning blue eyes. Four skeletal warriors advanced with swords drawn.“Undead already!” Ethan yelled calmly. He kicked his heels. His horse bolted right at the nearest skeleton, drawing its sword to slash. Ethan danced aside, then formed a fist of crackling energy, hurling it at the skeleton’s chest. Bones shattered.Celestia let the skeleto

The great hall of Castle Carosso thrummed with music and cheers as Ethan Lockwood and Celestia Draconyx stepped to the dais before the gathered court. Ethan, still clad in battered armor from the Undead Plains, lifted his sword in salute. Torchlight danced across the marble floors and stone columns. Garrick’s broad form was silhouetted against the light as he strode forward, chains and medals on his chest glinting. “Tonight, we honor two heroes of Carosso: Ethan Lockwood and Celestia Draconyx!” he boomed, voice carrying across the hall.A thunderous roar erupted from the crowd. Knights banged their gauntlets on tables and commoners yelled their names. King Aldric’s voice cut through the noise: “To the liberators of the Undead Plains!” Fresh goblets lifted, toasts thrown up, and revelry swelled to a fervent pitch.Celestia inclined her head gracefully, but fatigue still darkened her ruby eyes as if the horrors of battle clung to her even here. “We did only what was nece

By mid-morning Ethan, Celestia and their new guide Nina rode out of Carosso’s gates. The banner of the kingdom fluttered above the bridge as villagers bowed. Dark green fields gave way to pine forests as they followed the road north.They paused at a rough roadside stable. Celestia dismounted to adjust her horse’s saddle. The warhorse stamped its hooves. Nina’s gray pony, Wulfric, nickered softly as Celestia offered a handful of oats. “He’s eager,” Celestia remarked. Nina laughed and tousled the pony’s forelock. “First journey, and he knows it,” she said. Ethan clapped Celestia on the back. “At least you’ve got fresh mounts,” he joked. Celestia smiled. “Just like home,” she replied, enjoying the banter.As afternoon waned, they reached Oakbarrow — a scattering of wooden huts ringed by crumbling stone walls. Scouts at the palisade eyed them warily. An old miner leaning on a cart warned hoarsely, “The dwarves sealed that mine too long ago. A fire dragon broke through. No soul who venture

They ventured deeper into the twisting corridors of the Mistveil. Torchlight flickered on damp stone walls covered with ancient carvings. Each footstep echoed like a heartbeat. Ethan led with sword drawn, Celestia to his right, Nina to his left. Ethan’s skin prickled; every rune on the wall seemed to pulse.Without warning, a hidden panel snapped under Ethan’s boot. With a sharp click, poisoned darts shot from slits in the wall. “Heads up!” Nina shouted. She leapt aside and slammed her hammer against the dart launcher. Metal shards and venomous shafts flew apart as the mechanism splintered. Ethan rolled away just as a second volley erupted; the darts clanged harmlessly off the chamber wall.“Nice timing,” Ethan panted, wiping poison from his cheek. He staggered upright, breathing hard. Celestia crouched beside the wrecked trap. “Dragon essence,” she observed, tracing the dragon-carved glyphs on the broken pieces. “These traps feed on it. Every trap bears the draconic m

A massive door slid aside to reveal a vast chamber beyond. Jewels and gold glittered everywhere: piles of treasure, ancient weapons, and the bones of past challengers. Ethan stepped forward cautiously. In the center of the pile sat an enormous dragon, resplendent in black-golden scales. It coiled its tail around a heap of emerald and sapphire loot. Its yellow eyes opened and fixed on the trio.The dragon’s voice echoed in the hall like thunder. “So, the trespassers finally arrive,” it rumbled, smoke curling from its nostrils. Its voice was deep and strangely calm, as if amused. “You have braved illusions, traps, and guardians. Why continue?”Celestia brandished her spear. “We have sworn to destroy you,” she replied firmly, voice steady. Nina stepped forward, hammer ready. “That’s what we’re about to do,” Nina snarled.The dragon chuckled, a sound like clashing boulders. “Many have tried. None have succeeded.” It unfurled its wings, long and spined. Heat shimmere