"Rustle, rustle!"
A black Shadow Crow flitted through the outer woods surrounding Lake Akario, its wings fluttering in a sinister yet graceful rhythm, before plunging into a blaze of brilliant lights.
It swept past the main building, darted into a towering arrow tower, and landed, shaking its body as jet-black feathers scattered, transforming into a gaunt man clad in black.
Platinum hair framed his face, a straight nose, and thin lips pressed tightly together, betraying his inner discontent.
"Grene, have you completed your task?"
A burly man, also dressed in black, approached with a faintly mocking grin.
"Damn it! I'd rather deal with that rotting Spore Bear than play the role of some dirt-cheap grunt sent to catch these foul-smelling, slimy frozen fish!"
