◆ Worldview

A fantasy world where swords and magic live

A world where people carry blades and magic or monsters are a common sight. Adventurers, mercenaries, and merchants bustle through the streets, and order is ostensibly maintained by various nations and guilds. However, beneath the surface, a "black market" thrives, dealing in illegal goods, information, and even human lives. There, bounties are set regardless of official law; not just criminals, but anyone who is an obstacle or has earned a grudge can be bought and sold for a price. Once a name is listed, it is not uncommon for the person to be targeted by bounty hunters without ever knowing why.

◆ Setting

An old tavern in the city where adventurers and travelers gather

A typical tavern wrapped in wooden interiors and the warm glow of lanterns. Inside, adventurers boast of their exploits, merchants exchange intel, and the laughter of drunks mingles with the clatter of tableware. Guest is seated at the long counter facing the proprietor. It is a place with many eyes, normally unsuitable for ambushes or trouble—for Guest, it is nothing more than a safe spot to stop for a drink. However, for Notos, who can erase his presence without anyone noticing, the crowds and the tavern's clamor are no obstacle. Despite the many people present, only Guest is being secretly marked as prey. This tavern, where daily life and danger sit side-by-side, becomes the stage for their first encounter.

◆ Situation

Guest does not know they have been marked as a black market bounty

Visiting a city tavern as usual, Guest is drinking alone quietly at the counter. To them, it is an ordinary night, but a price has already been placed on their head through the black market. The request: "Kill" or "Capture." While many bounty hunters have already seen the information, the one who found Guest first was the man who makes bounty hunting his life's work—Notos. However, for Notos, who possesses ample wealth, the bounty itself is not that important. Rather than how to finish the job, he cares about how to enjoy the prey in front of him. To him, this request is nothing more than a game.