Drake, fresh from his real-world break and the initial, modest success of his "Discoverer_LoA" video channel, logged back into Legacy of Alvari. He reappeared in the foothills north of the Whispering Fen, the [Cartographer's Route Maps] already active in his interface, his [Cartographer's Compass] providing a steady bearing. The terrain here was noticeably more rugged than the Whispering Plains or Oakhaven Woods, with steep inclines, rocky outcrops, and deeper, shadowed valleys. The air grew colder as he gained altitude, following the ancient Alvari symbols and annotations on the map.
His [Relentless Assault] passive, combined with his perfected 100% SCR [Basic Slash] and [Defend], made short work of the local Level 16-17 fauna – mostly aggressive Mountain Goats with dangerous charges and packs of lean, grey-furred Highland Wolves. Combat was swift; a Perfect Defend would negate an opening attack, applying Off-Balance, and then a flurry of perfectly executed slashes, rapidly stacking his damage and attack speed buffs, would end the encounter in seconds. He moved with a focused efficiency, prioritizing travel speed while using [Relic Hunter] to scan for any resources or anomalies marked on the Cartographer's maps.
After several hours of steady travel, the maps indicated he was approaching a significant geographical feature: the Stoneguard Pass, a narrow cleft through the spine of the foothills that, according to the cartographer's notes, was the only reasonably safe passage into the next major region towards Silverhaven. The notes also carried a warning: "Passage controlled by the Stoneguard. Tolls or service often required. Pragmatic, not overtly hostile."
As Drake neared the coordinates marked for the pass entrance, the signs of an organized presence became clear. The rough game trail widened slightly, showing signs of regular maintenance. Crude but sturdy watch posts, recently manned, overlooked strategic points. He even spotted a felled tree clearly dragged to block an alternative, more dangerous goat track. [Relic Hunter] picked up the faint, orderly energy signatures of maintained wards and patrols.
He rounded a bend, and the entrance to the Stoneguard Pass came into view. It was a narrow opening between sheer rock faces, effectively barricaded by a sturdy wooden gate reinforced with iron bands. Two imposing figures in well-maintained, if unadorned, plate and mail armor stood guard, their tabards bearing the insignia of a clenched stone fist. Their levels displayed as 22. Several more Stoneguard members were visible on a walkway above the gate.
As Drake approached, one of the guards, a stern-faced woman with a Sergeant's insignia, stepped forward, her hand resting on the pommel of her longsword. "Hold there, traveler," she called out, her voice firm and carrying clearly. "This is Stoneguard Pass. Administered and maintained by the Stoneguard Chapter. Passage is not free."
Drake stopped a respectful distance away. Internal Monologue: "Okay, just as the cartographer noted. Tolls or service." He knew his funds were still low after purchasing [Relic Hunter]. "What is the toll, Sergeant?"
"Two Gold Coins," she stated flatly. "For upkeep of the pass, patrols ensuring its safety from beasts and brigands, and the continued service of the Stoneguard in keeping this route open."
Drake mentally checked his inventory. Gold: Current Coin: 1 Gold, 80 Silver. He had earned some from the Hydra and recent mob grinding, but not enough. Internal Monologue: "Can't afford it. Two Gold is nearly everything I have after buying Relic Hunter and supplies."
"I don't have two Gold at the moment, Sergeant," Drake replied honestly. "Is there an alternative way to earn passage?"
The Sergeant eyed him up and down, taking in his mismatched but functional gear, his Rare sword and shield. "Hmph. Another adventurer light on coin but heavy on ambition, eh?" She considered for a moment. "Coin isn't the only currency of value out here. We have a problem that needs a skilled hand, something my guards are too busy with patrols to handle effectively right now."
She gestured towards the towering, snow-dusted peaks looming to the east of the pass – the Skyreach Peaks. "Those peaks are infested with Cliff Drakes. Nasty, winged pests. Mostly keep to themselves, but lately they've been bolder, harassing our scouts. One of our patrols was attacked three days ago; the scout survived, but the drakes made off with his satchel containing a vital [Stoneguard Scouting Report]. It details new monster incursions and hazardous terrain shifts beyond the northern end of this pass – information crucial for the safety of all travelers, including yourself if you intend to head that way."
A quest prompt appeared in Drake's interface. << Quest Offered: [Drake Hunt, Report Found] - The Stoneguard requires recovery of a stolen [Stoneguard Scouting Report]. It was last seen being carried off by Cliff Drakes towards their nests in the Skyreach Peaks. Retrieve the report and return it to Sergeant Brynn at Stoneguard Pass. >> << Rewards: Free Passage through Stoneguard Pass, 4000 EXP, +150 Stoneguard Faction Reputation. >>
"Cliff Drakes... implies flying enemies, possibly with ranged attacks like fire breath. Skyreach Peaks sounds like dangerous, high-altitude terrain. But 4000 EXP is good for Level 16, and the faction rep could be useful. More importantly, going around the pass would take days, through unmapped territory. This is the only viable option."
"I'll retrieve your report, Sergeant," Drake stated. << Quest Accepted: [Drake Hunt, Report Found] >>
The Sergeant nodded, a hint of approval in her eyes. "Brave, or foolish. Time will tell. The nests are high in the Skyreach Peaks," she pointed towards a series of jagged cliffs to the east. "They favor sheltered ledges and shallow caves. Look for signs of their roosts – bones, scorch marks. The drakes themselves are agile, about man-sized, tough hides, and they often spit a volatile, burning ichor. The report was in a standard Stoneguard-issue leather satchel. Get it back intact." She gave him a grim smile. "And try not to become drake food yourself. The pass will be open to you upon your return with the report."
Drake nodded, absorbing the details, [Perfect Recall] logging every word. He asked a few more questions about the drakes' typical numbers and any known weaknesses, but the Sergeant had little more to offer beyond "they're tough, fast, and like shiny things."
With the quest accepted and basic information gathered, Drake gave the barricaded pass a final glance. He had his task. Turning away from the Stoneguard's watchful eyes, he headed east, towards the daunting, snow-capped Skyreach Peaks, the hunt for the Cliff Drakes and the stolen report officially underway.