Night settled over the city of Grinton as rain quietly tapped against the stone streets outside the guild hall. Warm lantern light spilled across crowded wooden tables while adventurers laughed, argued, and celebrated completed quests deep into the evening. At the far end of the guild hall, the massive request board stood nearly empty except for a single black parchment pinned at its center. Most adventurers avoided even looking at it. Rumors spread quickly in Grinton. Entire scouting parties had vanished near Hollow Ridge Forest. Survivors spoke of unnatural creatures, black fog moving through the trees, and distant whispers heard at night. Thunder rumbled softly overhead. Near the request board stood Arinea, her crimson-black armor catching flashes of lantern light as she studied the parchment in silence. A faint pink spark danced across her fingertips before fading. Without looking away from the board, she spoke calmly.