Penny had a feeling that the destination her group was heading toward was going to spell trouble. Mount Stone was close to the Village, and the path that led there was surprisingly well maintained for a mountain trail. The dirt was packed firm, the stones flattened by countless boots and wheels, and even the occasional signpost stood at the intersections. It almost felt too safe, which, to Penny, was never a good sign.
The recent surge of higher-level players meant that hunting grounds were getting crowded, forcing players to spread out in search of better grinding spots. Monsters were being hunted faster than they could spawn, and their numbers had dwindled in this area. That was likely why, even after fifteen minutes of walking along the rugged incline, the group had not encountered a single monster.
