The majestic mountains of the north were gradually fading behind me as I resolutely continued my quest towards new horizons. Driven by a deep conviction, I firmly believed that each people played an essential role in preserving the balance of the world. My next stop was the City of Enchantments, a mysterious land where magical beings and powerful sorcerers coexisted in harmony. Or so I thought.

  The path to the City of Enchantments stretched out before me, difficult and arduous, but every step I took strengthened my determination. The landscape was constantly changing, with surprising rock formations that defied logic and gravity. Tumultuous waterfalls flowed from the peaks, creating natural melodies that mingled with the sound of the wind. I walked alone, my thoughts getting lost in the mysteries that awaited me in this legendary city.

  As I made progress, I reflected with gratitude on the dwarves' feast and the warm hospitality they had extended to me. Gromaron, their wise and benevolent leader, had deeply touched my heart with his words of trust and respect. But among all the dwarves, it was the charismatic Borin, who had left the strongest impression on me, speaking of the City of Enchantments and the quest that awaited me.

  Lost in my thoughts, I realized that I had not taken the time to check my bag since leaving the feast. I stopped, taking a short pause to rummage through it, ensuring that I had all the necessary equipment to face the dangers that would arise.

  While searching through my bag, my fingers slid over a smooth and cold surface. Intrigued, I delicately pulled the object out of my bag and discovered with wonder a sparkling sword. Its blade emitted a golden glow, while its finely crafted hilt seemed to exude a magical aura. I carefully pulled it out, admiring its captivating beauty and wondering what story lay behind it.

  As I contemplated the magical sword, my eyes landed on a small scroll of parchment wrapped around the hilt. Intrigued, I carefully unrolled the parchment, revealing neatly written words. It was a message from Gromaron himself.

  The message read:

  "???????? ???????,

  ?????? ???????? ?????????????? ?????????? ?????????? ???? ???????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ???? ???????? ?????????? ???? ?????? ??????? ???? ????????????????????????. ??? ?????????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ?????? ?????????????????? ?????? ???? ???????????? ???????? ?????????? ????????????. ?????? ???? ???????? ?????????? ?????? ??????????????????????.

  ???????? ???????? ???? ?????????????? ???? ?????? ?????? ???????? ?????????????? ???? ???????????????????? ???????? ?????????? ??????????????. ?????? ??????? ???? ???????????????????????? ???? ?? ???????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ??????????, ?????? ???? ?????? ?????????????????? ???????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????????????????? ???? ??????????????.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  ?????????? ???????????? ???????? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ???????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????? ???? ?????? ???????????? ???????????? ??????. ?????? ?????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ???????? ??????????. ?????? ?????????????? ???????? ???????????? ???? ??????????, ???? ???????? ??????????, ???????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????????? ?????? ???? ?????????? ???????? ???? ?????? ??????.

  ?????? ?????? ?????????????? ???? ?????? ?????????????????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????????? ??????.

  ???????? ?????????????? ?????? ????????????????????,

  ????????????????"

  The words of the dwarven leader deeply touched me; they resonated within me like a soothing breeze. I carefully stowed the parchment near my heart, knowing it would give me strength and comfort when I needed it most. Armed with the magical sword and carrying Gromaron's benevolent words with me, I continued my march towards the City of Enchantments, ready to face all the challenges that lay in my path.

  After an exhausting week, traversing dark mountain peaks and sinister sunken valleys, I finally found myself facing the intimidating gates of the City of Enchantments. Carved from ancient stone, the gates were adorned with intricate patterns and seemed to shimmer with a mysterious glow. Guards, dressed in robes adorned with magical symbols, stood on either side, scrutinizing anyone seeking entry.

  Advancing with confidence, I brandished the magical sword entrusted to me by Gromaron. However, as soon as the guards caught sight of my goblin silhouette, expressions of hostility appeared on their faces. The guard on the left fixed me with a suspicious gaze, while the one on the right crossed his arms disdainfully, as if my mere presence bothered them.

  "What is a goblin doing here?" spat the guard on the left, his voice filled with disdain. "This city is not a place for monsters like you."

  A pang of disappointment and injustice gripped me, but I refused to be discouraged. I knew I had to prove my worth and sincere intention to protect the city. Lifting my head, I met their gaze with determination.

  "I am Riko, and I am not here to cause trouble," I replied calmly but resolutely. "I have been chosen to answer the city's call and to fight against the threat looming over this kingdom. I am ready to fight alongside the inhabitants of the City of Enchantments, regardless of their origins."

  The guards exchanged a brief glance, their faces clearly expressing their mistrust. One of them stepped forward, evidently seeking to learn more about me.

  "In this city, we don't let just anyone in," he declared in a grave voice. "To prove your worth, you must solve this riddle. If you fail, you will not have a place among us."

  Raising an eyebrow, I prepared to rise to the challenge laid before me. The guards shared a knowing smile, seemingly relishing this opportunity to test my wit.

  "Here is the riddle: I am captured in the morning, released in the evening, and I disappear throughout the night. Who am I?" one of the guards pronounced with an enigmatic voice.

  I took a moment to analyze the riddle, scrutinizing each word. My mind sprang into action, trying to find the answer hidden behind these mysterious words.

  Suddenly, a flash of understanding illuminated my mind. I raised my head and confidently replied, "The sunlight."

  The guards nodded, showing their approval. "Well done, goblin. You have solved the riddle brilliantly," one of them said.

  Finally, the guard on the right, sighed and waved his hand. The doors opened slowly, revealing a fascinating interior filled with majestic towers, streets paved with magical runes, and an aura of mystical power.

  "Enter, but remember that you have much to prove here," declared the left guard in a cold voice.

  to be continued...