The adventurers’ guild hall buzzed with activity as Tolgon, Jeron, Preston, and Drodo made their way to the job board. Various postings detailed different quests, most involving dealing with monsters outside the dukedom of Downey. The rewards were substantial, with the lowest-ranked job offering five silver coins.

The coins were categorized into different levels: bronze coins, silver coins, and gold coins. Each job listing had a rank associated with it—novice, adept, and expert. As a newly formed party, Tolgon and his friends were only eligible to take on novice-ranked jobs.

Tolgon scanned the job board, his eyes flicking over the various postings. One job caught his attention:

Job Title: Clear Out a Pack of Beast Wolves

Location: Swampland of Gloomwood, east of Downey

Reward: Ten silver coins

Rank: Novice

Jeron peered over his shoulder, reading the details. “Beast wolves, huh? That sounds like a good starting point.”

Preston nodded. “And the reward is decent. Plus, it’s a novice rank job. Should be manageable for us.”

Drodo, ever enthusiastic, grinned. “Let’s do it! A good chance to test our skills in a real setting.”

They agreed on the job and signed up with the guild. The guild master, an older dwarf named Thrain, handed them a map and some advice. “The Gloomwood is no place for the faint of heart. Stick together, and watch each other’s backs. The swampland can be treacherous.”

With their first quest chosen, the group gathered their supplies and prepared for the journey east. The territory they were headed to, Gloomwood, was known for its murky swamps and dense forests. It was a stark contrast to the more hospitable lands of Downey.

As they left the borders of Downey, the change in environment was immediate. The air grew thick with humidity, and the ground became softer and muddier. Trees draped with moss loomed overhead, their branches creating a canopy that filtered the sunlight into a dim, greenish hue. The croaking of frogs and the buzzing of insects filled the air.

Jeron adjusted his pack, glancing around. “Well, we’re not in Downey anymore. Keep your eyes open for any signs of monsters.”

The journey through the Gloomwood was fraught with challenges. The swamp was a labyrinth of twisted trees and stagnant pools. The air was thick with humidity, and every step seemed to echo with the croaks of unseen creatures. Tolgon could feel the weight of the swamp pressing down on them, each breath filled with the scent of decay and earth.

They almost immediately encountered their first monster—a large, six-legged creature with chitinous armor and snapping mandibles. It emerged from the muck with a hiss, its eyes gleaming with predatory intent.

“Everyone, get ready!” Tolgon shouted, drawing his sword.

Preston notched an arrow and took aim, his Enhanced Vision helping him pinpoint the monster’s weak spots. He fired an Energy Arrow, striking the creature in its vulnerable joint. The monster let out a screech and charged at them.

“Drodo, shield us!” Tolgon called out.

Drodo stepped forward, activating Barrier to shield the group from the creature’s attack. The shield absorbed the impact, and Drodo followed up with a powerful Shield Bash, sending the monster reeling.

“Jeron, flank it!” Tolgon shouted.

Jeron used his Sky Dance to flank the creature, summoning a gust of wind with Aerial Assault to knock it off balance. He then activated Heavenly Resonance, creating a healing aura around the group to mend any minor injuries.

“Tolgon, go for the joints!” Preston advised, drawing another arrow.

Tolgon, seizing the opportunity, channeled the power of the Blood Stone. He felt the familiar heat of Crimson Surge boosting his strength and speed. With a swift movement, he unleashed a flurry of strikes, the Sword Dance, and finished the monster with a precise thrust from his Sword of Light.

As the creature fell, Tolgon took a moment to catch his breath. “Well, that was our first monster outside of Downey. Everyone alright?”

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The group nodded, adrenaline still pumping through their veins. They set to work, removing the monster core and gathering useful parts. Drodo meticulously extracted materials that would be valuable for crafting and selling.

They pressed on, knowing that the Beast Wolves awaited them deeper in the Gloomwood.

As they journeyed further, they noticed a mysterious figure watching them from a distance. Jeron paused, glancing over his shoulder. “Did you hear that?” he whispered. The others stopped, listening intently. There it was again, a faint rustling in the underbrush, just out of sight. Tolgon's grip tightened on his sword.

“We’ll investigate tomorrow,” Tolgon remarked, a sense of unease settling over him.

The group continued, encountering more monsters—venomous serpents, giant insects, and even a hulking swamp ogre. Each battle was a test of their skills and teamwork, but they emerged victorious each time, growing more confident with every encounter.

During one particularly intense battle with a group of venomous serpents, Preston was struck by a serpent's fangs, its venom coursing through his veins. He staggered back, his vision blurring and pain searing through his body.

“Preston!” Tolgon shouted, rushing to his side.

Jeron quickly activated Heavenly Resonance, but the venom was too potent. “I need to purify the poison!” Jeron responded, his voice strained. He placed his hands on Preston and used Purify, drawing out the venom. The effort drained him, leaving him nearly exhausted.

“Hang in there, Preston,” Jeron responded, his voice weak. “You’ll be alright.”

Preston gasped, the pain slowly subsiding. “Thanks, Jeron. That was close.”

Tolgon nodded, grateful for Jeron’s quick thinking. “We need to rest. Jeron’s mana is nearly depleted, and we can’t afford any more injuries today.”

As they finished off the serpents, they removed the monster cores and Drodo gathered any valuable parts, noting the serpents’ fangs and venom sacs as particularly useful.

As night began to fall, they decided to set up camp in a relatively dry area they found amidst the swamp. Drodo and Tolgon created a monster barrier ritual around their camp. Drodo used his knowledge of Barrier and Fortress Stance to create a physical shield, while Tolgon enhanced it with blood magic, creating a protective ward that would deter any monsters from approaching.

The group gathered around the campfire, the flickering flames casting long shadows around them. Drodo prepared a simple but hearty meal, using some of the ingredients he had brought along.

Tolgon looked at his friends, the firelight dancing in his eyes. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We’ve handled ourselves well so far, but the Beast Wolves will be a real test.”

Jeron nodded, his expression serious. “We’ve got each other’s backs. That’s what matters.”

Preston, ever the pragmatist, added, “We just need to stick to our plan and use our abilities wisely.”

Drodo grinned, his eyes twinkling in the firelight. “And maybe after this, we can take on even bigger challenges.”

The group fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the crackling of the fire filling the air. Jeron broke the silence, his voice thoughtful. “Why did you all decide to become adventurers? I mean, beyond just the excitement and the challenge.”

Preston leaned back, gazing at the flames. “For me, it’s about earning a fortune. Not for the luxury, though I enjoy life's finer things. But I want to bring wealth to my village and make it so my family never has to work again. They’ve sacrificed so much for me. My father worked himself to the bone to provide for us, and I want to repay him by ensuring he can finally rest.”

Drodo, chewing on a piece of jerky, nodded. “I love food, obviously,” he said with a chuckle, “but it’s more than that. I want to become a monster hunter chef, known around the world for the magnificent meals I make from the beasts I slay. Imagine a feast where every dish has a story. It’s also a way to honor my father, who was a great chef. He used to tell me that food has the power to bring people together, to heal, and to inspire. I want to carry on his legacy and bring joy to others through my cooking.”

Jeron’s eyes sparkled with resolve. “I want to be a field medic in zones rampaged by high-rank monsters. There are so many places that need help, where people are suffering. I lost my sister to a monster attack when I was young. If I can save even one life, prevent one family from going through that pain, it will be worth it.”

Tolgon smiled, feeling a deep sense of camaraderie. “For me, it’s about honing my skills to protect people. And one day, I want to become a king’s knight. It’s a big dream, but I’m determined to make it happen. My village has always been looked down upon, and I want to prove that goblins can be honorable and powerful. I want to make a difference and show that we can rise above our past.”

Jeron clapped him on the back. “We’ll help you get there, Tolgon. We’ll all achieve our dreams together.”

They sat in companionable silence for a while longer, sharing stories and aspirations, the bonds between them growing stronger. The sounds of the swamp surrounded them, creating an eerie symphony of croaks, buzzes, and distant howls. But within their barrier, they felt secure, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The next morning, they continued their journey, deeper into the heart of Gloomwood. The terrain grew even more treacherous, with deep pools of stagnant water and thick, clinging mud. But their resolve never wavered.

Finally, they reached the area where they suspected the Beast Wolves' den was located. They found signs of the wolves’ presence, such as tracks and remnants of their kills. They discussed strategies for luring out the Beast Wolves, showing their growing tactical thinking.

As they set up their camp near the suspected den, the mysterious figure they had seen earlier appeared again, watching them from a distance. The group exchanged wary glances, deciding to investigate the figure the next day.

As they settled in for the night, they practiced their new spells and abilities, focusing on coordination and tactics. The air was thick with anticipation, each member of the group mentally preparing for the battle ahead.