The following morning, Marcus awoke to the usual sounds of Turnipton: the clucking of chickens, the faint rustling of wind through the crops, and the distant laughter of children playing in the village square. Everything seemed normal, but Marcus couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.
He sat up in bed, staring at the golden orb resting on his bedside table. Its light had dimmed overnight, but it still pulsed faintly, a constant reminder of the previous night's encounter with the mysterious man. Marcus rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the lingering unease.
*Ding!*
**Quest Reminder: Investigate the stranger's warnings and uncover the secrets of the Whispering Woods.**
"Yeah, I figured as much," Marcus muttered, throwing off his blanket and getting dressed. "I can't just ignore this, can I?"
