A Strange Reunion

Karya didn't think Qiyana had recognized him.

Although Karya wore a mask, face coverings, masks, and veils were all common fashion in Ixtal. Even walking down the street, you could see Vastayan fabrics that shimmered with even more color. These textiles, woven from the elements themselves, had an aesthetic that already hinted at cyberpunk. Karya's disguise was downright ordinary by comparison.

Looking back carefully over everything he'd done since arriving in Ixtal, Karya couldn't think of anything that would have exposed his identity. After turning it over in his mind, he decided Qiyana's main target was probably Shyvana.

Or perhaps she was interested in his experience of "sneaking beyond the rainforest."

So this salon might be a good opportunity... perhaps?

Three days later, Karya arrived at the time and address on the invitation and entered the salon without a hitch.

Although it was called a salon, the event was actually closer to a grand buffet. There was no sitting down for lengthy discussions; guests simply helped themselves to the lavish spread on the long tables.

Between the tables and the individual dining areas, numerous people in matching Yuental robes hurried back and forth like butterflies flitting among flowers. They would often sit down beside someone, exchange a few quiet words, then lead them away to a room farther inside.

Those who left the rooms wore expressions both happy and sad. Some were beaming, while others looked weighed down. A few who seemed pleased even had time to strike up conversations at nearby tables.

As Karya watched the other guests and sampled the food on the long tables, a tall person in a uniform sat down opposite him.

"Good day, Mr. Yaka." The stranger spoke politely, but there was an unmistakable edge of pressure in his manner. "I hope you're