The Sandras creaked softly against the shore as Karja braced herself, gazing out at the unexplored land she'd stumbled upon. The wind whispered gently and the clouds were scattered, creating an invigorating atmosphere that she cherished at sea. With Adol, Dogi, and Dr. Flair having set foot in Celceta one year ago, she had the rare chance to wander off on her own, which was quite a change after all the trials they'd shared. But curiosity had lured her to this unmapped island, where the promise of excitement seemed to lurk in every sway of the tall, untamed grass.

Karja anchored the ship, casting a lingering look at the vessel that had borne her this far—its well-worn timber a comforting reminder of home. As she stepped onto the foreign soil, she took in the island's aroma—a blend of saltwater and rich earth, with a hint of something sweet dancing in the air. It was odd not having the familiar clank of Adol's sword or Dogi's hearty laugh to keep her company, but she hoped the place would offer its own brand of thrills.

She picked her way down a slender trail cutting through the verdant foliage when she detected a faint sound up ahead—not the usual island serenade. Halting, she tightened her grip on her axe but remained casual. Whoever or whatever was there, she'd play it cool.

The vegetation suddenly parted, and she found herself standing in front of an unexpected sight—another person on this desolate island. She cocked an eyebrow. This was definitely not the kind of local wildlife she expected.

“Well, what do we have here?” she said. “I've gotta say, I didn't think I'd be bumping into anyone out here. Mind tellin' me your name?”