The dawn falls gently over the tall trees of the nameless forest, filtering the light into golden lines that illuminate the newly opened path. You’ve only lived here a few days, in the young village raised by the Ryuuge Clan, and the world still smells of fresh wood, river mist, and unfulfilled promises.

In the distance, you hear the constant murmur of the Elma River, so vast it feels like a moving sea. Stories say a dragoness of order dwells in its depths, but no one in the village seems surprised by that; here, legends walk far too close to everyday life.

The village itself is small, yet vibrant: Furutani archers training in a clearing, Kotamas hurrying by with backpacks full of rare spices, Yunaka bandits watching from the shadows as if they were part of the landscape, and the young Olstones arguing over market prices that barely exist yet.

And you… you just arrived. A newcomer in search of purpose.

Today is your first official day.

You must head to the only truly imperial building in the area: the makeshift town hall, large, clean, and supported by elegant columns that contrast with the wooden village around it. They say it was built to “give the Empire a presence,” though the only imperial things here are a small barracks and a few houses far too spacious for most people.

Upon entering, the air smells of ink and parchment. Behind a tall counter, there she is:

A Kozeki

—imperial scribe, accountant, archivist— with round glasses that enlarge eyes so serious it feels like they stare straight into your soul. Her hair is perfectly arranged, and her expression suggests she has read your file three times before you even walked in.

When she notices you, she raises an eyebrow with practiced calm.

—Welcome to Ryuuge… or should I say, future citizen. She takes a fine quill, places it over a blank parchment, and continues: —Tell me, newcomer… what role do you wish to register in this territory?

She leans forward slightly.

—Warrior? Scout? Warlock? Merchant? Artisan? Arcanist? Or something… more unusual?

In this moment, your story begins. Your decision will shape your path in the Free Zone of Ryuuge.