Peter, Shade the Silent, Kaelis the Bold, and Eldan the Wise journeyed eastward, following the winding River Aurin through valleys and forests. The landscape changed as they traveled: the wild mountains gave way to rolling hills, and the air grew thick with the scent of ancient magic. After days of travel, they reached the shores of a vast turquoise lake. Rising from its center was the Library of the Ancients—a fortress of blue stone, its towers crowned with golden domes, surrounded by shimmering water. Bridges of white marble arched from the shore to the island, guarded by silent sentinels in silver robes. As they crossed the bridge, Peter felt a strange tingling in the air, as if the very stones hummed with knowledge. Inside, the Library was a labyrinth of endless halls, lined with books and scrolls from every age. Some corridors seemed to stretch for days, others for mere moments. In certain chambers, time itself felt different—sometimes racing, sometimes slowing to a crawl. The Grand Librarian, a tall figure with emerald eyes and a cloak of midnight blue, welcomed them. “You come at a time of great peril,” the Librarian intoned. “The Dragon King’s shadow grows, and the Night Riders have been seen in the north. But within these walls, you may find the wisdom you seek.” For days, the group studied in the Library. Eldan guided Peter through the basics of the elements, showing him ancient tomes on earth, air, fire, and water. Kaelis delved into magical treatises, while Shade explored the secret passages and hidden archives. One afternoon, as Peter wandered through a dimly lit corridor, he heard a soft laugh. Turning, he saw a young girl with bright eyes and a mischievous smile—Mireia the Seer. “Who are you?” Peter asked. “I’m Mireia,” she replied, “and you’re Peter. I know everything—I’m called Mireia the Seer.” Peter blinked. “How do you know my name?” She grinned. “That’s not important. Listen carefully, because we won’t meet again until the final destruction. Here’s what you must remember: Never follow the Lady in Crimson. When all seems lost, look to the sky. Victory comes with pain; when the time comes, remember that the past repeats itself.” Before Peter could ask more, a voice called from behind—a Library attendant. “The Grand Mage wants to see you for your lessons.” When Peter turned back, Mireia had vanished. The days passed quickly. Peter trained with Shade in the art of stealth and defense, learned magical history from Kaelis, and practiced elemental control with Eldan. The Grand Librarian summoned them for a council, sharing news of chaos across Eldoria: alliances breaking, old enemies stirring, and the Dragon King’s influence spreading. At last, the time came to leave the Library and journey to the Confederation, where the free peoples of Eldoria would gather for war. After days of study and preparation in the Library of the Ancients, Peter, Shade the Silent, Kaelis the Bold, and Eldan the Wise set out for the Confederation—the last bastion of free peoples in Eldoria. Their journey took them through fields and forests, past villages filled with refugees and soldiers preparing for war. The air was tense, and everywhere they went, rumors of the Dragon King’s armies and the Night Riders spread fear. As they approached the city of Dawnspire, capital of the Confederation, they saw its walls crowded with banners from every race: dwarves from Stonegate, elves from Starhaven, Gremlari from Ironfen, Amazari from the Emerald Woods, and humans from every corner of the land. The city buzzed with activity—blacksmiths forging weapons, messengers running between camps, and councilors debating strategy in the great halls. Inside the city, Peter and his companions were welcomed by the Council of Dawnspire. The Grand Marshal, a stern woman named Lady Vaelis, greeted them: “Welcome, heroes. The fate of Eldoria may rest on what we decide here. The Dragon King’s armies march from the east, and the Night Riders have been seen on the northern border. We must unite, or all will be lost.” Over the next days, Peter trained with Shade and Kaelis, learning swordplay and the basics of battlefield tactics. Eldan met with the leaders of each race, urging them to set aside old grudges and join forces. Tensions ran high—some dwarves distrusted the elves, the Gremlari argued with the Amazari, and the humans feared betrayal from within. One evening, as the council debated, a messenger burst in: “The Dragon King has declared war! His armies are crossing the River Aurin, and the Night Riders lead the vanguard!” The council erupted in shouts and fear. Lady Vaelis turned to Peter and his companions. “We have little time. Tomorrow, we march to the Spire Pass—the only way to stop the enemy before they reach the heart of Eldoria.” That night, Peter was given his first suit of armor and a sword forged by the dwarves of Stonegate. Shade and Kaelis offered advice and encouragement, reminding him to stay close and trust his training. As dawn broke, the allied armies assembled at the Spire Pass, a narrow defile between towering peaks. The enemy emerged from the forest—an endless tide of black-armored soldiers, led by the Night Riders and their sorcerous allies. The first Battle for Eldoria was about to begin.