Ricci stands before Padre Topo in the church library. The old mouse begins to speak, "Ricci, the time has come for you to embark on your sacred quest. Stormclouds are gathering in the west, the monks and I fear that an evil is rising in the land."
"Do you think I'm ready, Father?" asks Ricci.
"As ready as can be," replied Padre Topo. "You've come such a long way since the day you first appeared on our doorstep."
He continues, "When I found you, you were just a pup, curled up in a cardboard box on the cold, stone steps of this very cathedral."
"In all my years, I had never seen a creature such as yourself," he says as he imagines picking up the infant Ricci from the box and cradling him in his arms.
"I took you in and raised you as my own. I taught you swordsmanship and the ancient laws of chivalry. With each passing year, you grew stronger and wiser. You are St. Elmo's greatest soldier. Only you can take on this herculean task."
Padre Topo then scurries up a wooden podium topped with a large, archaic-looking book. He adjusts his glasses and says, "As you know, New Amsterdam was built by an ancient race of giants, who are known to our scholars as the Anakim."
"With their great size and might, they built colossal towers that could touch the sky. However, their once noble ambition spoiled into arrogant greed when they turned their gaze away from the heavens and towards infernal powers below."
"Greed drove them underground in search of a magic stone imbued with dark energy. They tried to use its immense power to materially enrich themselves, to destroy their enemies, and to lord over one another."
"But alas, the secret of the stone's power was beyond their wisdom to wield. The stone unleashed an invisible fire that incinerated the giants."
"Then the surrounding woodlands were set ablaze. To escape the raging fires, the humble forest creatures took refuge in the city. Thereby claiming the remnants of their once great civilization."
"Your mission is simple yet arduous. The amulet you wear around your neck is the key to restoring what was lost. You must deliver it to the Sage of Central Park."
Padre Topo walks over to a map of New York mounted on the wall. He taps it with a wooden pointer as he says, "First you must traverse the perilous streets of Brooklyn, then cross the turbulent waters of the East River, lastly, fight your way into the heart of Manhattan, there you will find the great sage. He will show you how to unlock the power within the amulet."
Ronin stands tall with his fist over his heart and proclaims, "You can count on me, Father! I will not let you down!" Ronin dashes out of the cathedral, down its stony steps, with his cloak fluttering behind him.
Padre Topo stands on the marble window sill and waves as he shouts, "Godspeed, Ricci! May the heavenly host watch over and protect you on your journey!"