Night had already settled in by the time the watchtower torches were fully lit.
Just beyond the southern border of the capital city of Fūgen, Shinkōtsu, stood a veteran officer by a watchtower's base, wearing red samurai-style armor layered with steel plates.
His helm was tucked under one arm, his greying hair pulled back, and with tired eyes, he listened to the adventurers standing across him.
At their front was their leader, a massive man easily seven feet tall, with dark skin stretched over slabs of muscle that didn't quite match the flowing mage's robes he wore.
A heavy staff of solid Mithril rested in one hand with its crystal core pulsing faintly as he spoke in a rough voice.
"Survey's complete," he said calmly, extending a report. "No abnormal monster migration or magic beast nests are within threat range. At the current growth rate, you shouldn't see trouble from the forest for at least two months."
