Katsuragi followed Carmira through the door, his steps slightly hesitant. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of parchment, ink, and damp wood. Patrollers clad in varying degrees of armor shuffled through reports and maps, their sharp gazes darting to Katsuragi as he entered.

"Don't mind them." 

Carmira said casually, leading him to an empty bench near the corner of the room. 

"They're just wary of strangers, especially ones who show up out of nowhere."

"Yeah, I noticed." 

Katsuragi muttered, settling onto the bench.

Carmira gave him a quick once-over before heading toward the back office. 

"Stay here. I'll let the captain know we've got a new... guest."

Katsuragi leaned back against the wall, his arms crossed as he observed the bustling station. Despite his earlier confusion, his instincts were sharp, and he couldn't help but scan the faces around him. Something about the air here felt... different. He couldn't place it, but it wasn't entirely unwelcome.

His eyes then suddenly lit up, giving Katsuragi a glimpse into the strength of the people within the station. 

"Interesting, overall... they can be said to be weaker than Carmira." 

Minutes passed before Carmira returned, a slightly older man trailing behind her. His armor was bulkier than the others, and his sharp features were softened only by the streaks of gray in his hair.

"This is Captain Liang." 

Carmira introduced.

Liang's gaze was piercing, his arms crossed as he studied Katsuragi. 

"You're the one she found in the forest?"

"That's me." 

Katsuragi replied, standing.

"Shin Katsuragi."

"And you remember nothing else?" 

Liang asked, his tone skeptical.

Katsuragi shook his head. 

"Just my name. Everything else is... blank."

Liang grunted, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. 

"We don't have records of anyone with that name arriving in Shanzhou recently. You're either telling the truth, or you're a very convincing liar."

"I don't have a reason to lie." 

Katsuragi said calmly while grinning. Liang asked Katsuragi to follow him, Without talking, Katsuragi followed him to a room where there were several computers being used by other workers. 

"Maybe we can identify who you are through the internet."

"Wow, is there internet in here too? Doesn't this place look really old for this much technology?"

A few minutes later. When Liang asked one of the workers to find out Katsuragi's identity. Most of his information had been blocked by the Inzumo government. 

Inzumo. One of the most modern states among the other states. They are also known for their highly advanced technology in various situations. In this case, why did the Inzumo government keep information about Shin Katsuragi tightly locked away? 

A harsh breath came out of Liang. 

"If the Inzumo government holds this man's information key. There's a possibility that you actually come from Inzumo. Are you an escaped prisoner?" 

Carmira cut in, her voice firm but respectful. 

"Captain, he doesn't seem like one. If anything, he might need our help."

Liang sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He was a little worried about Carmira's choice, but in the end he relented.  

"Fine. But until we figure out who you are and why you're here, you'll stay in the station's guest quarters. Carmira, he's your responsibility."

"Understood." 

Carmira said, nodding.

Liang turned back to Katsuragi, his expression stern. 

"If you cause trouble, you're out. Am I clear?"

"Don't worry, I'll try not to cause trouble." 

Katsuragi replied.

Few minutes later. The guest quarters were sparse but clean-a small room with a cot, a wooden chair, and a desk by the window. Katsuragi sat on the cot, staring out at the forest beyond. The events of the day played over in his mind, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't remember anything before waking up in the woods.

"Hm, thinking about it while lying on this hard bed is making me even more dizzy."

A soft knock at the door broke his thoughts.

"Come in." 

He called.

The door creaked open, and Carmira stepped in, holding a tray with a bowl of stew and a piece of bread. 

"Figured you might be hungry."

"Thanks." 

Katsuragi said, taking the tray from her.

She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. 

"You're taking this whole 'lost memory' thing pretty well. Most people would be freaking out by now."

He shrugged, dipping the bread into the stew. 

"What good would panicking do? Besides, I don't feel... scared. Just confused. At least my knowledge is still there."

Carmira studied him for a moment, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. 

"You're an odd one, Katsuragi."

"Thanks." 

He said with a faint smile.

She smirked, shaking her head. 

"Get some rest. Tomorrow, I'll show you around Shanzhou. If you're going to stay here, you might as well learn the basics."

"Appreciate it." 

Katsuragi said, watching as she left.

The next morning, Shanzhou revealed itself as a bustling city alive with energy. The streets were lined with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to intricate trinkets. Buildings of wood and stone stood tall, their architecture blending practicality with subtle artistic touches.

Carmira led Katsuragi through the winding streets, pointing out key landmarks-the market, the training grounds, the main square where announcements were made.

"This is Shanzhou." she said proudly. 

"One of the seven provinces, and the one that follows the Path of Creation. The people here are known for their craftsmanship and ingenuity."

"It's impressive." 

Katsuragi admitted, taking in the sights and sounds.

As they walked, Carmira glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. 

"So... any of this jog your memory?"

Katsuragi shook his head. 

"Nothing. It's like staring at a blank page."

Carmira frowned but said nothing.

Their tour ended at a small café near the market square. The air was filled with the scent of freshly brewed tea and sweet pastries.

"Take a seat."

Carmira said, waving him toward a table near the window. 

"I'll get us something to eat."

Katsuragi watched her go, his gaze drifting back to the bustling streets outside. Despite his amnesia, something about this place felt... right.

Carmira returned moments later, setting down two cups of tea and a plate of steaming buns. 

"So, what's your plan?" 

She asked, taking a sip of her tea.

Katsuragi leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. 

"I don't have one yet. For now, I guess I'll just... figure things out as I go. Maybe get some money?"

Carmira raised an eyebrow. 

"You're really just going to wing it?"

He chuckled. 

"Seems like the best option for now."

She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. 

"You're definitely something else, Katsuragi. Maybe you can try to take a part time job at the station later."

As they ate, Katsuragi found himself relaxing. Despite the uncertainty of his situation, there was something about Carmira's presence-her straightforwardness, her unspoken determination-that made him feel at ease.

For now, Shanzhou was home. But deep down, Katsuragi knew his journey was only beginning.