The lively chatter and laughter filling Era's streets faded away as Tōga ventured into the city's poorer districts. Here, the mood was tense and gloomy. Most residents kept their heads down, not wanting to attract attention. The few people out on the streets walked swiftly, as if afraid to linger too long.

"Yikes, kinda dreary around here, eh?" Tōga remarked out loud to himself, glancing around unfazed at the run-down buildings covered in graffiti tags. He had been sent here by the Rune Knights to get a sense of the persistent gang problem plaguing these neighborhoods. For too long, the people here had suffered under the fear and violence of warring gangs.

Well, Tōga was here to start making a change for the better! He strolled down a narrow alley, remaining alert in a relaxed way, one hand resting lightly near the sword at his hip. He wasn't expecting an attack in broad daylight, but hey, caution was wise in this unpredictable environment.

Turning a corner, the wizard spotted a group of tough-looking youths clustered under an apartment overhang. Their clothes and tattoos clearly identified them as members of the Black Claw gang. Tōga greeted them cheerfully with a friendly wave.

"Hey fellas, what's up? I'm Tōga, a Rune Knight," he introduced himself brightly. "I've come to learn more about things here and see how us Knights can help make life better for you all and the community. So what do ya say, can we chat a bit?"

The gang members muttered skeptically to each other. One spat on the ground. "You Knights can start by leaving us be. We look after our own here."

"I gotcha, I gotcha," Tōga said amiably. "But working together could really improve this place, ya know? Just think it over!" He gave them a thumbs up and breezy smile as he continued on his way.

Tōga was determined to keep having open and positive discussions with all sides. With a little friendliness and optimism, he believed progress could happen.

@Salem E.

Conflict was inevitable as the morning sun's inevitable rise. Sweat beaded on the gang members' brows as the Slayer stood calmly, poised for action. His bold self-introduction was a calculated risk, one he knew would provoke the men who wasted their time ruining others' lives.

Before replying to the trio before him, a new scent entered Tōga's awareness - the newcomer revealed by a subtle flare of his nostrils an instant before he spoke. "I'll keep that in mind, sir!" the knight said jovially, casually turning just long enough to glimpse the interloper.

The gang members reacted predictably, attacking the instant Tōga looked away - falling right into his trap. One leapt forward, a metal pole suddenly appearing as he drew a concealed weapon from his cloak. He aimed a blow at the slayer's head, but Tōga scoffed "Tch," leaping back as he nimbly dodged the failed sneak attack. Darting into the nearby alley, the slayer led them on a chase, vanishing into the shadows. The three cowards blindly followed, oblivious to the advantage Tōga now held from his vantage point.

If the newcomer wanted to play medic, his services would soon be needed for the gang members as they rushed headlong into an unwinnable battle.

Tōga melted into the darkness of the alley, using the shadows as cover. The three gang members charged blindly after him, their footsteps echoing between the narrow walls. Tōga pressed himself behind a dumpster, calming his breath as he listened to them approach.

The first gang member ran past Tōga's hiding spot, oblivious. As the second one drew near, Tōga reached out and snatched a wooden plank laying nearby. Gripping it like a bat, he swung out from behind the dumpster just as the gang member passed. The plank cracked against the man's head with a sickening thud, dropping him instantly.

The last gang member skidded to a halt, eyes wide with shock as he saw his companion crumble. Tōga was on him in an instant, grabbing him by the collar and slamming him against the brick wall. The man's head bounced off the unforgiving surface, leaving him dazed. Tōga delivered a swift knee to the stomach, then let the gang member slide to the ground, groaning in pain.

Two down, one to go. Tōga melted back into the shadows, continuing his lethal game of cat and mouse. The last man was more wary now, carefully creeping down the alley with senses strained for any sign of the slayer. Tōga allowed himself a faint smile. This hunt was just getting interesting.

Tōga narrowed his eyes as the last thug wildly fired his gun at the newcomer instead of focusing on the real threat - himself. Sloppy. The man clearly lacked any real combat skill if he was so easily distracted from his target.

As the shots echoed down the alley, Tōga crept soundlessly through the shadows, maneuvering behind the panicked thug. He had to give the newcomer credit for luring his prey right into the perfect position.

With the thug's back exposed and attention diverted, Tōga struck. In an instant, he closed the distance, delivering a punishing kick to the back of the man's knee. As the thug crumpled with a cry of pain, Tōga wrenched the gun from his grasp.

"You should have listened to the warning," Tōga admonished as he dismantled the firearm with quick, precise motions. The various parts of the gun clattered to the ground at the thug's feet.

With the weapon disposed of, Tōga turned his focus back to the whimpering man. "Attacking an innocent was foolish. But targeting a Rune Knight?" Tōga's eyes hardened, flashing with restrained fury. "Unforgivable."

Drawing back his fist, magic energy swirled and crackled around Tōga's hand as he prepared a decisive flaming strike. The thug raised his arms in a futile attempt to shield himself.

Tōga's blazing punch crashed into the man's midsection, sending him flying down the alley to crash in a smoldering heap. The knight surveyed his handiwork with satisfaction. The last of the hoodlums had been dealt with thanks to the newcomer's assistance.

Turning to face his unexpected ally, Tōga inclined his head in acknowledgement.

"Hey, thanks for giving that guy something else to shoot at! Left him wide open for me to knock his lights out. Good lookin' out, buddy!"

Tōga cocked his head thoughtfully as he regarded the newcomer. This one seemed eager to reap rewards for assisting with the apprehension of the criminals. An understandable motivation, if a bit mercenary for Tōga's taste. Still, he had proven helpful in distracting the gun-toting thug at a critical moment.

"Hey, I appreciate you drawing that punk's fire," Tōga said amiably. "Gave me the perfect opening to take him out. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?" He laughed, the picture of casual affability.

Inside though, Tōga's mind churned analytically. This stranger clearly possessed some capabilities if he willingly made himself a target to aid in the fight. And he seemed rather intent on claiming a portion of any bounty on the criminals. Resourceful and profit-driven then. Useful qualities, if directed properly.

Tōga nodded as the newcomer provided his information to the authorities for reward collection purposes. Always thinking practically about compensation. Yes, potentially a valuable contact, if approached correctly.

"Well hey, feel free to look me up if you ever need an extra hand bringing in some crooks," Tōga offered brightly, eyes glinting with calculation beneath his cheerful grin. "Us do-gooders have to stick together after all!"

Yes, this one could prove quite useful indeed. Tōga would be sure to stay on friendly terms. All while discreetly assessing if the man's greed could ever be turned against him. For now though, Tōga simply smiled.

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WC: 1124
END THREAD

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