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As the sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain of the Land of Spade, High Mages Zara, Levi, and Mike stepped into the small, desolate village of Ashenvale in the eastern reaches. The village, with its destroyed homes and dusty streets, bore the harsh marks of poverty and neglect. As they walked through, a palpable air of despondency hung over the place, and Zara couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sorrow for its inhabitants.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsGF3f988I
"This place... what could have happened here?" Zara mused aloud, her gaze sweeping over the crumbling facades and the scant few villagers who eyed them with a mix of curiosity and wariness.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw0r67VNi2
"It looks like they're on their last legs," Mike observed, his voice low, as a group of children kicked a ragged ball along the dusty road. The ball rolled towards them, stopping at Zara's feet. She picked it up, and a little boy ran over, eyes wide. Crouching down, Zara offered a gentle smile and handed the ball back to him. The boy muttered a shy thank you and scampered away, his laughter a brief spark in the gloomy atmosphere.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zZE8KF8hJ
Determined to learn more, Zara, followed by Mike, headed towards a small bar perched on the edge of the village square, its weathered sign swinging with a mournful creak. Levi paused at the door, his expression somber. "I'll stay out here. I’m not much for drinking."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfvT3AwMeO
Inside, the bar was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of stale ale and woodsmoke. A few local patrons glanced up as they entered, then quickly averted their eyes, returning to their quiet conversations. Zara and Mike approached the bar, where a grizzled bartender wiped glasses with a ragged cloth.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibqtNOsGdj
"Two ales, please," Zara said as she took a seat, her voice cutting through the low murmur of the bar. As the bartender nodded and turned to pour their drinks, Zara leaned in, her tone casual but probing. "This village... it seems hard-hit. Can you tell us what happened?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiUrqjLBO4
The bartender set down their drinks with a heavy sigh, his eyes shadowed under the brim of his cap. "Ashenvale hasn’t been the same since King Roger’s forces swept through," he began, a bitter edge to his voice. "Took everything worth taking, he did. Left us with nothing but these broken homes and broken lives."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z8qi76SKh
"King Roger?" Zara pressed, her interest piqued. "Can you tell us more about him?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz6Ebnn5He
"He’s a tyrant," the bartender spat, his disdain palpable. "Claims to be a righteous ruler, but all he does is expand his territory at the cost of people like us. His castle’s to the west, fortified to the teeth with mages and soldiers. No one dares stand up to him—not anymore."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaqWoK1ZQe
Zara exchanged a glance with Mike, her mind racing. This King Roger could be a significant obstacle to their mission, or perhaps, a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding the political landscape of the Land of Spade.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7UHRFhiuW
"Thank you," she said, her voice soft but filled with determination. "We’ll take care of it from here."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznjZ5t6cJu
As they sipped their drinks, Zara’s thoughts were already turning towards their next move. Confronting a king was no small feat, but if they were to establish any influence in the Land of Spade, understanding and possibly challenging the power structures was essential. Outside, Levi kept watch, his eyes scanning the quiet streets, aware of the growing challenge that lay ahead for their small team.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7MEpmYD5v
Their mission in the Land of Spade was just beginning, and the path forward was fraught with uncertainty. But with each piece of information, they grew more prepared to navigate the complexities of this new and troubled land.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKfuhXC3eR
