As they continued their walk towards the Contact Center, Caitrin cast a curious eye on her armor. Though her sword had met a rather underwhelming demise, the armor itself remained remarkably unscathed.

"It's strange, isn't it?" she remarked, her voice tinged with wonder. "My sword shattered like glass, yet the armor held firm."

Orano chuckled. "The swords issued in this kingdom leave much to be desired," he explained. "They're more for show than serious combat. We'll definitely need to procure a more substantial blade from another kingdom."

Caitrin's eyes widened in realization. "Speaking of other kingdoms," she exclaimed, a sudden memory sparking to life. "Where exactly are we headed next?"

"The fifth kingdom, Faye," Orano replied. "Silas and I had planned to meet there regardless of whether we found the rift or not. Faye also boasts the finest weaponsmiths, so acquiring a new sword for you should be a breeze."

Caitrin's eyes widened further. "Wait," she stammered. "Faye? As in the Fifth Kingdom, Faye?"

Orano' brow furrowed in confusion. "Yes, Faye. Why the surprise?"

"Because," Caitrin admitted sheepishly, "before I stumbled into this whole mess, I was actually contemplating a trip to Faye myself. It's the most renowned kingdom, after all, always buzzing with stories of its wonders. I figured it would be the perfect place to sell the necklace – or at least find a clue about it."

"Selling such a valuable artifact is certainly more likely there," Orano conceded. "But temper your expectations, Caitrin. You might only find a lead, not a definitive answer."

Caitrin let out a sigh, a mixture of disappointment and resolve coloring her expression. "You're probably right," she conceded. "But hey, onwards and upwards, right?"

A few minutes later, Orano and Caitrin arrived at the bustling Contact Center. Stepping inside, Caitrin was greeted by a space three times the size of a typical store, its warm lighting and organized layout creating a surprisingly calming atmosphere. Four separate lines snaked through the room, each overseen by a dedicated official. Patrons who had already placed their letters either lounged on comfortable benches, warming themselves by the crackling fireplace, or exited promptly after their business was concluded. As expected for such a vital service, the room teemed with activity.

Caitrin glanced around in wide-eyed wonder, silently marveling at the kingdom's efficient communication system. They shuffled into one of the lines, finally reaching the front after a short wait.

Orano stepped forward, addressing the official, a woman with a kind smile and an air of quiet competence. "I'd like to send a letter," he announced, handing her the carefully sealed envelope.

"Certainly, sir," the woman replied. "To whom and where would you like it addressed?"

"To Ravaryn, Litha, and Yuma Daisuke," Orano specified.

The woman nodded, expertly placing the letter within a slender, metallic tube. With a practiced motion, she activated the tube, and it whizzed away through a pneumatic system hidden within the wall.

"Your message should reach its destinations within a few days," the woman informed him. "Please be patient in the meantime."

"Thank you kindly," Orano replied with a grateful nod. "We appreciate your assistance. Have a pleasant day."

"The pleasure is all mine, sir," the woman responded with a warm smile. "Have a safe journey."

Exiting the Contact Center, Caitrin cast a curious glance at Orano. "So, Yuma Daisuke," she began, piecing together the snippets of information he'd shared, "that's the friend you mentioned?"

A flicker of concern crossed Orano's features. "Indeed," he confirmed. "Let's hope the letter reaches him swiftly. Time isn't a luxury we can afford."

Caitrin nodded curtly, her mind already swirling with the implications of their next steps. As they continued their conversation, a brush of unease swept over Caitrin. It was a subtle shift in the atmosphere, a prickling sensation on the back of her neck. Glancing behind her, she caught a glimpse of a woman with wings, her gaze locked with Caitrin's in an unsettlingly intense manner.

Caitrin's breath hitched. Never before had she encountered someone with wings, and the woman's stare felt like a physical intrusion, laden with unspoken malice. Before Caitrin could voice her apprehension, the winged woman melted back into the bustling crowd, vanishing like a phantom.

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Whirling back to Orano, Caitrin's voice was laced with urgency. "Why was that woman staring at us?" she exclaimed.

Orano's own gaze swept the throng of people, finding nothing but a sea of unassuming faces. Yet, a knot of unease tightened in his gut. Even without seeing the winged woman, he shared Caitrin's disquiet.

"Someone might be following us," he announced, his voice low and serious. "Stay alert, Caitrin. Don't let your guard down."

Confusion clouded Caitrin's features. "But why? Who would be following us?"

Orano shrugged, a grim expression etching itself onto his face. "I don't know for certain," he admitted. "But for now, caution is our best course of action."

Pushing aside their newfound worry, they continued their walk, their conversation subdued. Their immediate goal remained unchanged – to find a haven for the night and await the reply from Orano's friend.

Suddenly, a woman within the crowd caught Caitrin's eye. The woman's demeanor exuded nervous energy, her worried gaze darting from face to face. A pang of sympathy tugged at Caitrin's heart.

"Something seems wrong with that woman," Caitrin remarked, gesturing towards the stranger.

As if sensing their attention, the woman's gaze met Caitrin's, and a flicker of hope ignited in her eyes. With a determined stride, she approached Orano and Caitrin, her pace quickening with each step.

Caitrin's brows furrowed in surprise. "Wait," she murmured, "she's coming towards us?"

Indeed, the woman stopped directly in front of them, her chest heaving slightly from her rapid walk. "Excuse me," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "Are you… are you the creature hunter, Orano Tatsumi?"

Her hair, a cascade of sapphire blue, framed her face, highlighting her emerald eyes that shimmered with a mixture of anxiety and desperate hope. She stood no taller than five feet, her stature seemingly dwarfed by the weight of her concern.

Orano studied her for a moment, his gaze unwavering. "Yes," he finally acknowledged. "I am Orano Tatsumi. But what troubles you? Is there a problem?"

"My name is Mai Makato," she introduced herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been searching for you ever since you arrived. My village is in dire need of your help. We're facing a terrible situation, and I… I don't know where else to turn."

Caitrin listened intently, a new layer of understanding dawning on her. This, she realized, was the heart of Orano's mission – the unwavering responsibility towards those in need. Despite their exhaustion from the encounter with the Eirin, Orano didn't hesitate.

A silent exchange passed between them, a shared acknowledgement of the gravity of the situation. Finally, Orano met Mai's gaze with a resolute nod.

"We'll help," he declared, his voice firm yet laced with compassion. "Just lead the way."

Relief washed over Mai's features, a radiant smile replacing the worry etched upon her face. "Thank you," she breathed, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you more than words can express."

The path narrowed as they ventured deeper, the ever-present snow thickening with each step. The wind, once a playful whisper, morphed into a howling beast, whipping icy needles against their faces. The frigid air stole the warmth from their bodies, turning exposed skin a pale, numb red. Yet, they pressed on, a resolute determination burning in their eyes.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, ten arduous minutes yielded a sight that brought a flicker of relief – the entrance to a fenced village. A weathered wooden sign hung crookedly above the entrance, its inscription barely visible through a veil of swirling snowflakes. "Welcome to Frostford Village" it proclaimed, the warmth of the greeting a stark contrast to the harsh reality of the place.

Stepping through the gate, they were met by an unexpected calmness. The wind seemed to lose its ferocity, its howling replaced by a gentle sigh. The snowfall, too, abated, the flakes falling in a slow, mesmerizing dance. It felt like stepping into a sheltered haven, a world away from the blizzard raging beyond the fence.

Mai, her face flushed from the exertion, beckoned them forward. "Follow me, please," she said, her voice breathless but hopeful. "Let's head to my place. There, I can explain everything in more detail."

As they walked through the village, a peculiar atmosphere hung heavy in the air. The villagers, bundled in thick furs, cast them furtive glances – glances that spoke not of fear, but of something akin to resentment. It seemed Orano's reputation as a creature hunter preceded him, and not all welcomed his presence.

They soon reached a small, yet sturdy house, nestled against a backdrop of snow-covered hills. Stepping inside, the warmth of the crackling fireplace instantly enveloped them, melting the icy grip of the blizzard. Mai wasted no time in starting the fire, its glowing embers casting dancing shadows across the room.

"Thank you for coming," Mai began, her voice filled with a desperate hope. "Due to the relentless snowstorms that have plagued us for weeks, many houses here have suffered damage. Repairs are slow, hampered by the limited number of people who can traverse the treacherous path to the nearest town."

Caitrin, ever curious, couldn't help but ask, "But why wouldn't the villagers go to the town for help? Surely, this situation demands it."

Mai's expression contorted in a mixture of shame and pride. "It's… a bit embarrassing to admit," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Our village has always taken pride in self-reliance. We believe in solving our own problems, no matter the hardship. It's etched into the very fabric of Frostford. So, seeing you… a creature hunter… some might say it bruised their pride a little."

A flicker of recognition crossed Caitrin's face. This village, she realized, shared a strange kinship with her own – a fierce independence bordering on stubbornness. "So, like my village, huh?" she murmured, a wry smile playing on her lips.

"Perhaps," Mai conceded. "But there's a limit to self-reliance. While I respect our pride, and believe in the strength of our community, there are times when we need to extend a hand for help. This situation is one such instance. For weeks, we've been at a loss, unable to find a solution on our own. That's why, as soon as I heard rumors of a creature hunter taking down a giant bird monster, I knew I had to find you."

Her voice grew serious, a stark contrast to the warmth of the fire. "The real problem, you see, is far worse than broken houses. There are… creatures… roaming around the village at night. Creatures unlike anything we've ever encountered."