Morning in **Greenwood Village** came with an unusual sense of anticipation.
The battle with the **Stoneback Beasts** the previous day had left clear marks across the training clearing. Cracked earth and shattered rock still littered the ground, though the elves had already begun repairing the damaged sections.
Despite the work, there was excitement in the air.
Today, something important was happening.
Today, the **Southern Expedition** would begin.
At the center of the village clearing, John stretched his enormous wings, the movement stirring a gust of wind that rustled the surrounding leaves.
The massive black dragon looked toward the southern horizon.
Somewhere beyond the endless forest…
Something waited.
And the system wanted him to find it.
Nearby, Lythriel tightened the straps of her leather armor while resting her spear against a wooden post.
"You're staring again," she said.
John glanced down at her.
"I do that."
"You do it a lot."
