TWO WEEKS EARLIER:

  After a week of traveling by carriage, Sentinel Kiyoshi and Sentinel Haruka had arrived at a vast ke in the mid-rim. Haruka looked out in awe at the shimmering expanse, welcoming the earthy scent of damp soil drifting through the air. The distant calls of birds mingled seamlessly with the bobbing water and rustling trees that sprouted in four separate trunks, their dangling leaves fpping into the wind.

  A pack of green-striped beasts drank from the clear water that sparkled under the afternoon sun. Lifting their horned heads, they cautiously observed the two climbing out of their carriage and walking across a dock managed by a few burly men.

  As they approached, they hardly got any reaction from the workers or guards.

  "It was a good call to change our appearance," Haruka said, inspecting her phantom leather armor for the twelfth time in admiration, checking for any imperfections in the illusion. "The artifact's mirage effect is very convincing. Artificer Aki continuously outshines her competitors. But did we really have to set it to dispy equipment of such...low quality?"

  Kiyoshi reached into his pocket, slightly disturbing the artifact's illusion to ensure his device was safely secured. "This is typically what C and B-ranks wear."

  A long-bearded man walked up to them with a warm smile. "Greetings, rangers! How can we be of service?"

  "We'd like for you to take us to River Town," Kiyoshi replied.

  "Of course," He responded, turning to the coxswain still avaible. "Another for River Town!"

  The coxswain, a broad-shouldered man, nodded and fiddled with an artifact tched onto the back of his small wooden boat. Guiding Kiyoshi and Haruka to his boat, the two boarded. The rectangur artifact shone with runes, the coxswain shifting them with a practiced hand until he found the right runes. Pressing a button on the side to confirm, their boat jumped forward to take them into the open water.

  Though she had never been to River Town, Haruka knew the faint structures that sat on the horizon just above the water had to be their destination. The cool breeze pyed with her golden bangs as she watched the fish in the water dart away from their boat.

  "So more rangers, eh?" The coxswain conversed to break the silence. "We've been getting a lot more business from you folks nowadays."

  Kiyoshi lifted a curious brow. "Is that so?"

  "Yeah. We've made quite a lot over the past few months. I guess business starts booming this time of year."

  "Interesting," Kiyoshi noted, pleased to know their intel was accurate.

  Thirty minutes flew by before the town gradually expanded. They glided past other vessels fanned out along the tranquil waters, fishermen hauling nets filled with dozens of fish aboard their boats.

  A towering lighthouse safely guided boats of all shapes and sizes to the harbor. As they neared the dock, the sound of the bustling town grew louder. The calls of seagulls swooping overhead, the ughter of children spshing in the ke's shallow end, and the musical tunes pying beyond the harbor blended together in a pleasant symphony.

  As their boat docked with a gentle bump, Kiyoshi paid their fare before stepping out with Haruka. Stepping out onto the main road, Haruka's jaw nearly dropped in disbelief. Human residents and majestic beasts roamed the streets, living in perfect harmony with one another.

  Families of small brown-furred creatures hitched rides on passing canoes, leaping off onto solid ground once they'd reached their destination, their long pointed ears bouncing.

  Tourists posed next to amphibious bear-like beasts chomping down on aquatic pnts with their webbed hands as artists skillfully painted the scenes with practiced strokes.

  Children stood at the edge of branching streams and rivers as massive samanders rocketed to the surface to snatch the fish they dangled, eliciting scores of giggles from the kids.

  "Your description of this town didn't do it justice," Haruka said, a hue of colors fanning throughout the sparkling water particles fluttering around her.

  "I suppose not. But giving away too much would've dampened your first-time experience." Kiyoshi replied as he led the way.

  The longer they walked down the cobblestone path, lined with colorful shops and cafes, the more exotic creatures Haruka saw. The conversations, ughter, and bestial callings merged harmoniously to give the town an amusement park-like atmosphere.

  Isoted in a separate district, a distant cluster of mills came into view, the creaking wood working diligently to harness the power of the rushing streams.

  Rounding a corner, the undercover Sentinels stopped as Haruka came face to face with a human-sized tortoise, the moss and dangling pnt life from its wrinkled body giving it an ancient appearance. She stepped back nervously as the beast started to inspect her closer.

  "It's okay. It just wants to get to know you." Kiyoshi gave a reassuring smile.

  She slowly lifted her arm as it moved to examine her side. After a few seconds, it took a step back and dipped its head under her hand, gently nudging it as if demanding head pats, which she happily obliged. It let out a content groan as she patted the top of its head with her right hand and scratched under its chin with her left, its aged skin rough and hard.

  A faint smile pulled at her lips before the tortoise left with a satisfied huff. Kiyoshi snickered as she shot him a side gre.

  "Care to share what you find so amusing?"

  "Forgive me. It's not every day you see a Sentinel lose their nerves over a turtle." He teased his companion.

  Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment, her usual stoic expression giving way to a pout. "I'd prefer it if you hold your tongue."

  Kiyoshi chuckled softly. "My apologies."

  "Where are we going anyway? This town is big. How are we supposed to find what we're looking for?"

  "How about we settle in first? I know someone."

  Crossing over a small brick bridge, they hailed a boat. They meandered down the winding network of streams, Haruka still silently absorbing the sights and attractions, until they'd reached an inn. Paying their coxswain, they got off in front of the inn. Haruka's gaze swept the building's architecture, its seashell rooftop and glistening scaly walls fitting into the town's aquatic theme.

  The spshes of water and animalistic calls muffled once they'd walked inside. Guests filled the lobby, the walls echoing with lively chatter. The gss floor provided a clear view of the exotic fish and beasts gliding through the tranquil waters below.

  Walking over to the front desk, the receptionist greeted the "rangers" with a welcoming smile. "Welcome. How may I be of service today?"

  "Does Lucas Bryer still manage this inn?" Kiyoshi asked.

  "Yes, he's in the back. Is there a problem?" The employee asked, confused.

  "I'd just like to speak with him, please. Preferably at the earliest convenience."

  "Oh, okay. Wait here while I go get him." The well-dressed man said before retreating through a door that led to the back.

  Kiyoshi turned back to find Haruka in a trance, spectating a giant samander engaged in hot pursuit against a swarm of fish through the reinforced gss floor. The kids excitedly pointing at the scene debated whether or not the fish could escape the monster.

  It'd been years since he left his home town and nothing had changed. The atmosphere was still vibrant and captured the eyes of tourists. The moist air left the skin damp as creatures constantly put on a show for those who wished to watch or take part in.

  He found himself smiling as he'd almost forgotten what it was like here and felt a warmth in his chest after returning to his hometown.

  "Kiyoshi?" A familiar voice ced with years of age spoke from behind him.

  He turned to find a burly man with short ginger hair that seeped into his well-trimmed beard. His suit was tailor-made to fit him perfectly, making him appear more slim than he actually was.

  "It is you!" He excimed, practically dashing around the counter to give his old friend a firm embrace.

  "It's good to see you again, Lucas. How's business?" Kiyoshi asked, returning his gesture.

  "Business is booming. Especially nowadays with the influx of rangers," Lucas released him to get a better look at the ordinary armor his friend was wearing. "Your armor isn't what I expected. I thought the Capital would've at least given you high-grade gear after you became a Sent-"

  A finger shot to Kiyoshi's lips, urging him to stay quiet. "We'd prefer it if you didn't reveal too much." He spoke in a hushed tone. "We're here on official business so for now, we're here as rangers."

  "Oh, sorry," Lucas scratched his cheek, embarrassed he could've potentially blown Kiyoshi's cover. "And what do you mean 'we'?"

  "How rude of me," Kiyoshi gestured to Haruka who approached his side silently, politely awaiting an introduction. "This is my 'party member', Haruka. Haruka, this is an old friend of mine, Lucas."

  Haruka gave a stiff bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

  "The pleasure's mine, ma'am," he dipped his head and turned back to Kiyoshi. "So, a pce to stay, I'm assuming?"

  "Do you mind?"

  Lucas gave a hearty ugh, patting his belly. "Like I'd turn down a paying customer, let alone a friend," he turned to his staff behind the counter who were listening in. "Prepare a VIP suite for these fine rangers."

  Kiyoshi's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That won't be necessary. Two standard rooms will do."

  "Nonsense," Lucas waved away his words. "I'll give it to yah for half the price of a standard room."

  Kiyoshi stared at him in disbelief before sighing in defeat. "You do too much for me."

  Lucas wrapped his chubby arm around Kiyoshi's shoulder, grinning brightly. "Now then, how about we go for a drink and catch up, eh?"

  Kiyoshi let out a breathy ugh. "Certainly," he looked over at Haruka. "Make yourself comfortable in the suite. I'll return soon."