**Chapter 1: The Shadow of Malice Spreads**

"By order of the King, a decree is hereby issued," announced Impa, the royal servant, as she stood atop a stone podium in the center of the castle courtyard. Her voice echoed off the stone walls, drawing the attention of the gathered guards and servants. "Any resident of the castle who contracts the dreaded Shadow Rot disease shall be immediately taken to the dungeon for observation and treatment." The courtyard fell silent, with worried glances exchanged among the crowd. Shadow Rot, a mysterious and highly contagious illness, had been spreading rapidly throughout the kingdom. Its symptoms varied from person to person, making it difficult to diagnose and treat. Some patients suffered from debilitating pain, while others experienced vivid hallucinations or crippling weakness. As the crowd began to disperse, Princess Zelda approached Impa with a look of concern etched on her face. "Impa, have you seen Link? He's been out on patrol for days, and I'm getting worried that he might have contracted the disease." Impa's expression turned grave. "I haven't seen him, Your Highness. But I've heard rumors that he's been tracking a lead on a dark cult operating in the forest. If he's been in close proximity to their members, he may be at risk of infection." Zelda's eyes widened in alarm. "We have to find him, Impa. If he's infected, he'll have to be taken to the dungeon for observation. The King won't have a choice, not with the decree in place." Impa nodded solemnly. "I'll send out a search party to find him. But in the meantime, we should inform the King of the situation. He needs to know about Link's potential exposure." As they spoke, a guard approached them, his face pale and drawn. "Your Highness, I've just received word that another servant has fallen ill with Shadow Rot. The symptoms are... unusual. She's experiencing vivid hallucinations and is convinced that dark creatures are lurking in every shadow." Zelda's grip on Impa's arm tightened. "This is getting worse by the hour. We have to find Link and make sure he's safe. The thought of him locked away in the dungeon, subjected to who-knows-what treatments... it's unbearable." Impa's voice was firm. "Don't worry, Your Highness. We'll find him, and we'll do everything in our power to keep him safe. But for now, let's focus on getting the King's response to this latest development. We can't afford to panic." As they turned to head towards the castle, a faint cry echoed through the courtyard, followed by the sound of footsteps and murmurs of concern. The Shadow Rot disease seemed to be closing in, and Zelda's worry for Link's safety was growing by the minute.