In the bustling country of Sixth Sea, they were witnessing an unprecedented fortune in development and prosperity. It would not be a lie to say that the nation was nearly devoid of poverty and racial divisions. While of course, the royalties always had a priority in state affairs, this monarchy had turned its tables to make seat for the deprived as well.
In a word, the country was very much stable.
Its neighbouring states were the Seventh and Fourth Sea, where the former was a dead land, and the latter in a continuos war against the eastern countries. In fact, Sixth Sea had been supplying to the eastern countries to witness their downfall. But Fourth never had the strength to attack these treacherous attitude of their neighbours.
And in such a nation, where peace becomes the motto, the children see dreams. They hear of the cruel times that passed before them, and aspire to have the chance of becoming one of the heroes and show their bravery to have left their names in the pages of history.
Such is exactly what happened in Sixth Sea, which is also the birthplace of the devil of the world, Saint Alief. The generation which now gained fame in the job sectors in the nation was, Adventurer. A noble work, respected by consensus of humanity.
---
A young man was walking behind another bulky old soul. They were headed towards the guild. But they were not going there to take a random mission of their choosing like they always do.
This time, it was special.
The guild of the capital city of Sixth Sea, The White Horn Guild called for a mass announcement, for each and every adventurer present in the country. The same announcement would be made in all parts of the nation as well, as per the posters which was laid in the walls everywhere to have called the two men that morning.
"Won't you call Nora?"
"Do you think there is the least chance of her being awake?"
"..."
Aiden asked no more. The senior and captain of his party, Jordan made the true statements alone.
The guild was as expected crowdy, even from outside. As everyone were not able to get their seats, arrangements were carried out for the Adventures to stay out of the guild and still hear of the announcement.
Aiden and Jordan went ahead and stood in the first row outside the large guild.
They did not need to wait long before a certain figure clad in half swordsman and half mage build appear outside. He was the chief of the White Horns Guild. A specialist of both swordsman and mage class. Infact, he was known to weild five Arcanes himself, making him among the strongest if not the strongest Adventurer in the whole nation.
He began, from the roof of the Guild, barely visible by the two, with a very recognisably loud voice because one who hears his remembers that for a long long time.
"Oh my comrades. Today we gather here, for a news that has already spread rumours all over."
"Rumours? You heard any, Jordan?"
"Not really."
"I am merely here to announce that the rumour is not a rumour. But it is, a fact now! And I am here, to announce something like never before.
Whoever completes this quest, will receive the biggest bounty the world has ever served!
Whoever completes this quest, can ask anything, yes anything! From the King. It's in the contract you see in my hand." The half-mage showed a paper in his hand while saying that.
"Listen, my comrades. This time, it's not a mere quest infact.
This mission will have two layers. And thus it requires the help of the weaker Adventures here as well.
So let me tell you the rumour I am talking about.
We know, about the Forest of Astagha. The dread of South! The unconquerable dungeon! The supreme guardian of its Forest! The King from the first generation of Monsters! Do we not?
Well then here me!
Their King is dead!
Dead!
Dead!
Dead!
I have said it thrice and there is no lie in my words. We had invited the Oracle of Seventh Sea to confirm it. And he did so! It is established now, that the Supreme Tree is dead!
However, strange it may seem.
We do not know how it died.
The forest of Astagha is still being guarded by many strong monsters. But they are puny, nothing. If they lack the support of their Guardian.
Therefore, the first layer of the mission is to send a group of Adventuers to the forest of Astagha! Do not freak out! Yes, the strongest parties of all lands had once gathered to conquer this dungeon, but that time even the Guardian had the company of a few other first generation monsters!
And there are no first generation now!
We can do it! The rewards? Magnificent I assure!
Whoeever brings us accurate information on the current status and strength of Astagha, which we sure is almost dropped to a ten if it was a million, will get enough bounty to live this life and the life of your children!
After that, as you might have guessed.
There will be an all out invasion on Astagha.
Our victory is assured by the Oracle of seventh sea, so head out my comrades!
Victory is assured! Victory is close! War-booties are waiting!"
The chief stopped for a moment at last.
Aiden and Jordan looked at each other.
"Wanna go?"
"We should head out now, actually."