On the horizon of a desolate mountainous plain, a landscape teeming with animal life and unknown creatures, three young people run in desperation.

Freya: "Run, everyone! We don't know if they're still following us. We need to find a place to stay, maybe a village or something similar."

Aric, panting: "I can't go on anymore. Let's rest here."

Eldric, nodding while running: "I don't think they're following us anymore. We've been running for five hours non-stop. I'm amazed we can still go on."

The three, exhausted, sit under a large tree to rest.

Freya, breathing heavily: "We finally escaped… Though I don't think we've really gotten away. Now we need to find somewhere to stay."

Eldric: "There must be a village nearby. This place is full of life, with lakes and forests. It's perfect for a settlement."

As they talk, a mysterious creature observes them from a distance. It has a humanoid frog appearance.

Aric: "What is that strange creature watching us?" Aric raises an eyebrow, doubting what he sees.

Strange Frog: "Uh… Uh… Hello! Are you from around here? Croak."

Aric, frightened but with a comical tone: "It spoke! The frog just spoke!"

Freya, exasperated: "Oh, don't yell, you fool! It must be a magical creature. Haven't you ever read books? You're so dumb!"

Strange Frog: "Hello, croak. My name is Zanok. Nice to meet you."

Eldric, smiling: "Hi, I'm Eldric. This dumb-looking one is Aric, and the girl who looks like a guy is Freya."

Freya: "Hey! What did you mean by I look like a guy?"

Zanok, bowing: "Nice to meet you, croak. I heard you're looking for a place to stay. Croak. There's a small village nearby inhabited by my species, the Hylian. Although right now we're in dispute with the filthy lizards that steal from us every night. Croak. But for a strong group like you, it shouldn't be a problem."

Eldric: "Thank you very much, Zanok. Could you guide us? Maybe we can help with that dispute."

Zanok: "Thank you so much, sir. Croak. Come, follow me. Our village, Glimmeran, is near a lake."

Aric: "A lake? I thought frogs preferred swamps."

Freya punches Aric on the head: "Shut up and show some manners! Humph, sorry about him, Zanok. He doesn't know what he's talking about."

Zanok: "No worries, miss. Most of our species live in swamps, but we're a bit, how would you say? 'Refined.' Croak."

After ten minutes of walking, they arrive at a small village. The Hylian walk through the streets, fish in the lake, and play on the rooftops with their jumping abilities. The village is lively and bustling.

Freya: "Wow, I thought they were in trouble, but they seem quite prosperous."

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Zanok: "That's how it looks, but in reality… croak… we are, how would you say? Exploited."

Aric: "I see. The lizards are better warriors, and you have no choice but to obey them."

Zanok: "Actually, the Hylian Warriors are usually stronger than them, croak. But in this case, there are only a few capable Warriors, and we couldn't win. So, those Warriors are the ones who hunt animals in the area. Croak. Well, we've arrived at the tavern. I hope you like the place, and be careful at night."

Eldric: "Thanks for everything, Zanok."

Zanok: "Thank you all. Now I must take my leave. Croak." Zanok walks out the door and leaves.

Aric: "What a pleasant guy."

Eldric: "I don't like the situation they're in. What if we help them? That way, we could make a good impression in this unknown land."

Freya: "Sounds like a good idea."

Hours pass, and night falls. The stars fill the sky.

Voices are heard outside.

Unknown Lizard: "Everyone knows the procedure…"

Village Chief: "This month we couldn't gather what was agreed, but we'll give you everything we've got."

Unknown Lizard: "You're safe this time. Hurry up, we spotted three humans not long ago. Quick!"

The group steps out of the tavern.

Aric: "Well, get ready to fight."

Unknown Lizard: "The humans! Damn it! Everyone, run! Leave everything! We don't have time."

Aric: "Wow, they ran off. What cowards."

Zanok appears running from a house.

Zanok: "Thank you so much. It seems they fear the human race."

Freya: "Hey, Zanok, where is their village?"

Zanok: "Miss, what are you going to do with that information? Croak."

Freya: "Maybe my companions and I will help you."

Eldric and Aric nod.

Zanok: "I truly appreciate it, but I don't want to drag you into this problem."

Freya: "Don't worry, we'll avoid fighting and just have a dialogue."

Zanok: "Well. Okay, I must clarify that they live in the southern mountains. They're about 15 minutes from here."

Freya: "That's close. We'll head there now. Thank you. We'll bring you peace."

Zanok: "I'll be very grateful for such a kind act. Croak."

On the walk toward the southern mountains, they see swords and spears stuck in the ground.

Eldric: "We must be near their camp. Get ready in case we have to fight."

Upon arriving at the camp, the lizards hide in their homes. However, a larger one emerges, wearing armor adorned with golden details and holding a golden spear.

Lizard: "What do humans want around here?"

Freya: "Hello. My name is Freya. Before we talk, I'd like to know your name."

Lizard: "My name is Draconis. Now tell me, what do you want?"

Freya: "Draconis, we're here because we want to stop the oppression you exert on the Hylian village."

Draconis: "Hmm, most of our resources come from them. If we stop our settlement, it would die here. Almost no one is capable of gathering food."

Freya: "We can make a deal. We'll speak with the Hylian to offer you food. In exchange, you'll have to give something in return. For example, what are you good at?"

Draconis: "That's a good idea, but I don't think they'll agree to the plan."

Freya: "Don't worry. We'll talk to them. Now, tell us, what are you good at?"

Draconis: "We excel in combat and espionage. Although they're better fighters than us, we can teach them the art of stealth. We can also offer minerals we extract from the mountains."

Freya: "That's a good deal. We can unite the two races with this agreement. Thank you very much. Now we'll go discuss the agreement with them."

Zanok: "Miss, no need to go back. I followed you here in case something happened. Helping them is a very good deal."

Aric: "Indeed! Haha."

Zanok: "I have a proposal for the three of you. Since we don't have capable leaders for our village, how would you feel about leading it? Croak."

Eldric: "We just met. You can't trust us with something as big as your lives."

Zanok: "The time I've known you was enough to know that you're more than capable. Croak."

Freya: "I think it's a good idea, guys. That way, we'll also make a name for ourselves in these lands."

Aric: "Perfect! We'll take care of your village. Haha!"

Zanok: "Thank you so much. Now let's make the alliance with the lizards. Croak. Draconis, do you agree with the deal?"

Draconis: "More than agree. I hope you'll be great allies and neighbors."

Aric, imitating an announcer's voice: "A group of humans unites two different races!"

Freya: "Well, what do you think about going back to the village to share the news?"

Zanok: "Let's march. Croak."

After so much tension and conflict, our heroes finally get their well-deserved rest in the village of Glimmeran, hoping that peace has been restored and a new chapter in their lives is about to begin.

End of Chapter 10