HannahHamilton_TheWizardandTheDragon

You, a traveling wizard, are going through a wooded forest when a clearing emerges along the path. In the clearing appeared to be a small village, with chimneys puffing out smoke. <img src="https://cdn1.epicgames.com/ue/product/Screenshot/20-1920x1080-3428250ec6004e4067f5683efed96e74.png?resize=1&w=1920" width="480" height="270"> * [[Approach the village.]] * [[Continue along the path.]]

As you enter the village, a young woman seems to take interest in you. (live: 1s)[//Tap,//(stop:)] ‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎(live: 1.2s)[//tap,//(stop:)] ‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎(live: 1.4s)[//tap,//(stop:)] (live: 1.5s)[go her feet, stopping in front of you.(stop:)] (live: 3s)[‟You don't seem to be from around here,” she remarks.(stop:)] { (live: 3.5s)[ (stop:) * [[Ignore her and continue on.]] * [[‟You would be correct.”]] ] }

You stand there for a moment, enjoying the comfort the sight brings. While standing there, you realize that this is the first time in a while on your journey that you've taken a rest... (live: 3s)[.(stop:)] (live: 4s)[.(stop:)] (live: 5s)[.(stop:)] (live: 7s)[Knowing that if you stand for much longer you will be swayed to find an inn in the village, you begin your trek once more.(stop:)] (live: 9s)[‟Wait!” calls out a group of people from behind you.(stop:)] (live: 10s)[Surprised, you whisk your body to face them. As your eyes land on the group, you see there are three people. They look like farmers.(stop:)] (live: 11s)[Upon closer analysis, they seem to be tired yet friendly.(stop:)] { (live: 12s) [ (stop:) ‟Please sir,” they continue, ‟we need your help.” * [[Listen to what they have to say.]] * [[Turn away and keep walking.]] ] }

You don't feel the need to answer such a question- you were just passing by, after all. With a bit of hesitance, you move around her and continue walking, taking in the sights and sounds of the village. What you fail to notice, however, is the lady's huff of annoyance and suspicious gaze as she disappears into a building nearby. [[Continue into the village.]]

She tilts her head slightly, curiousity glinting in her eyes. "Where are you from, then?" You give a light smile in return, thinking to yourself that your garb should make it obvious enough- but there was no reason to judge. "I am a wizard from the academy. I just was passing through here on my journey." The lady (text-style:"buoy")[perks] up at the implications that come with the word ''//(text-colour:yellow)[wizard]//''. She then murmurs, "Come with me... please. The village chief should see you. We could use your help." [[Follow her.]]

The village does seem quite nice... You nod your head. ‟Go on.” you state, internally deciding that whatever woes they could have couldn't possibly be that bothersome. They're townsfolk in the middle of no where, after all. They couldn't have any issues that a little magic couldn't solve. //Right?// ‟Oh, thank you very, very much sir!” cheers the woman in the group, the other two men nodding along feverously. ‟You see...” she continues, ‟We have been losing a lot of our crops lately. At first we thought it was some sort of pest infestation. But then, we saw it, a-” The man to her left steps on her foot, causing a slight wince to stop her from continuing. He intervenes, chirping, ‟What she means to say, is that you should come take a look at the crops yourself.” The two exchange a disgruntled look before resuming a pleasant, yet fake, atmosphere. * [[‟Okay then... take me to these ruined crops.”]] * [[‟Saw what?”]]

You don't really acknowledge their pleas for help and keep your stride down the path. You couldn't be swayed from your current purpose- the journey is paramount to your skills as a wizard. The quiet in the woods is nice. (live: 3s)[.(stop:)] (live: 4s)[.(stop:)] (live: 5s)[.(stop:)] (live: 10s)[Until that quiet is shattered by the shouts of people behind you. You turn to see the same three individuals from before, chasing after you!(stop:)] { (live: 11s) [ (stop:) [[Teleport away from them.]] ] }

The man who interrupted earlier looks relieved and leads the way. You arrive at a large plot, that normally you would expect to see full to the brim with wheat, corn, or some other common food source. Instead, the plot is a dark charcoal color, the only semblance of original life here being burnt leaves and wilted plants. The man who brought you here turns to you after staring a bit himself, sadness apparent in his gaze. //Perhaps those had been his crops...// After a moment of silence, he finally pipes up, "So, what do you think did this?" [[Let me investigate more.]]

The woman perks up and continues her story, giving a proud look to the man who tried to stop her. "As I was //saying,// we thought it was a pest infestation, like a loctus swarm or the like. But we saw the real culprit- a (text-style:"bold","shadow","expand")+(text-colour:red)[dragon]!" You jump a bit. Forward //much//? Without stopping to let you process, the woman blurts, "And this is why we need your help! Will you?!" The other two facepalm, knowing how disbelievable and suspiscious they seem at the moment. It was clear they didn't think you would be swayed. "Well..." you start, finishing your sentence with: [["Yes."]] [["I cannot- I am already busy with another journey and must go."]]

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, it just was your average farmer's town. There were carts rolling past with hay, and children playing nearby with a small red ball. (live: 3s)[.(stop:)] (live: 4s)[.(stop:)] (live: 5s)[.(stop:)] (live: 7s)[Nothing out of the ordinary, that was, until your eyes landed upon a patch of crops that appeared to be seared from some sort of fire.(stop:)] (live: 10s)[//What happened here?...//(stop:)] { (live: 14s) [ (stop:) [[Before you could continue that thought any longer...]] ] }

"Stop right there, ''(text-colour:#920c0c)[intruder]''! Come with us, right (text-style:"rumble")[now]!," the group demands as they brandish pitchforks at you. You can see the passion in their eyes, but also the slight quiver in their hold on their weapons. You are a mysterious wizard, after all. They probably know they couldn't beat you even if they wanted to. (display: "Timer2") [[Teleport away from the trouble.]] [[Follow their demands.]]

(text-style:"bold","expand","shudder")[(stop:)"HALT!"] A loud rumbling noise approaches you, which you quickly identitfy to be a group of footsteps. (set: $timer2 to 11) [[Turn to face them.]]

You leave the village after casting a teleportation spell back to the path, and hurriedly continue back on your original journey. It's not worth causing anymore trouble, and your time in the village was a distraction anyway. { (live: 3s) [ (stop:) (text-style:"wavy-underline")+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")+(text-colour:green)[Ending #1] ] }

You raise your arms above your head slowly, announcing, "I mean no harm! This is a big misunderstanding! I will go with you." The group look between one another, clearly still on edge. While they don't lower their pitchforks, they do seem to soften at your words. One pipes up, "Come along then." You all move in one big circular group towards a building that seems nicer than the rest. Uh-oh. Where were they taking you? [[Enter the building with the group.]]

"Hm..." mumbles the chief, not entirely convinced. Perhaps there was something you could say to sway his opinion? You (text-style:"italic","underline","smear")[scan the room] for any ideas. [["I saw the burned crops."]]

The village chief hesitates. { (live: 5s) [ (stop:) Finally, he responds, ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀"...A (text-style:"bold","shadow","expand")+(text-colour:red)[dragon]." ] } (live: 8s)[The people around him seemingly flinch at the mention of it, as if it would summon the fearsome creature by speaking its name.(stop:)] (live: 9s)[You raise an eyebrow out of doubt. A dragon, around here?(stop:)] { (live: 14s) [ (stop:) Before you could object to such an absurd statement, the chief continues, "I know we have only been acquianted for but a few minutes, and perhaps got off on the wrong foot, but... the dragon continues to burn away and feast on our crops. Our people have made due so far, but if this continues..." He pauses, a grim expression upon his visage. ] } { (live: 16s) [ (stop:) "Would you be willing to help us, ''//(text-colour:yellow)[wizard]//''?" ] } { (live: 17s) [ (stop:) [["Yes."]] [["I cannot- I am already busy with another journey and must go."]] ] }

You gift the village chief a few pieces of gold for the distress you caused, despite him objecting to you needing to do such a thing. It was more so to eleviate any lingering suspicions in the townsfolk, but you weren't about to admit that. After saying goodbye, you return to the path and continue on your journey, hoping whatever was bothering the village would be resolved in time. { (live: 3s) [ (stop:) (text-style:"wavy-underline")+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")+(text-colour:green)[Ending #2] ] }

You are thanked by the people around you and are informed that in the immediate woodland around the village holds supplies that could help you on your quest to vanquish the dragon. (set: $timer to 60) [[Head into the woodland and begin your search for supplies.]]

Despite the request for help, you know you shouldn't abandon or stall your current quest. You head back to the part of the path where you first spotted the village and stop to take one final look at the buildings, before turning away. You decide it's best to find a new route to get to your original destination- this way, you wouldn't accidentally bump into people from the village again. { (live: 3s) [ (stop:) (text-style:"wavy-underline")+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")+(text-colour:green)[Ending #3] ] }

(text-colour:#ffa8a8)[W] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(text-colour:#faa2c1)[h] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(text-colour:#e599f7)[o] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(text-colour:#b197fc)[o] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(text-colour:#91a7ff)[o] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(text-colour:#74c0fc)[o] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(text-colour:#66d9e8)[o] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(text-colour:#63e6be)[o] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(text-colour:#8ce99a)[o] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(text-colour:#c0eb75)[o] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(text-colour:#ffe066)[s] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(text-colour:#ffc078)[h] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀[[Reorient in your new surroundings.]]

Would you look at that! You somehow managed to teleport to your original destination. You're glad you are away from those crazed farmers. Whatever help they needed must've been a guise to lure travelers in to some kind of trap. Why else would they chase you? ... It wasn't worth pondering anymore. It was time for you to complete your journey. { (live: 3s) [ (stop:) (text-style:"wavy-underline")+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")+(text-colour:green)[Ending #4] ] }

You nod your head and start after her. She leads you into a building that seems slightly larger and more structurally sound than the surrounding buildings. //Makes sense the chief would reside here//, you think to yourself. Once your eyes readjust to the change in light, you spot an older man behind a desk, studying a map. He lifts his head upon your entrance. "Who is this, (text-colour:#e97c9d)[''daughter'']?" Well, that wasn't something you expected. How could she fail to mention that? Good thing you didn't ignore her... You look over to her with a small frown. She evades your gaze and responds to the question, asserting, "The person who might be able to help us." He nods lightly, it being apparent he had full faith in his daughter's abilites to find the right one for their problem. The chief turns his full attention to you. "I'm not sure if my daughter informed you or not, but our village has been under attack for the past few weeks. Our crops have been singed and eaten." He pauses, scanning you ^^up^^ and down before deciding to continue his request. "I'm sure you're curious to know what could be causing such a problem- well, I won't dawdle any longer. It is... a (text-style:"bold","shadow","expand")+(text-colour:red)[dragon]." (live: 7s)[You shift your weight, unsure his claim has any validaity. A dragon, here, in this peaceful area?(stop:)] (live: 9s)[He finishes by pronouncing, "Are you willing to help us?"(stop:)] { (live: 11s) [ (stop:) [["Yes."]] [["I cannot- I am already busy with another journey and must go."]] ] }

The group's expression and mood collectively drops upon your words. The man who originally brought you over here snaps, "What was that?" [[Teleport away before things turn nasty.]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[You (text-style:"italic","underline","smear")[scan the area] for any ideas.] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(t8n:"blur")+(link:"⠀⠀.⠀⠀⠀")[(text-colour:yellow)[Broken Twigs] //This doesn't help...//] (t8n:"blur")+(link:"⠀⠀.⠀⠀⠀")[(text-colour:cyan)[Magical Residue] //Why is this here?...//] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(t8n:"blur")+(link:"⠀⠀.⠀⠀⠀")[(text-colour:green)[Decaying Plant] //Poor farmers, but not useful...//] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(t8n:"blur")+(link:"⠀⠀.⠀⠀⠀")[(text-colour:red)[A shimmering scale] //Seems like it came from a reptile of some kind...//] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(t8n:"blur")+(link:"⠀⠀.⠀⠀⠀")[(text-colour:purple)[Claw Marks] //Whatever it was, it was big...//] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[Finish Investigating.]] ]

The woman from earlier turns to the man with a snarky grin. "See, you should've let me finish my sentence from before! We wouldn't have had to waste our time here!" The man rolls his eyes, looking to his buddy for help. The second man shrugs and says, "I'm just here to make sure nothing bad happens to either of you, don't look at me." You think that they must be great friends, but this is no laughing matter. You clear your throat. They blink at you for a second before sputtering short and swift apologies out. The lady continues, "R-right, our bad.. This dragon, you see, has been harassing our village for weeks now. We have lost enough already, and if we sustain any more damages, I don't think we will have surplus food to put aside for the winter months..." The second man chimes in, "So, are you willing to help us?" [["Yes."]] [["I cannot- I am already busy with another journey and must go."]]

(display: "Timer") <img src="https://cdn1.epicgames.com/ue/product/Screenshot/9-1920x1080-958e051e594d1f56b162d34757191d70.png?resize=1&w=1920" width="960" height="540"> (unless: $grassSearched)[\ You see a patch of grass that seems to have something in it. { (t8n: "blur")+(link: 'Search the grass.')[ //The grass has been searched.// (set: $inventory to it + $grass) (set: $grassSearched to true) ] } ](else:)[\ You see the patch of grass you searched. ] [[Head south.]] [[Head east.]] [[Head west.]] [[Finish Supply Gathering]]

(display: "Timer") <img src="https://cdn1.epicgames.com/ue/product/Screenshot/23-1920x1080-d885e21bf57fee62cdc18cf1d33eb790.png?resize=1&w=1920" width="960" height="540"> (unless: $bushSearched)[\ You see a bush that seems to have something in it. { (t8n: "blur")+(link: 'Search the bush.')[ //The bush has been searched.// (set: $inventory to it + $bush) (set: $bushSearched to true) ] } ](else:)[\ You see the bush you searched. ] [[Go back.->Head into the woodland and begin your search for supplies.]] [[Finish Supply Gathering]]

(display: "Timer") <img src="https://cdn1.epicgames.com/ue/product/Screenshot/10-1920x1080-63847fe2e8c254d0878e79bb84ddd8b2.png?resize=1&w=1920" width="960" height="540"> (unless: $fenceSearched)[\ You see a hole in the ground by the fence. { (t8n: "blur")+(link: 'Search the hole.')[ //The hole has been searched.// (set: $inventory to it + $fence) (set: $fenceSearched to true) ] } ](else:)[\ You see the hole you searched. ] [[Go back.->Head into the woodland and begin your search for supplies.]] [[Finish Supply Gathering]]

(display: "Timer") <img src="https://cdn1.epicgames.com/ue/product/Screenshot/22-1920x1080-0046345f42c18739fff947c535ba6f98.png?resize=1&w=1920" width="960" height="540"> (unless: $treeSearched)[\ You see a tree that seems to have something in stuck up in its branches. { (t8n: "blur")+(link: 'Search the tree.')[ //The tree has been searched.// (set: $inventory to it + $tree) (set: $treeSearched to true) ] } ](else:)[\ You see the tree you searched. ] [[Go back.->Head into the woodland and begin your search for supplies.]] [[Finish Supply Gathering]]

{ (live: 1s)[ (if: $timer is 0)[ (stop:) (goto: "Finish Supply Gathering") ] (else:)[ (set: $timer to it - 1) (text-colour:#565452)[You have $timer seconds left to gather what you can.] ] ] }

(display: "Inventory") [[Continue.]]

The group takes your lack of a reaction as you plotting something, and with a (text-style:"bold","rumble")+(text-colour:#ad9e01)[burst] (text-colour:#ad9e01)[of] (text-colour:#ad9e01)[bravery], they rush towards you and snatch your wrists. You (text-style:"sway")[struggle] against their grip, unable to teleport while being held by others. They drag you into a building that stands out from the rest, but you get little time to assess it as they shove you through the doors. You tumble forwards and land on your hands, a desk immediately in front of you. { (live: 7s) [ (stop:) A man gets up from behind the desk and moves around to the front of it, leaning ever slightly upon it. He looks down upon you before commanding, (text-style:"condense")+(text-colour:red)[''"Explain yourself."''] ] } (live: 9s)[You pick yourself up off the floor.(stop:)] { (live: 11s) [ (stop:) [[State that you were just stopping by on your journey.]] ] }

{ (live: 1s)[ (if: $timer2 is 0)[ (stop:) (goto: "Apprehended") ] (else:)[ (set: $timer2 to it - 1) $timer2 ] ] }

Once inside, you notice two people. A man sitting at a desk with his hands clasped, and a young lady... Wait a minute! It was the woman from earlier! Did she send these people after you?! You glare at her, but she avoids your gaze. The man introduces himself, stating, "I am the chief of this village. You have come at a dangerous time. Do understand our precaution in having an outlander whose appearance is masked by a cloaked robe and an outlander who refuses to speak to anyone stopped. It is for our safety." The woman definitely informed him about you. You analyze him carefully in an attempt to assess the situation you are currently in. He seems calm and composed compared to the rest of the townsfolk crowed in the room. "So..." he starts, "Care to dismiss our worries by stating your intentions? You seem like a kind man." [[Teleport away from the trouble.]] [[State that you were just stopping by on your journey.]]

"Ah, I see," says the chief. He waves his hand and the group lower their pitchforks from you. "My apologies, we are just.. on edge, lately. You see, we have been attacked over these last few weeks by another magical being... we had to be precaucious, I hope you understand." [["By what?"]] [["Apology accepted, sir. But I must return to my journey. Sorry for the disturbance."]]

You return to the group of three once you finish collecting clues to what could've been the cause. You're sure in your response of: [[A dragon.]] [[I don't know, this was a waste of my time.]]

Would you look at that! You somehow managed to teleport to your original destination. You're glad you are away from those crazed farmers. If they were that quick to anger, it clearly was some kind of elaborate scheme to lure travelers in to a trap. Why else would they force you to examine some random crops? ... It wasn't worth pondering anymore. It was time for you to complete your journey. { (live: 3s) [ (stop:) (text-style:"wavy-underline")+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")+(text-colour:green)[Ending #5] ] }

(set: $inventory to (a:)) (set: $grass to (a: 'A staff')) (set: $grassSearched to false) (set: $bush to (a: 'A light-weight shield')) (set: $bushSearched to false) (set: $tree to (a: 'A health potion')) (set: $treeSearched to false) (set: $fence to (a: 'A heat-resistance cloak')) (set: $fenceSearched to false)

You found: (if: $inventory's length is 0)[\ nothing. ](else:)[\ (for: each _item, ...$inventory)[\ _item (unless: $inventory's last is _item)[, ]\ ]. ]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[With having searched the surrounding areas, you now feel ready to locate the dragon.] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[You (text-style:"italic","underline","smear")[scan the air] for a magical trail from the dragon.] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀.⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀(t8n:"blur")+(link:"⠀⠀.⠀⠀⠀")[(text-colour:red)[*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧] (link:"//Aha!//")[ [[Follow the trail.]] ]]

You hurry after the trail, not wanting the magical residue to become too faint for you to chase after. Time passes... (live: 3s)[.(stop:)] (live: 4s)[.(stop:)] (live: 5s)[.(stop:)] { (live: 8s) [ (stop:) You //finally// reach your destination. A tall, dark cave greets you. <img src="https://i.ibb.co/jwMPywh/darkcave.png" width="480" height "270"> ] } (live: 10s)[ [[Go in.]] (stop:)]

A fearsome dragon greets you! <img src="https://i.ibb.co/HDXWN6M/angrydragon.png" width="150" height"150"> "Who dares disturb my slumber?!," the dragon bellows. It's eyes lock onto you. [[Prepare your guard.]]

It stares you down and slinks closer, taking a deep breath in- (live: 4s)[until it registers you are also a magic user.(stop:)] { (live: 7s) [ (stop:) Its expression changes from one of intimidation to one of joy. <img src="https://i.ibb.co/1KgS8NJ/cutedragon.png" width="150" height"150"> "Oh! You are a wizard, are you not? I've always wanted to meet a wizard! Would you like to be friends?" ] } (live: 9s)[You are clearly caught off guard by this statement. However, the dragon shows no sign of attacking now, as it is sitting on its hind legs like a happy dog.(stop:)] { (live: 10s) [ (stop:) [["Sure!"]] [["No, I have come here to slay you for attacking the village!"]] ] }

The dragon smiles and closes its eyes. <img src="https://i.ibb.co/fHV7RG1/happydragon.png" width="150" height="150"> "Yay! Let's go take a walk and get to know each other, shall we? Come, this cave is no place for a chat. It's too dark and dreary." [[Follow your new friend.]]

The dragon's expression turns to uncertainty. <img src="https://i.ibb.co/2ZRHYHd/unsuredragon.png" width="150" height="150"> "Oh... That village sent you?..." (live: 6s)[The awkward silence is palpable.(stop:)] (live: 8s)["Are you sure you don't want to be my friend?"(stop:)] { (live: 11s) [ (stop:) [[Slay the dragon.]] [["Actually...I'll be your friend."->"Sure!"]] ] }

The two of you have a wonderful chat far from the village, where you explain why you came in the first place. Upon hearing the harm the dragon had done to the town, it vows to no longer go back. //"I just was hungry...,"// it insisted. You and the dragon enjoy each other's company so much that the dragon decides to become your familiar. Hey, now you have a ride to your original destination! Although a mythical companion is a better reward than anything you could've gained if you hadn't strayed from your path. { (live: 3s) [ (stop:) (text-style:"wavy-underline")+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")+(text-colour:green)[True Ending] ] }

No more stalling! You were able to focus your magic for one, powerful blast while the dragon was chatting around. (text-style:"shudder")+(text-colour:red)[//''FWOOM!''//] { (live: 5s) [ (stop:) The dragon drops to the ground, now in an eternal rest. <img src="https://i.ibb.co/hcjC83S/deaddragon.png" width="150" height="150"> ] } (live: 10s)[ [[Return to the village with the news.]] (stop:)]

You take one final glance at the corpse before exiting the cave and making the voyage back to the town. You are sure they will be happy to hear the news- and you are happy at the notion that you will be rewarded for your heroic deeds. { (live: 3s) [ (stop:) (text-style:"wavy-underline")+(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")+(text-colour:green)[Ending #6] ] }