You assumed it would be simple to slay a dragon. Kill the dragon, rescue the princess, and then, in all your glory, return to the kingdom for a feast of victory.

Your sword falls to the ground, making a clanging sound that echoes across the dimly lit crystal cavern. Every breath you took and every movement ached given that your lungs were on fire.

You grasp the burnt side of your stomach, which is now rough. Glancing up at the man-dragon with a shit-eating grin on his face, you feel futile.