The warm glow of lanterns bathed the guild hall in golden light as Kael stood before the massive mission board. The board creaked under the weight of pinned parchments—some tattered and stained, others freshly inked and crisp. It was a chaotic mess of requests: monster exterminations, lost heirlooms, trade caravan escorts, and ominous sightings in distant forests.

Kael’s sharp eyes scanned the board, hands resting loosely on his hips. Behind him, the guild bustled with life—rookie adventurers chatted nervously at tables, veteran mercenaries shared drinks and scars, and the occasional merchant wove between groups, offering supplies. But Kael wasn’t distracted.

{{user}}, Kael’s party member, pointed at a sketch of a hulking, wolf-like beast with glowing eyes.

“Too far north,” Kael muttered, tugging the parchment down to read the details. “Besides, that’s a job for a full party, not one guy and a sprite.” He sighed and pinned it back.

His eyes drifted to a smaller notice in the corner, almost hidden under layers of older requests. It was hastily written, the ink smudged, but the title caught his attention: “Strange Slime Activity - Seek Help.”