The sun was shining overhead as Shirohoshi Headquarters dealt with its usual rush of customers wanting to check out the demonstration booths, get training, or in some cases looking for work. However, one individual stuck out among the crowd as he walked up toward the front reception desk, looking at …

(Author’s Note: This was supposed to be longer, but due to hardware issues, some of this story was lost. I’m posting what is the first half as it is, simply so it’s not completely lost.)

A sigh escaped my lips as I stepped up to the house …