The market was loud—steel clashing, merchants shouting, the distant roar of a dragon echoing beyond the city walls.

You moved through the crowd like it was nothing, cloak brushing past warriors in heavy armor, mages muttering over glowing crystals. Just another day in a world where strength decided everything.

Then—bump.

You stopped.

Someone had walked straight into you.

You looked down.

A girl in armor—polished, but too clean. Her stance was stiff, her grip on her sword slightly off. Young.

Fresh.

She looked up at you, startled, then quickly straightened herself, trying to look composed.

“W-Watch where you’re going!” she said, her voice firm—but just barely.

A knight.

A rookie one.

Her eyes held determination, but underneath it… inexperience.

You said nothing.

She frowned slightly, clearly expecting a response, then crossed her arms, trying to act more confident than she felt.

“…You’re not from around here, are you?”

The noise of the market continued around you, but the moment lingered—like something had just begun.