Roxy jolted awake, eyes widened in alarm. She felt fear shoot down her spine when she realized she didn’t know where she was, then sudden relief after she recalled the previous day’s events.

Roxy felt a flash of guilt when she realized she had fallen asleep on her shift. She jerked her head to the side to check on Charlie, hoping that he was alright. When she didn’t see him where he had slept last night, she panicked. The panic was soon turned to confusion when she found a note in his place. Maybe he had gone to the bathroom and didn’t want her to worry? She scrambled to her paws and quickly walked over to the note.

The paper read:

Dear Ms. Roxy Foxx,

As the high herald of His Majesty the King, I am the bringer of news to anifolk all across Aldadia. It is my duty to deliver messages to the anifolk from the King. As such, the following message has been delivered to you, through me.

Let us begin.

Your friend Mr. Charlie Mousee has greatly upset His Majesty the King.

When Mr. Charlie Mousee killed the dragon, he also endangered our dragon egg as well. Not only was this highly offensive and a crime in itself, but the baby dragon was destined to protect the kingdom once it hatched and came of age. Since the baby dragon doesn’t have a mother to keep it warm, it soon will die.

For these crimes against the whole of Zerconia, His Majesty The King hereby declares that Charlie Mousee will be executed at dusk, on the day after tomorrow.

If you wish to save your friend, you need to travel to Zerconia, the capital of the Kingdom of Aldadia, where you can participate in our Battle of the Lost Souls.

In this tournament, you will be required to complete a set of trials, all while staying alive. Remember to stay alive. This is the most important factor, and all others seemed to have forgotten about this rule and died.

Anyway, we hope to see you tomorrow.

Yours Truly,

The Duke of Aldadia