Drake considered his options. He could head straight for the Whispering Caves, but facing a tribe of goblins in their own territory, potentially laden with traps, without any further preparation seemed… unwise, even for him. He needed supplies, perhaps some better equipment, and maybe even some information about the surrounding area.
"Besides," he muttered, "I'm starting to get a little tired of smelling like smoke."
He decided to head towards the nearest sign of civilization. According to the Codex's map function (another feature he had just discovered), there was a small city called Oakhaven located a few days' travel to the southwest. It was described as a trading hub, known for its skilled artisans and bustling marketplace.
*Notification: "New Objective Added to Quest: Whispers of the Wild: Gather information about the Sunstone and the Goblin tribe in Oakhaven."*
"Smart Codex," Drake said approvingly. "Covering all the bases."
He set off through the burnt forest, heading southwest. The journey was uneventful, thankfully. The fire had cleared much of the undergrowth, making travel relatively easy, though the charred landscape was still a depressing sight. He occasionally used *Observe* on the surrounding flora and fauna, learning more about the magical properties of this world. He even harvested some useful herbs, storing them in his inventory.
After a few days of travel, the landscape began to change. The burnt trees gave way to lush green forests, and the air became fresher, cleaner. He could hear the sound of birdsong and the rustling of leaves in the wind.
Finally, he crested a small hill and saw it: Oakhaven. The city was nestled in a valley, surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests. A river flowed through the city, and several bridges spanned its width. Buildings made of wood and stone clustered together, their roofs a patchwork of different colors. Smoke rose from chimneys, and the sounds of hammering, sawing, and shouting drifted on the wind.
*Notification: "Location Discovered: Oakhaven."*
"Now that's more like it," Drake said, a smile spreading across his face. He descended the hill, eager to reach the city and finally interact with some actual people.
As he approached the city gates, he noticed two guards standing watch, clad in leather armor and carrying spears. They eyed him with suspicion as he approached.
"Halt! State your business," one of the guards said, his voice gruff.
Drake stopped, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. "Just passing through," he said with a charming smile. "Looking to restock on supplies and maybe hear some local gossip."
The guards exchanged glances. "Name and origin?" the other guard asked.
"Name's Drake," he replied. "And as for origin… let's just say I'm a long way from home."
The guards seemed unconvinced, but after a moment of hesitation, they nodded and allowed him to pass.
As Drake entered Oakhaven, he was immediately struck by the bustling atmosphere. The streets were crowded with people, merchants hawking their wares, children chasing each other, and travelers from all walks of life. The air was filled with the sounds of a dozen different languages, the smell of roasted meat, and the music of a lute player busking in a nearby square.
Drake grinned. "Now this is more like it," he muttered. "Time to do some shopping."