The notice board in the town square quickly became the center of attention. More adventurers gathered every minute, drawn by the large reward written across the emergency quest.
40 Silver Coins.
For many adventurers in Riverwood, that was more money than they could earn in several weeks. But the word "Ogre" written on the quest paper made everyone hesitate. Alex stood a few steps away, observing the growing crowd. Some adventurers whispered nervously. Others studied the paper carefully. One tall man with heavy armor shook his head.
"An ogre near the Northern Forest?" he muttered. "That's bad news."
Another adventurer spoke up.
"Those things usually live deep in mountain caves."
"Exactly," the armored man replied. "Which means something drove it out."
Alex crossed his arms as he listened. If an ogre had really appeared near Riverwood, the town could be in serious danger. A single ogre could destroy wagons, kill livestock, and even attack small villages if it became hungry enough. Kael stepped beside him again.
"You're thinking about taking the quest," Kael said calmly.
Alex glanced at him.
"Forty silver coins is hard to ignore."
Kael nodded slightly.
"That's exactly why the guild posted it publicly."
"To attract adventurers."
"Correct."
Kael looked at the notice board.
"But money isn't the real reason this quest matters."
Alex raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Kael's voice became more serious.
"If an ogre has appeared near Riverwood, it means the monster activity in this region is increasing."
Alex frowned.
"Increasing how?"
"Something is pushing stronger monsters toward human territory."
That explanation didn't sound very comforting. Alex thought back to the system warning he had seen earlier.
External Detection Risk: Rising
Could the system somehow be connected to the monster activity? He quickly pushed the thought away. There was no proof of that. Yet.
Suddenly, the doors of the Adventurer Guild opened. A large man wearing chainmail armor stepped outside. Alex recognized him immediately. He was one of the senior adventurers in Riverwood. People in the guild often called him Bren, a veteran who had been hunting monsters for years. Bren walked toward the notice board and looked at the gathered adventurers.
"If you're here to stare at the quest, you might as well listen," he said in a deep voice.
The crowd quieted instantly.
"The ogre attacked a merchant caravan late last night," Bren continued.
"Two guards were badly injured. The wagons were destroyed."
Someone in the crowd asked nervously:
"Did anyone die?"
"Not this time," Bren replied. "But if the ogre reaches the farms outside town, that could change quickly."
Alex noticed Kael watching Bren carefully. The experienced adventurer continued speaking.
"The guild is organizing a hunting party."
He pointed toward the quest notice.
"Anyone who wants the reward will need to join the group."
A murmur spread through the crowd. Hunting an ogre alone would be suicide for most adventurers. But in a group, the chances of success increased. Bren crossed his arms.
"I'm leading the hunt."
Several adventurers nodded. Bren had a strong reputation in Riverwood. If anyone could organize a fight against an ogre, it was him.
"Anyone who joins needs to be ready to leave within the hour," Bren said.
"Bring your best weapons."
Alex glanced at Kael.
"Well?"
Kael smiled slightly.
"You're going."
It wasn't a question. Alex shrugged.
"I need experience."
"And strength," Kael added quietly.
Alex raised an eyebrow.
"You sound like you're coming too."
Kael chuckled.
"Maybe."
Bren looked around the group.
"I need at least five capable fighters."
One adventurer stepped forward.
"I'm in."
Another followed.
"Me too."
Alex stepped forward next.
"I'll join."
Several people glanced at him immediately. One of the adventurers whispered:
"That's the guy who killed the Shadow Wolf Alpha."
Another added quietly:
"And the Goblin Brute."
Bren studied Alex carefully.
"You sure you're ready for an ogre, kid?"
Alex met his gaze calmly.
"I'll manage."
Bren nodded slowly.
"Alright."
He turned to the group.
"Anyone else?"
For a moment, no one moved. Then Kael stepped forward.
"I'll join as well."
Alex looked at him.
"You really are coming."
Kael smiled faintly.
"I said I was curious about you."
Bren counted the volunteers.
"Six fighters."
He nodded.
"That'll do."
The veteran adventurer turned toward the northern gate of Riverwood.
"Prepare yourselves."
His voice carried across the square.
"We leave in thirty minutes."
Alex felt a mix of excitement and tension building in his chest. This would be his most dangerous fight yet. An ogre was far stronger than any monster he had faced before. But if he survived… The experience would make him much stronger. And deep down, the system seemed to agree. A new notification appeared quietly in front of him.
System Event Detected
High-Risk Hunt Initiated
Possible Rewards Increased
Alex smiled slightly.
"Looks like things are about to get interesting."