Receiving reports of fellow members' names, ranks, and locations were not exclusive to higher ranking Rune Knights. In truth, it started as soon as one became a Page. In fact, that's what brought the 22-year-old mage to Crocus, to begin with. He was, officially, going to head to Era to meet the Rune Knights but as he checked his notes he realized most (if not all) the Rune Knights had left for Crocus. One name, in particular, had caught his attention among the high ranking Rune Knights. Masami Kita. If he recalled, during their family vacation his younger sister spoke of Guild Members she had met and even worked with. One that stood out was Masami. He was no older than herself, yet his magic was impressive.
According to the notes, the boy had been granted Captain-commander upon joining the Rune Knights. That was quite a feat for such a young mage. He must have some impressive credentials. Of course, the notes included mention of the fact the teen had already reached X-Rank. Masado wasn't even aware Ranks that surpassed S-Rank existed. He thought it was mere rumors and tales. Still, it was impressive. And one of the main reasons Masado had decided to stay in Crocus upon arrival was in hopes of meeting this famous mage.
If he truly used to be with Penumbral Guard, he'd have knowledge of what happened during their absence. Too bad Masado had no one to get in touch with his sister from a distance. It wasn't that he was worried about her safety. She was an A-Rank Ranger and a werewolf. He had no doubt she could take care of herself. But, sharing information would go a lot smoother if he could talk to her freely. But, it was what it was. As the Rune Knight speed-walked down the street, his armor clanging, his hand still resting on his sword hilt, he heard rustling and as he glanced over his shoulder he caught movement out of the corner of his eyes. It was quick, almost a blur to the untrained eye, but he definitely saw something.
After the third incident, Masado was convinced of it. He was definitely being followed. He kept his hand on his sword and stayed alert as he walked down the road. He wasn't sure if the one tailing him was friend or foe yet, so he decided to be cautious but not irrational. A voice soon reached his ears, implying he was scaring the citizens by walking too quickly. Most would be startled by a disembodied voice speaking to them. Masado didn't scare as easily as his baby sister, however. Instead, the man slowed to a halt and turned his eyes toward the source of the voice.
It was then that Masami himself landed by his side. He could tell by his clothing, equipment, and the way he carried himself that the boy was both powerful and high ranking. Masado removed his hand from the weapon that rested at his hip, eying the boy in front of him. If it wasn't for his notes and the confirmation of Rinni's stories from the Guild, he would have assumed this teen to be a young girl. The boy was petite, and smaller even than that of Rinni. How could someone so small and innocent looking become so powerful?
Guess one truly could not judge a book by its cover.
As Masami pointed out that the streets were filling again now that he was there, Masado only nodded. It was to be expected. No one knew him; on the flip side, everyone knew Masami. Masado stood at attention and saluted the Captain-commander respectfully. It felt a bit strange showing such respect toward a boy so young, but it was what it was. He was sure the kid deserved all the respect and trust he had most likely earned over a long period of jobs and services. "Captain-commander Masami, yes? You're actually just the person I'd been looking for. Me and my sister used to be members of Penumbral Guard. I believe you'll know her; Rinni Faithe?"
Masado looked around as people busied themselves all along the streets, no longer seeming so distant now that Masami was present. They clearly trusted and looked up to the boy with high regard. Masado would then look down at the shorter male that stood beside him. "I do apologize. It wasn't my intent to scare anybody. I'm searching for Penumbral Guard members. My family and I returned to Fiore after a trip to Enca and discovered our guild had been destroyed. Rinni and I split up in search of answers. She's in Oak City right now, I believe, looking for her boyfriend and any surviving ex-Guildmates. I came here for the same reason. I was hoping you could shed some light on the situation?"