As they stepped back from the counter, William's curiosity bubbled to the surface. "Gorn," he began, his voice hushed, "where did you get that much money? That reward... it's a fortune!"
Gorn's expression turned cagey. "A hunter has his secrets, lad," he replied, deflecting the question with a gruff chuckle. "Let's just say I've had a few successful hunts in my time."
William, sensing Gorn's reluctance to elaborate, decided not to press the issue. He had learned that the hunter, despite his open and friendly demeanor, held a part of himself close, shrouded in mystery.
Instead, William shifted his focus to the more pressing concern. "Those Corrupted..." he began, his voice laced with worry, "what exactly are they?"
Gorn's jovial facade vanished, replaced by a grim seriousness. "Sometimes, lad," he explained, "the magical beasts in our world... they change. Something twists them, makes them stronger, more vicious. It's a rare occurrence, but when it happens..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "It's never good."
"And you think that's what's happening in the forest near Willow Creek?" William asked, his heart sinking.
Gorn nodded. "Aye. And it's usually not an isolated incident. Something triggers these mutations, some kind of... imbalance. Until we find the source, the corruption will likely spread."
William felt a chill run down his spine. He recalled the monstrous creature he had faced in Gorn's cottage, the corrupted wolf with its unnatural strength and ferocity. And Gorn had said these creatures were even stronger...
He glanced around the bustling hall of the Adventurer's Guild, his gaze falling on the various groups gathered around tables, their laughter and boasts echoing through the space. Were any of these adventurers strong enough to face this threat? Was he?
He looked back at Gorn, his expression determined. "We need to find someone capable, Gorn," he said, his voice firm. "Someone who can stop this before it's too late."
Gorn nodded, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. "Aye, lad. We just need to find the right people for the job."
They settled at a sturdy oak table, their gazes scanning the bustling hall. The minutes ticked by, each one a hammer blow against William's growing anxiety. He watched as adventurers came and went, some pausing to glance at the quest board, others dismissing it with a scoff or a shake of the head.
Just as William was about to lose hope, a group of three figures approached their table. Two men and a woman, their bearing radiating an air of confidence and experience that set them apart from the boisterous crowd.
"You the ones offering a king's ransom for some pest control?" one of the men asked, a grin spreading across his rugged face. He had a thick, braided beard and a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Gorn, ever alert, assessed the newcomers with a practiced eye. "We need more than pest control," he replied, his voice grave. "We need experienced adventurers, those who aren't afraid to face the Corrupted."
The woman, her arms crossed over her leather breastplate, stepped forward. "We saw the posting," she said, her voice sharp and alert. "Tell us more about these 'Corrupted'."
Gorn recounted the events of the past few weeks – the strange occurrences in the forest, the mutated creatures, the attack on his home, the fear that gripped Willow Creek. He emphasized the unusual strength and ferocity of the Corrupted, the growing concern that something sinister was afoot.
"We need someone to investigate," Gorn concluded, his gaze unwavering. "To find the source of this corruption before it spreads and consumes everything in its path."
The three adventurers exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them. The second man, a tall, lanky figure with a longbow slung across his back, spoke up. "We've dealt with the Corrupted before," he said, his voice calm and measured. "It's not a task we take lightly."
The woman nodded in agreement. "But the reward is generous," she added, her eyes gleaming with a hint of determination. "And the villagers seem desperate."
The bearded man grinned. "Sounds like an adventure to me!" he declared, clapping Gorn on the shoulder. "We're in."
Relief washed over William, a smile spreading across his face. He studied the three adventurers, taking in their confident stances and the subtle aura of power that surrounded them. He felt a surge of hope. Perhaps, with their help, Willow Creek could be saved.
Gorn, his expression softening slightly, extended his hand. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "You have our thanks, and the gratitude of our village."
The adventurers shook Gorn's hand, their grips firm and reassuring. "Don't worry yourselves," the woman said, her voice carrying a quiet strength. "We'll get to the bottom of this."
"But," the archer added, "we have a few loose ends to tie up here in Alderanth. Give us four days to prepare, and we'll meet you back here, ready to ride."
Gorn nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Four days it is," he agreed. "We'll be waiting."
With a final exchange of farewells, the adventurers departed, leaving William and Gorn alone in the bustling hall.
"Four days?" William echoed, a hint of impatience in his voice. "Can't we leave sooner?"
Gorn clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Patience, lad. Those three look capable, but even the best adventurers need time to prepare for a journey into the unknown." He paused, his eyes twinkling. "Besides, you've never seen Alderanth before. It's time for a little exploration."
And so, they ventured into the city, leaving the clamor of the Adventurer's Guild behind. Gorn, like a seasoned guide, led William through the labyrinthine streets, pointing out notable landmarks and sharing snippets of local lore.
They marveled at the towering spires of the Grand Cathedral, its stained glass windows casting kaleidoscopic patterns on the cobbled streets. They strolled through the bustling marketplace, where merchants hawked exotic wares and the air hummed with a symphony of bartering voices.
As they passed a group huddled around a street performer juggling flaming torches, William caught snippets of their conversation.
"...heard those summoned heroes are causing quite a stir up north..."
"...powerful mages, they say, with incredible abilities..."
"...saving villages, slaying beasts... even the king is impressed..."
William's heart skipped a beat. Summoned heroes. Up north. He knew exactly who they were talking about. His former classmates, the ones who had mocked and belittled him, were now celebrated heroes, their powers lauded throughout the land.