The edge of an oath

Morning mist wound like ribbons between the stone-paved streets and wooden houses of Andom Town, a chill lingering in the damp air. Above the town gate, the Hunter Association emblem and Greed Island's metal insignia glimmered faintly in the weak dawn light, as though speaking of the game world's age and mystery. The market slowly stirred awake. Vendors laid out colorful cards and called at the top of their lungs, "Flight cards! Fifty million Jenny! Don't miss your chance!" The scents of roasted meat, hay, and sparks from metalwork filled the air. Flags marked with card numbers hung over the stalls, fluttering in the breeze. Players gathered before the notice board, discussing the latest news in hushed voices. "Flame-Tailed Dragon cards went up again. A newcomer got badly burned by one last night." "Those Kazislo guys are scooping up designated cards in Limeska's card trading district. Prices have gone crazy..."

A figure slowly emerged from the morning mist. Ryan, a sixteen-year-old Single-Star Hunter, wore a gray cloak with slightly curled edges. The smell of gun smoke from last night's hunt still clung to its hem, and his weighted armor gleamed iron-gray in the morning light. His steps were steady, his gaze cold, his eyes as sharp as blades. Players who had intended to approach him instinctively stepped back, daring only to whisper. "That guy... didn't he kill an Iron-Maned Lion yesterday?" "With that presence, I bet he's going for another high-difficulty mission."

Ryan walked straight through the market, his boots tapping crisply against the paving stones. He entered the mission office, its heavy, weathered wooden door creaking open. Inside, Hagu sat behind a long table, leafing through a yellowed parchment mission scroll. The elderly NPC had eyes like a hawk. Looking up as Ryan entered, he regarded him with growing