Have you ever played a game on the hardest level, where every step could kill you and bosses felt impossible? Now imagine living that nightmare for forty days straight—no breaks, no shortcuts, just endless suffering. That was my life. When I finally escaped, did I expect a warm welcome? Maybe. But reality had other plans.

The sun painted the sky red as I limped toward Graaswell City. My dress, once practical, was now a mess of tears and stains, each a reminder of the fights I'd barely survived. Every step on the dusty road hurt, my chest still aching from constant hits and exhaustion. This wasn't some grand hero's return—this was a survivor dragging herself to safety. In my head, I imagined crowds cheering, banners flying, and maybe even a bard singing about my bravery.

Instead, I got Watoson and Amiria—the city guards, known more for their pranks than actual guarding.

When I reached the gates, there were no salutes or stern inspections. Just laughter. The two guards were slumped against the wall, howling with tears in their eyes. Their uniforms were a mess, weapons lazily propped nearby like they'd just had a pillow fight. Not exactly the disciplined welcome I'd pictured.

As I got closer, their laughter grew louder. It was the kind of laughter that made me wonder if I'd accidentally walked into the wrong city.

"Am I… in the right place?" I muttered, my voice cracked from disuse.

Curiosity and irritation got the better of me. I tried to sneak up on them—not easy when your armor rattles with every step. I crept forward like a clumsy cat stepping on squeaky toys. By the time I got halfway there, Amiria spotted me.

"Oh gods, you scared me!" she gasped between laughs. "I thought… I thought you were gonna hit me!"

Hit her? I could barely stand, let alone swing a sword. All I wanted was a bed and some food.

Watoson finally managed to stop laughing long enough to smirk at me. "Oh hey, back from the dungeon! So… how was it?"

Images flooded my mind: dark stone walls, the echo of dripping water, the growls of monsters, skeletons crawling out of the ground. The constant, bone-deep fear and exhaustion.

How was it? Imagine walking barefoot on Lego bricks while tortured souls scream in the background and creepy music plays nonstop. That's how it was.