My name is Kyros Brightblade—a hero, thrust into a world of magic and destiny. I never asked for this role, but cosmic authors have a way of meddling with lives, even if they're poorly written. The Whispering Forest loomed before him, its ancient trees swaying. The air smelled of moss and secrets. He adjusted the dual swords at his side.

[Notice: Was the intro necessary?]

(Yes, yes it was.)

"Kyros...You're really going to go into the forest?", Seraphina asked worriedly.

"Unfortunately, it seems like I have no other choice.", he replied, scanning the area.

"How did you even find this place?", she asked.

"Well, you see..."

...

[The Night Before]

"So, you're telling me that there is some sort of magic forest that transports you to a forbidden library?", Kyros asked, taking another sip of soda at the adventurer's guild.

"Yes. It is also protected by an ancient elf guardian.", the keeper replied.

"How did you even find out about this place; and why are you telling me?", he asked, now curious.

"Well, you see-", before she could finish. Kyros stopped her.

"No, no, no. I'm already doing a flashback. We can't have two flashbacks at the same time.", he interrupted.

"What?", she asked, clearly confused.

"Just get to the point.", he demanded.

"Okay. The point is that there is an oracle who lives there. She might have the answer to defeating the dark lord.", she explained. "But the guardian is still there, so do be careful.", she added.

"Yeah, yeah. Thanks for the info. I'll put it to good you use.", said Kyros, getting up and leaving.

...

"So yeah. Apparently, there's supposed to me an ancient library with all the answers and an oracle. Honestly, this is a pain. I just want to sleep.", he said, now feeling frustrated as he stretches his back. Seraphina's laughter tinkled like wind chimes.

"You're an odd one, Kyros. Most adventurers would be eager for such a quest.", she said, smiling brightly."

"Heroes, adventurers, and protagonists, they're all cut from the same clichéd cloth. Chosen ones, destined saviors, blah blah. I'm just a guy who pushed a kid out of the way of a truck.", he mumbled.

"Huh?", she was confused.

"Nothing. Just thinking out loud again.", he brushed it off.

Stepping into the forest, and the world shifted. Shadows danced on the ground, and the air grew thick with magic.

"Kyros, look.", she pointed out.

Before them stood a massive tree—the Whispering Oak. Its bark was etched with symbols, and its leaves whispered secrets in a language no human could understand. It was a tree of knowledge and secrecy.

"Guardian. I seek passage.", he chanted.

The forest rustled, and a figure emerged—an imp. Its eyes glowing like moonstones.

"How did you know that would work?", she asked, amazed by his knowledge of secret pathways.

"I didn't. I saw it in a manga once.", he said bluntly.

"A... manga?", she was confused by the strange word she had never heard before.

"It's a book with pictures in it...lots of pictures.", he explained.

"Answer my question and you may proceed.", instructed the guardian.

"Fine, ask away.", said Kyros.

"Speak the name of the wind."

Kyros blinked. "That's your riddle?"

"Answer.", it commanded.

"I don't know.", he said.

"Wrong. The wind has no name.", it said.

"That wasn't even my answer... Ask another.", this time his voice laced with slight anger.

"Very well. What is the weight of a heart heavy with regret?"

"You're kidding.", he said.
[Notice: Emotions can't be weighed.]
(Really?)
 "Answer."

"Emotions... can't be weighed.", he muttered.

The guardian's eyes flickered.

"Correct. You may pass.", it said.

The oak tree opened up. Light flowing out of it. As they stepped in, the world blurred. They emerged in a realm of shifting colors—a place beyond time and reason. And there, in the center, stood the portal.

"Kyros, are you ready?", Seraphina asked excitedly.

Kyros let out a long sigh. "No, but let's get this over with."

They stepped into the portal, and the world fractured. When they woke, they were in a new land. It felt as if time had stopped but it was still moving.

[ Chained Quest]
[1. Find the lost library of Eldergrove.
2. Uncover the truth about the dark lord.
3. Survive.]

"Kyros... This is.... this is Eldergrove. The lost city.", she said.

"Lost city... more like abandoned plot point.", he replied.

Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "What was that?"

"Don't mind me. Let's explore.", he brushed it off again.

They stepped through an archway, and the air thickened. Runes glowed on the walls.

Seraphina pointed at a mural. "A painting."

The painting depicted a figure wreathed in shadows, a crown of twisted thorns atop its head. Its eyes bore into Kyros, as if mocking him.

"Why does it feel like the world is against me?", he asked

"Relax. Don't over exaggerate like that. Besides, no matter what the world throws at you, I'll always be by your side.", she assured.

"Thanks.", he smiled.
(That's the most supportive thing someone has said to me since I got here... unlike the voice in my head that only botthers me 24/7)

[Notice: Well, that's rude.]

They explored further, finding a cauldron with dried herbs and a crystal ball. In the heart of Eldergrove, they discovered the library—a vast chamber with shelves stretching to the ceiling.

Kyros' eyes glimmered. "Books! Finally, something I understand."

He scanned the titles—Arcane Histories, The Art of Swordplay, 101 Ways to Defeat the Dark Lord (and Still Have Time for Tea). But one book stood out—a leather-bound tome with no title. Its pages were blank, save for a single sentence scrawled in elegant script:

"To unravel the enigma, seek the Oracle of the Whispering Pool."

(The hell you mean "one book stood out?" There's a book that has 101 ways of defeating the dark lord and will leave me with time for tea. I can just read that one.)

[Notice: No. That will cause the story to end quickly.]

(So what? You're the one who decided to put it here. I'm going to read it.)

Kyros opened the book to the first page.

[Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice] [Notice]
"Ah!"

The Notice blocked his view. In anger, he hit his face with the book and fell.

"Kyros, are you alright?", she was concerned.

He frowned. "Yeah... There was a mosquito on my face."

She helped him up. As he got up, he accidentally pushed a book. It caused the shelves to open a doorway to a basement. The torches ignited, lighting the path below.

(Wow... a totally secret and original doorway. That's a creative idea.)

They followed the staircase down to the basement and found a silver mirror above a pool of bright, blue water. A gentle voice spoke.

"I am the great Oracle. Keeper of answers to the unknown. Ask and I shall answer."

(Seen this one, too many times.)
"Oracle, how do I defeat the Dark Lord?", he asked.

The water rippled, and an image formed—a golden sword in azure flames.

"Seek the Blade of Eternity said. Forged in dragon fire and tempered with tears of the elf goddess. Find it. Only then can you pierce the Dark Lord's heart."

"That's...specific. Where do I find it?", he asked.

"That is a question you must answer yourself. Chosen one.", The Oracle's voice faded as the bright waters became dull.

"Seriously?", he was bummed.

"Kyros, it's amazing. We now know how to defeat the dark lord!", Seraphina's eyes glinted with fire.

"Yeah...I guess that a good thing.", he said.

[Main Quest: Find the Blade of Eternity]

(Also wasn't the third part of the quest to survive? There haven't been any dangers so far so...)

A shadow appeared behind them and raised its bow and shot it at Seraphina. Before it could hit her, Kyros pushed her out of the way. The cloaked figured reloaded and aimed three more arrows at them.

(Spoke too soon.)

End of Chapter 4.