Chapter One

As I traversed the desert storm, retreat was no longer an option. I urgently sought a place to rest, but the swirling sand obscured my vision, and I longed for its absence. I yearned to halt my progress and take cover until the tempest subsided, yet the presence of bandits pursuing me compelled me to keep moving. All I needed was to bide my time until the storm passed, but it continued to hinder my sight. Fortunately, my goggles shielded my eyes from the abrasive sand, preventing them from stinging painfully.

After a brief period, I paused and looked up, captivated by a sight that caught my attention. A gatehouse loomed above me, its windows seemingly observing my every move from a distance. The mound and bridge were completely obscured from my view.

What struck me as peculiar was that the gatehouse stood ajar, and there were no guards in sight. Could the sandstorm have hindered their duties? Was this structure deserted? If so, how long had it been uninhabited? These questions flooded my mind, and if I wished to uncover the truth, I needed to call out.

“Is anyone there?” I shouted.

Moments passed without a response, prompting me to repeat my inquiries several times, yet silence persisted. I began to suspect that the place was indeed deserted, despite its seemingly intact condition.

Reflecting on my situation, I considered whether the bandits were still in pursuit. To my relief, I discovered that they were nowhere to be found. It seemed they had halted their chase amidst the storm, waiting for it to clear. If that were the case, it would grant me an unexpected advantage, as they likely believed I would remain stationary until the storm passed, allowing them to catch me. They were sorely mistaken.

I redirected my focus to the kingdom and smiled at its presence. This was my moment to enter. I could not allow those individuals to apprehend me once the sandstorm subsided.

As I made my way through the gatehouse, I glanced upward, contemplating whether I could find respite in one of its chambers. However, upon surveying the area, I discovered that it was merely a tunnel at this point, devoid of any suitable entry points.

Yet, as I peered toward the tunnel's exit, an empty bazaar came into view. It was littered with forsaken jewelry, decayed fruits and vegetables, and the remains of cooked animals from the street vendors.

It was undoubtedly time for me to seek shelter from the sandstorm. I scoured the town, grappling with the decision of which abandoned home to choose, as numerous options lay before me. Eventually, I settled on one, entered, and thoroughly inspected the premises to ensure no animals resided within.

Upon finding none, I felt a wave of relief wash over me as I removed my goggles and head covering. "At last," I sighed. After taking off my boots, I placed them beside a red couch and sat down, allowing my gaze to wander.

The walls were marred with cracks and entwined with vines. Cobwebs and dust were omnipresent. A cauldron, a few tables, and a bookshelf silently observed me. Noticing a staircase, I leaned to the left and spotted several planks resting atop it. The fresh air was a welcome relief to my senses, and the entire space was enveloped in tranquility.

As much as I desired to go upstairs for some rest, I opted to sleep in the living room instead. The coziness of this room far surpassed that of upstairs. However, before I could relax, I had to eliminate the cobwebs and spiders. Who could enjoy a peaceful nap if bitten by a poisonous spider? Once that task was completed, I settled down on the couch and drifted off to sleep, relishing in my peaceful slumber.

Upon hearing voices, I stirred on the couch until I woke up. Intrigued, I pondered the sudden presence of people. Rubbing my eyes, I peered out the window and saw a group of individuals outside.

Confused by the unexpected appearance of people, I stepped outside to investigate, opening the door with a creak. I anticipated feeling the remnants of the sandstorm, but it had dissipated. Instead, the sun's warmth greeted me under clear blue skies. Eager for adventure, I ventured out and was surprised by the locals' nonchalant reaction to a stranger leaving an unfamiliar house. Even the soldiers on the walls and streets paid no mind, which struck me as odd.

Exploring the bustling bazaar, I marveled at the vendors selling jewelry, fruits, vegetables, and cooked meat. The aroma of the sizzling meat filled the air, while the lively chatter of the crowd grew louder. Children ran around, snickering and playing blissfully.

As I wandered through the streets, I scanned my surroundings in search of something intriguing. Despite not feeling hungry at the moment, I couldn't find anything that caught my attention.

Nothing sparked my interest until I noticed a woman, dressed provocatively with a transparent cloth covering her mouth, approaching me. Her presence brought a smile to my face and caused my cheeks to flush with excitement as I eagerly followed her to the place where she worked. Upon arriving at a magnificent building, I gazed up at it in awe. Inside, there were hot springs where women lounged leisurely in tubs filled with bubbling water. A few more women, dressed similarly to the first one I saw, stood near the entrance and shared a laugh at my expense.

I knew I would enjoy myself here, particularly while relaxing in the hot tubs with the women. The ladies from earlier gathered around me in a circle, and then everything started spinning. My cheeks no longer felt warm, and I looked around, trying to figure out what was happening. The peaceful laughter turned into sinister cackles, transforming the scene into a nightmare. The women morphed into demons, prompting me to quickly draw my dagger from its sheath and raise it in defense. I glared at my adversaries, eager to engage in battle.