Generic RPG Quest III (Demo Version)

Four heroes of light from a far away land are asked by a king to collect the four treasures of the elements, defeat a dark lord, and rescue the princess. Where have I heard something like that before? Yes, Generic RPG Quest III is a classic NES-styled RPG though and though, or it is? As you explore the world and meet new people, strange and mysterious things are revealed. Why are the heroes on their quest? Where did they come from? Why are cutscenes suddenly playing? Why is there now backstory? Is the dark lord really that evil? What is this so called "cycle" he speaks of? As you may have gues...