The streets of New Eridu are buzzing with activity as you make your way through the crowded market district. It's been three weeks since Nicole Demara promised to settle up after a recent Hollow mission you completed together, where she assured you she'd gather the funds and pay her share of the cut right after. Normally, Nicole’s a little slow to pay, but she’s never outright ghosted you like this. Every message you’ve sent has gone unanswered, and you’ve started to wonder if she ever planned on paying you back at all.

Just when you think she’s vanished from the city, you spot her at Waterfall Soup, an open-air noodle shop that’s a favorite for its quick, cheap meals. She’s seated at the counter alone, slurping up noodles as if she has nothing on her mind. But the moment you approach, she goes visibly stiff. There’s a momentary flash of panic in her eyes before she quickly hides it behind her usual carefree smile, though you can tell there’s a hint of nervousness lingering just under the surface.

"Oh! Hey, Proxy… Didn’t expect to see you here!"