Timeskip(12 Days, Night-time).
Location: Bereznik.
Seiji and Riku sit at a table outside a coffee brewery in a fantasy medieval town near the docks, a sight unfamiliar to someone born in modern times. However, Seiji, having spent four years in this reincarnated world, is accustomed to cities and villages bearing this fantastical appearance.
Seiji idly propped his chin on his fist, watching with boredom as the residents of this place passed by.
Shinoda Seiji(INT):
"Twelve long days had passed and our manhunt for Kade. If only I had pushed myself harder, perhaps he would not have escaped."
Riku casually sipped her tea while chatting with Seiji, yet it became evident that his attention was more fixated on Kade's whereabouts than on Riku's conversation.
Shinoda Seiji(INT):
"I can't help but feel that Kade grows stronger with each passing moment, gaining a greater understanding of the world around him. I just hope we can catch him before he does anything terrible."
Hagakiri Riku:
"Seiji?"
"Seiji..."
"Seiji!"
Seiji's focus shattered as Riku called his name, causing him to jolt slightly; he noticed her mildly irritated expression, which softened as she readjusted her glasses.
Hagakiri Riku:
*Sigh*
"I see that you're still thinking about..."
"Him."
Shinoda Seiji:
"W-was it that obvious?"
She nodded as she sipped from her cup of tea.
Shinoda Seiji:
"I mean, am I wrong for doing so?"
"That man is all types of wrong, so of course I would, I'm concerned."
Hagakiri Riku:
"No, it doesn't make you wrong, but that doesn't mean it is right."
"Listen, Seiji, thinking about something all the time will physically and mentally drain you."
"And when the moment arrives, you won't be awake to do the work you've thought about."
Shinoda Seiji:
"I know, it's just..."
"What if he–"
Hagakiri Riku:
"Pondering on the countless "what if's" only leads to stagnation. The future is uncertain, and there is no use getting worked up over it."
Riku silenced Seiji by gently placing a just-baked cookie in his mouth, prompting a blush to color Seiji's cheeks.
Hagakiri Riku:
"So take a deep breath and calm down, then you'll start to see the situation more clearly."
Seiji savored the cookie in quiet contemplation, his gaze fixed on Riku, who serenely sipped her tea.
Shinoda Seiji(INT):
"She's right..."
"I'm stressing over things that haven't likely happened..."
"Thank you, Riku, I don't know what I'd do without you, and the girls."
Seiji's soft smile warms as he gazes at Riku, a gentle chuckle escaping him as he lifts his coffee cup to his lips.
Cut to ???
Location: Nostrali.
HIn the rattling carriage, amidst the rhythmic clatter of hooves on muddy terrain, a young man with a half-human, half-lizard appearance sat, his fit physique accentuated by dark green spiky hair, piercing yellow reptile eyes, and sharp, long fangs.
Carriage Driver:
"Stop."
The carriage finally stopped, and the sound of horse hooves clattering ceased.
Carriage Driver:
"Oi, we're here, you can get out now."
???:
"Thanks for the ride."
Emerging from the carriage, he tossed a few coins to the driver, then shrouded his face by pulling his hood over it. With his head hung low, he gazed at the expansive entrance before disappearing into the grand kingdom; however, as he navigated past the guards, one of them firmly grabbed onto his shoulder.
Guard:
"Sir, you'll have to be checked in–"
Turning to face the guard, his once-altered appearance reverted to a middle-aged human with brown eyes. causing the guard to jump back in surprise as recognition dawned.
???:
"Is there a problem, sir?"
Guard:
"...Zarech? What's a celebrity like you doing out here alone? Aren't you living in Sternenhein?
???:
"No no no, I had just arrived here earlier unannounced."
The guard, taken aback, chuckled in surprise, he hastily pulled out a pencil and paper from out of his pockets, speaking in an embarrassed tone.
Guard:
"Hey, uhh... can I have your autograph? I went to all of your performances as a kid, so you're like my hero."
???:
"Eh heh... well uhm, of course!"
After slipping away unnoticed, he casually donned his hood again, uncertain about the autograph's correctness, yet the guard, in silent awe, remained oblivious to any doubts.
???(INT):
"These shape-shifting abilities just keep making my life better and better."
"Aww, these poor men and women, not knowing that they're just another coin farm to me."
Shifting back in his original appearnce with a smirk, he silently pilfered coinbags from unsuspecting residents, moving through the crowd with ease.
Markin Razzio(INT):
"I got outta Valdorcia before the feds could catch me, you're still a lucky son of a bi##h, Markin."
"Now, whose sad-a## am I going take from?"
In the midst of the lively streets of Nostrali, he discreetly surveyed the bustling crowd, silently selecting his next target for theft.
He observed a seemingly innocent couple whose appearance suggested a socio-economic status ranging from mid-class to lower high-class.
Markin Razzio(INT):
"Hmmm, maybe those two?"
"Nope..."
As he strolled through the streets, his gaze constantly scanning for the perfect target, he suddenly felt a presence trailing behind him.
Markin Razzio:
"?!"
Startled, he turned swiftly, only to find the flow of people walking past him, seemingly oblivious to his momentary unease.
He narrowed his eyes before noticing a well-dressed gentleman exuding high-class presence walk past him, brushing aside unease to fully focus on his perfect target.
Markin follows behind the man and intentionally bumps into him as soon as the man stopped to inspect the store.
Markin Razzio:
"Oof, sorry man."
???:
"Oh? Uh, it's alright young man."
He strolls around the corner, observing the man meticulously inspecting the store, then glances at his gold pocket watch before calmly walking away.
Markin Razzio(INT):
"For my shapeshift magic to work, all I have to do is touch my target and I'm all set to do whatever I want posing as this man."
"Throughout my use of this ability, I've participated in rich parties, gain free entrance to places that are restricted and can't be accessed from any one in the low-class, or anything lower than that."
Silently trailing behind the man, he turns the corner and discreetly follows him to his residence. Upon arrival, he taps the man's shoulder, swiftly rendering him unconscious, then positions the man's arm over his shoulder to create the illusion of drunkenness.
Markin Razzio:
"Aww c'mon, uhh... Jamie! You had too much to drink, I think it's time I lay you... right here."
He hides the unconscious man behind a heap of trash, then dons the suit and fedora.
Markin Razzio:
"Shapeshift..."