Kingdom of Lucien - Infinite Castle

The Kingdom of Lucien stood imposingly at the center of the known world, but nothing compared to the majesty of the Infinite Castle. This titanic palace, built from black stones as dark as the night, seemed to defy the laws of nature, with its towers rising into the sky as if trying to reach the stars. The walls, tall and sturdy, were adorned with carvings of ancient battles, their details so fine they almost seemed to come to life under the torchlight that illuminated the vast throne room.

Inside the hall, the most powerful adventurers and nobles of the kingdom knelt in orderly rows, their armor gleaming under the dim light. In front of them, on a throne carved from ebony and decorated with precious gems, King Lucien observed his subjects with a mix of emotion and anxiety. His face, usually cold and calculating, reflected unusual tension, and his eyes, dark and deep, shone with an intensity rarely seen.

King Lucien: "Adventurers, nobles…" he began with a deep voice that resonated throughout the hall, silencing any murmur, "Today I have summoned you for the most crucial mission in the history of our kingdom. For the first time, I will reveal the truth about the world around us."

A whisper of astonishment rippled through the hall. The king paused, taking a deep breath, while his gaze grew more intense.

King Lucien: "The lands you have explored, the missions you have completed, are not all that exists. What you know is just a fragment of a vast and dangerous world. Beyond these borders lies a relentless enemy that has waited patiently… but now it is time to reclaim what is rightfully ours."

The king, with eyes moist from held-back tears, continued, his voice trembling slightly.

King Lucien: "For a long time, I have kept you within our lands to protect you from the horrors that lurk beyond. But the situation has changed. Now, we must reclaim the Crystal that belongs to us, the one that will ensure our dominion over the rest of the world. Prepare yourselves with the best weapons and armor, for this will be a battle like no other."

The hall erupted in a clamor of fervent voices. Adventurers and nobles, moved by the king's passion, raised their fists in approval, ready to follow their sovereign in this monumental mission.

Sector 5 - Coliseum of the Forsaken

In the Coliseum of the Forsaken, the atmosphere was very different. The air was thick with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. The winners of the ten sectors had gathered, their faces marked by the harshness of the battles they had endured to reach this point.

The instructor, a man with a stern face and scars that told of his own history of combat, addressed them with an authoritative voice.

Instructor: "Starting today, you will undergo rigorous training, designed to turn the fittest among you into noteworthy adventurers. For the next two years, you will learn everything we can teach. I expect you to get along, as your survival will depend on your ability to work together. Now, head to your quarters. Tomorrow, the real test begins."

Aric, with his heart pounding with excitement, couldn't contain his enthusiasm. Trembling, he retreated to his room, determined to write a letter to his father. In it, he detailed every aspect of his first experience in the coliseum, his expectations for the future, and his determination not to disappoint his family. With his mind full of thoughts of glory and pride, he finally lay down in his bed, preparing for the tough day ahead.

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The Next Day:

The training turned out to be far more demanding than Aric had imagined. Every muscle in his body burned from the effort, and his mind was constantly pushed to the limit. However, what surprised him the most was the fierce competition among his peers. Some of them displayed skills that he could barely comprehend, which inspired both respect and a desire to improve.

But there was one in particular who stood out above all the others: a young water mage who completed each challenge with alarming ease. Intrigued, Aric decided to approach him.

Aric: "Hi, my name is Aric, from Sector 3. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Eldric: "Hello, I'm Eldric, from Sector 8. Likewise, nice to meet you."

Aric couldn't help but wonder how someone from Sector 8, known for being one of the weakest, could be so strong. That question drove him forward.

Aric: "I just wanted to ask if you'd like to train with me. I want to learn from the strongest here."

Eldric: "Me, strong? I'm not strong at all, haha," Eldric replied with a nervous laugh, though his eyes betrayed a certain humility.

Aric: "Of course, you are. Could you teach me that magic you used earlier, the one that seemed to control the earth?"

Eldric: "Sure, it's something like this…" Eldric began to explain, patiently demonstrating the basic principles of his magic.

Thus, amidst laughter and conversation, Aric and Eldric began to forge a friendship, unaware that, in the future, their paths would intertwine in ways they could never imagine.

Sector 10 - Adventurers' Zone - Tavern

In the bustling tavern of Sector 10, a young adventurer was causing quite a commotion. Her loud and determined voice echoed throughout the establishment, drawing both curious and annoyed looks.

Tavern Keeper: "Excuse me, miss, but you can't shout like that. You're disturbing the other customers and adventurers," said the tavern keeper, trying to stay calm as she approached the young woman.

The young woman, with blonde hair tipped with purple, had a look of discontent on her face. She had the demeanor of someone who didn't take "no" for an answer.

Freya: "What do you mean I can't take on any missions? Are you serious? I need to get stronger! Give me a rank 5 mission, something like slaying a dragon or whatever."

Tavern Keeper: "I'm sorry, miss, but right now, no missions are being assigned to anyone. There's an important mission underway, and those are direct orders from the king."

Clearly frustrated, Freya left the tavern with an exasperated sigh. Although she didn't show it, there was a spark of curiosity in her eyes. What could this mission be that's keeping me from going out? she thought. I'll just go on my own then.

Two Days Later - Return of King Lucien

Two days had passed since King Lucien and his forces of adventurers and nobles had set out on their mission. Now, they were returning victorious, though not without having paid a high price.

King Lucien: "Thanks to all of you, brave adventurers and nobles, we have fulfilled our duty. There were many losses, but in the end, we succeeded. Each of you will be awarded a decorated armor, the best this kingdom can offer," the king proclaimed, with a voice that, though firm, carried a tinge of weariness.

Sector 5 - Coliseum of the Forsaken

Meanwhile, in Sector 5, Aric couldn't sleep. Something was deeply unsettling him, though he couldn't explain what it was. Unable to stay in bed, he decided to walk around the coliseum's grounds. The night was dark, and the silence enveloped him, giving him a sense of isolation.

Suddenly, an unknown presence made him stop in his tracks. As he turned, his eyes met a humanoid figure that seemed to be composed of galaxies, stars, and constellations, as if the entire universe was contained within it.

Mysterious Figure: "Aric, I have been looking for you…"

Before he could react, the figure disappeared, leaving Aric with a racing heart and a sense of wonder he couldn't shake. He hurried back to his room, convinced that his mind was playing tricks on him due to the exhaustion from training. However, the unease persisted, and though he tried to ignore it, he knew that something extraordinary had occurred.

End of Chapter 2.