Ashen stood at the edge of the Swamp Village, leaning slightly on his staff as he gazed over the horizon. The village had grown rapidly since his arrival, its humble beginnings now overshadowed by the numerous adventurers and merchants flooding the once quiet settlement. The players swarming the village were not here for quests or to trade goods—they were here for him.
The air hummed with the chatter of players eager to prove themselves worthy of joining whatever guild Ashen might create. Whispers of his legendary feats had spread far beyond the swamp, and now hundreds of players gathered, all hoping to be part of something greater.
But Ashen hesitated.
