"Hey there!" Edward heard from a beautiful, singsongy voice.

He turned around to find the familiar face of the girl he had encountered earlier, adorned in her captivating attire woven from living flora. Her eyes shimmered with curiosity and concern as she approached him.

"What is that corruption I sense there?" she inquired, her voice filled with a hint of worry. "Can I see? I'm a gatherer main, but my combat class is druidic for healing!"

Edward hesitated for a moment, then extended his decayed hand towards her, allowing her a closer look. Izzy delicately examined the corruption, her gaze focused and her touch gentle.

After a few moments, a hint of disappointment clouded Izzy's expression. She shook her head softly. "I'm sorry, but the corruption you carry is too powerful for my healing abilities to overcome. It seems to possess a malevolent force."

She withdrew her hand and introduced herself, "I'm Izzy, a druidic gatherer. I have some knowledge of healing, but this corruption is beyond my capabilities to cure."

Edward nodded, understanding the limitations. "Thank you for trying, Izzy. Your willingness to help means a lot to me."

Izzy smiled warmly and offered a suggestion. "If you're seeking answers or a way to deal with the corruption, I recommend visiting the mage's academy. They may have tomes or scholars who can provide insights or even a potential solution."

Edward pondered the idea, his gaze focused on his now healed hand. "Actually, I have a different plan. I need to find the previous owner of this ring, and it's said to be in Urbs Mortuus."

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Izzy's eyes widened in surprise and concern. "Urbs Mortuus? That's a highly dangerous area, even for the most experienced players. The high-level zones are no place for newbies!"

Edward's determination remained unshaken. "I understand the risks, but I believe it's necessary. I must fulfill my task and unravel the mystery behind this ring."

Izzy sighed, her worry evident. "I can't stop you, but please be careful. Urbs Mortuus is filled with powerful enemies and deadly challenges."

As they continued their conversation, Izzy mentioned another offer of assistance. "If you ever need anything gathered from the Endless Wilds, count on me. It's my specialty, and I can help you obtain rare materials or resources."

Edward's eyes brightened with gratitude. "Thank you, Izzy. I appreciate your offer and I might just take you up on it some day."

Izzy's expression turned mischievous as she mentioned her friends. "Oh, and speaking of skilled players, I have two friends you should meet: Tala and Cassie. They are the best crafters in the game right now."

Edward's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you mean Cassie Weiss?"

Izzy nodded, equally surprised. "Yes, Cassie Weiss is my friend. We work together and support each other. I gather, she and Tala make stuff out of the things I find. Sometimes I need to go after specific materials, sometimes I just bring back whatever I find!~"

A sense of excitement filled Edward's heart. He realized that his path was intersecting with remarkable individuals who could aid him on his quest.

As Izzy bids farewell and ventures out into the nearby gate leading to the Endless Wilds, Edward's mind lingers on the absence of Cassie mentioning her as a friend. It sparks a flicker of curiosity, but he decides to focus on the present task at hand.

Consulting the map, Edward realizes that the mages academy is just the next district over. Underestimating the size of each district, he embarks on a journey that takes him approximately three game hours before finally reaching the resplendent Mages District. Towering wizard towers dominate the skyline, some grounded while others float mysteriously in midair.