The Guard Commander began to speak once more with a loud and unwavering voice, radiating absolute confidence.
"First and foremost, this undertaking will not be assigned exclusively to a single party, but shall be extended to every collective party present; thus, it is completely unnecessary to enter into a frantic competition merely to secure the mission. Moreover, the primary and most significant reward shall be conferred upon the inaugural team that successfully uncovers the definitive cause of this unprecedented monster migration and formally reports their findings to us, a remuneration whose total value is equivalent to ten pieces of gold."
Just as various dissenting voices and sounds began to rise once more from the agitated crowd, the Guard Commander forcefully slammed his hand down upon the table, effectively silencing them again.
"However, the promised remuneration will only be officially delivered after the intelligence provided by the informing group has been completely verified and meticulously confirmed. I must also add that until this total monster migration has fully subsided, double the standard payment shall be dispensed for all monster crystals that are brought forth."
The Guard Commander proceeded to tack the opened proclamation onto a nearby display board, immediately thereafter making his decisive departure from the inn. Every single individual within the tavern instantly gathered around the announcement, desperately seeking to confirm the veracity of the Commander's pronouncements; everyone struggled to read the notice, aggressively shoving one another aside in their attempts. Yet, the previously introduced colossal, axe-wielding figure abruptly let out a loud roar and hurled several individuals from the crowd violently toward a nearby table, forging a clear path to seize the proclamation. After perusing it for approximately a minute, he aggressively crumpled the paper, threw it contemptuously onto the floor, and exited the tavern accompanied by his two associates. As they made their hasty exit, the gathered crowd fixed their gazes upon the trio, their eyes ablaze with furious anger and deep resentment.
"That bastard did what he always does again. One day he shall perish by my own hand, but when will that be?"
"Calm down, Jax. We should be swift now; let us procure some provisions and essential equipment before they are entirely depleted and immediately set out on our journey. We have had nothing to occupy ourselves with for far too long; I now feel a palpable surge of excitement!"
"Do not jump the gun, Lysa. There is no genuine need for such haste."
"Jax, I find myself in agreement with Lysa this time; it would indeed be judicious to hasten our departure. A mere single gold coin is sufficient for one person to subsist comfortably for nearly a full year; considering the reward is a monumental ten pieces of gold, we absolutely cannot afford to let this unparalleled opportunity slip away. Everyone gathered here is profoundly aware of this fact. It is absolutely vital that we expedite our movements."
Jax swiftly snatched the crumpled parchment from the floor, smoothed it open, and then turned back to his group.
"First and foremost, we are heading directly to the Guild Hall; it appears that the rations and equipment are scheduled to be dispensed there."
Jax's commanding voice had been sufficient to halt the rapidly spreading chaos within the thick walls of the inn. Jax, Lysa, and their two comrades swiftly gathered their belongings and hastened their steps out of the dismal, dim atmosphere of the tavern and into the cold, misty morning air of Varex town. The group, feeling the weight of the new, worn leather armour and simple provisions provided by the Guild, proceeded towards the main path leading north. The town's primary stone streets appeared abandoned, gripped by the palpable tension created by the news of the monster migration. Following the path, they eventually entered a vast meadowland where the sight lines stretched out into infinity.
This was an immense, boundless grassland, covered with lush, tall grasses that severely challenged visibility. As they left the path and entered this broad meadow, the rustling of the grasses with every step created an unsettling silence, one that amplified the lingering tension from the inn's prior clamour. The group steadfastly advanced across this open terrain until the evening shadows began to lengthen. As the sun set on the horizon in a deep crimson hue, Jax finally gave the command to halt. They quickly found a secure, wind-sheltered spot and established a small, unpretentious camp. Lysa hurriedly collected a few dry branches and lit a modest fire; the flames carved out a small, protected zone of warmth that encompassed the four adventurers. Shortly thereafter, following a hushed meal of dry rations, the threatening silence of the grassland descended. Jax placed his sword beside him, securely tied his boots, and commenced the first watch. His eyes were fixed solely upon the pitch-black expanse created by the tall grasses, and they successfully navigated the night by taking turns on watch.