Long time ago, way back in history, there was the place, where an entire world was created. A place so old, that it witnessed many realms birth and downfall. A place with tall towers, mighty walls and golden roofs. The place known as the Palace of Gods. Its residents’ of course, were the one who have been observing many worlds progress. This place once was small, but as the number of worlds grew, so did the palace. Now it looked like a mighty castle that could withhold in itself an entire nation.

    Inside the palace there were many rooms, some are shining with bright lights, voices coming from them, the others dark, dead looking. The worlds that exists and worlds that were. But besides the glass spheres from which the world could be observed (and even had their own personality, sometimes messing with their creators vision just for fun), you will find nobody today. No, today all the residents of the palace were placed inside the One room. The One room - in the middle of the palace.

    It was a tall room, with pillars holding the ceiling. Floor was covered with cold looking marble plates, and the ceiling was collord in warm velvet red colors. In the middle of the room there was a round table with a map of some land being placed on it. The table was surrounded by eight chairs, seven of which were already occupied:

- He is surprisingly late! I mean, I already got used to it, but where are his manners? - said the old man in a robe, who was holding a big staff in his right hand.

- i am not surprised at all. it’s not the first time he leave us hanging in situation like this. - said the young looking girl with green skin and flowers growing in her long silky hair.

- By the Light, I cannot believe that someone so irresponsible could be my brother! He is older than me, but he is so immature! - said the young strong looking man, who had the eyes like stars, and hair like fire.

- I AM NOT SURPRISED ONE BIT, HAHA! HE IS SURE AN ENTERTAINING ONE!!! - said the man in a chainmail, whose face was hidden behind his Great Helm.

- Maybe He Forgot About This Meeting! It's The Only Logical Conclusion I Could Come Up With. - said the man made out of metal with his robotic raspy voice.

- you could not apply your logic to somebody with his type of nature, my young friend. - Said the man, shrouded in darkness. He was holding a scythe in one hand and a hourglass in the other.

- If he kept his schedule more organized, maybe he would have not missed this important appointment. - said a plain looking woman in well-maintained dress.

    While this bizarre bunch was bickering with each other, a lonesome short figure have entered the room.

- Excuse me. - he said. - I have a message from missing Master!

- Ah, Oblom, great news! - said the young man with glowing eyes. - So, what my brother have to say for his absence? What is his excuse this time?

- He told me to tell you this! - the short figure, to which everybody else referred to as Oblom, took out a colorful piece of paper, that was ripped in some places and had a several wine stains on it. - “My dear brothers and sisters! You could start without me! I have a business to attend.”

- He could never leave this kind of message without some shtick. - said the plain looking woman.

- “In exchange for that…” - continued the short figure.

- oh here it goes. - said the shrouded person.

- “You be better preparing the challenges that are better than before! I have a contender which may prove himself to be… entertaining.”

***

    While this meeting is unfolding in the realms of Lords and Gods, somewhere in the mortal world there was dungeon. Damp, dark, abandoned by life, forgotten by time. A promise of riches and experience. A mousetrap for adventurers and moradores. Alluring unknown. Many people become rich from raiding this dungeon and soon the undesirable once saw the opportunity for an easy earnings. But this dungeon was slightly different, and it’s future raiders are about to find out why.

    The wheel door that was covering the entry to the dungeon was pushed assaid, as the small group of three people have entered the halls. The one leading the group was an experienced mugger, you can see it by observing his weapon that he was holding in his hand - a swiftly made blackjack. He also was carrying a bright torch in his other hand. Right after him a young woman with a bow hanging from her shoulder. In her quiver that was hangin on her back there was about fifteen arrows, all waiting to be used. The last one who entered the dungeon was a giant man with a green skin - an orc. Wearing the toughest armor out of the three and carrying a giant battle axe, he was certainly the muscle of the group. Their team looked like an experienced folk, the one that does not fear death or pain… but there was the one that looked out of the ordinary in front of them.

    It was a man, whose hands were tied with a rope and who had a bag on his head. One his back there was a lute with two strings missing. On his belt there was a pouch with some herbs and medicine. And in his pocket - a pick, quietly waiting for the show and music.

- Alright, we’re in! Remove the bag! - said the man with a blackjack, the leader of the crew.

    Orc noded and removed the bag from their companion’s head. Behind the mask there was… another mask. However, he wearing this one voluntary. He had silky brown hair and soul piercing green eyes, which looked quite… Irritated.

- Oh, finally! - the man said. - You know, I already started to like this wear! Quite comfortable it is. Would you like to try? Sadly, you head is too small, so we have to tie it a lot tighter around your bloody neck, so that the bag won’t fall off!

    The man, who was a prisoner of the crew, gave a slight smirk after his sarcastic remark. This smirk cost him his left cheek, as the orc punched him there with all his force, dropping the prisoner on the floor.

- Careful, Gromm, don’t kill him, we need him alive! - said the man with the blackjack.

- But he is so damn annoying! This damn bastard stabbed me with a letter opener while I was sleeping! - said orc.

- Oh, I knew that I should aimed for your neck, but who knew your skull will be so thick, that it’ll break the knife in half. - Laughed to himself the prisoner. - Good protection for something so invaluable!

    Orc was a moment away from using his axe as an instant reply to such insult, however, he held himself together just before striking his prisoner.

- You have some nerve, despite the fact that you are weaponless and outnumbered. - said a woman with a bow.

- Eh, not the first time, and still isn’t the worst one, my dear lady, Now free my hands so that we could go from the mingle straight to the inn.

- Not bad, scum, if I met you during my younger age I would be all over you, but alas… - she walked to a prisoner and pointed her small dagger straight to the prisoners neck. - I am not interest in reckless people anymore.

- Oh? So that is why you are in the group of two men? - fearlessly replied the prisoner. - I just wonder, how does it feels to be in your own harem of degenerates?

- How dare you! - she hit the prisoner in the other cheek with her dagger’s handle. Prisoner once again fell on the floor. However, his smile never disappear from the face, even when his mouth was filled with blood. This image kinda shook the crew. After looking at each other, they forcefully picked up the prisoner and drag him deeper into the dungeon.

    Inside the dungeon looked quite plain. Walls were mostly intact, but there were some parts from which bricks were falling off, slowly turning to dust. Rooms were empty, there were no decorations, no torch holders, nothing. To the surprise of the crew there were no monsters. After few hours of walking, there were absolutely no one. No goblins, no ogres, no savages, not even a single rat appeared in their way. Orc was looking quite nervous.

- I don’t like it, chief! A dungeon this empty… must be a bad omen. - he said.

- Relax, Gromm, it must’ve been build to a specific purpose! Like holding a heap of treasure! Or maybe an ancient heirloom!

- That would be the best, boss! - replied the woman.

- However, look out for traps! If there is no monsters, there are certainly some traps! - said the leader.

    While they were looking out for traps and treasure, their prisoner plotted his own plan. As he was wearing down the rope to free his hands. In his head there was anger and annoyance. His captor weren’t nice hosts. They beat him up, stole his possessions, they even took his clothes. The only thing he weared now, were some rag clothes that they give to him to hid his nudity. He had trouble walking, since his left leg went limp… and nobody knew exactly why. His captors allowed to him to keep his pouch and the lute, since both worthed nothing. In their eyes it was an act of kindness. In the eyes of the prisoner it was an act of superiority.

    “Too early to get myself free!” - thought to himself the prisoner. - “I need to find an opening for it… most desirably when they find the said treasure.”

    The prisoner gave to himself a big smile.

- Hey, what are you smiling about, you filthy scum? - said an Orc.

- Oh, I just thought… - the prisoner laughed. - I thought that it would be funny, if you’ll die to something stupid, like sleeping on the loose panel and breaking your neck. Or, or impale yourself on your own axe because you’ve drank too much!

- Yeah, yeah, laugh while you can! When we are through this dungeon trust me, I’ll make you squeal.

- Hey, I am not your maiden to make me squeal! Go do it to your elven slave, or what your filthy kind prefer!

- Shut up, prisoner!

- Oh, now I remember! What his name was? Kruch? The one that laid with his own daughter because his supposed God said him to? Oh, what a delightful story? i wonder, are you connected to him by any means?

- I will kill you!

- Oh, too soon? That’s what probably your mother have said to your grandfather-father, you ugly, stupid, inbred orc!

    The orc once again raised his hand with full intention to slain the prisoner… but before he could do that, he freeze in place, as his eyes gazed into the dark hall.

- What was that? - he said. - I think, I think i heard something! Boss, have you heard?

- What is it, Gromm? - said the leader.

- I heard the voice! Deep in the halls. They were whispering something… dreadful.

- I didn’t heard anything, Gromm! Must be your imagination.

- No! They are still whispering! We must… We must get out of here! - said orc. - I told you, this place is cursed, screw the gold! I’m getting out!

    With this words, Orc dropped his axe and started to run. however, he didn’t went far before his stopped. He was breathing heavily, his eyes were twitching and his arms were shaking.

- No. No! - he said. - It cannot be! You are not real! You are not real!

    Orc ran back to his axe and picked it up.

- You… How did you found me! How did you found me! You are supposed to be dead! - orc was screaming at his invisible adversary. - You’ve slain my brothers, my sisters! No you’ve come for me, you filthy monster!

    With this words, Orc started to swing his axe. Crazed with fear by the unknown vision, he couldn’t think straight. His allies tried to hold him, but almost fell at his hands as Gromm swing his axe around.

- Death to the undead! Death to the undead! - he kept chanting to himself. Even the prisoner, who just was almost killed by this orc, felt a somewhat sadness looking at this pathetic scene.

    There was no one, orc was hitting the air. Screaming and gargling, Gromm started to forget to breath, his eyes started to fail, as the tears of fear begun to fill them, his mind went blank. Soon, his swings became slower, his screams turned to whisper… and then he collapsed, foaming from his mouth. His chant became nothing, but a gargle of sounds as he was drowning in his own saliva and vomit. in short few moments… Gromm was no more.

    Everyone else were obviously shocked. Soon, shock change to anger. The leader of the crew grabbed the prisoner by his throat and begun to interrogate him.

- What did you do to him? What did you do to Gromm?

- Beats me! - said the prisoner. - All I saw is some scared orc who drowned in his own spit! If I knew how to do that, you would have been dead by now!

    The leader was angry, but not unreasonable. He realized that it was the truth. As he released his grip, he instantly turned around to his other companion.

- Riba! We are turning around! Whatever this place is, it reeks of death! We should move!

- But, but Gromm…

- Leave him! If we won’t hurry, we might end up just like him!

    Riba nodded, and then both of them turned around and started to flee, leaving their prisoner behind!

- Hey! Hey! Don’t leave me here, you scum! Come back!

    But he was screaming at nothing.

- Great, I’m alone, with this crappy dead orc at my feet! - After inspecting the orc, wondering what might happened to him (and looting his corpse) prisoner finally noticed a battle axe. - Wonderfull! Just what I needed!

    By using his legs to adjust the angle of the axe, prisoner started to cut the rope, that was holding his hands together. In short few seconds, he was free. He rubbed his hands, shook them a bit, and then he picked up the axe.

- It was nice knowing you, Gromm. - he said, while kicking the dead orc. - You were more helpful dead than alive.

With this words, he spitted on Gromm, and ventured of to exit.

***

    However, finding an exit was a difficult task, with no light source and no directions it was much easier just to punch your way out, which our hero obviously couldn’t do. What he could do, now that his hands were free, is play his lute, oh and what the music it was. For the normal people this sound would’ve been nothing but a simple tune… but to somebody like our hero this tune was his main weapon. As he finished to play the last accord, his eyes started to shine with blue eyes, and dungeon became slightly more lighter. Now he could at least see the walls and the floor.

- Ah, crap, I hate this. - he said to himself. - Never liked dungeons. Filthy, pleasant places. I would much prefer the warm mess hall of the tavern… yes, with a nice lady on my lap and shady peeps to play dice with. After all, it is nature of the Bard to prefer this kind of places.

    Oh, and what a nature it was. Yes, our hero was the Bard all along. The man of songs, coin and wine… all in that order. And this one was no difference in that regard. But he was different in any other places. First off, he wasn’t against participating in acts of violence: if it pays, he’ll do it. Second, despite his boasts and rants, he wasn’t a fan of flirting or romance simply because he never loved anybody. And of course, he didn’t became bard because he wanted… Oh no, there was another reason. Reason which is too early to unfold. As it is now, the only thing that Bard was concerned with - is getting out of this hall.

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- Let us see, I have about thirty minutes before the “Nightvision” song will wear off and I still have no clue where am I. Crap, should’ve left some clues, stupid amateurs.

    After wandering about for quite some time, Bard started to hear something. It sounded like a laughter. A menacing one at that.

- What is it? A beast that slain the orc? - asked himself Bard. - Didn’t he said he heard a whisper before going frenzy?

    And laughter slowly becoming louder and louder. Raising an axe that he “borrowed” from the dead orc, Bard slowly walked towards the source of the sound. As he went around the corner, he saw a familiar figure. A woman, crouching near some box. She was mandailing with the lock mechanism, while constantly giggling for no reason.

- Rich, rich! I’m gonna be rich! Beyond my wildest dreams! Yes! Rich, Rich, Rich! - she was chanting to herself.

    After approaching her, he finally saw what she was doing. With her knife she tried bust the lock open. Her attempts were futile, but she continued to mendle with the chest, even after cutting her fingers and stabbing her hands. After observing closely, Bard noticed, that woman had fewer fingers than before.

- Hey? Riba, right? What are you doing? - said the Bard. She did not respond. - Hey? Are you gonna talk?

- Talk? Talk? No time to talk, riches await! Oh so wonderful riches!

- What are you talking about?

- Can’t you see it? The chest, it’s transparent! And it’s full of gold and diamonds!

    Bard looked closely at the chest. It was a plain looking chest, made out of stone. There were no engraves on it, no sigils. Even the lit looked like a slab of stone. It wasn’t transparent. After trying to reach out for it, a strong slap followed. Riba slapped Bard’s hand away.

- Ouch!

- I SAID LOOK! DON’T TOUCH! IT’S MINE! - the woman growled, like a wild animal that landed her paws on the pray.

- You are insane witch! Have you went mad? This box is not transparent. For goodness sake, I could bet there is nothing inside!

- QUIET! You will not deceive me, you filthy Bard! - she pointed a knife at the Bard. - Gromm is dead, but it was worth it! WITH THIS MONEY I CAN BRIBE DEATH ITSELF!

- You're delusional. Take your stupid box, I have no interest. - with the said words, Bard continued forward. when he turned around the corner, he heard a clunk, a screech… and then an explosion, as the tounel behind him collapsed. As he suspected, the chest was a trap. - Stupid witch, told you so.

***

    It was almost a hour since Bard encountered one of his captors for the last time. He was forced to play the “Nightvision” song two more times, and he was out of memory. He forgot the song. Happens a lot with bards, if they play the same magical tune several times. The memory of that song become weak and soon is faded from the memory. It wouldn’t be a problem, if he still had his note book with him, but it was taken away from him his captors. He had final twenty five minutes to find a light source, before he will be surrounded by darkness.

    After venturing through the same looking corridors, Bard finally come upon something different. It was a giant round room with a light beam coming from above. “A crack in the ceiling?” Bard thought to himself, but before he could continue, he heard a familiar voice.

- You! It was your doing! - it was the leader of the crew… well, leader of a crew that no longer existed. It sounded like he was talking to someone, but it wasn’t the Bard. - I should’ve figured so. Somebody hiring us to raid the dungeon and not some adventurers? I should’ve known better. You’ve lured us here to kill us!

    The other did not respond.

- Gromm is dead because of you! I will avenge him! And after your death, I will find Riba and escape this place!

- Oh, such a virtuous loyalty! Capital! Marvelous! - said the other. His voice was light and jumpy, but for some reason it felt powerful, old… and threatening. Bard decided to hide himself in the shadows for now. - It is so sad, that nobody could see you right now. Oh, so sad! I believe that girl would have been so honored by your friendship!

- Would have been? - the leader lowered his blackjack. - What do you mean? - his voice was filled with sadness and fear. - Where is she!?

- Oh? The Riba girl? Hard to say really! - the other shoved his hand in his pocket, getting something out of it. It was a finger. A woman’s finger. - Your girl is really… going around! HAHAHAHAHAHA!

    That laughter made the earth shook. Even Bard felt terrified by it, even though it was not directed at him. The one at whom it was directed though was in grief.

- Oh, don’t worry my friend! Here, I have a secret for you! Did you know that she planned to stab you in the back and take all the loot for herself? Such a wonderful person! Such resolve! Makes me want to wrap my hands around her neck and squiz it until it cracks! Alas, there is no neck no longer, I’m afraid.

- You… you lie! - the leader said. - Don’t lie to me! She is… she is alive and she will never betray me!

- Oh come on, even you should realize, that no matter how much sugar you put on fish, it won’t become a cake!

- What?

- Oh, what am I saying… No matter how hard you try to deny it, Truth is still the Truth.

    After this words, the man with a blackjack charged at the other man but then suddenly stopped. Then he fell. And then he screamed… And life escaped his eyes.

- I’m sorry about such sad display, but I don’t want to stain my beautiful clothes. - He turned to the bard, who was hidden in the darkness. - Don’t be shy my friend! Come to the stage! it is your show!

    Bard, confused and terrified (even though you couldn’t tell i by his face), obeyed the command and stepped under the beam of light. The man who invited him to “The Stage” just kicked of the body of the leader, who now was devoured by the darkness. For some reason Bard felt that if he stepped out from the light, he will instantly die.

- Well, I’m here! - the Bard said. - What next?

- What next he says. - the man laughed. - Now the fun can begin!

    Now, looking closer at the man, Bard realized what a bizarre person was standing in front of him. It was an old looking man with gray short hair and a goatee. One of his eyes were yellow, and the other was absolutely white. He “Clothes” were bright and in your face. It looked like they were made out of different types of cloth, each of them being different color and material. In his right hand he held a cane with an eye as a handle. Lastly, he was very lively looking. He was smiling, his eyes were filled with joy and his heart was so excited, that even Bard could hear it’s beat.

    After observing his friend, Bard decided to ask:

- Excuse me, but what fun are we talking abou? Don’t get me wrong, whatever you did to those idiots was impressive, but…

- Oh, thank you! Sorry for interruption, but I really don’t have time, so let’s cut the chase, shall we?

- Ok?

- Capital! Now, what are you wishing for?

- Excuse me?

- Your wish, your dark desire! Something that you want to achieve, but can’t!

- Why are asking?

- Because I want to make a deal!

    The man with the cane razed his hands to the skies and… nothing happened.

- Sorry, I really love theatrics. - he said and coughed. - You see my friend, I need a pair of helping hands, and I want to hire you to serve this purpose.

- Excuse me, but I like to know people which I make a deal with.

- Oh, but of course, where are my manners! - with this words, the man bowed down so much, his forehead was touching the floor (somehow he did it even without bending his knees, it looked like his spine stretched out). - My name is Lord Havic, and I am the Avatar of Chaos!

- The Avatar of Chaos?

- Yeah, I know you are confused and you want to know more, but as I said, I don’t have much time!

- But…

- No buts! I know how fishy it looks, but here! - Havic took the big pouch seemingly from nowhere. - This is you… payment I should say?

- How… How much is inside it?

- Oh, about a thousand of silver shivers!

- A thousand?!

- Yup! Here, here, take it! My present to you!

    Havic gave his pouch to the Bard and, as expected, Bard could barely lift it. The man wasn’t lying, it is about a thousand silver shivers.

- Now, the deal! Come on! I can’t wait!

    After placing the pouch on the ground and catching a breath, Bard finally said:

- Alright, it seems you won’t let me go until I hear you out. What it the deal?

- CAPITAL! - joyfully shouted Lord Havic. His voice yet again made the ground shook - The deal is simple. Right now I have a little… dispute with my brothers and sisters, so we decided to take a little bet. All of us picked up a champion to fight on our behalf in the upcoming challenges! The Endgame of sort! And the winner will determine the further future of this world!

- And let me guess, you didn’t picked up you own champion for some reason?

- It is because nobody is fit for the role! People are… to closed up, to chained, it’s like their minds corrupt by the complexity of basic desires! Money, lust, power, I am not interested in those things. And then you came about.

- So, this raid, this people, were they…

- They were the actors of situation! Of a little play to determine your character! I needed to check that you are not possessed by a spooky ghosts known as morality and sympathy. People possessed by those spirits aren’t fit to be the champions of the Chaos!

- And you picked me? Why, may I ask?

- Simple, I like your mind. - he came closer and took a deep look into the Bard’s eyes. - Your mind is like a beautiful shattered mirror, from which you can observe the disturbed, disgusting vision of reality, and yet it’s still reflect light! Truly a magnificent sight! - Havic moved his face away from the Bard’s face, turned around and started slowly walking towards the darkness. - You are perfect for the role! I am not interested in using you, but I am interested in your abilities, Bard! I would enjoy observing you. You’ll be my partner in crime, my muse of my art!

- And you say you can do anything for me?

- Yes! Money? Easy! Love of the princess? No problem! Kingdom at your feet? I will make an entire world kiss your toes!.. or maybe you want for somebody to disappear?

    This words made Bard nervous. For some reason, he felt like something was shifting his memories, his knowledge, searching for something.

- Oh, you want somebody to die, oh yes you are. - Havic said. His voice was calm and menacing. Like all the joy from his mind was replaced with malice. - I can do that. I can throw the right card, so that you could meet them. Meet them at their weakest, when there is nobody to protect them, nobody to save them! Oh I can do that! So, my dear Bard, do you want your wish to come true?

- This… - Bard was speechless, and now his mind was filled with anger and memories of the people who once scorned him, ruined his live, tricked him… broke his vision of reality. He wanted to meet them. He wanted them dead. Was that manipulation by the Lord Havic, or maybe his own wrath, Bard didn’t care. - You say anything?

- Yes.

- Even if I ask you to let me kill them in the most painful, most gruesome way?

- YES!

- … Deal.

- Fantastic! Capital! - Havic burst into the laughter. - I knew that you’ll be perfect! Oh, everybody will be so jealous!

    Havic reached out his right hand hand to bard. Bard shook it.

- Capital, and now the deed is done! Partner, it is honor to work with you! You’ll first task will be to reach the nearest city. There the goal will be known!

- Em, how do I escape from this…

- No need for worry! Your ride will be here in three… two… one!

    And with this words Bard was launched straight into the light! It was so fast, that he didn’t even had time to scream. Just a second passed, and Bard already found himself on the surface, with the pouch resting next to him. The blinding light almost made Bard lose his sight, but soon his eyes adjusted. Realising what just happened, Bard was very confused.

    He thought and he thought, and he just could come up with only one answer: “well, that just happened”.

    Satisfied with this shallow answer, Bard looked around himself. And he saw nothing but green fields and hills.

- Nearest city? Eh? Where the one could be? - As he said it, he noticed a stream of smoke rising to the sky far away. - Ah, that must be the one! Well, no time to lose. I need a new clothes, a new weapon… new strings.

    Making a list of things to buy, Bard ventured of to the distance. His adventure just started, and many are yet to come. Good luck Bard.

***

- He is here, Masters.

    Back in the Palace of Gods the bunch was already debating other the actions of their respective champions. But with the announcement of their brother’s arrival they all went silent.

- Took him long enough! - said the young man with glowing eyes, next to whom the chair remained empty.

    The doors were opened wide and with laughter and music the missing one have entered!

- BROTHERS! SISTER! Long time no see!

- you’ve late. - said the young green woman

- What can I say? I love dramatic late entrance.

- Havic, have you brought him? - said the Old man

- YES! - with this words Havic placed a small figurine of a man in the mask, who was holding a lute. - Now, my friends… LET THE GAME BEGIN!

    With this words, the first dices were thrown. The map of Odan have been infused with life itself. The players thinking of their next step. The Endgame is here.