I was so scared that I put all my points into health.

Alpha and Allen watched Wang Xiaoyi's series of unconventional actions with bewilderment, as if they were shrouded in mist, unable to comprehend the logic behind his strange behavior and decisions. However, this wasn't the first time they'd encountered such a situation; like the unusual cold snap in March, they had gradually become accustomed to it.

His rank wasn't high among adventurers of his age, like a small star yet to fully bloom, but his luck was as if he were held in the palm of Lady Luck's hand. Luck seemed to bloom unexpectedly around him, like spring flowers. Moreover, his interpersonal relationships were beyond imagination; he was like a magnet radiating warm light, attracting people from all places and backgrounds. Whether it was a forthright warrior or a quirky mage, they could all become friends with him. Because of this, he seemed like a lucky one favored by fate, always encountering extraordinary adventures in various quests. These adventures were like a string of sparkling pearls, inlaid in his adventurous career.

Alright, enough of the small talk, let's get back to the main topic.

The three checked the time and, feeling it was almost time, returned together to the Adventurers' Guild. Their steps were light and energetic, each one a rhythm of excitement for an unknown adventure. Their hearts were filled with anticipation for the upcoming journey, an anticipation akin to opening a door to a mysterious treasure, and their hearts beat faster involuntarily.

Upon arriving at the Adventurers' Guild, they headed straight for Guild Master Winnie's office. That office door seemed like an entrance to the world of adventure, waiting for them to begin a new chapter in their adventure story.

When President Winnie saw the three arrive, a kind smile immediately appeared on her face. That smile was like the warm sunshine of spring, giving people a feeling of warmth and reassurance. Then, in a calm and gentle voice, she began to briefly explain the relevant security matters.

"Next, let's take on a few missions to warm up. You guys can just stay on the sidelines, but don't think that everything will be fine just because I'm here. Adventure is like unpredictable weather, always full of all sorts of variables." The guild leader said, carefully scanning the three of them to make sure they understood. "When you're out on missions, you must always be vigilant. Remember, whether it's those beasts as strong as small mountains, which might pounce on you with their huge claws or fangs at any moment; or those magical traps hidden in the shadows like ghosts, which could trap you or kill you in an instant, these could all pose a deadly danger. If you encounter a powerful enemy, you must remember that your primary task is to save your own life. Life is the most precious treasure, especially in adventure. Also, if you accidentally get separated, don't panic. Stay calm, like a hero searching for the light in the darkness. Carefully observe the features of your surroundings, find a relatively safe place, such as behind a boulder or at the base of a large tree, and then wait there for rescue."

Although the guild leader spoke with such seriousness, she was quite confident. In her view, with her around, what serious problems could these kids possibly cause? This wasn't some high-difficulty S-rank mission; with their abilities, as long as they didn't do anything reckless, they shouldn't be in too much danger. She couldn't help but think of the kids she had once led, so full of energy and drive back then. They relied on their skills and thought they could do whatever they wanted in front of her. Once, they went to provoke a dungeon boss, acting as recklessly as moths to a flame. As a result, they were chased around by the monsters summoned by the boss. Although the monsters didn't seem strong individually, they were quite troublesome for them at the time. One kid even died from a single scratch from a monster, only to be resurrected by a priest in the party. Thinking back on these past experiences, it was both intriguing and interesting, and Guild Leader Winnie's lips unconsciously curled into a faint smile.

For the past three days, Wang Xiaoyi and his companions' primary objective has been to level up. Leveling up means they will be eligible to wear higher-level armor, which will not only provide stronger physical protection but also enhance their resistance to various elemental damage, significantly improving their survivability. As long as they aren't instantly killed in battle, they have a chance to rely on the healer in their team for timely healing.

Priests play a crucial role in a team, especially high-level priests. Their advanced healing spells possess powerful restorative effects, capable of instantly restoring health to full with a single cast, allowing teammates to quickly recover their fighting strength in the heat of battle. Furthermore, if a teammate is unfortunately killed, a high-level priest can cast a resurrection spell, given time, to bring them back into the fight.

However, Wang Xiaoyi and the others knew their levels were far too low, only around level 20. Compared to the enemies they were about to face, their levels were like cubs facing a giant beast—a severe disadvantage. According to Guild Master Winnie, the areas where the pointer fragments were located were all at least level 50 or higher, meaning their enemies were far stronger than themselves.

In this situation, even the minor monsters in those areas could pose a deadly threat to them. These monsters are not only powerful but also numerous; an attack from just one could be overwhelming, or even instantly kill them. Therefore, these three days are crucial for them; they must dedicate themselves to leveling up and increasing their strength to ensure their survival in the upcoming adventures.

The surrounding adventurers were astonished to see their high-ranking guild leader leading a group of newcomers. Their eyes were filled with doubt and curiosity, as they secretly wondered, "Which country's royalty? Nobles? Or the offspring of important guests? Why does the guild leader have to personally lead them?" Their eyes were like spotlights, fixed on Wang Xiaoyi and his companions. However, a closer look at their equipment revealed it to be nothing more than ordinary adventurer's casual wear, nothing special, which only increased their surprise.

Wang Xiaoyi didn't find anything strange. He remained calm and composed, like a still pebble, despite the strange looks from the crowd. But Alpha and Allen were different. Being stared at by a group of people made them feel extremely uncomfortable, as if they were bound by countless eyes, and they didn't know what to do.

President Winnie casually accepted the task order for the investigation of demonic energy, then went to the front desk, made a simple registration in the task register, and then led the three people out.

The quest location was in the forest northeast of Elparan City, a forest like a vast, mysterious treasure trove, but also concealing many unknown dangers. As the guild leader, she naturally couldn't go there on foot. At that moment, the staff brought out four majestic griffins. The four griffins stood there, tall and agile, their enormous wings fluttering slightly in the air, creating a gentle gust of wind. Their eyes, like bright stars, shone with a proud and mysterious light.

When Alpha saw the griffin, his eyes lit up with surprise, like seeing a brilliant star in the darkness. He was especially envious of the chairman's flying mount. The staff began to give Wang Xiaoyi and the other two a simple lesson on how to ride the griffin. Alpha, with his previous experience riding large birds, quickly grasped the basics, like a skilled craftsman operating a familiar tool. Wang Xiaoyi and Allen, however, struggled. They were both somewhat afraid of heights. Standing beside the griffin, looking at its massive, somewhat menacing claws and slightly flapping wings, Wang Xiaoyi felt a surge of panic, like a rabbit trapped in his chest. His legs trembled slightly, and he dared not meet the griffin's sharp gaze. Allen was even paler, his body shaking like a leaf in the wind, his fists clenched tightly as he struggled to overcome his deep-seated fear. After several attempts, Wang Xiaoyi and Allen cautiously mounted the griffin's back. President Winnie took off first, followed closely by the others, and they soon arrived at their destination.

After explaining the safety matters, Guild Master Winnie led the three to the quest bulletin board on the first floor of the guild. A large number of adventurers had already gathered in front of the bulletin board; the hall was bustling with activity, a vibrant symphony of voices.

Suddenly, the guild leader's gaze fell upon a mission—a mission to investigate demonic energy. The mission description was detailed, stating that an anomaly had occurred in the forest northeast of Elparan City. That forest had always been a peaceful and tranquil place, with various creatures coexisting harmoniously and magical elements flowing in an orderly fashion. But recently, for some unknown reason, demonic energy had permeated the area, drifting through the forest like a black mist. The small animals in the forest seemed greatly frightened, their behavior becoming abnormally agitated and restless, and even some normally docile magical creatures began to flee in all directions. The surrounding magical elements resembled a disrupted chessboard, exhibiting severe disorder.

President Winnie looked at it for a while, then stepped forward and accepted the task sheet for investigating demonic energy. She went to the front desk, made a simple registration in the task log, and then led the three people out.

The quest location was in the forest northeast of Elparan City, and as the guild leader, she naturally couldn't go there on foot. At that moment, the staff brought out four majestic griffins. The four griffins stood there, their massive wings slightly spread, their eyes radiating a proud and mysterious light. When Wang Xiaoyi and the others saw the griffins, their eyes immediately lit up with surprise, like children seeing their favorite toys. Especially seeing that their guild leader already possessed a flying mount, they were filled with envy.

The staff began to give Wang Xiaoyi and his companions a basic introduction on how to ride the griffin. Alpha, having prior experience riding large birds, learned very quickly, much like a skilled rider quickly mastering a new steed. Wang Xiaoyi and Alan, however, struggled; both were somewhat afraid of heights. Standing beside the griffin, Wang Xiaoyi felt a pang of fear looking at its massive, somewhat menacing claws and slightly flapping wings. Alan, on the other hand, was pale, his legs trembling slightly, his fists clenched tightly as he struggled to overcome his fear.

After several attempts, Wang Xiaoyi and Allen cautiously climbed onto the griffin's broad, sturdy back. Wang Xiaoyi gripped the griffin's feathers tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white from the effort. His heart pounded wildly, as if it would burst from his chest. Allen wasn't in much better shape; his face was ashen, his legs trembling uncontrollably, and every inch he climbed felt like overcoming immense resistance.

President Winnie glanced at the two's tense expressions, gently patted the griffin's neck, and then took flight herself. Like a lithe eagle, she rode the griffin, circling and ascending in the air, her posture elegant and composed.

Seeing the president take flight, Wang Xiaoyi and Alan took a deep breath, mustered their courage, and urged their griffins to take off as well. Their griffins seemed to sense their masters' nervousness, wobbling slightly at first during takeoff, but gradually stabilizing after flying a short distance.

In no time, they arrived at their destination—the forest northeast of Elparan City. From the air, the forest resembled a green ocean, its dense trees lush and verdant, their layers of leaves like green waves. Occasionally, small animals could be seen darting among the trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves to create dappled golden light. However, beneath this seemingly tranquil and peaceful scene lurked a dangerous aura permeated with demonic energy.

Please provide the system details regarding the mission: Investigation of demonic energy in the forest east of Elparan City. System notification sound, "Ding!"

I. Task Description

Recently, a phenomenon of overflowing demonic energy has appeared in the forest on the eastern outskirts of Elparan City. This demonic energy has disrupted the ecological balance of the forest, causing the creatures that once coexisted harmoniously to exhibit abnormal behavior. For example, some small magical creatures have become agitated, attacking their own kind or leaving their original habitats. Ordinary animals in the forest have also begun to avoid certain areas, as if those areas have been driven away by an invisible force.

II. Task Objectives:

1. Investigate the source of the demonic energy to determine if any evil forces or ancient, sealed entities are awakening, posing a potential threat to Elparan City and the surrounding area.

2. Take measures in advance to prevent it from harming urban safety.

III. Task Prompts

1. When small magical creatures in the vicinity begin to flee in groups or make unusual noises, it is likely that there are powerful creatures affected by demonic energy nearby or that you are about to enter a dangerous area with an extremely high concentration of demonic energy.

2. If you find that the surrounding plants are a strange black or purple color and grow in an extremely twisted way, this is also a warning sign that demonic energy is highly concentrated, so you should proceed with extra caution.

IV. Task Rewards

1. Experience points and gold coin rewards

Experience points and gold coins will be awarded based on the completion of the task.

2. Reputation Points Reward

Upon successful completion of the mission, reputation within the Adventurers' Guild will increase slightly. This will elevate their status within the guild, granting them priority access to higher-level missions or special guild resources, such as the opportunity to borrow high-level magical weapons.

After listening to the system's detailed explanation, Wang Xiaoyi breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that this matter wasn't as difficult as he had imagined. After all, with President Winnie and the others by his side, he only needed to follow President Winnie's instructions step by step.

And so, the three of them set off into the forest. Upon entering, they discovered that there were far fewer monsters than they had expected. Wang Xiaoyi pondered to himself that this was probably thanks to the previous cleanup operation by the Elf King Dragon (in parrot form). The monsters had likely been mostly eliminated, so although the demonic energy was still dissipating, it hadn't morphed into any particularly powerful monsters.

They moved slowly through the forest, the surrounding demonic energy drifting like ghosts in the air, sometimes gathering, sometimes dispersing. Suddenly, President Winnie stopped, her gaze fixed on a small crack ahead. The crack was surrounded by dense demonic energy, like an entrance to an unknown world.