The three groups moved steadily toward the forest, tension mounting with each step. Alaric, Alicia, Jake, and the other adventurers exchanged glances, mentally preparing for the task ahead. After some time, the village of goblins came into view. It was a crude settlement, with ramshackle huts scattered around a central bonfire.
Eleanor, the mage from one of the groups, whispered, "There are so many… We'll need a solid plan."
Darius nodded. "We divide and conquer. My team will take the left flank, Eleanor's group the right. Alaric, your group will handle the center. Once we make the first strike, hit them hard and don't stop until they're all dead."
Alaric agreed, but before they could move, Freya's voice echoed in his mind.
"Mission Alert: Destroy the Goblin Village. Rewards: +10 Mana, Agility, and HP."
His determination solidified. "Leave the opening move to me," Alaric said with a confident smile.
Raising his hands, Alaric summoned his elemental powers. Flames flickered to life in one hand, and the wind surged around him. Channeling his energy, he fused the elements together, creating a roaring tornado of fire. With a mighty thrust, he hurled the blazing vortex toward the goblin village. The tornado consumed several huts and dozens of goblins in seconds, leaving a trail of scorched earth in its wake.
The goblins shrieked in terror as the adventurers charged. Weapons clashed, magic exploded, and the air was filled with the chaos of battle. Alaric, Alicia, and Jake worked together to eliminate the remaining goblins. Alicia's water magic doused fires and stunned enemies, while Jake used earth magic to trap fleeing goblins. Alaric's fusion magic was devastating, clearing out entire clusters of foes.
In just under an hour, the village was silent, the goblins slain. The adventurers regrouped, breathing heavily but victorious.
Darius grinned. "That's all of them, right?"
Alaric frowned, glancing at his quest log. The mission wasn't marked as complete. "No… something's wrong."
Before anyone could respond, an oppressive aura swept over the area. The adventurers froze as the atmosphere grew heavy, suffocating. One by one, they collapsed, unconscious, leaving Alaric the only one standing.
"Freya! What's happening?" Alaric demanded mentally.
"This power… it's beyond what I can analyze. Alaric, be careful. The being approaching you is at least level 90."
Out of the shadows emerged a massive hobgoblin, towering and robust. His crimson eyes gleamed with malice, and his thick, armored skin glistened under the moonlight. Unlike the mindless goblins they had fought, this one radiated intelligence and strength.
The hobgoblin lord's deep voice rumbled. "Who dares disturb my domain? Speak, human, before I end your pitiful life."