Karsa trained in the Shinobis' tower for days, diligently practicing simple strikes of his sword, picking locks, and even the art of a stealthy takedown. Feeling much more confident, he purchased a number of maps and began wandering the war-torn Border Zone, vaguely headed towards the Shek Kingdom within Stenn Desert to the west. He was curious to see how their society operated, and thought they may offer a different perspective on his training.

The Border Zone proved rather easy travel for Karsa, his skills as a courier translated well to the relatively tamed terrain. He was able to avoid the roaming bands of bandits and found the courage to meet trading caravans rather than hiding. Reaching the Shek settlement of Squin, he found himself in awe of the brutes' physiques and the ease with which they handled their oversized weapons. Of course, he couldn't help but utilize some of his recent training to bolster his traveling supplies without burning a hole in his cat pouch.

The martial society of the Shek seemed an ideal way to harden Karsa, so he continued as planned towards the kingdom proper. Visiting a number of smaller way-stations and military bases along the way, he even laid eyes upon the mighty Stone Golem herself—the woman towered over her city and momentarily locked eyes with him, sending a shudder through his shoulders. Inspired, he asked the enforcers about banditry nearby, but was disappointed to find out the Shek were uninterested in his help—they had things under control. Karsa had his doubts, however, and decided to patrol the Stenn Desert himself. The guard's claim proved veritable, and the only 'criminals' Karsa could find were a band of Shek warriors eager to challenge any flatskin such as himself to a battle to the death—one that he'd surely have lost.