Magnolia. Hakai's gaze shifted from side to side, a vigilant scan of his surroundings. Inhaling deeply, he seemed to savor the city's unique ambiance, as if discerning its very essence. This marked his inaugural visit to Magnolia, and the excitement coursing through him exceeded the ordinary. A broad, eager grin could be seen on his face, reflecting his anticipation of exploring this new territory. Word had reached him about a renowned guild based in this town, effectively turning Magnolia into their playground. "I might cross paths with them later," he quipped, his tone laced with sarcasm. However, he acknowledged that most of the guild's members basked in the limelight, reaching celebrity status within Fiore.

Hakai was deeply entrenched in a variety of businesses, even those of a more dubious nature. Nevertheless, this didn't deter him from doing good deeds, despite his cold exterior. He recognized that benevolent actions could yield substantial profits and benefits, even if he didn't immediately reap them. This was the essence of Hakai's life – an unrelenting pursuit of profit and wealth. As he strolled down the sun-drenched streets, hands tucked into his pockets, his scarred chest and face were on full display, a visible deterrent to anyone who might consider approaching. However, he paid no mind to the curious gazes; he was here for what was rightfully his, the reward for a quest he was about to complete.

Upon reaching the door of a particular shop that had requested his assistance, Hakai paused, contemplating his next move. "Shall we meet the owner?" he muttered to himself.

As he approached the shop's entrance, Hakai conducted one final survey of the vicinity. Unfamiliar with this locale, he maintained a heightened sense of awareness, a precaution against unforeseen dangers. He recalled past experiences when he had taken on multiple requests in other cities, only to have peculiar individuals suddenly appear, forcing him to share the task. His hand hovered over the door's surface, ready to push it open. However, before he could proceed, he noticed another figure in close proximity to the door.

"Hey, are you—?" Hakai's words trailed off as he attempted to process the situation.

In the vibrant, bustling streets of Magnolia, Izanagi found himself meandering along the edge of the nearby river, a profound sense of thought gripping him, or perhaps it was just sheer boredom that hung in the air. This morning was an anomaly for him – he had slept in, an unusual occurrence that left him feeling disoriented. As he entered the guild, a quick glance at the request board revealed an empty canvas, or at the very least, a complete lack of anything interesting. This left him with an abundance of unclaimed hours, and he wasn't quite sure how to fill them.

A gust of wind ruffled his short, golden hair, momentarily obstructing his vision and causing him to stumble. Fortunately, he fell onto the cobblestone street instead of plunging into the river. "Not my day," he muttered under his breath, frustration brewing.

After a contemplative walk, he reached the heart of town, the marketplace brimming with an eclectic mix of shops. Each store showcased its own unique and captivating items from various corners of Fiore. Despite the controversies surrounding some of these shops, Izanagi believed that in the grand scheme of things, business was business, as long as no one was harmed. His hope was to discover a unique magical item, a whisper of a rumor he had heard.

As he browsed, however, nothing particularly captivated his interest. Slightly disappointed, he began to turn away. But as he approached the exit of the shop, a figure near the entrance caught his attention. The man had a face marred by a distinctive scar. Though they were not acquainted, that scar etched a memory in Izanagi's mind, making it impossible to ignore. He also couldn't help but notice the stranger's undeniable strength. Realizing that he had been staring too long, Izanagi decided to break the silence with a genuine smile, accompanied by a nervous scratch to the back of his head. "Hey there!" he greeted, a hint of curiosity and warmth in his voice.