Shuyi absent-mindedly drove her donkey cart that was trailing at the end of a merchant caravan. It was a long journey to Chrana, so she was glad to have found a group to travel with. The merchants that led this group was insistent on a tight schedule, so there wasn’t much chance for Shuyi to get to know anyone; only a few mercenaries tried to make conversation with her when they made camp, but Shuyi would always be exhausted to the point of passing out.

As they drew closer to the Entei Baharan city, Shuyi began to feel anxious. This was the first time she’s been this far from home – she hasn’t even gone far from the imperial capital since birth. She wondered about what the guild is like, and what kinds of people she may meet there. [color=bd2600][i]At least it’s better than adventuring alone[/i] [/color], she thought as she was reminded of her failed attempt a few weeks prior.

At this point, it was late afternoon, and the caravan had stopped at a clearing just inside the gates of Chrana. The journey was complete, and the caravan was disbanding. Shuyi found the merchant leader, paid the other half of the due, and wish each other good fortune. Despite seeming stern, and maybe even a bit… unscrupulous? Shuyi wouldn’t mind doing business with the merchant again. With that thought, Shuyi started for the guildhall with her donkey cart.

It was nearly sundown when Shuyi finally arrived in front of the guildhall. Normally it shouldn’t have taken that long, but it was difficult for the cart to move through the crowd that did not seem deterred by the setting sun. Plus, Shuyi was so dazzled by the city, she was unable to make a beeline. This was a brand-new world to her. At first, she was shocked by the amount of people and things, but that slowly turned into intrigue. Many times, she stopped herself from taking a detour, by telling herself that she should get settled first, and that she will get plenty of chances to wander later.

After leaving her cart in a safe place, Shuyi cautiously stepped into the guildhall. She almost immediately ran out since she wasn’t prepared for the rowdiness. She expected order and discipline, and this was the opposite. [color=bd2600] [i]This is what adventurers are like, I guess?[/i] [/color] She could only attempt to reassure herself as the anxiety in her grew stronger.

Surveying the almost tavern-like place, she caught a glimpse of a well-dress, well-mannered man, who, surprisingly, didn’t jut out like a sore thumb. [color=bd2600] [i]That’s gotta be someone in charge. I should go talk to him.[/i] [/color]Deciding that was the best course of action, Shuyi makes her way towards the man while attempting to skirt around clusters of people. Along the way, she caught words like “beastfolk”, “spirit”, “contract”, “oni”, and “violent”. Shuyi has heard of other races but have never met any. She has seen spirits, though, as it was common for the upper-class to form contract with them. [color=bd2600] [i]Maybe there will be people from other races that are also taking this job.[/i] [/color] The thought was short-lasted as she arrived at the counter where the man stood.

Taking out the flyer, she hesitantly asked,[color=bd2600] “Um, hi, are you Nivaan?” [/color] After a little pause, she realized she hasn’t introduced herself. [color=bd2600] “Excuse my manners, I am Shuyi Zheng. I was given this flyer during my travels and was told to come here to find Nivaan for the job.” [/color]She tried not to wince at the word “travels”. The truth was, less than two days after she left for the wilderness, she got attacked by beasts. She was saved by an adventurer, who, upon hearing her intentions, gave her the flyer and instructions. However, she wasn’t about to tell a complete stranger something this embarrassing.