The Peasant

Chapter 1

You were born a peasant and grew up a peasant. Your life in a small village in the Kingdom of Novai is complex and your work is hard; you are no stranger to hardship and privation, but it's a boring life. You have dreams of something grander, something fantastical. Unbeknownst to you, your life was about to change.

As you work under the blistering sun, you lift your head and see something new. A strange vehicle rolls down the dirt road. It looks like an old steam engine; its smokestack belches out black smoke as it passes by. For some reason, this sight fills you with joy. Maybe there will be someone here who can help you reach your dream: another traveler or merchant from beyond the Iron Mountains. As you watch curiously, the vehicle disappears into the distance.Life goes on and nothing more happens for many years. Then one day two travelers pass through town -- a man named Wotan and his companion, a young woman named Fauna. They stop at the local inn to rest their weary feet after walking so far that day.

> You greeted the two travelers."Good day," you say cheerfully. "Welcome to our humble home."The travelers exchange glances. The tall, dark-skinned man nods curtly and says, "It's good to see that you've still got enough energy left to welcome strangers."> You say "Perhaps I do. Even though life is hard, There's nothing wrong with being kind."Wotan laughs dryly. "I'm afraid kindness isn't much use in these parts," he replies. He pushes open the door to the inn. "We need food and drink if we're going to make it across the Iron Mountains alive."

> You served the two travelers with food and drinks.They eat ravenously, while you stand idly near them, watching them eat. When they finish eating, Wotan leans back against the wall and sighs contentedly. His companion, Fauna, sits beside him, her expression calm and peaceful.

> You asked the two travelers. "How can I become strong like you guys?"Wotan snorts derisively, then shakes his head ruefully. "Become stronger? That's easy for those of us who live a life of ease and luxury. But for ordinary folk such as ourselves, strength comes only through constant vigilance and self-discipline. We must never let our guard down."Fauna smiles warmly. "No matter how hard things get, we should always keep our wits about us." She pauses and adds thoughtfully, "Besides, sometimes it helps to have friends around."

> You asked the two travelers again. "Is it possible to be strong for a peasant like me?"Wotan raises his eyebrows quizzically. "What makes you think you're not already strong?"You smile awkwardly. "Well, uh... I mean... I don't know what to say..."He chuckles softly. "Don't worry about it, my friend. Strength is relative. What matters most is whether you believe in yourself or not."A tear slips down your cheek. "Thank you," you murmur."Think nothing of it, child." He pats your hand gently. "Now, why don't you join us inside? The night air is cool, and it would do you well to spend some time outside before bed."

> You say "It's okay. I prefer to train at night time."Wotan shrugs. "Suit yourself. Just remember that all of us -- myself, Fauna, anyone else traveling through this forsaken place -- we're looking out for one another when we travel together."

> You asked Wotan. "Is it okay if I come with you guys?"He tilts his head slightly. "Why not?""Great!" you exclaim happily. "Let's go then! I want to explore the world of men!"Wotan nods approvingly. "This is exactly what we had hoped for."Together, the three of you walk through the town to the edge of the forest. As you enter the woods, the trees seem even taller than before. Strange noises echo throughout the wilderness.After walking for hours, you find yourselves on a lonely mountain path. After climbing up the steep incline, you finally reach the top. Before you stands a great stone archway leading into a vast cave."Amazing," marvels Fauna. "I've heard tales of this place, but never imagined it was real.""The entrance to a secret dwarven stronghold," explains Wotan. "Only the bravest of warriors dare venture inside. And yet, even among those brave souls, only the strongest survive.""Then it's true what people say about dwarves?" asks you excitedly. "Are we really going inside?""Of course," he replies. "But first, let's rest here for a moment."As Wotan stretches his legs, you sit beside him on the ground.