Weeks had passed since the Rune Knight last walked the streets of Era, the city he called home. Adventure after adventure had whisked him away, sending him to all corners of the kingdom on quests for his order. Though each brought new challenges to test his skill, and new lands to sate his wanderlust, a part of him yearned for familiarity. Now, as his boots met the cobblestones of those old, familiar roads, he felt a comfort wash over him. This city held memories around every corner, friends behind every tavern door. The sights and smells that greeted him sparked recollections of days gone by, and reminded him why this place would always be special. Though the road awaited, for today, it was good to be home.

In his weeks of wandering, Tōga had formed an unexpected friendship. Michael, a mage of Blue Pegasus, had crossed his path on many an adventure since. With his exceed partner Samuel ever by his side, the young man had proven himself a stalwart ally. Together they had weathered storms both literal and figurative, their bond forged by tests of skill and spirit. What had begun as a working relationship bloomed into an easy camaraderie, the kind only found through shared struggles.

Now, with strengthening ties between their orders in mind, Tōga extended an invitation to Michael to visit Era. He was eager to show his new friend the city he called home, and to share with him all the comforts that came with that familiarity. This burgeoning kinship felt like the start of something meaningful, and he hoped Michael would find the same fondness for this place as he had.

The morning sun cast its blue hue across the cloudless sky as Tōga stood vigil at the gates of Era. Auburn eyes scanned the horizon, watching for the arrival of his expected friend. He had made sure to be the first familiar face Michael and Samuel would see upon reaching this new city. Adventure awaited them both here, that much was certain. Tōga had already acquired their first quest on behalf of his order, eager to show his comrade the landmarks and rhythms of his hometown while bonding through trials to come. It had been too long since their paths last crossed, and he was glad for any opportunity to reconnect and further forge their burgeoning friendship.

With the sun rising over this fresh day, Tōga was optimistic about what it held for the duo. Come what may, he was happy to share with Michael the place he proudly called home.

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Tōga's keen auburn eyes spied two silhouettes emerging in the distance, their features obscured by the sun's blinding glare. As the pair drew nearer, creeping ever closer through the grand gates of Era, Tōga's face lit up with joy.

"Mike! Sam!" His voice rang out clearly, bellowing the affectionate nicknames of his dear friends so they could hear his warm welcome. Tōga was overjoyed to see the two companions he had waited for with such anticipation. Their long-awaited reunion kindled a spark of excitement within him.

"My friends, I've arranged a special quest for us," Tōga continued eagerly. "I wanted your visit to be more than just dreary work, so I thought we could shadow one of my fellow Rune Knights. We'll earn some jewels while also getting to see the sights of Era!"

Tōga's clever plan allowed them to complete a task while also reveling in his beautiful city. He knew too well how duty could obscure the wonders of this city. But Tōga was determined to show his friends the vibrant spirit of Era. There was far more to this place than just obligation. One had to make time for joy and camaraderie too. This quest would give his companions a taste of his life here, while still leaving room for adventure. Tōga hoped this surprise would kindle delight in his friends. Their reunion was a chance to share the city he had come to love.

“So how bout it? If that’s fine with you, I can take us to the starting point,”

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wc: 254 [682]

Tōga reveled in witnessing the lively banter between Michael and Samuel unfold in real time. The two were complementary opposites, rarely aligning yet perfectly balanced. Whether gravely serious or joking around, their distinctive personas glimmered through their conversations, the depth of their bond evident. Tōga could only grin and chuckle, pondering when he might find his own kindred spirit. Samuel was an enigmatic sage that Tōga yearned to befriend. He hoped to someday experience the richness of such a profound friendship himself.

"Excellent. This way," Tōga beckoned, guiding his companions further into Era, towards the Rune Knight Headquarters. "We cannot directly engage with this knight, but must covertly observe her movements," he elaborated cryptically, unsure how else to explain their clandestine task. They were charged with shadowing a particular Rune Knight, monitoring her actions and documenting any irregularities. Something seemed amiss in her official reports, so they aimed to uncover the truth. Tōga led the stealthy pursuit, intent on unraveling the mystery and exposing any deception. Their furtive mission was not born of ill intent, but of a duty to bring justice and transparency.

Tōga halted abruptly, extending an arm to halt Samuel and Michael's advance. "Shh, there she is," the dragon slayer whispered, indicating an armored blonde exiting the building ahead. "She's on the move, so let's trail her," Tōga proposed, stealing into a nearby alleyway and beckoning the others to follow suit. They slipped stealthily into the shadows, tracking the knight's path through the streets. Tōga led the covert pursuit, angling their route to avoid detection. With practiced steps, they shadowed her from a distance, gathering intel for their clandestine mission. Tōga focused intently, intent on unraveling whatever deception the reports had obscured.

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wc: 285 [967]

Margret's voice rang out sharply, shattering the silence of the forest. "I know you're out there!" she called, her keen senses alerting her to the presence of Tōga and his companions even though they were hidden from view. They froze at the sound of her cry, exchanged uneasy glances, unsure if they should reveal themselves. Tōga hesitated, then stepped forward into the dappled sunlight, leaves crunching under his boots.

"Just follow me and stay out of my way," Margret called over her shoulder, lips curled in a sly smile. She strode confidently into the heart of the city, heading straight for the crowded entertainment district, the thrums of music and laughter growing louder.

Tōga could only watch in dismay as she breezed past unaware citizens, his careful stealth now irrelevant. With a resigned shrug, he turned to Michael and Samuel. "No point in lurking about I suppose," he said wryly. The two men emerged from the shadows, blinking at the sudden brightness of the open street. Michael raised an eyebrow at Tōga, who could only grin and shake his head. Their cover was blown, but perhaps it was for the best. There seemed little need for subterfuge when it came to the keen-eyed Rune Knight Margret.

The pulsing music grew deafening as Margret led them to a crowded club. At the entrance, a group of leather-clad punks were harassing a lone woman.

"Stay back, I've got this," Margret said, a fierce glint in her eye. In a blur she rushed forward, icy magic swirling around her fists. The punks barely had time to react before she was upon them, raining down chilling blows that sent them sprawling. Within moments the burly men lay groaning on the ground, beaten but alive. Margret stood victoriously over their prone forms. "You three, tie them up!" she commanded, sparing only a glance back at Tōga and his companions. They hastened to obey as Margret turned her attention to the shaken woman.

"Are you alright?" she asked gently, helping her to her feet. The woman nodded, eyes wide with awe and gratitude.

"You heard the lady, Michael, get to it!" Tōga said with a laugh, giving his companion a light shove forward.

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wc: 367 [1334]

It turned out, Marget wasn’t under suspicion for being devious or a traitor. It was because her way of dealing with wrongdoers was considered harsh and unrelenting. Explaining this to Tōga and Michael seemed more like a chore, and the Rune Knight felt the two of them could figure it out all by themselves. After all, they were tying up punks who were beaten well beyond punishment would dictate, but in Marget’s eyes, it was warranted. Measures taken to stop crime before it was even committed was worth it, so long as it stopped grim from happening in the first place.

“Yeah, we’re done.” Tōga smiled, turning to face Michael and Samuel after tying up the last of the leather-tooting punks. “We still have time to see the city,” Tōga reminded the two. Marget wasn’t one for playing around and made quick work of her opposition, leaving hours of the day to explore and continue the adventure the dragon slayer invited his two friends to join on him on in the first place. Margaret, however, wouldn’t be left out.

“I’m coming, too!” she invites herself. Stepping between the two guys, Marget smiles widely, wrapping strong arms around their neck as the foursome marches into Era, taking adventure and entertainment head-on as a reward for their efforts.

MISSION COMPLETE

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wc: 215 [1549]