[center][h3] [u]Group A, [@Guardian Angel Haruki], 10 AM[/u] [/h3][/center]

[color=f7941d]"I've yet to encounter the rest of your party,"[/color] Alessia began with a warm smile, [color=f7941d]"though I'm aware there are other members. Christopher, your recruiter, is quite the chatterbox. Ideal for his role as a messenger and, more recently, as a recruiter. If you've ever wondered about his wild exploits, he once dispatched a giant sand serpent, sliced its belly open, and delivered a letter to a soldier within. But, speaking of chatterboxes, would you look at me?"[/color] Alessia giggled, her laughter hidden behind a playful wave to Keruzi.

Following that light exchange, Alessia gracefully stood by, attentively tending to Keruzi and keeping a watchful eye until Rhythia returned with news from their master, Simon. Time passed and Rhythia eventually reappeared, accompanied by Simon, a tall blue lizard man dressed in warrior's garb. Approaching Keruzi with a warm smile, Simon's presence was introduced by Rhythia.

[color=7ea7d8]"Meet Simon, the master of the estate and your prospective employer, Ms. Keruzi,"[/color] Rhythia announced, gracefully stepping aside.

Simon, after a momentary inspection, extended his hand to Keruzi. [color=a187be]"A pleasure to meet a member of the Dark Sun Clan. I'm Simon. I've heard you're quite curious about your job,"[/color] he remarked, his smile radiating warmth. [color=a187be]"Well, it's nothing out of the ordinary, it is simply an escort mission. It is the cargo and their mission that makes your skills so valuable."[/color]

[hr]

[center][h3] [u]Group B,[@MacabreMoth] [@Randomguy], 10 AM[/u] [/h3][/center]

Meanwhile, Christopher, Simon's dedicated courier, sprinted as if a pack of wolves nipped at his heels. Unfazed by citizens, guards, or fences, he charged toward the gates of Noble Haven. In his rush, he unexpectedly encountered familiar faces; Aelyeth and Ebthor. Images of Ebthor's blood-stained claws flashed in Christopher's mind, prompting him to grab the Warbeast without a second thought.

[color=00aeef]"I need you to come with me right now!"[/color] Christopher implored, his focus squarely on Ebthor due to his combat prowess. [color=00aeef]"It's an urgent matter concerning the job I've chosen you for."[/color]

Ebthor's earlier exuberance soured as Christopher's hands enclosed around him. Audible growls emanated from Ebthor, suppressed yet unmistakable, as he stared down the determined courier. While recognizing Christopher from their initial encounter, Ebthor felt bound by the promised payment to his master, compelling him to comply with this unexpected turn of events.

[color=fff200]"Unhand me,"[/color] Ebthor uttered in a cold, monotone voice.

Reacting swiftly to Ebthor's demand, Christopher released his grip. Fear wasn't the emotion etched on Christopher's face; rather, it was desperation. He urgently needed Ebthor's assistance.

[color=00aeef]"Please, hurry. I don't know how much time we have,"[/color] Christopher urged calmly before darting toward Noble Haven. Aelyeth and Ebthor were not far from the gates, and Christopher spotted another familiar figure: Cheon, in the distance.

In a telepathic exchange, Ebthor communicated with Aelyeth, [color=fff200][i]They better pay well. So, what do we do?[/i][/color]

Christopher, showcasing his swiftness, reached the gates where Cheon had just arrived. Despite his impressive speed, Christopher was winded, indicating non-stop running. He could barely speak but managed to maintain some composure.

The guards, recognizing Christopher, expressed concern as they noted the stress on his face.

[color=004b80]"Chris? What's going on?"[/color] one guard asked with worry.

[color=00aeef]"Open this gate and fetch me four stompers!"[/color] Christopher demanded, doubling over on his knees. [color=00aeef]"I apologize. I am in a rush."[/color]

Responding promptly, the guards opened the gate, and one rushed off to procure mounts. Turning to Cheon, Christopher, now squatting to catch his breath, queried, [color=00aeef]"You're the warrior monk, right? Cheon, if I remember correctly, it looks like I'll be needing your combat skills sooner than I thought. The guards will meet us at the estate with our mounts, and hopefully,"[/color] he added, glancing back at Ebthor and Aelyeth, [color=00aeef]"we'll have some support as well. Let's go."[/color]

Driven by pure adrenaline, Christopher didn't wait for Cheon's response. His confidence in the wandering warrior's inclination for a fight assured him that Cheon would follow suit.