The morning air was crisp as Marcus prepared himself for yet another day of training and strategizing. Word had spread far and wide about Turnipton's transformation, and now neighboring villages were no longer just curious—they were eager to join forces.
As Marcus walked into the village square, he noticed an unfamiliar yet sturdy figure standing near the training grounds. The man was tall, with a scar running across his cheek and eyes that seemed to have seen too much of the world. He wore simple clothes, but his stance suggested he was no ordinary traveler.
"Marcus Griddle?" the man called out in a deep, rumbling voice, drawing the attention of everyone around.
Marcus nodded, stepping forward. "And you are?"
