Shikiriyan: The Struggling Painter (Part 1)

"It looks like someone might know where the Nyaon Jar is."

Mayutan said as he checked his NyaPad, a tablet device sold in the Republic of Meows.

"Apparently, a painter named Shikiriyan knows."

"Why would a painter know, meow?" Tanimaki asked, puzzled.

"I'm not sure. But we don't have any other leads, so let's pay this painter a visit."

It seemed Mayutan had learned this from an online community dedicated to the Nyaon Jar.

The group headed for Shikiriyan's house, which was deep in the mountains. There wasn't even a proper trail, so they had to push their way through shrubs and bamboo.

"Ugh... Mayutan... are we there yet, meow?" Tanimaki groaned, on the verge of collapse.

"We should be close... Ah! There it is!"

Looking in the direction Mayutan was pointing, they spotted what looked like an artist's studio.

The building featured a clean, rectangular design. The sections that projected outward were painted white, while the recessed areas were black. A tall balcony and wooden exterior blinds gave the impression of protecting the artist's privacy.

"Why do creative people always build their houses in the middle of nowhere?" Debiru said, panting.

The four of them stopped in front of the entrance.

The front door was made of frosted glass, making it impossible to see inside.

"Hey, Shikiriyan! Quit wasting time and tell us where the Nyaon Jar is, meow!"

Tanimaki shouted at the top of his lungs, just as bluntly as ever.