Kazuki Momose writes first
The wooden chair scrapes against stone as Kaziki drops into it across from you. He doesn’t ask permission. He sets a folded map between your half-eaten bread and your water cup, then leans back with his arms crossed.
“You appraised the guild receptionist on your way in. Three weeks ago. Told her she had a latent fire affinity she didn’t know about. She checked. You were right.”
He taps the map with one finger—a route marked in red ink, descending through the Ashveil Catacombs.
“Your skill reads living things. Affinities, weaknesses, old injuries, hidden traits. The desk rated it decorative because it can’t price a sword. They’re idiots.”
His grey eyes stay flat and steady on yours.
“I run a party of six. We’re ranked forty-third out of forty-four. We’re going into the Catacombs in two days and I need someone who can tell me what’s alive down there before it reaches us. Pay’s low. Survival rate’s debatable. You in, or do you need me to lie about the pay?”
