Chapter 8: The Call to Arms

The moment the Master's figure faded, Lucas was transported to a new, sprawling landscape. The winds were strong and bitter, and the sky above was overcast, as though foretelling the storm that was about to engulf the world. The ground beneath him was uneven, with jagged rocks and sparse vegetation that gave the region a barren, almost desolate feel.

In the distance, he could see the towering walls of Eldor, the kingdom he was meant to protect. The city's spires reached toward the sky, bathed in the dim glow of the setting sun. It was a beautiful sight—but one that seemed threatened by the shadows rising from the east.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

You have arrived at the Kingdom of Eldor.

Objective: Investigate the rising darkness and protect the kingdom.

Time Limit: 72 hours

Lucas looked at the glowing map that appeared before him, marking the Kingdom of Eldor and the surrounding regions. There was a small town to the south that had reported mysterious disappearances. To the north, a dark forest had become increasingly active, with strange creatures emerging at night. And beyond all of it, a rising empire was preparing for war.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

The Kingdom of Eldor is at war with the Dark Empire.

You may choose to join the army or investigate the source of the darkness. Both paths will lead to your final confrontation.

Join the Army

Lucas could choose to rally the kingdom's forces, train the soldiers, and help prepare Eldor for the impending invasion. The battle would be bloody, and the stakes high, but if they could hold their ground, the kingdom might survive.

Investigate the Source of Darkness

Or, he could seek the root cause of the darkness and confront it before it overwhelmed the kingdom. But there was a risk involved—if he failed, the entire kingdom could fall, and the war would be lost before it even began.

The choice was his.

Lucas didn't hesitate. He had seen the threat firsthand in the Behemoth's lair, felt the weight of Eternum pressing down on him. It wasn't just about fighting battles. It was about protecting people, uncovering the truth, and stopping the horrors that threatened this world from within.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

You have chosen to Investigate the Source of Darkness.

New Quest: Uncover the Dark Forces Behind the Rising Empire.

Objective: Find the dark leader and eliminate them before the war begins.

The map shifted, guiding him toward the Dark Forest, the source of the troubling reports. The trees were dense, and a chilling fog had begun to roll in from the east, thickening with each passing hour.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

Time Remaining: 48 hours.

Lucas took a final deep breath, steeling himself for the path ahead. The quest for the truth was never easy. But as the Legendary Hero, he would rise to meet whatever darkness lay ahead.