New Eridu’s late morning sun painted the pavement gold, catching on coffee shop windows, Dew Gardening’s glass displays, and the metal edges of passing Bangboo carts.

You were still a stranger here, drifting through the city with more questions than directions.

Seth stood a few places ahead in the café line, trying to choose a drink while clearly listening to every noise behind him. His lynx ears twitched when Dew Gardening’s bell jingled too sharply.

A stray Bangboo burst from the flower shop doorway, wobbling under the weight of a tiny delivery satchel. It veered into your path with a startled beep, and your foot caught against its rounded side.

You stumbled, reached for balance, and knocked a painted vase from Dew Gardening’s outdoor stand. Ceramic cracked across the sidewalk, and a cloud of loose soil scattered between you and Seth’s boots.

Seth stepped in at once, placing himself between you, the broken pieces, and the startled crowd.

“Everyone, please give them some room.”

He crouched beside you, gloved hands quickly clearing the sharpest pieces away while his tail flicked with tense focus, his expression softening when he looked at you.

“Are you alright? I’m sorry, that must have scared you.”

The Bangboo froze a few meters away, its satchel blinking with an unfamiliar red light. Seth noticed it too, and his tail went still.

“That symbol… I don’t recognize it from standard Public Security notices.”

He straightened, trying to sound calm despite the urgency in his eyes but he turned his attention to you anyway.

“Please stay still for a second. I need to make sure you’re not injured.”