Chapter One

In the bustling Void Tavern, where the scent of exotic spices fills the air. Princess Jade, with her usual charming smile, greets warmly. "Hey there cutie-pie". "Hey Princess, what brings you to the tavern today?". I asked politely.

"Oh, just looking for some fun and maybe a little adventure. Care to join me?". I politely declined her offer as I already had plans to attend. She pouts cutely but nods, understanding my situation.

As I turn to leave, she whispers, "Be careful out there, okay? The Void sea can be quite...... unpredictable." "I'll just go to the library", I reassured her.

Later on, I made my way to the grand library of the Void Sea Palace, it's towering shelves filled with ancient gourds, books and scrolls. As I browse through, I discover a dusty old book titled "The Secrets of the Void Sea" at a dark corner. A librarian shushes me as I open it, revealing cryptic symbols.

As I examine the symbols, my eyes widen in recognition. These symbols are the ancient runes of the Void Sea, said to hold the power to unlock hidden realms.

Suddenly the ground trembled slightly, and the librarian gasps, " The runes are reacting to you!".

"What does this mean?" I asked her curiously. The librarian looking both intrigued and nervous, leans in closer. "These runes," she whispers, "are said to be a map to the legendary Heart of the Void. But beware, many have sought it and none have returned."

How can an ordinary librarian know about the Heart of Void, a secret myth, "What is the Heart of the Void?" I inquire passively to match her vibe.

"Since the runes reacted to you, I will tell you, but don't tell anyone please", she states while glancing to check if we were being watched, "The Heart of the Void is a mythical source of immense power, hidden deep within the Sea." she explains.

"Legends say it can grant any wish, but also curses those who seek it without pure intentions." I thank the librarian profusely for the valuable information and decided to leave the library to contemplate my next move.

...----------------...

As I step outside, I notice a shadowy figure watching me from across the street, then quickly disappearing into an alley. I decided to follow the mysterious figure, the figure moves swiftly but I managed to keep up, I followed them into a dimly lit alley.

Suddenly, they stop and turn, revealing themselves to be a cloaked messenger with a sealed letter addressed to me. " Who sent you?", I questioned coldly. Then the cloaked messenger lowers their hood, revealing a familiar face....... Princess Jade's personal assistant.

"Princess Jade sent me," She replied, "she has urgent news about the Heart of the Void and request your presence at the palace immediately". Hearing that she needed me urgently, I rushed to Void Sea Palace, where Jade waited for me in the grand hall.

Her expression looks serious, yet her eyes sparkle with excitement, she says to me, " I've found a lead on the Heart of Void, but we will need to act fast. Are you ready for this sunshine?"

With a determined nod, I agree to join Jade on the mission, she claps her hands in delight, summoning her assistants to prepare my supplies. " We will leave at dawn, tonight, we rest and plan", she declares, her voice filled with excitement.

As Jade and I discuss the plan , she reveals a hidden map of the Void Sea with marked routes and potential dangers. "We'll need to navigate through the Misty Straits," she explains, "and avoid the Siren's Call. Are you sure you're ready sunshine? This is no ordinary mission, the road is filled with lots of dangers, if not careful we could lose our lives". She said smirking.

I reconfirmed my readiness and lean in to study the map with Jade. Her fingers trace the route, highlighting key landmarks and potential challenges.

"The Misty Straits are notorious for their shifting currents," She warned sternly, "but with this map, we have a chance".

Seeing as it was getting to dawn, I suggested a final equipment check before department. Jade nods in agreement, summoning her attendants to bring our gear. Inspecting the equipment, I found everything in perfect condition..... lightweight armor, enchanted weapons, and a pouch of mysterious vials labeled "Void Elixir".

"What is this Void Elixir, I haven't seen it before", I asked to the Princess curiously, She smiles mysteriously as she explains, "The Void Elixir is our royal family secret,

It is said to enhance your senses and grant clarity in the darkest of moments. We can only use it in dire situations".

Her tone suggests there's more to it than she is letting on.

With my trust in her, I chose not to ask about it, and we decided to depart.

The palace staff gathered to see us off, their eyes filled with hope and anticipation.

Jade and I set out, the first rays of dawn illuminating our path towards the Misty Straits.

My name is Hope, I have no surname.

And this is my story.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***