(Zeno meets up with three friends near a cliff overlooking the town he lives in. These friends are Enkur, Ivito and Wisel, though we don’t know their names just yet)
Enkur: There you are!
Zeno: Why do you three look so panicked?
Wisel: The Burnel Guild’s back in town.
Zeno: What? I thought we were finished with those miscreants!
Ivito: Us, too. Apparently they are fond of abuse.
Zeno: Well, then let us not disappoint them.
(Scene shifts to the Burnel Guild bandits holding up a carriage. The composition of this scene will be almost identical to Shroud’s flashback when he first met the Toutens.)
Bandit: These meddlers again?!
Enkur: That’s right! Now surrender or these roads will run red with your entrails!
Wisel: Ugh! I just ate!
Bandit: We’ve suffered enough indignities at your hands!
(The bandits rush. Working as a team, Zeno and companions polish them off quickly. Enkur approaches his fallen opponent, and Ivito steps in front of him)
Ivito: Enough. He has been beaten.
Enkur: Have you learned nothing? They will continue to pester us and our town until they are no more!
(Ivito is about to respond when an additional bandit springs out from a bush. Zeno anticipates this and takes him out quickly)
Wisel: Wha? How did you know he was there?
(pause)
Zeno: I know all.
(Stoic narrates)
Stoic: Right after the battle, someone who we had never seen before approached us. Nillen Valley was never the most populated area, so when there were strangers around, they stood out. Especially in this case. As soon as we saw that blue armor, we knew we were dealing with a Solendic Knight.
Knight: Well done! Well done, I must say!
Wisel: Thank you, sir. Quite a surprise to see a knight in these parts!
Knight: Indeed. These lands are still quite far from Solendus, but we hope to expand our reach in the years to come.
Enkur: No need to rush it. We’ve done a decent job keeping things under control.
Knight: So I have heard. I suppose I should tell you the reason behind my visit. I am a recruiter for the Knighthood, and I have traveled far and wide seeking out the next generation of Solendic Knights.
Ivito: Truly?! Arcadius has delivered us good fortune today, my friends!
Knight: It should go without saying that after the impressive display you put on today, all of you have proven yourselves worthy.
Enkur: What do we need to do if we want to pursue your offer?
Knight: Merely follow tradition by the generations of knights before you. Make a voyage to Solendus, and participate in the Great Test.
Wisel: Whew…sounds a bit intimidating.
Knight: Ha! After today, I am sure you would pass easily. What are your names, by the way?
Wisel: I’m Wisel Scure.
Ivito: Ivito Attam.
Enkur: Enkur (last name here)
(Everyone turns to Zeno)
Knight: And you, my friend with the superb reflexes?
Zeno: ….I’m Zeno (last name here)
Knight: Well, it was a pleasure to meet you all. I must be continuing my pilgrimage, but think long and hard on the opportunity you have. I am sure you would do us proud.
Ivito: Thank you, sir. It’s a great honor.
(The knight leaves)