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.