1.1

"Only 10 minutes left!"

Eleven figures, masked and veiled, stood in a large corridor, their silhouettes casting eerie shadows on the walls. A colossal door loomed in front of them. It was guarded by dark-armoured knights wielding halberds. The guards stood motionless, their eyes hidden behind visors.

"8 more minutes!"

Thomas was snapped to attention by the leader of the masked figures.

"For 15 years you have dedicated yourselves to this moment! Those who fail today will lose everything they've worked for!" His words were both a reminder and a warning, piercing the silence with a sense of impending consequence.

Though the masks prevented them from speaking aloud, they could still communicate with each other through their minds.

"6 minutes left!..."

"...5 minutes ..."

"...4 minutes ..."

The countdown echoed in Thomas' head, a steady drumbeat that matched the pounding of his heart.

"...3 minutes..."

Thomas closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his mind racing with memories of his past. He had been orphaned at a young age and brought to the capital as a child of four. At the age of seven, he had been accepted into a prestigious Academy where he had begun his journey as a swordsman, honing his skills with unwavering determination. But at the age of fifteen, his life had taken an unexpected turn.

Summoned to the headmaster's office, Thomas was met by a masked man. He had been chosen to follow a path he could not have foreseen.

Over the next 15 years, Thomas underwent rigorous training, his mask silently becoming his identity, a symbol of his unwavering devotion to the cause. He had formed deep bonds with his companions, their telepathic communication becoming second nature, a language of its own that transcended words.

"It's time!"

The colossal door swung open, revealing a blinding stream of light that made Thomas squint. His senses were heightened, his anticipation palpable as he took a step forward, his companions followed suit.

As the last one crossed the threshold, the door closed with a soft click. A serene silence fell over the corridor, broken only by the presence of the two knights in their obsidian armour, standing steadfast in their positions.

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The room was shrouded in darkness. There was a sense of mystery. Suddenly a soft rustling could be heard, followed by the shifting of blankets. A figure rose slowly, its form graceful and fluid, as if defying gravity.

With a silent glide, the figure moved across the room. When it reached the end, it raised its right hand. The next moment, the room was bathed in a brilliant light. The once covered windows now revealed a breathtaking sight of sunlight pouring in, casting a warm glow that danced across the surfaces of the room.

The light revealed a display of wealth and splendour. The walls of the room were lined with finely carved panels depicting scenes of mythical creatures and epic battles, brought to life in vibrant colours.

In the centre of the room stood a sumptuous bed, draped in silky sheets and canopies that seemed to glow from within, enticing with their irresistible charm. Elegant seating and ornate tables, perfectly crafted from precious metals and adorned with jewel-like accents, added to the room's opulent ambience.

The figure walked onto a large terrace and leaned against the railing. Its eyes swept over the landscape in front of it.

"Ugh!" I let out a sigh, my eyes widening at the sight before me.

The city had grown beyond my expectations. Despite my elevated vantage point, it stretched endlessly into the horizon.

Memories of my last visit flashed through my mind - the city was already considerable, but now it had become a colossal metropolis, the capital and beating heart of the Empire. The city buzzed with life, a hub of culture, commerce and military might. Its reputation for enforcing the law was well known, with severe consequences for those who dared to defy it.

But it wasn't just the size of the city that had changed. As I looked around with my keen eyes, I noticed the signs of progress and innovation. Steam billowed from towering structures, gears whirred, belts spun and pistons pounded. I was fascinated and intrigued by the city that had become a symphony of mechanical ingenuity.

As I sat in a nearby chair, with a small table by my side, it dawned on me. I may have overdone it this time!

"Perhaps I've rested for too long," I muttered to myself, feeling a new sense of determination. There was so much more to discover in this ever-changing city and I couldn't wait to explore it.

Just as I was about to sit up, I was interrupted.

*Quick* *quick* *quick*

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a little pink creature with four legs, a curly tail and two horns on its head.

"Oinksi!" I exclaimed as I reached out and lifted the little piggy up to my face.

"I totaly forgot about you!"

The little piggy grunted happily and wiggled its rump, obviously delighted to see me.

"Well, how have you been? Did you miss me?" I asked as I took the little piggy onto my lap and stroked him.

*Quick* *quick*

"Right, I still can't understand a word!" I laughed, not letting the language barrier between us get me down.

I continued to stroke Oinksi's belly as he squeaks with delight.

"Say, where are your little friends?" I looked around, but there was no sign of them. "They haven't run off again, have they?"

*Quick!!!*

"Mhmmm, and I told them not to leave you alone,"

I sighed, worried about Oinksi being lonely.

*Quick*

Oinksi looked a bit sad and it hurt my heart to see him like that.

"Don't worry, little buddy," I said, trying to cheer him up. "I know just the thing to make you happy."

*Quick?* The little pig cocked his head curiously.

"Food, of course!" I grinned, knowing that Oinksi loved nothing more than a good meal. "Lots and lots of delicious food!"

*Quick!* *Quick!* *Quick!*

Without hesitation, Oinksi jumped out of my lap and ran in circles, his little tail wagging with excitement. Although he never said a normal word, Oinksi could understand me perfectly.

*click*

Suddenly I heard a faint sound. As I turned, I saw several masked figures moving about the room. Though their silken cloaks fluttered against them, they could not be heard. The figures split up, one of them coming straight at me.

"Oinksi, I think your food has arrived."