The sun had barely reached its zenith when the streets of Lindblum erupted in commotion. Colorful banners swayed in the warm breeze, announcing the Festival of the Hunt, while the smell of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and sweet pastries filled the air. The city thrummed with life, merchants calling out their wares, children weaving through the crowd, and spectators lining the rooftops and balconies for the best view of the hunt.
Zack, Aerith, Noctis, and Galuf moved carefully through the bustling streets, eventually finding a vantage point atop a high observation platform. From there, the festival spread out like a living tapestry of chaos and excitement. They did not participate themselves—they had agreed to watch, preferring the thrill of observing over the danger of competing.
"Look at all this," Zack said, eyes wide, scanning the organized pandemonium below. "I didn't think a festival could be this… intense."
Aerith adjusted her grip on the railing, her hair catching the sunlight. "It's amazing. But… so many people. And the competitors… they all look so determined."
Noctis stood silently beside them, surveying the streets with a sharp, analytical gaze. Even from a distance, he could sense something unusual about the event: the monsters moving through the city were not entirely random; they were being guided, their paths subtly manipulated, as though the festival itself had an unseen hand steering its flow.
Galuf chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Ha! These monsters are more clever than I expected. And the humans… oh, they think they're clever, too. This is going to be entertaining."
As the hunt progressed, the competitors darted through the streets, scaling buildings, and using rooftops to avoid the roaming creatures. Some chased mechanical beasts, others elusive magical constructs. The crowd roared each time someone narrowly avoided capture or landed a perfect strike, the noise echoing off the stone walls of the city.
Then, all at once, the final moments of the hunt drew near. From the throng of competitors, a small figure emerged—a rat-like participant, nimble and swift, with movements so precise it seemed almost unnatural. The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as she skillfully evaded each challenge, navigating through streets, jumping from crates, and disappearing into alleyways with astonishing agility.
"Wait… is she winning?" Zack whispered, leaning forward, disbelief in his tone.
Aerith's eyes sparkled with amazement. "She's incredible… look at her! She's faster than anyone else out there."
Noctis' eyes narrowed slightly, sensing something distinct about her presence, a power that radiated quietly beneath her small frame. Even from this distance, he could feel a faint echo of energy that set her apart from the ordinary competitors.
Galuf let out a low whistle. "Clever little one. Don't let that size fool you. There's more to her than meets the eye."
The rat-person finally secured the victory, and the crowd erupted into cheers. Fireworks lit the sky, sparkling over the city in celebration of the winner. The four companions exchanged looks, a mixture of surprise, admiration, and speculation. They all sensed it—the winner had hidden potential, something that might one day prove invaluable. But Sirius had said nothing, leaving the mystery unresolved.
From somewhere unseen, Sirius' voice came through the trinkets, calm yet filled with a weight they could feel.
"I have to go now. There is someone else I need to invite to our group."
Zack blinked, a mix of confusion and frustration crossing his face. "Did he… just leave? Like that? Without even saying goodbye?"
Aerith nodded, a small laugh escaping her lips. "He really does appear and disappear at the most inconvenient times, doesn't he?"
Noctis said nothing, but a faint smirk tugged at his lips, recognizing Sirius' tendency to move swiftly between tasks.
Galuf shook his head knowingly. "That's Sirius for you. Always on to the next step. We'll just have to trust that he's doing what he's supposed to."
Meanwhile, Sirius had already traveled to another world. He appeared in a bright training field where a young man practiced tirelessly, swinging his sword with precision and focus. Each strike, each thrust, showed a combination of raw talent, discipline, and a will forged in the fires of responsibility. The young man—Reks—paused, sensing a presence nearby.
"Who's there?" Reks called out, tightening his grip on his sword.
"I am someone observing your training," Sirius said calmly, stepping into view. "Your skill is impressive, but there are challenges ahead that will demand more than strength alone."
Reks frowned. "I train to protect my kingdom. Isn't that enough?"
"Strength alone is not enough," Sirius replied, producing a small trinket from his pocket. Its surface glimmered faintly in the sunlight. "Take this—it is a good luck charm. Keep it with you. It may aid you when you need it most."
Reks examined the charm, feeling its subtle warmth and faint pulse of energy. "Just a charm?" he asked, puzzled but intrigued.
"Yes," Sirius said with a faint smile. "Nothing more. Continue your training, and be ready for what is coming."
With that, Sirius vanished, leaving the young man to absorb the weight of the encounter.
Back in Lindblum, the festival had quieted. The four companions descended from their vantage point, their minds buzzing with the events of the hunt. The rat-person's victory had captured their attention. While she had demonstrated incredible skill, Sirius had not confirmed whether she would join them, leaving an air of mystery lingering.
Galuf chuckled quietly, shaking his head. "Clever one. I have a feeling she's more than just lucky. Don't let her size fool you."
Zack grinned. "Looks like our group might be getting more interesting… whenever Sirius decides it's time."
Aerith's gaze lingered on the rat-person, watching as she celebrated among the crowd. "She's quick, clever… and strong. There's something different about her."
Noctis, silent but observant, studied her movements with a thoughtful expression, noting her reflexes, her agility, and the faint sense of latent power she carried.
Through the trinkets, Sirius' voice returned, calm yet teasing:
"Pay attention. She is notable, yes. But patience is required. Time will reveal what must be revealed. For now, observe the festival, learn from it, and take note of the possibilities."
The four companions exchanged glances, a mixture of anticipation, curiosity, and excitement. The festival had concluded, a winner had been declared, and a new thread of fate had quietly begun to weave into their journey. Yet for now, the identity and purpose of the rat-person remained a mystery, known only to Sirius.
Far above, unseen and silent, Sirius observed both worlds. Lindblum receded behind him, while his focus shifted to the threads of fate converging around the new participants he intended to gather. Plans were already forming in his mind, each detail carefully considered. The threads were moving, the players were gathering, and the journey for the anomalies was only just beginning.