Wraith wanders the streets of the City of a Thousand Monoliths, fresh off a commission and mulling over how to "reward" herself.
She doesn't really "get" leisure. She is simply mimicking the traditions of her clan: the post-hunt feast. Back home, food is an offering to comrades, family, and glory.
But here, all Wraith can manage is a small, symbolic gesture.
"Hey, look. It's Wraith."
"She must be on a job. I wonder who could possibly order someone like her around."
Wraith ignores the whispers trailing her. She has dealt with these staring eyes since the day she arrived in the city.
Still, their gossip triggers a memory—her very first "commission" here.
Back then, she was a stranger plagued by bizarre rumors and suspicious glares. Worse, she was constantly worrying about where her next meal would come from.
Trust is currency among Trekkers, and a foreign face has no value. The city air felt more suffocating than any northern blizzard, and sure enough, she couldn't land a single job.
Just as she was contemplating a grim future, a girl's cry pierced the air. Wraith looked up to see a red balloon drifting skyward.
Instinct took over. She scaled the wall in a blur, leaped from the roof, and snatched the balloon mid-air. The crowd below applauded, assuming it was a street performance.
Before the girl could even react, this silver-haired stranger was already standing in front of her, balloon in hand.
"Here. Don't lose it again. Bye."
"Please wait!"
The girl stopped her, offering a thank-you gift: a round, white dessert.
"What is this? White... Cold... Is it snow?"
"It's ice cream! I'm out of allowance money, but please take this. Thanks for saving my balloon."
"My apologies, but I haven't fallen low enough to eat ice and snow. In my homeland, only a failed hunter would resort to eating..."
"You... You don't like it? I-I'm sorry..."
"Ugh, no! I didn't mean that! Don't cry! Look, I'm eating it, okay?"
Wraith took a cautious bite. Beyond the nostalgic chill, a rich, creamy sweetness flooded her mouth. A faint flush rose on her cheeks.
"This! What is this? It's so sweet... Is the local 'snow' always like this?"
"I told you, it's called ice cream! But I'm glad you like it."
"Thank you. I have never seen anything this magical back home. I will remember its name."
"Um... Can I have another one?"
"Wow, you really love ice cream. Alright, I'll tell you a secret..."
"Miss? Have you decided on your order?"
The server's question snaps her back to reality. Without realizing it, her search for a "reward" has led her straight to this familiar shop.
"I'll take one Ultra-Creamy Double-Nut Supreme Cross-Star Special, please."
Ignoring the stares around her, Wraith places her order with absolute confidence.
"I never expected anyone to actually order the secret menu item... Ahaha..."
"It was the first magic spell I learned in this city."
"And I ... really like it."