《Aytelia》


 Ark I - Righteousness, Chapter 1 - Game start!

    Darkness. It enveloped everything she could see. She could hear in the background the tireless sea, waves slowly rising and flowing back towards their fathomless home, accompanied by the sound of seagulls adding their symphony to this tune. Truly a sound of complete peace.


    She slowly opened her eyes. The peaceful bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds here and there looked back at her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember the last time the sky was this peaceful.¡±


    After those words escaped her mouth she spent a few moments to try and commit this image to her memory before she decided to start to get a hold of herself and drop her drowsiness. As she tried to wake up her body from its comfortable nap the sounds started fading away though she did not seem to react in the slightest to that phenomenon, which most would have thought was the effect of narcotics or other such influence. Not even the simple thought, that it¡¯s a side effect from her still being sleepy, crossed her mind. Her lack of reaction almost embraced her predicament, as though all her life she has been waiting for this exact moment.


    As she started to regain her senses she felt that her body was in a liquid, but she didn¡¯t feel as though her clothes or body were affected by it. The calming sounds slowly faded into what sounded as mumbled speaking before it took the shape of countless words being spoken at once melding into the sounds of a crowd. She pressed her elbows against the ground she felt beneath her and she slowly lifted her head along with retracting her legs closer to herself to keep balance. She had expected to feel a bit dizzy, but there was no such thing present.


    As her view changed from the deep blue sky to the horizon it was first met with lots of sandstone yellow tints and after that a variety of colours which melded into black with deep blue and reds. It was the crowd she was hearing among a lot of sandstone buildings. Despite all that, more than half of her view was white and blue now due to where she was sitting. It looked like a fountain with clear deep blue water. There were no drops coming from her and she felt more refreshed than any other point she could remember in her dozy memory.


    As she tried to get up by lifting her left arm first followed by relying free weight to her right one as she was getting up. The white bit was the end of the fountain which she was lying in and it shined brightly like radiating snow. The fountain itself reached 15 meters (49¡¯ 3¡±) ahead of her and the sides looked like they were stretching even further as if to say that she was merely at the tip of a circle big enough to cover an entire square. No, two? The sandstone buildings, on the other hand, looked sturdy and most were two stories while some closer to said fountain were three.


    Apart from this normal looking town at first the crowd themselves stood out incredibly. They were all sorts of beings and entities which you could only hear in fairy tales and legends, ranging from humans, orcs, elves, dwarfs, gnomes, goblins, people which resembled humans but with some animal features all the way up to some which had almost no resemblance to humans apart from their upright position and a huge troll here and there going all the way to angels, demons, undead, dragonkin which are humanoid dragons and even incorporeal beings which had no words with which to be described with aside from living balls of radiating energy which did not even seem to obey the laws of physics or even functioned in measly 3 dimensions.


    Other such beings which seemed to defy logic itself roamed but they numbered the least out of all after mentioned ones. Some looked like cubes that had more cubes rotating in them while others looked like; No, you can¡¯t say they could even have been seen but you could distinctly feel the presence of their watery membrane like bodies moving about.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    From all of this she again didn¡¯t react at all as though this was, but normal and expected. She looked around with only twisting her body and neck slightly to see the same scenery all around the fountain. It looked like said fountain was in the middle of some huge square which explained the lively cloud which in turn had not reacted to her as if her behaviour was also to be considered acceptable. And how could they?


    In the huge 100 meter (328¡¯ 1¡±) distance the fountain occupied behind her stood many others also like her all surrounding the middle of the fountain, which looked like water had flowed in reverse to form its silvery white base, followed by another two such bases one after the other, each smaller than the previous. Only difference being that the first one was three times as bigger than the second while the third was only slightly smaller to its own base.


    The same clean blue water seemed to be spewing from its high center on the third floor which was high enough that two people the size of a grown man could stand on each other¡¯s shoulders and they still would just barely be unable to glance at the top of the fountain. She was, in fact, standing on the base beneath all of those, but unlike those which looked like an actual decorative fountain the edges of hers which stretched her entire view and behind, looked like they were a few quartz blocks put up, just so the water doesn¡¯t flow over to flood the square.


    Around the source of the pure water, the many others like her were also sleeping in it, or just waking up while very few were getting out of it awkwardly. They were from the same species as all around and all looked like they¡¯re wearing leather clothing which covered their entire bodies and some belts to store valuables but not much else could be made from the great expanse separating them. She herself wore leather as well, but her entire getup was completely different from theirs.


    For starters hers was all shades of blue which made her stand out in contrast and even if it was compared side to side, it would seem thinner it simultaneously looked sturdier as well. It perfectly fit her petite and slim frame. She seemed no more than 150 centimeters tall (4¡¯ 11¡±) and she was in an upright and stern position. Her golden straight locks went down to the middle of her back while the front was an evenly cut fringe, that deformed with a few small gaps in it as it couldn''t stay perfectly put on her forehead. The feature that stood out the most for a human were her two slightly dark, lively crimson red pupils, thou amidst all the characters around her it seemed nothing out of the ordinary, but was still considered weird among said humans.


    Another thing that separated her from the rest of the people positioned in the fountain were her gloves. While some of the rest fountain dwellers also had gloves, hers were woollen and the finger tips were cut.


    She looked back ahead and then slowly started walking to the edge of the fountain which wasn¡¯t far from her. As she lifted her feet, their souls were still submerged in the water, but it offered no resistance at all, almost as if encouraging her to venture forth. When she finally got out she took a closer look at the scenery before her. Even though with the size of the square was easily 200 meters wide (656¡¯ 2¡±), the crowd of people had almost fully occupied it, yet there was plenty of space in between so that at least one person could fit in between here and there and sometimes there was room for a child as well.


    But the one thing that stood out was that they did not get too close to the fountain as if avoiding great danger. The only exception were girls that stood a little over half the distance from the fountain to the crowd and they were just standing there waiting for people to pass by. They looked like those people you find in the center of towns that offer you adds or ask for donations. She didn¡¯t dislike those people and understood that they had to do it and so really didn¡¯t have an opinion on the matter.


    Just as the girl had set her mind to a course of action and set out to view ahead a sudden running and gasping came from behind her and it could visibly be heard how it had jumped out of the fountain and staggered its landing outside it. Of course, she paid it no heed and was already moving forward, she could not be sure if it had anything to do with her, so there was no need to bother even turning. It would eventually become evident if it indeed was towards her. And just to prove her right a sudden voice was heard:


    ¡°Stop!¡±

 Chapter 2 - Golden beauty

    Amidst this terrifying and beautiful world in the middle of the ominous fountain. Why there of all places? What were these places even...? It looked nothing at all with what little could be remembered from their previous¡­ Location? World...?


    They had to get up. What else could they do? They couldn¡¯t just stand there forever. They had to act. In the distance, they could see someone standing there as if saying they knew exactly what¡¯s going on. So haughty. There was nothing to lose. It¡¯s almost like everyone else was avoiding them. Like everyone feared them. But they had to know the answers.


    So he ran to them.


    He ran through the fountain as if his life depended on it. They wanted to run away from it all. But it all seemed so distant. She did not at all react to the obvious loud sounds he was making. Was this all a dream? Could he wake up from this nightmare?


    There was only one thing left for them to do. They jumped out from the fountain almost like a predator leaping towards their prey. He almost thought that they were going to collide with each other and stumbled his landing. Yet nothing. No response. Was she deaf? Was he dreaming? He had but only try. So he did.


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    She slowly and gracefully turned around, just like she had earlier when looking around and saw a young boy gasping for air standing behind her. Well, more like he was holding on to his thighs with his hands while gasping wildly to catch his breath. His heart felt like it was about to burst before he couldn¡¯t feel it anymore. He almost jumped because his first thought was it actually did do so, but instead in that moment, it had stopped instead. He couldn¡¯t describe what he was seeing even if his life had depended on it.


    Her pale smooth skin almost radiated as it redirected the sun rays and her royal posture made him feel pressure exerting itself on his shoulders as if hinting at him to bow. Her face was quite plain, but that did not keep away from its stunning beauty, yet quite the opposite, it solidified it further. It almost reminded him of those perfect, yet generic faces people have in all of the art media that he has seen, instead of the face of a living creature.


    She had specific soft curves on the cheeks that went to an almost sharp chin and her nose was so small and petite that it was almost unnoticeable. It felt as if it mixed in with the bright light coming from her skin surrounding it. It was a beauty that inspired not desire, but admiration. It felt like he was under the presence of a goddess. Yet she just stood there, silently staring at him without saying a word and with a straight face. Was she testing him? Torturing him? It all felt the same. His nerves couldn¡¯t handle it anymore. That moments glare lasted an eternity. An eternity while his heart had been waiting for it to end just so it can pound once more.


    She was blinking from time to time. The only thing signifying he wasn¡¯t under some sort of spell. Her mesmerizing eyes let his mouth agape. Once she even blinked twice in a row. At that moment it even almost seemed like her eyes gave off a deep blue glow then instead, but it simultaneously mixed perfectly with the red contrast so his brain must have just been confused from the rapid motion. Just then did he realise that awkward silence between them. He couldn¡¯t just let this stand. She obviously didn¡¯t have any intention of initiating and he was the one who had bothered her... Was she too shy to answer...? No, it didn¡¯t seem so...


    ¡°E-excuse me b-but-¡±


    ¡°Is something the matter?¡±


    What met him was something both completely unexpected and simultaneously the only expected thing for him to hear. Her mellow honey dipped voice. It sounded like it was caressing his ears with its gentle sounds yet it sounded stern and grounded, unshaking. It perfectly fit both her gentle looks and her regal stance.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°N-no, I u-uh...¡±


    Sweat started pouring from his forehead. Why did he have to disturb her? How would he explain to her his mad mans thoughts...? Of how he didn¡¯t even know where he was or what he was surrounded by. It felt like a fairy tale. A fairy tale gone wrong.


    ¡°If you have any questions you should ask the curators?¡±


    That same honey laced voice calmed him down and brought him to his senses again.


    ¡°Curators...?¡± He mumbled quietly under his breath, but apparently it was enough for her to hear


    ¡°Yes, you see those people standing there a few meters away from the fountain? You can ask them anything that concerns you.¡±


    ¡°I-I see...¡±


    He looked down. He got his answer, the girls¡¯ concerned question was like a blessing from above, but what was he to do now? He had so many questions and they all probably sounded insane to these people... He was at a loss.


    ¡°I was just going there myself. Do you wanna come with me?¡±


    He looked up at her surprised at what she had said. His next reply really didn¡¯t have much thought put into it after that.


    ¡°-Su-ure¡±


    ¡°Okay, c¡¯mon then.¡±


    She proceeded to instantly turn around and started heading to the person in question. The boy behind her took a second to regain his composure and close his mouth and followed her with a quickened step to catch up to her.


    After a short walk in silence, as obvious to any bystander, was awkward about it and couldn¡¯t even walk properly, they finally reached the mysterious curator. Said person looked like a gorgeous human girl, with long and curly pink hair and an angelic smile to compliment her mesmerizing deep blue eyes. As she heard them approaching, she turned in their direction to greet them.


    ¡°Hello! How can I be of service to you?¡±


    Her surprisingly cheerful and energetic voice (for someone who presumably stands in one place all day) broke the silence that had persisted till now.


    Wait, service...?


    ¡°Hello¡± - The blonde girl responds. ¡°We both just got here so I would like to know what the state of the city is and where the current party in power is located at.¡±


    Wait, what does she mean we got here...? Is she in the same position as me...?


    ¡°Yes, of course! The city is currently being protected and watched by the guards on a daily basis. Trade and upkeep are steadily maintained, and no major accidents had happened in recent times.¡±


    Wait, did she have to say that?! The last thing I need is some flags being triggered...


    ¡°As for the current powerhouse, the Adventurers Guild is the closest thing to it. It is located down this square, then right to the first major intersection and then left at the end of that T-section.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± The blond girl responded, followed by her turning to face her companion. ¡°Is there anything else you would like to know?¡±


    The boy just stood there, confused at what had just happened.


    ¡°Um, what is this place...?¡±


    The curator responds immediately ¡°This is Erenia, one of the major cities located in Aytelia!¡±


    The blonde girl added ¡°It¡¯s a big city housing a variety of many different kinds of residents that¡¯s highly defended and with a big take in export and adventuring.¡±


    ¡°...


    But why are we here...?¡±


    ¡°More importantly now that we¡¯re here what are our options?¡± - His companion interrupted him.


    ¡°The city walls provide protection from immediate dangers and working on guard duty is good and appreciated work. You can also open shops or make use of other commercial endeavours. You can help the local populace or other institutions by also supplementing work there as well or joining one of the official or unofficial organisations like the Adventurers Guild, The Arena, Mages or Fighters Guild. You can also-¡°


    The boy interrupts her this time, distressed. ¡°But is there a way we can go back??¡±


    ¡°Sorry, but we cannot help you with that.¡± The Curator bowed deeply in response to that question.


    ¡°I-I see...¡± He says with a disappointed tone and looking down a bit. It seems it¡¯s normal for people in his position to wind up here...


    ¡°If you are in need of any other help or have more questions please do not hesitate to ask!¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Then should we head over to the Adventurers Guild?¡±


    ¡°Uum, I don¡¯t know...?¡± The boy responds nervously


    ¡°Then let¡¯s do that. Thank you again for your help. We¡¯ll be departing now.¡±


    ¡°Have a safe day.¡± The curator responds bowling.


    The blonde girl just nods with her before she takes off in the directions giving to them. The boy soon follows as does the silence again.


    After some time of thinking to himself had passed, he spoke up to his companion.


    ¡°What exactly is this place...?¡±


    ¡°Why are you asking me?¡±


    ¡°Well, you seem like you know what to do here and don¡¯t look worried in the slightest...¡±


    ¡°Ah...¡± after a moment¡¯s pause ¡°Well I guess we¡¯ll see what this place is after we get to the Adventurers Guild.¡±


    ¡°I see...¡± he responds timidly and so the silence joins them again this time until they reach their destination.

 Chapter 3 - Adventurers Guild

    They were just next to the Adventurers Guild. He could tell because there was a big sign that which had it written on it. He was surprised that he could read it or more accurately that it was written in a language he can read. They had followed the directions they were given. It¡¯s a good thing the girl remembered them because he was too flustered to even pay attention to what was going on around him, let alone to hear the instruction...


    As they approached they took a better look around. The Guild¡¯s building itself was big, 150 meters wide (393¡¯ 8¡±), 4 stories high. Next to the building were many shops which sold from food to equipment, probably for easy access to the adventurers. On the opposite side of the street were a couple of inns and taverns for those who only stay in the city to prepare their equipment and find new quests. Despite his lack of knowledge about city planning, he could still see that lots of thought was put into it. Actually what even is this city? It looks medieval, yet its buildings are big and there are lots of towers visible in the distance, doted throughout the city. Yet no wall is in sight. Are the buildings hiding it? Is it so far away? There¡¯s no way it¡¯s smaller than the buildings it¡¯s meant to protect... but maybe they¡¯re just in the middle of the city and in the outskirts everything¡¯s smaller? If that¡¯s true and they¡¯ve passed so much of the city already... then how big is this city...?


    While he was lost in thoughts they finally reached the front door of the Guild. The girl was just about to knock on the door, (Would anyone even hear her knocking? Thought the boy to himself), when something gets thrown out the window next to the door and they hear the shattered glass falling on the floor. It appeared to be a small chair. Of course, the whole situation made the boy jump up when it happened while the girl just ignored it and continued to open the door as if nothing happened, not even bothering to turn around to look at the mess that just occurred.


    As she slowly opened the noise, the sounds from inside started to become audible. There was a nice tavern song in the background, performed by some bard adventurers accompanied by the cheerful chatter of guild members. It was as if the window scenario never occurred. Actually when he turned around the window wasn¡¯t shattered either? He sighed internally and accepted that he¡¯s just going to be confused throughout all of this. Looking back at the guild members, they were just as diverse as the people outside, except that they looked more armed and with more peculiar clothing and equipment. Some were dressed in layers of hide and chain armor, while others wore exquisite robes that gave off a weird aura. They all looked like they had years under their belt and weren¡¯t strangers to pushing themselves to the brink.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    The girl didn¡¯t bother looking around though. She just continued walking all the way to the counter. Of course, the boy had to follow... he doesn¡¯t want to get into any trouble with these people. As they reached the counter a beautiful receptionist was waiting for them on the other side. She kind of reminded him of the curators from earlier, except she looked more... lively? She had long purple hair made into a few long strands flowing downward with yellow eyes and was dressed in a uniform identical to her co-workers¡¯, which was black and white with frilly decorations.


    ¡°Hello! How can I help you today?¡± She said in a calm and energetic voice.


    ¡°Yes, we just got here.¡± replied the blond. For a moment he thought she was going to continue talking, yet she just stopped without saying anything else. It seems the receptionist girl also thought she was going to say more and was waiting for her to finish, but after a few seconds, she realised that won¡¯t be the case so she continued the conversation.


    ¡°I see. Then let me check if either of you is registered. Do you remember your names?¡±


    At that moment he realised. He couldn¡¯t remember. He actually could barely remember anything... And she even asked them if they specifically remember... does that mean that it¡¯s normal not to?


    ¡°Truelip Arkilates¡± answered the girl.


    And like that his theory lost its ground and only added to his anxiety, making his heart start beating faster.


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s good. Very rarely do people manage to remember their names just after coming here.¡± responded the receptionist, easing his worry a bit as she started typing something on a magical device.


    ¡°Yes, it seems there is only one person named that, with your appearance. And a house seems to have already been reserved for you. Guess this isn¡¯t your first visit here, poor thing.¡±


    ...


    He took a moment¡¯s pause just to take in all the information he was just given, as it was too much for him to cope with. He didn¡¯t have time to think it over.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the key to it and here¡¯s where it is.¡± She hands Truelip the key and turned around the magical device to reveal a screen with a map on it and pointed towards a marked area on it.


    ¡°By the way do you remember anything else?¡±


    After a moment the girl only responded with ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Okay... My name¡¯s Catharine! Nice to meet both of you!~


    And what¡¯s your name?¡± she continued, looking at the boy.


    ¡°I... uh...¡± he stumbled his words.


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t worry! We¡¯ll prepare a room for you from one of the neighbouring inns, but you¡¯ll have to keep up a quota if you wish to keep it for free.¡±


    ¡°I see...¡± he responded timidly


    ¡°As for your meals you can do guard duty tonight.¡± She finished with a benevolent smile.


    ¡°I actually will be resting for the night.¡± So said the blond girl and turned around to leave.


    And he lost the only thing keeping him from falling apart from anxiety.


    ¡°I see. Then I hope I see you soon!~


    If you¡¯re going to be working for the night, then I can redirect you to the head guard where you¡¯ll be given a weapon and a patrol route.¡±


    He sighed internally and prepared mentally for the rough night ahead.

 Chapter 4 - Trouble on the beaten path

    As Truelip left the guild she noted that it was dusk and that it was quickly getting dark outside, so she wasted no time in heading towards her destination. When she had gotten out, the streets were even busier than at noon when they had arrived in the fountain. Probably because everyone was headed home for the day. Her suspicions were proven true as time passed and the streets got quieter and quieter, but they were still hard to move around in. That¡¯s when something suspicious caught her eye - a small group in front of her was crowding the street but it was less busy everywhere else. That¡¯s when she noticed a nervous looking young woman in the middle of that crowd who was keeping her gaze towards the ground and picked it up from time to time to look around her.


    It seems the crowd kept everyone else from noticing her distress, due to her barely being visible in it. Of course, all of that was a safe distance from Truelip and on her path so she was not concerned, but kept an eye out on her just in case. You would have to carefully examine everyone and watch out for that behaviour to be able to notice it, which no one was doing seeing as how they were hurrying to get home quickly and safely. That prompted the blond to look around if any guards were around, doing so without moving her head as to not be noticed. There were indeed fewer guards than the other main streets. They had just passed one and no other ones were visible till the end of the street.


    After a few more steps, when they reached the first alley to the side, the crowd suddenly started going more towards it, pushing the poor girl along. Of course, other people were going in the opposite direction of the crowd so it wasn¡¯t always together perfectly, but it wasn¡¯t enough for the girl to get away. Curiously the crowd wasn¡¯t turning into the alley, but just going near it and even more so where the girl was at, in the middle of it. That¡¯s when both their suspicions were proven true and just as the girl herself was right next to the small alley, the crowd around her was pushing so much that the girl herself was pushed into the alley itself. You couldn¡¯t tell if the girl intended to go there or if she had no choice in order to avoid the crowd. What¡¯s more, some other people also went into the alley but looked like they were forcing their way in instead. The rest of the crowd itself continued down the street.


    Guess I¡¯ll have to check up on them, just in case.


    As she neared she went a bit further from it and slowed down in order to get a good glance at what¡¯s happening and to have time to react. What she saw proved her suspicions. A little further into the alley a group of guys, probably bandits were holding on to the girl as she was frantically trying to escape with no avail. They were all giggling with excitement and dragging her with them. This prompted Truelip to speed up and head directly towards the alley. As she entered it the entire scenery changed, instead of a blinding and lively yellow street she was in a moody and dark alley with little to no sound other than the barely audible from the crowd girl. She could see 7 people in total. At the end of the alley was a wall with another alley going perpendicular to it.


    There were 2 people watching each side of the alley as two others were holding the girl and what looked like their boss was harassing her. Of course, the two people looking out on this alley spotted Truelip and instantly started walking towards her calmly, probably under the impression that she doesn¡¯t see what¡¯s happening behind them as they purposefully tried to block the view so she can¡¯t tell. And of course, it was pointless. As the blond girl was further and further into the alley the men walking towards her, sped up and once they were close enough to chase her, pulled out their swords. That didn¡¯t deter her. In fact, she didn¡¯t even react to them, having a bored expression on her face the entire time. As they reached her they grabbed her by the hands.


    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s your unlucky day miss.¡± Said one of them as they drag her to their leader.


    Halfway through they stopped holding her seeing as she was going on her own and it was easier for them to react to her that way if she did do something. As they neared the others the leader looking fellow pulled his head up and turned around.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Ah, seems, like we got two for the price of one, guys!¡± he remarked as he started laughing with the rest.


    ¡°Can you let her go?¡± a mellow voice appears


    ¡°Excuse me? It seems you aren¡¯t aware of the situation you are in. You must have arrived today here. Oh how lucky for us! We get to experience fresh meat!¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t feel like bothering with you guys so can you please just let her go and I¡¯ll forget about your little comments~.¡± the voice continued


    Everyone there went silent with a dumbfounded look on their faces except the blond who now has a soft smile on her face. The guy in front of her pulls his sword out, which looked to have a green shine on the edge, most likely poison and responded with a hostile voice.


    ¡°Do you really think you¡¯re in the position to boss us around?¡± he hissed as he walked towards her with his blade ready to press against her thin neck.


    She responded with a sigh, as she closed her eyes and looked down, her hands on her hips and added:


    ¡°So boring...¡±


    The next thing that happened they could neither explain nor know how it happened so quickly.


    She jumped into the air almost up to the shoulder of the two beside her and stretched her legs, kicking them both right between the collar bone, preventing them from breathing for a second and sending them backwards as their heads hit the walls behind them, knocking them out. Seeing as how the leader was already going towards her, he directly sped up and prepared to strike her, but somehow as if timed, when she started falling back to the ground, she put her left leg straight down, landing on it and her right one, she pushed slightly forward using the added small forward motion from the jump and the weight and force she gained from falling to hit and knock out her opponent¡¯s blade out of his hand. But that wasn¡¯t the end, as she stepped with her right foot on the ground, she spun her body like a ballerina. When she was facing backward in her spin she moved from spinning on her right to her left foot and pulled up her entire right leg up, hitting her opponent on the head with it, as she faced him, knocking him out as well.


    Everyone watched with distress. She then lowered herself and picked up the poisoned blade from the ground.


    ¡°So let me say it again. Can you please just surrender. I really don¡¯t feel like bothering. You¡¯re too close to be able to run away.¡± she said while straightening the blade with her second hand.


    In two seconds she managed to knock out three people and arm herself. Not only that, but the blade she¡¯s holding has a deadly poison that can kill a grown man in 5 hours if not treated on time and even when treated can leave you crippled for life. Not only that but they¡¯re leader is the fastest person they know. He has always struck their enemies with that weapon before they can even react so they certainly don¡¯t want to risk running from her if she has that sword and managed to outmaneuver him. He was, in fact, the strongest one out of all of them and could probably take them all on, so to them, the choice was obvious. They¡¯d have a greater chance of escaping if they got captured in prison and then tried to escape rather than run away from her now. They threw their hostage at the girl and then also threw their weapons on the ground.


    Truelip caught the girl by the arm as she was thrown at her, her frightened head in her chest. The blond put her other hand on her head and ordered the bandits.


    ¡°Go back out on the street.¡°


    They all looked at each other and then started moving in front of her. As they started coming out of the alley the streets were mostly empty, but anyone who noticed them straight away as much as possible. The girl waved the poison blade up in the sky towards the two guards at either side of the road to catch their attention. The moment they noticed they instantly ran up to see what¡¯s going on, seeing as someone waving around an obviously poisonous blade is troublesome. Truelip noticed they were young and looked similar to the boy she went to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild with. She handed them the girl, the bandits and the blade and explained what happened and that she¡¯s from the guild and asked them to deal with them. Once asked why she will not do so herself she merely replied:


    ¡°I just came from there and am going home now. If I kept going there every time I catch someone I¡¯m never going to go home, now am I?¡±


    The guards couldn¡¯t respond and merely nodded taking everyone and going to a nearby guard post.


    With that, she continued on her way home. Once she got there she took a good look at it. It looked just like the other buildings around it. It was located on the corner where a street starts from another one. She went up to the door, unlocked it with the key she got from the receptionist and entered. She took a look around and laid down on the first couch she saw and fell asleep instantly.

 Chapter 5 - The first morning

    On the next morning, the door cracks open for the second time to everyone living near the house. She came out and looked around. The morning streets were also busy with everyone either going to work or setting up shop. She closed the door and took her first steps for the day.


    Early hours at the Adventurer¡¯s Guild is quite peaceful, uncharacteristically so for how rowdy it gets in later ones. Catharine, the receptionist that helped out the duo from yesterday, took a deep breath as she was thinking about the day ahead of her. It¡¯s rare that those who came here reach her on their first day. Those two were lucky. Usually, when they reach her they¡¯re either already cocky enough to discard her or traumatised, or worse. But now¡¯s not the time for her to be thinking about that. She needed to clean up the counter and make sure there¡¯s enough food for the cafeteria. The Guild was mostly empty since adventurers rarely get up this early. They usually like to sleep in and then have breakfast, those that could afford it at least. And then there were people like him...


    She looks up while cleaning, at the boy from yesterday who had to spend half the night on guard duty, half asleep.


    Poor thing, at least nothing happened on his shift... there¡¯s no telling how inexperienced he is... Unlike his little friend, it seems... speaking of her the devil...


    At that moment Truelip entered the guild. As usually she looked around without moving her head and spots her friend who¡¯s buried his head into the table. She decided to leave him be and headed directly to Cathy. As she neared her she talks her up.


    ¡°Good morning.¡±


    ¡°Good morning to you too! I see you were quite busy yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right. Ran into them when I was heading home.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what the guards reported too. Said you were too busy going home to escort them. I explained to them that you were new here, but you shouldn¡¯t go and make impressions like that you know.¡± she said lowering her head slightly while looking at her with a concerned expression.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°Okay... So about your reward for their capture. Their part of a dangerous gang roaming around the city. Each one of the grunts is worth 3 silver, but their leader was one of the gang¡¯s generals so he¡¯s worth 8. That would be a total of 26 silver pieces.¡±


    Hearing that the boy instantly lifted up his head.Stolen story; please report.


    WHAT?!?


    He got up and sleepily walked to them.


    ¡°I spend from 8 pm to 2 am on patrol duty with 75 copper an hour to be able to afford a meal for 3 silver. How did you manage to get 26 already?¡± he said with shock on his face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Her response leaves them both just looking at her with confusion and open mouths on their faces. Catherine spoke up to ease him.


    ¡°She managed to stop dangerous bandits while also saving a civilian... If you had encountered anyone on your guard duty and stopped them you too would have a bonus if they¡¯re someone dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Bonus...?¡±


    ¡°Yes, because you get paid an hour it¡¯s expected that any money you¡¯d get from fighting grunts would be included in that pay...¡±


    ¡°I see...¡± He said with a discouraged voice...¡±


    It seems he doesn¡¯t have the confidence to face anyone other than grunts...


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll also manage to get more money once you train a bit more.¡± the blond said encouraging him.


    ¡°By the way, I would suggest to join into other teams or at the very least to never work alone.¡± Cathy added.


    Their favourite silence bestows them.


    ¡°I see...¡± he mumbles under his breath.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I prefer working alone.¡± Truelip responded, directing her response to both of them.


    ¡°But any work outside the city is dangerous! Even guard duty at night is advised to be with at least two people.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I had to work with another person yesterday too...¡± added the boy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll manage.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    Before their receptionist could scold her, the doors to the Guild barge open as five, tired from running, people enter in a hurry and head directly to the registry. One of them, the one who looks like he takes care of the rest directly asked Cathy seeing as she¡¯s the only Receptionist who isn¡¯t busy, but chatting.


    ¡°Excuse us, but this is an emergency. We need to speak with the Guild Master. We¡¯re messengers from the main guard office.¡±


    ¡±A-aah I-ii I see... Please t-this way up the stairs...¡± Catherine responded as she bowed with her left hand motioning towards the stairs to her left.


    ¡°Thank you. Two of our colleagues will post some notices on the quest board and around the are if you do not mind.¡±


    ¡°No, go ahead...¡± she responded shallowly.


    With that, the rest of them head up as the two aforementioned started posting the notices. Cate looked visibly worried.


    ¡°W-what¡¯s wrong...?¡± asked their male friend.


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know, but if they want to speak with the Guild Master directly then it¡¯s very serious...¡±


    Truelip doesn¡¯t join their convo but instead walks with her normal pace to see what the notice says. After a few seconds, the other two can¡¯t take the suspension and soon followed her before she even reached the board. They all went to the nearest post and start reading it.


    ATTENTION TO ALL ADVENTUERERS!!!


    It seems activity from Demon Lord Cultists around the city has suddenly increased since yesterday. It is suspected that they are planning an assault on the city. All capable hands will be rewarded heavily for partaking in the defence and even those who are uncertain about their strength can contribute to the cause by helping the civilians with the fortifications in case of an attack.


    Or so it said. The latter two were pale with fear written all over their faces while their friend merely responded with.


    ¡°Huh.¡±

 Chapter 6 - The preparation

    Everyone could sense the high tension in the air as they were moving supplies which were going to be used as barricades in the guilds attempt to bolster the cities defences against any possible attacks. All citizens living near the gates of the city were moved further into safe houses. The city was built on a cliff so the only access to it was from the west-northwest side so any ground attack could come only from that direction and was thus easy to defend, but that wasn¡¯t a reason for them to not make use of that advantageous position and reinforce their walls. All the lower and mid-level adventurers were tasked with carrying supplies or helping with managing the populace, or to those who were more responsible - to manage everyone else, order the supplies or help with strategy meetings. Of course, as it wasn¡¯t mandatory not everyone partook.


    Despite all the hard work some of the adventurers who were trying to help, they were all being embarrassingly outshined by a little girl who¡¯s a newbie adventurer and had just gotten there. You could see it on all their faces how discontent they felt with the current scenario, but everyone knew they had no right to complain when more than half the supplies had been carried all by herself without her even complaining or taking breaks. Everyone was wondering if she was overleved or had higher starting stats than the others.


    Those two possibilities made everyone avoid her as being this powerful and still being considered beginner means that she had some flaw that prevented her from improving so it¡¯s best to avoid her. If she¡¯s pretending to be low level, then that was a dirty way to avoid work even if she did most of theirs while if she had just higher stats by default also made everyone uneasy around her as she probably wouldn¡¯t know how to use them properly.


    There was also the possibility that she had some hidden strength increasing item or if her armor wasn¡¯t actually the newbie armor but was only made to look similar to it. But even then they could see, she still was giving effort due to her bending when carrying the boxes with both hands in front of her, laying part of its weight on her chest and shoulders.


    Just as the sun was starting to set down and the bright sky was turning into a deep red, she finally decided to sit down on one of the many boxes still left and take a small break. Truelip wiped her forehead with the back of her palm and sighed. Everyone was starting to think she¡¯s inhuman if she doesn¡¯t even tire out at all at the end of this, but it seems they all also sighed internally once they saw her in this state and continued to do their part of the job.


    Just as that was happening in the other corner of the open square, where they were carrying the boxes from, a feisty adventurer was scolding some of the workers for being too slow. Despite her yelling Truelip couldn¡¯t pick up on everything that noisy person said. It seems she was still trying to not cause too big of a scene. She went to almost everyone who was working and was nagging all of them as she passed by. Finally, her gaze met the blond and everyone could visibly see her face slightly twist into frustration due to the resting girl. After finishing with talking to everyone else on her way she finally started walking towards Truelip. The girl in question was with a long bright red hair, almost as burning as the sky and she had a long blueish green spear on her back along with a couple of layers of leather armor and some metal guards on her joints. She looked taller than the tired girl, about 1,72 meters tall (5¡¯ 8¡±).


    After finally arriving to the small girl in front of her, she put her hands on her waist and looked into her with a serious face.


    ¡°And what exactly are you doing?¡± she asked with a stern but caring voice.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°What does it look like?¡± Truelip replies with an empty voice and gaze.


    The moment she said that everyone, including both viewer and orator, was speechless.


    ¡°Excuse me, but don¡¯t feel any shame considering how much effort everyone is putting and you¡¯re just sitting there in the way of everyone? If you¡¯re gonna be a nuisance then at least don¡¯t bother the rest of us who are busy.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see you doing anything other than complaining. Have you actually even done anything to help other than pester those that do try?¡±


    You could see the veins on her forehead visibly twitch as she tries to remain calm.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have you know that I was the first one to go help out! At around 7 o¡¯clock this morning I was there helping everyone else there and even moved 10 boxes like the one you¡¯re oh so casually sitting on all by myself.¡± She finishes her sentence exhausted and irritated from having to explain herself.


    The box in question is a one cubic meter in size (35¡¯ 4¡±) full of heavy armor parts and weapons.


    ¡°Yes, yes, I¡¯m truly grateful for all the hard work you did for us hero-sama.¡± The blond replies just as emptily as before.


    ¡°T-thank you¡­¡± the, in turn, says as she did not expect that compliment ¡°So then what are you gonna say about yourself?¡± she continues pressing on the matter


    ¡°What need do I have to be explaining myself to you?¡± Truelip replies.


    At this point she could see that everyone standing behind the noisy girl, who were listening in on their dispute with worry, had a look of discomfort on their faces probably because they all knew that she was the one who had contributed the most out of all of them, but in turn it seems they didn¡¯t dare interrupt their conversation. It seems this weird girl was pretty well known amongst them.


    The stern girt sighs as she puts a hand on her forehead, obviously to calm down herself


    ¡°Like I said if you¡¯re not gonna help then can you at least not get in the way?¡±


    ¡°And like I said why should I be listening to you. Not only do you come here nagging everyone, but then you even kick those trying to help without actually doing anything yourself in the process.¡±


    Her adversary showed a face of disgust


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time to deal with you. Like I said if you¡¯re not gonna help, then please leave. I need to go help arrange the list of the supplies.¡± And with that, she doesn¡¯t even wait for Truelip¡¯s response and turns around to leave.


    ¡°Okay, try not to push yourself.¡±


    Again the feisty girl felt uncomfortable due to the sudden pleasantries she heard. She turned her head slightly as she slowed her steps.


    ¡°A-ah, thanks¡­ you too¡­¡± she blurted out without even thinking as she continued to leave and then started thinking to herself she shouldn¡¯t have said that considering that girl wasn¡¯t even doing anything to push herself in the first place.


    That¡¯s when she lifted her head and noticed that everyone had slowed down work to listen on what¡¯s going on and it seems they also just realized they were dallying, as they were starting to pick up the pace again. It also seemed that they looked worried, but are back to normal now.


    I guess I should be more careful, after all in my position everything I say is taking pretty seriously and small disputes like these can be taken seriously by others if I¡¯m not careful¡­


    Just as she was thinking that to herself she heard the annoying blond she was just arguing with to push herself up and her feet land on the ground with a slight thud. Before she can even think about being happy that she¡¯s leaving she hears he boxes in that area moving loudly


    Ah, can¡¯t she leave without causing any more trouble or bumping into things, ugh¡­


    As she turns to see what the girl did this time she sees the girl carrying that giant box all by herself, as she is laying part of it on her chest and head and just continues to walk down towards the street as peaks from the side to see where she¡¯s going. Not to mention no one else is reacting.


    Does that mean that this is normal for them¡­?


    Some start peaking towards the feisty head who¡¯s just standing there, not doing anything as she stares at Truelip taking the big box without even asking for help. The redhead suddenly felt uncomfortable as she realized that and blushed slightly as she turned back to where she was heading and left them without saying anything else.


    Everyone else resumed work as normal till the end of the day.

 Chapter 7 – New Party Member

    Just as their party was finally starting to form nicely a warning for Demon Lord Cultists was issued to the whole city so everyone got tensed and safety measures were increased with both everyone who both leaves and enters the city being thoroughly checked.


    As if nothing¡¯s allowed to go smoothly¡­


    Thought Dakrus to himself. It was already the next morning, but his fatigue still hadn¡¯t left him from all the boxes he had to carry.


    I don¡¯t wanna see another big box for a long time¡­


    Thus were his thoughts this rowdy morning. He swiped his blanket down, the sun shining in his eyes, as he tiredly tries to get up. The boy himself looked like a typical teenager, slightly fit, he was 1,78 meters tall (5¡¯ 10¡±) with brown hair and eyes. He washed himself in the inn''s bathroom and put on his armor before he got out of his room like he does every morning. His armor was a chain shirt with gambeson underneath, which in turn was a padded linen jacket. Just as he was leaving his room again, this time for the day, he met his friend and comrade Firlana. She was just going to the bathroom to wash herself in turn. She was a healthy girl, slim, 1,69 meters, with short and messy bright red hair, crimson eyes and wearing her pajama pants and a sleeveless T-shirt and a towel around her neck which she was holding down both ends with each hand.


    ¡°Oh, hi¡± she replies nonchalantly ¡°I¡¯ll be done in about 10 minutes and we can go eat then¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± the young boy replies unenthusiastically.


    They both continue their ways till they meet later in the inns dining hall where they have breakfast before they head out to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. There they meet up with two more girls and wait for their other party members to join them. Meanwhile, a big part of the guildhall was up in a roar about this rumour about a newbie who carried half the supplies by herself and also talked back to miss Loetarsa. Sitting on one of the tables was the boy that said rumoured girl came to the guild for the first time with and he was pretty sure about it being the same person, considering the described appearance and strength. He could only think to himself how is she even able to manage such things while he tiredly laid his head on the table from another night patrol.


    ¡°Are people really such idiots to believe baseless crap like that?¡± one of the two new girls says while having her arms crossed and looking annoyed. She was called Vyria and was the only one presently who wasn¡¯t with armor, but with a night purple cloth dress that went up to half her thighs and had a belt on to keep it tight to her as well as serving to ally her to have some useful potions and backpacks easy to reach for quick access. She also had slightly darker purple gloves, boots and a wide witch hat as well as stylish glasses. She was 1,76 meters (5¡¯ 9¡±) with curvy, shoulder-length brownish-purple hair and orange eyes.


    ¡°Come on now, these kinds of rumors are always based on some kind of truth even if over exaggerated.¡± Replies Stela, their other female part member with them. She was an elf with slightly paler skin than the rest and had pale greenish hair with bright turquoise eyes and was 1,89 meters tall (6¡¯ 2¡±). Her clothes were in shades of green and slightly brown with layers of cloth and a chain shirt underneath. She had a bow with a quiver of arrows on her back and a short sword on one side of her waist with a dagger on the other.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like this kind of rumors last forever. Eventually, when the person in question does more public activities everyone will learn how true those rumors really were.¡± Added the last girl present with them. She was, of course - Firlana, the girl who ate breakfast earlier with Dakrus. This time she was wearing brigandine which of you would have never noticed due to how meticulously it was made to look like normal leather. Of course instead, it was plated armor with big straps of leather riveted on top for added protection and to hide the holes between the plates.


    Just as everyone was getting rowdy in the guild as it was getting almost noon and everyone was either entering after completing preparation so they can get their quest or exiting to go complete their quest. But suddenly a small part of the noise vanished as some started to stare at a person who just entered. Of course, Truelip as usual ignored all the stares and just continued calmly going straight to the quest board to select a quest for today. As everyone had an idea of what the person in the rumors looks like they all had weird idealized versions in their heads and yet all of them were mesmerized and perplexed at how truly beautiful she actually was. Some expectations were met, but even those that weren¡¯t, did not mind as what they got was remarkable in its own way.


    Seeing that Firlana went over to Dakrus¡¯ shoulder and whispered in his ear ¡°Do you think it was about her¡­? I mean they did say she was supposedly very beautiful, but knowing men, they¡¯d have said that almost about anyone as the rumour progressed¡­¡±


    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll see eventually¡­ It¡¯s not guaranteed it¡¯s her¡­¡± replied Dak.


    As Truelip surveyed the quests she finally picked one and took one of its flyers to bring to Catharine. Of course, everyone was trying to track her every move to see what she¡¯d do, some not being noticeable in the process, others failing to do the same and some not even trying. As she finally reaches her destination and places flyer on the desk, in front of the receptionist she normally talks to.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to do this one today.¡±You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    And as usual, Catharine''s face goes pale as she sees the quest in question.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t allow you to do this one¡­ this time seriously!¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean why not?!? You¡¯re very aware that the entire city is on high alert, cause of the cultist! They have explicitly banned low ranking solo adventurers from going out on their own! Not to mention that this is a medium level mission! Even if it is low-ranking it¡¯s still too dangerous for you!


    ¡°I think I can handle it.¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t let any lower adventurers on such missions with less than six party members! You¡¯re not gonna be able such difficult opponents!¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that if I¡¯m strong enough to beat six other people all by myself I can go on it?¡±


    At this point, the receptionist girl just grabs her head as she lays face first on the desk


    ¡°Why do I have to deal with this¡­¡±


    The blond just stays there, doing nothing as she stares at the scene in front of her quietly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a matter of strength but numbers! They can use tactics and help each other out, covering for each other¡¯s weak points. We can¡¯t let someone like you on this level of mission even if you have slightly higher stats, because your equipment isn¡¯t strong enough.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine as I am.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t even have a weapon!? What? Do you plan on taking your opponent''s weapon in the midst of combat??¡±


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    The girl stood there speechless with an agape mouth as she tried to process this conversation, but her brain couldn¡¯t handle the weird individual in front of her.


    At the same time some footsteps could be heard closing in, despite that Truelip ignored them, until they called out to her.


    ¡°Um, excuse me?¡±


    Truelip turned around to the voice that supposedly called out to her.


    ¡°If you¡¯re looking for a party, would you like to come with us?¡±


    In front of her was a fit boy she hadn¡¯t spoken to before. It was Dakrus.


    ¡°Yes! That would be a splendid idea! You should definitely go with them!¡± Catharine said enthusiastically with the hopes this mess will finally go away from her head.


    The blond just looked at the guy for a few seconds without answering and the other two visibly start getting anxious, before she finally replies.


    ¡°Okay¡±


    ¡°Ah great¡­ let me introduce you to the rest! They¡¯re right there.¡± He said as he gestured towards the others, just as another girl was joining the other ones from the party.


    Truelip just nodded and Dak nodded back, turned around to head towards them, soon followed by her. In the background the relieved sighs of a tedious work shift with this crazy girl could be heard.


    As everyone watched Dak slowly come back with the supposedly rumoured girl, everyone wondered what she¡¯d be like. She didn¡¯t seem very impressionable, but they¡¯re gonna try their best to impress her anyway. After he finally got to them he introduced her.


    ¡°Everyone, this is our new temporary party member, please be nice to her. My name¡¯s Dakrus by the way.¡± he says as he turns around to the girl.


    Looking at the small party the beautiful girl can¡¯t help but scoff in her mind at how all these girls were hanging around this guy.


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Truelip.¡± She replies in a short and quiet manner. Everyone else slightly tensed as they hope she¡¯d be a bit more talkative when they actually are on their mission.


    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Firlana, But you can call me Lana for short! It¡¯s nice to meet you, I hope we get along well!¡± the girl says enthusiastically as she uses her hands to motion and express her excitement further.


    ¡°I¡¯m Vyria.¡± Replied the mage, still with crossed arms. Everyone again tensed since they didn¡¯t want to deal with two such individuals.


    ¡°I¡¯m Stela and this is Dallia.¡± The elf said after which pointing towards the final member ¨C a 1,45 meter (4¡¯ 9¡±) with messy long pale blonde hair and green eyes. She was wearing a white robe with a chain shirt underneath and had a staff in both hands which she was gripping tightly. The girl did not introduce herself, but just gently nodded when her name was mentioned.


    ¡°So which quest did you pick out for yourself? Continued Dak.


    ¡°This one¡± the blond replies simply handing the flyer over so everyone can see. It was a quest to defeat a band of orcs that has started to cause trouble up ahead on the main route in the forest outside the city.


    Everyone glances at it and Stella takes it from her hands to get a better look at the details.


    ¡°Ah, we were going to do that one too¡­¡± replied Lana ¡°but they didn¡¯t let us because we were missing a party member¡­¡±


    Truelip simply didn¡¯t reply to that statement and she ignored it so profoundly no one was actually sure if she even heard it.


    ¡°So then¡­¡± Dak took control of the conversation again ¡°We should prepare everything we¡¯ll need and set out tomorrow, is that okay with you¡­ Truelip?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± She responded briefly.


    ¡°Okay then¡­ then shall we all meet here tomorrow morning and set out to the forest outside the city?¡±


    Everyone replied with either a nod or an affirmative answer.


    ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll be going now to get the things I want. Firlana, do you wanna come with me?¡± continued Dak


    ¡°Sure, somebody¡¯s gotta make sure you don¡¯t find any more party members.~¡±


    As they split from the group to their own destination, it could be heard Dak replying ¡°Maybe this wasn¡¯t such a good idea¡­¡±


    As that was happening Vyria quickly said ¡°Then, I shall be going too¡± and without wasting time also departed instantly.


    ¡°Ah, do you wanna come with me and Dallia then?¡± the elf girl asked with a smug as she slowly crept up on Truelip with her hands slightly forward and down as if to grab her along.


    ¡°No thanks, I¡¯ll go directly home after I quickly buy what I need so there is no point in waiting for me.¡± The blond replied instantly.


    ¡°Ah, are you sure?~ It¡¯d be a lot more fun if we had another person?~¡± Stela continued her persuasion.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll have plenty of fun with the two of you.¡± And with that she turned around and started to leave, effectively ending the topic.


    ¡°Ah, too bad¡­ guess I¡¯ll just have to do with what I have¡­¡± the elf said to herself as a slight mischievous smile appeared on her face and in the background one can vividly hear Dallia swallowing saliva in her throat.


    As Truelip was leaving the guild she could hear voices behind her starting to chatter up behind how she had just randomly joined a party, but she couldn¡¯t really hear the details, nor was interested to know what it was.


    She headed towards the market that was between the way towards her home and the guild, that she passes by every day. She didn¡¯t spend much time into looking at what was on offer, only checking its quality - whether it was high, therefore unaffordable, or too low, therefor useless. She only bought a pouch and some weak potions for healing, mana and stamina regeneration as well as a medallion which supposedly improved focus. And with that she went to her house to sleep through another night.

 Chapter 8 – Pathways

    Rain again, it was always raining on that day. Firlana could remember it clearly, though it was more like she couldn¡¯t forget even if she wished too. It was a normal day as any other at first but it was especially dim outside due to the heavy clouds hiding the sky behind them. The dark grey sky perfectly matched the tall grey buildings around her. It was like the city itself was sad and torn, which perfectly matched the atmosphere. There were still riots and occasional fights downtown, so the schools still remained closed due to safety reasons.


    As she sleepily got out of bed and left her room, clothes changed, she went to meet up with Dak. She had to go to her dads to get some supplies they decided to go together. Her mom would probably feel safer that way anyway. They were gonna pass through the school to go there so that¡¯s where they met up. She longingly looked at that old building where their peaceful life was not so long ago, now also dim and empty like everything else. The neighbourhood was supposedly pretty far from the commotion so they didn¡¯t worry much about meeting trouble, but were still on guard.


    As they slowly walked passed the block, they could hear screams coming from the direction of all the fighting. A chill went down her spine as she listened¡­ it was like they were being massacred¡­


    What exactly is going on there¡­?


    She thought to herself, but then decided it¡¯s probably better for her to never find out seeing as she won¡¯t be able to have a peaceful dream after knowing. They slowed down just in case and in turn, the screams started dissipating. After a few moments of silence, they started hearing a loud sound coming from that direction but it sounded like it was further away machinery working or something like that? She wasn¡¯t quite sure what it was.


    After a few more seconds though she was unlucky to find out as she could finally see a massive wave of water coming in from the distance, as it slowly crept closer to them. Both her and Dak were just staring at it speechless as it was growing in size as it neared. At that point, they no longer paid attention to the voices in the distance. They just sat there waiting, as they closed their hands locking their fingers as her body felt the pressure against it.


    She tried pushing back when she suddenly kicked up from her bed. It was raining outside, but the night sky wasn¡¯t as full of clouds so she could see that it was starting to get light outside. She was entirely drenched, her clothes covered in rainwater and sweat. Looking up she could see a board in the ceiling had given in, probably due to the roof leakage from the roof, dropping a bunch of water on her.


    Almost every time it rained she had this nightmare. She sighed as she laid back down slowly as she thought to herself:


    I¡¯ll have to get a new room¡­


    As the morning progressed it had stopped raining and some of the smaller puddles had started to dry out. Dak, Firlana, and Vyria were already in front of the Adventurers Guild. The first two had small backpacks on their back with supplies for their incursion while the latter had only a few small pouches with basic potions and an empty one for useful things they find on the way.


    After a few more minutes Stella came along happily while dragging a sleepy Dallia along and not late after Truelip also showed up. All three of them were also carrying small pouches as well.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you buy any food and supplies for today¡­?¡± Dak asked Truelip, as he rubbed the back of his head.


    ¡°The less we carry the better, no? Even you guys aren¡¯t carrying much.¡±


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s true¡­ But how are you going to fight? You aren¡¯t thinking of getting lucky and stealing your opponent''s weapon and using it against them.¡± he replied timidly


    ¡°How did you know?¡± The blond replied, knowing fully well that she had already done it once.


    He sighed in return ¡°Okay then¡­ I can give you one of my spare swords if you need it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±


    ¡°Okay then, is everyone ready? Dak asked everyone as they nodded back before they set out.


    As they started moving west towards the town''s exit, the streets started getting busier as people were finally waking up to go to work, yet as they went further and further away from the center both the buildings and the crows started to go get smaller instead. After about 5 minutes of walking they could finally see the walls in the distance, although they weren¡¯t close to them yet. It was quite peaceful as they all walked quietly and still sleepily out of the city. The birds were singing their morning melodies as cheerful noises came from restaurants and inns.


    After a couple more minutes of walking, they were finally at the base of the city wall. They were quite extensive, going up to 50 meters (164¡¯) tall and the front gate was wide open inwards towards the city as the massive metal spikes hanging from the porch were in front of the gate. There were a few people going in and out of the city at a constant rate, but they were all being checked by the guards. In fact, one of them was the boy who was with Truelip the first day. He now had guards armor though it still was slightly tinted red like how his leather armor was, but his brown eyes and hair, which was short and messy, didn¡¯t really stand out much.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    There wasn¡¯t really a line, but they did have to wait for two other small groups to go through before them. When it finally came their turn, is when he noticed her.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s you again¡­¡± he replied as he looked around at the people around her.


    ¡°Hi, hi. I see you¡¯re busy as usual.¡±


    ¡°So you decided to go outside the city on a quest¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡±


    Of course, she didn¡¯t really talk much as usual so he just nodded as Stela handed him the quest flyer and he looked at it, felt dizzy as he read it and let them through as he continued his guard duty.


    Passing through Stela whispered to the others ¡°Was he shaking¡­?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him, he¡¯s probably cold from being under that porch this early in the morning.¡± Truelip replied without hesitation.


    ¡°Ah, I guess that makes sense¡± Stela continues ¡°he¡¯s probably bored from standing there all day!¡± she says while punching at the air energetically.


    ¡°Probably.¡± Truelip added.


    Everyone else didn¡¯t know what to make out of the conversation they just witnessed so they raise their shoulders and decide to ignore it.


    Looking out into the distance the forest surrounding the city could be seen with a single main road leading towards it. ON the way there were multiple tall grass plains, covering the entire horizon. The weeds went as high as 120 centimeters (3¡¯ 11¡±) almost up to Truelip¡¯s head. Looking out to her right, Truelip could see a lonely oak tree, sitting atop a slightly elevated piece of land, that surprisingly had yellow grass around it instead, which was also shorter and in fact looked to be only slightly longer than normal grass.


    Dak noticed her staring out into the fields and spoke up.


    ¡°That¡¯s where most new adventurers go after getting a grasp of thing in the city. Despite its peaceful looks, there is some wildlife that roams these fields so they¡¯re good for training and also getting some money and skills from harvesting their skin, teeth and claws.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Truelip responded as she nodded.


    ¡°Of course we¡¯ll be going on the main road which they don¡¯t like to go through since they lose their natural cover.¡± Firlana said hoping to calm Truelip if she got worried and Dallia who had swallowed when she heard that.


    They didn¡¯t speak much else as they slowly walked towards the forest in the still rathe morning. As they entered the forest the how atmosphere changed as they could instantly feel it get colder, due to the canopy overhead preventing from the light reaching them, with the exception of lone rays seeping through the many leaves. The deeper they went the more diverse sounds they could hear coming from the wildlife there.


    ¡°After we reach the branch off, we¡¯ll be headed North-West due to the cultists in the South-West.¡± Firlana informed everyone else with a cautious tone.


    ¡°Lana, you¡¯re being too cautious, I¡¯m sure we can take them all on if we were serious!¡± Stela said with closed eyes and her hands behind her head.


    ¡°That confidence will get you killed someday you know¡± Vyria reproached as she stopped reading her book for a moment, to do so.


    ¡°Y-yes! It would be very bad if we lost you Stela!¡± quietly responded Dallia to the conversation in hand, despite her reluctances to do normally.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t worry! I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll heal me the moment anything bad happens to any of us!¡± the elf continued.


    ¡°But still¡­¡± the priest girl, in turn, tried pleading.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t raise death flags so casually. Only strong people can allow themselves such haughtiness.¡± Truelip interjected into the conversation.


    ¡°Pff, you guys are such killjoys.¡± Stela said with a lamenting tone at which point no one continued the conversation, hands still behind her head.


    Soon after they reached the aforementioned fork in the road. It split into three other roads, going North-West, West and South-West. Of course, they all went to the North one, though Stela had a disappointed expression on her face, though no one spoke up. After walking for a few hours the canopy had cleared out over their heads a little as the warm light, coming from the still rising sun, landed on their chilled faces. After that Dak and Lana who were at the front of the group were mostly staring into the distance above the trees. They continued so until they saw three mountains in the distance, though their high was not their greatest quality. After that Lana spoke up again.


    ¡°We should have to go North from here then, into the forest.¡±


    Everyone just nodded, Dallia, gripping tightly her staff, as they moved off the road and headed in the forest they could hear the birds chirping at each other, as woodpeckers were treating trees and even leaves moving could be audibly heard clearly. Of course during all that despite her eyes being closed and hands still behind her head, Stela''s ears were constantly twitching and tuning slightly towards the different sounds. It also slightly creeped out Lana as she couldn¡¯t get used to it, but thankfully she was at the front this time, but the mental image was so burned into her memory that she could just feel it happening behind her back. As they were walking Dak and Lana were looking around for something, as it was approaching noon, when they finally saw a clearing in the forest and headed towards it.


    ¡°Okay guys, we¡¯ll be setting up camp here.¡± Dak says as both of them put down their backpacks.


    There was a small slightly burned patch of grass in the center with small rocks around it and there were a few logs scattered around which Dallia instantly set on and sighed as her little legs could finally take a rest.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go look for some twigs and dry grass.¡± Vyria said as she finally put her book in one of the pouches.


    ¡°Okay, we shouldn¡¯t take long here.¡± Lana said as they were taking out sleeping bags, pots, bowls, boards and other utensils.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go hunt some wildlife.¡±


    ¡°What about a weapon¡­? There¡¯s not one you can steal from them?¡± Dak scoffed instantly.


    ¡°Guess I¡¯ll have to use a rock then.¡± Truelip replied in turn as she turned around and went in the opposite direction of Vyria, so she doesn¡¯t scare off her prey.


    Dak just sighed as he tried to not think about the conversation he just partook in.

 Chapter 9 – Will of ice

    After walking for a few minutes in one direction Truelip stopped to take in the scenery. She was surrounded by a lush forest with leaves almost completely blocking the sunlight and shrubbery obstructing the view. She closed her eyes and listened and could hear the birds¡¯ songs as well as movements all around her by small animals. As she concentrated she could feel where they were located, their movements - where they were going. She opened her eyes and looked up at the branches to a nearby tree, searching for a decently thick one. She then turned her gaze to her hand, which she had lifted in the air, up to her stomach.


    As she focused on her hand, vapor started appearing from her hand and falling to the side. She then stopped moments after and slowly tightened her hand into a fist. She hadn¡¯t had a lot of safe space to practice magic at her home, without causing disturbances, but had tried as much as she could. As she looked back up at the branch she had picked out she pointed her hands towards it.


    ¡°[Ice Lance]¡±


    As she said those words, three thin ice stalactites shot from her hand, piercing her target, hitting right on the seam of the branch, equal distance from each other. Contempt with the results, she moves her hand next to her thigh as the, now tree stalactites started to disappear from the bottom-up and in only a few seconds were completely gone. The only trace of what had just transpired being the holes in the branch, which in turn after a few seconds, filled with a white light healing the tree, removing the evidence with it. Truelip looked around slightly, before continuing again in the direction she was heading.


    After walking a bit more and ignoring the small animals around her she finally felt the location of a young doe, who was eating some grass on a small open area between the tree and bushes. As she watched the deer for a couple of seconds as it moved to a slightly grassier part of the field to find better sustenance. As she watched, Truelip stretched her hands in front of her, fists clenched, as this time, without uttering any words, an ice bow formed in her grip, as well as the feathered end of an arrow, started to form in her right hand. As she pulled it back, the rest of the arrow continued to form at the base of the bow until the arrowhead was finally visible, though it looked more like the stalactites from earlier.


    She steadied her breathing and homed in on the deer¡¯s neck as it was the easier target to hit for her since she wasn¡¯t confident in hitting the heart and also didn¡¯t really want to damage the meat much. As the foe once more moved to a tastier location, she waited for it to stop moving and the moment it dropped its head, she readied and pulled ¨C arrow piercing it instantly as it wailed in pain and tried to run off, but swayed from one side t the other as it finally fell to the ground, bleeding heavily and suffocating due the large ice stuck in its throat.


    Truelip slowly got up and walked towards it. By the time she was next to it, it had already died due to almost no blood reaching its brain or body, as the whole in its neck struck almost all of its throat, seeing as it was still small and the arrows thickness was half its length at the widest part. Truelip then proceeded to cast another spell.


    ¡°[Flash Ice]¡±


    In about 5 seconds, the deer¡¯s body started forming small deposits of ice crystals on it, but they were not cold enough to freeze the deer, as she had cast the lowest level version of the spell which only covers the target in ice, but it was enough to keep it fresh till she brings it back to the camp. Seeing that her spell was successful, she picked it up by the stomach and nudged it on her shoulder, with the doe¡¯s head being behind Truelip¡¯s back so as to not have the smell the blood directly in her face.


    After walking back in the direction she came from, she came back to the open field where the others were. Dak and Lana were still working on set up, Vyria had returned and was helping them and Dallia was asleep, probably, on one of the logs. Stela was the only one who was just sitting on the logs without her attention being already taken, so she was quick to notice the steps of someone coming towards them. Thought she was almost certain it was Truelip due to the steps being calm, they were heavier than hers so she was still on guard just in case.


    How much food did that girl bring¡­ two-three rabbits would have been plenty for lunch¡­


    The speed of the steps did not increase as they neared the clearing so whomever it was definitely wasn¡¯t trying to attack, but she turned around anyway to see who it was. As she saw Truelip walking with the deer on her shoulder, Stela couldn¡¯t help, but stare with her mouth agape. As she was close enough for the others to also hear her footsteps and Stela hasn¡¯t called out for trouble yet, the rest also assumed it was Truelip.


    ¡°You¡¯re back fast, did you catch anything good, or did you come with your tail between your legs?¡± Dak asked grinning.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Truelip only replied ¡°Yeah¡± ignoring the rest of the question, as she slowly went near the center of the area to put down the doe.


    As Dak works on preparing the different vegetables they brought for their supper, he notices she didn¡¯t say anything else and just continued to them, he looked up to see her. Of course, he also couldn¡¯t believe his eyes at first as he saw her gently put the deer on the ground, with the bloody hole in its throat and more dried blood coming from its mouth.


    ¡°Wait, how did you catch that¡­?¡± he asked dumbfounded, Lana and Vyria also looked up, from their work, to see what he was talking about, also just as surprised as the rest. ¡°And how did you manage to make such a hole in its throat¡­¡± Dak continued his questions.


    ¡°A really sharp rock.¡± Truelip replied to him as she just went to one of the logs and sat on it to rest a little.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for the entire week for all of us¡­¡± Dak said still at aw from her catch.


    ¡°I guess.¡± She replied shortly


    ¡°And where did you get all this ice from¡­?¡± he continued his questioning.


    ¡°Magic.¡±


    ¡°Of course¡­¡± Dak decided to give up on asking any more questions and instead focuses his attention on how to cook they¡¯re now plentiful supper. After thinking for a bit with the help of Lana they decide to saut¨¦ it with the vegetables. After a bit later in the afternoon, they had already finished and everyone had eaten their portion, Truelip went to the carcass and recast her spell.


    ¡°[Flash Frost]¡±


    This time she cast a higher version spell since they won¡¯t be eating it again for a few hours. The body instantly got covered with frost as its temperature dropped considerably. Everyone else just watched as she did that before Dak also got up and left his bowl next to the pan.


    ¡°So we should split up so some can go scout, while the others who aren¡¯t good at stay back and keep watch here.¡± He said gathering everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Dalia is a good support with her healing magic, but is she awful at scouting so she is obviously staying behind since we don¡¯t want to engage unless we¡¯re all together so the scouts don¡¯t need a healer.¡±


    No one questioned his logic but Dalia looked down to the ground slightly, disappointed at her lack of skill.


    ¡°Lana and Stela are perfect for scouting so they¡¯re obviously going, but we need at least one person to stay with Dallia because she¡¯s most powerful in a group.¡± He continued ¡°I myself aren¡¯t that good at scouting but can keep up while for Vyria, it isn¡¯t her forte, but she can manage if we¡¯re in need of someone aiding us from the back. So then what are you good at Truelip so we can decide how to split?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a jack of all trades and obviously ¨C master of none. My Strength, Dexterity and Intelligence are all equal so I¡¯m just as good at swordsmanship, acrobatics and magic.¡± She replied instantly.


    ¡°Then what kind of magic can you use?¡± he asked curious.


    ¡°Conjuration, specifically ice magic as you can see.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Dak trails of as he ponders the new information before continuing ¡°Then how about Lana, Stela, Truelip and me go scout, while Dalia and Vyria stay behind? Do you think you can manage or should another one stay?¡± he asked as he turns towards Dalia.


    ¡°I-i-i think it¡¯ll be hard, but that we would manage to pull through¡­¡± she responded as she held her staff firmly to herself.


    ¡°So then it¡¯d be bad if they got attacked¡­¡± Lana added her thoughts into the conversation.


    Dak starts thinking it over again before finally deciding ¡°Then how about I stay behind since I¡¯ll be the slowest of the scouting party, plus defending is my specialty so I¡¯ll be a lot more useful here. What do you think?¡±


    Lana visibly didn¡¯t like the thought of Dak staying behind with the other girls and expressed her concerns. ¡°But will Truelip be able to keep up with us? If she¡¯s a jack of all trades, then she might be slower than even you?¡±


    ¡°That could be true... But she said she¡¯s acrobatic so I expected she¡¯d use that like Stela does¡­?¡± Dak responded


    ¡°Hehehe, I doubt she¡¯ll manage to keep up to my skills!¡± Stela interjected her useless opinions.


    ¡°Since I¡¯m a jack of all trades I can use both Strength and Dexterity at the same time essentially granting me an advantage to someone who doesn¡¯t specialise in scouting.¡± Truelip finally saying her take on the matters.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. I¡¯ll be staying behind and we¡¯ll meet up again at sunset you guys.¡± Dak said as he went to lie down on one of the nearby logs.


    Disgruntled Lana, in turn, turned around West where the orcs were sighted and starts heading there ¡°Stop wasting time then-¡°


    As everyone had their task set, they set out to scout out the orcs location for the day.


    Lana was perfectly going from bush to bush with incredible speed while crouched, so much that you would have a tough time tracking her even as her teammate. Stela, on the other hand, had jumped at a tree and used it to jump off to a nearby branch where she continued to jump from branch to branch like she was a butterfly dancing in the air.


    She turned around to see how Truelip was doing and saw her charge against a tree and jump right before hitting it, to run two steps on its bark, before jumping again, to a branch that was growing from it, this time turning her body sideways slightly as she reached her hands out and grabbed ahold of the branch and waited for the momentum in her legs to stop as they had continued in the directing she kicked herself up in.


    After that, she swung herself slightly backward and used the momentum to swing the rest of her entire body forward and up and around the branch landing her feet on it. After that, she started to jump from branch to branch like Steal, although slower than her, but that was expected.


    Stela pleasantly surprised at her skill, grinned and complimented her in her head ¡°Nicely done newbie~¡± before she continued on her path.


    Lana, on the other hand, scoffed at her skills ¡°Show off¡­¡± annoyed at how well she did it.

 Chapter 10 – Bonding fire

    The other back at the camp continued to rest, and as it got dark, Dak started to prepare everything for the fire. He couldn¡¯t help himself but think about his party.


    Even though Vyria and Truelip have similar personalities, it somehow seems Truelip and Stela are getting along a lot better¡­


    Dak and Dalia were the perfect defensive group along with Vyria¡¯s support they were confident in themselves but were still on guard just in case. As the night came closer the rest of the party came back from their search empty handed. It was already dusk, so Dak decided to start the fire and sat down with two small rocks before Vyria just went up to him and placed her hand on his to stop him before she pointed her other hand at the twigs and leaves set inside the fire enclosure.


    ¡°Embers, yet to breath, eager to live, come forth to dance till your last light shines no more, [Wilf Fire]!¡±


    As she said her incantation, unlike how Truelip simply said the spell name, the twigs lit up as a fire started to burn on them.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t need to waste mana on that. Wouldn¡¯t it have been better to save it just in case?¡± Dak asked her as he looked directly into her eyes.


    Vyria let go of his hand as she replied to his question ¡°It saves us time, plus it¡¯s not like it matters for small spells like that. I even put less mana into it.¡±


    ¡°Is that why it didn¡¯t set the surrounding foliage ablaze like it usually does?¡± Dak asked jokingly, but Vyria frowned at the remark and turned around to go continue reading her book. Uncertain of what she thought about it he hesitated to continue the conversation as to not get her mad at him and decided to leave it at that.


    After everyone ate dinner on the campfire, they all sat down or laid somewhere ¨C Dak, Dali and Vyria on logs, as Dalia were simply listening on the others¡¯ conversation and of course Vyria was with her book; Lana and Stela were on their sleeping bags and lastly Truelip on the ground further to side and away from the rest, laying sideways, with her head rested on her arm, one leg stretched, while the other bent, knee in the air and her other arm rested on her thigh.


    Dak yawns as he was roasting some small pieces of leftover food on the campfire.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s night time, but isn¡¯t it a bit early to be that tired already?¡± Lana teasingly asked as she laid down on her bag.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard staying up when the entire atmosphere is so dark¡­¡± he responded.


    ¡°What are we to say, considering we spent all day running around while you were just sitting here¡­¡± she continues, slightly aggravated.


    ¡°Well just because I get sleepy earlier doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll sleep in like you~¡± he said cheekily in response.


    ¡°The stars usually keep me awake at night. Maybe they can help you?¡± Stela says holding her legs with her hands while gazing at said stars above, uncharacteristically calm.


    ¡°You really like watching them, don¡¯t you?¡± Vyria asks, trying her hardest to start a conversation with Stela


    ¡°Yes, doesn¡¯t it make you think of all the other worlds that exist out there? I like making up stories for each and every one of them, no matter how big or small, all different like the quirks and personality of a real person.¡±


    Not knowing how exactly to respond Vyria says with a slightly uneasy voice ¡°I think I understand what you mean. It reminds me of all the astronomy and astrotheurgy books I have read¡­ How every little thing is given purpose¡­ a name and personality¡­¡±


    Stela was thinking of stopping her mid-sentence by saying that¡¯s not something you can just understand, meaning it more as a statement, but was indecisive of whether to say it at all and in the end decided not to, since it did sound unintentionally harsh. In turn, she merely remained silent, now she was the one who didn¡¯t know how to respond.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were quite the dreamer Stela.¡± Lana interrupted the silence - Truelip¡¯s old friend.


    ¡°I guess¡­¡± she said slightly smiling, as she looked down from the stars, for the first down during this conversation, towards Lana.


    The fire¡¯s crackling, orchestrated with the crickets¡¯ night serenade were breaking the peaceful night, as everyone was happy that they were together there at that moment. Despite the convo having ended, it lingered in their thought and kept them all warm inside despite it not having been smooth. As if on queue Truelip broke the silence.


    ¡°So how did you guys get here?¡±


    Everyone else just stared at her, silence returning, as they didn¡¯t know what to answer as all of them were purposefully ignoring the topic in front of her. After a few moments on wondering what to tell them Lana, Dallia and Stela just turned their gaze to the ground.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°So you remembered¡­?¡± Dak asked trying to distract the others.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Thinking about it they all assumed that she herself probably won¡¯t want to talk about it and moreover probably asked them so she herself can cope with it. After all, that¡¯s how it was with all of them. Nevertheless, even with that mindset, they couldn¡¯t pull themselves through to answer her. Stela was the first one to break the silence.


    ¡°Well I don¡¯t really have a problem with answering, but there really isn¡¯t much to say¡­ Back in my homeland where I lived, it was full of elves, all living alongside nature and friends to the wildlife. Though some aristocrat idiots wanted to expand their kingdom into our forest and when they met resistance they said that we were cultists or something and defying their gods and decided to set the forests on fire, specifically our cities which were on the trees. Apparently, they were gonna build cities in their place, so burning a small portion in order to get all of us out was pretty good for them¡­ And that¡¯s how I ended up here.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Truelip replied in a shallow way as she continued to look at all of them waiting for the next person to begin.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Lana and I wanna talk about it really¡­ sorry¡­¡± Dak said with a sad grimace, as he looked at Lana whom herself was just looking down at the ground not even listening anymore.


    ¡°Sorry for asking.¡± She sounded like she was gonna trail off, but ended quickly.


    ¡°Then I guess, I¡¯ll go next¡­¡± Vyria continued ¡°There wasn¡¯t anything special in my life¡­ in fact it was quite ordinary. No adventure or thrill or anything, but I didn¡¯t really crave much. I mean it was fun thinking about all those fantasy stories¡­ But it¡¯ not like I would have traded my normal life for it. I was actually drawing art back then¡­ But here in this city specifically that¡¯s not profitable¡­ Though I was told when I get stronger or find an escort if I venture out further away from the city I could find one where it is profitable. Magic really wasn¡¯t a thing in my past life either¡­ Sure it would have probably been fun to have some¡­ But since I needed a way to defend myself I decided to learn magic here¡­ It was something that sounded cool and I was interested in¡­ so yeah. By the way how come you don¡¯t need incantation for your magic, but only can use the name? I thought only high level mages could do that or do you use a different type of magic?¡±


    ¡°I do use a different type, but I still need incantations for high level spells. It¡¯s just that the type of magic I use focuses on fine control so for example if I decide to not go all out I use up less mana and thus don¡¯t need the full incantation, but only the part for the purpose.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡±


    After a few moments of silence, Dallia spoke up ¡°Back in the city where I was under the archbishop, we worshipped Aeucheles¡­ He would grant us his protection, but¡­¡± She trailed off, not finishing her sentence. ¡°Even now I can still feel his protection and can use the miracles he has granted me¡­ Though it feels weird when I use them¡­ as if¡­ there¡¯s an interference¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t betray your beliefs.¡± Truelip replied with an uncharacteristic smile to her. Though faint and barely visible, it changed her presence entirely. It¡¯s like her entire face lit up and her features became even more mesmerising as her entire face gave off an aura that soothed. Though it quickly subsided and became even less visible, probably from the stares all of them were giving her.


    Stela, surprisingly enough, was the first one to look away, looking down, as she blushed from the notion of how she was staring at her. Seconds later she got up terrified and screamed.


    ¡°LIZARD!?!¡±


    Everyone quickly grabbed their weapon and stiffened their bodies on guard, except Truelip, assuming that a lizardman is attacking them seeing as Stela was supposed to listen for anyone that nears them.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Dak hurriedly asked her.


    ¡°There, there, get it away!¡± she yelled out as she pointed towards the ground and screamed.


    Looking at said ground they could see a small lizard that had unearthed from under a rock to seek the warm fire in the night.


    Everyone tiredly lowered their guard and sighed, slowly going back to their previous poser ignoring her as she continued to scream in terror.


    ¡°Get it away! It¡¯s disgusting!¡±


    Quickly Vyria responded ¡°Hey, what do you mean disgusting?? Why do you hate them so much¡­?¡± as she donned a serious and sad expression thinking about the harsh words.


    Lana following her question as she looked at Stela ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re a forest elf, aren¡¯t you supposed to love all forest animals¡­?¡±


    ¡°Forest animals are cute and fuzzy! Lizards are scaly, cold and so gross to touch!¡± Stela responds to both of them at the same time, before she continued ¡°How do you even like them? Don¡¯t you like to experiment on them or something with your magic and potions? She directs her attention to Vyria expecting an answer.


    ¡°We don¡¯t experiment on them! We experiment on rats! How can you even compare the two¡­¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t fool me! I¡¯ve been to mage classes! It¡¯s full of creepy, smelly, scaly¡­ scary monsters!¡± Stela trails of midway trying her hardest to describe the horrors that plague her memories, but finds the memories easier than she does the words for them.


    After hearing her silly explanation after a few moments Dak snorts and starts laughing followed by Lana, with Dalia giving a slight smile before Vyria finally giving in and changing her serious grimace about her scaly friends to also slightly laughing at the matter. After a few moments, everyone calmed back down to normal and started yawning one after the other before deciding it¡¯s time to go to sleep so obviously they had a choice to make.


    ¡°So who¡¯s going to be on watch duty first?¡± Dak asks everyone with a slightly serious tone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind being first¡± Truelip responds almost instantly, with Lana at the background pouting since she didn¡¯t want her sleep interrupted and was hoping to be first.


    ¡°Are you sure? Will you be able to hold out the tiredness? It¡¯s not a problem if someone else goes instead.¡± He asked to reassure.


    ¡°Yes, I can also use magic to stay up slightly longer so it won¡¯t be a problem for me to be first.¡±


    ¡°Okay, but be sure to wake us up the moment you start feeling sleepy or something happens¡­ You¡¯ll also have to keep the fire going till then.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay. Be sure to rest well while you sleep.¡±


    And with that everyone else went to sleep in their sleeping bags, Stela at first gazing at the stars, but falling asleep first and cuddling in her blanket like a baby. Truelip went to the West part of the clearing, in the direction of the Orcs, and sat down in front of a tree, laying her back against it. That way if someone did come from that direction they won¡¯t see her and think everyone¡¯s sleeping and hopefully get slightly careless, or so was the plan. Every little advantage she could get mattered, especially when it was at no cost like this.

 Chapter 11 – Monsters in human skin

    After some time though unknown how much exactly to Dak, he woke up and was stationary in his sleeping bag while trying to fall asleep again, but had trouble doing so. He decided to open his eyes, even though he knew that only wake him up even more and be even harder for him to fall asleep after that, he was getting uneasy from lying still. As he opened his eyes he instinctively looked to find the person on watch duty and he saw Truelip laying against a tree with her eyes closed.


    Seeing that he felt pretty frustrated considering their safety falls on her, but the fire was still really hot so she must have fallen asleep recently. He tried whispering to call out to her, without waking up the rest with the hopes she might¡¯ve just dozed off.


    ¡°Truelip¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± she replied instantly with a vibrant voice.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be on guard duty¡­?¡± he continued whispering.


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Then why aren¡¯t you on guard¡­¡±


    ¡°I have magic sense. I don¡¯t need to have my eyes open to see around me.¡±


    He felt kind of dumb for not thinking of it in the first place. Almost all mages have some sort of magic sense and even though she isn¡¯t exactly a mage she can still cast at least basic spells. He was annoyed with himself because as leader, it¡¯s his job to protect his party members which include taking into account all the different abilities they¡¯re enemies having. He instantly started thinking how if he had stumbled upon another jack-of-all-trades sleeping he would have probably been at fault if it had turned out to be a trap. Turning away his thought for a moment from that since he realised he had just gone quiet. He tried to think of something to talk about.


    ¡°How long have you been on watch?¡±


    ¡°About 4 hours.¡±


    He was shocked to hear that since they all had agreed for everyone to watch for an hour and a half.


    ¡°But don¡¯t you feel tired¡­ Didn¡¯t we agree to switch?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can live solely on magic. I don¡¯t need sleep.¡±


    Hearing that he felt kind of bad for letting her stay alone all this time, but if she wanted to do then he¡¯d feel bad about telling her what to do too.


    ¡°If you think you can hold out okay, but do wake me up when you think you can¡¯t hold out anymore¡­¡±


    ¡°Like I said I can hold out the entire night, but I will wake you up on or two hours before that since it¡¯s still a good idea to have a normal rest.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    And with that, he thought the conversation ended and was about to go back to sleep but Truelip continued to stare at him and it made him feel uneasy.


    ¡°Is something wrong¡­?¡±


    ¡°Quickly wake up the others, we¡¯re being surrounded. Though saying that with a calm voice will probably take you longer to realise the urgency it also has the same effect on the enemies.¡± As she finished saying that she jumped up towards the fire.


    Hearing that he did indeed take a moment to realise the meaning behind her words, but the moment he did he also jumped up to wake up the others. As in on queue he heard in all directions around them people start running. Apparently, it did as well work on them. He ran towards the closest person, Lana, and tugged on her shoulder to wake her up.


    ¡°Quick, everyone wake up!¡± he yelled out.


    Thankfully from the yelling and the action everyone else, of course, woke up but took a moment to realise their situation. Dak didn¡¯t wait for them to do so and the moment he knew they were all awake, because being the only other one up and awake he had turned around as it was his job to defend them from the side opposite of the one Truelip went.


    Was that her intent?


    Not having the time to think about that he saw an orc running towards him with an axe and shield in hand.


    As that was happening a few arrows piercing through the air could be heard. One landed in the fire, instantly putting it out somehow, while the other two which were aimed at Truelip and Dak were instantly deflected in the dark as Truelip hold out her hand in a swinging motion and conjured a glaive, a sword on top of a spear, made out of ice.


    While the moon was out and was illuminating a bit of what was happening it was still dark and none in their party had night vision, with the exception of Vyria and Truelip¡¯s magic sense. That said as the orc was just charging at him when the light went out he could barely see him attacking, but thankfully he managed to block the attack with his bastard sword since he prepared for its counter while he could still see and the orc didn¡¯t take advantage of the darkness to change up the attack he was gonna do.


    The others had jumped up as soon as they realised they were under attack and Vyria instantly cast her [Wilf Fire] spell as fast as she can talk to bring sigh back to everyone with Dalia quietly preparing a light spell, without audibly speaking or visibly moving her mouth to cast at any moment. As the light spread they could clearly see the orcs now. They were completely surrounded. The orcs themselves weren¡¯t like the ones they could see in the city. Those looked more human, but these had huge tusks, some reaching their others, others reaching above their head, coming from their lower jaw and were greatly larger than them, but their backs were so big they looked like they were slightly hunched at all times. They looked more like a mix between trolls and orcs. One of them, a bit larger neared from behind the others as they made room for him.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Ah what a pleasant surprise for you to able to catch our surprise attack. But I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll get far now. Why don¡¯t you just accept your fates and make it easy on everyone here.¡± He spoke with a grizzly and calm voice, sounding more intelligent than he looked.


    ¡°I thought your camp was supposed to be further West. What happened, you remembered there was a corpse you had forgotten to take?¡± Truelip asked with a mocking tone and a slightly serious expression. The others from the party tensed up as they heard the way she spoke to them.


    ¡°No, no, no. We always make sure to take back everything of value. But we happened to hear on a scream through the quiet night so obviously, we had to check what it was no matter how away it is.¡±


    Hearing that, everyone who could see Stela, saw her ears dropping slightly down as she started blushing.


    ¡°Though we had to be very careful and slow in case it was a trap, who¡¯d knew we¡¯d stumble on such a prize! Did you kids not know of the scary monsters in these parts? It¡¯s a bad idea to be camping so far away from villages. Or were you having some fun instead?¡± he says the last bit laughing heavily with the ones around him scoffing.


    Everyone in the party was on guard. They were outnumbered, all opponents looked stronger and they also knew that there were archers who they couldn¡¯t see either, as they were hiding amongst the trees in the darkness. What came next made them go pale.


    ¡°You guys are so annoying¡­ can¡¯t you just¡­ surrender or something? It¡¯s really late and I don¡¯t feel like dealing with you.¡± Truelip said nonchalantly.


    The orcs reaction was first to stare dumbfounded before he started laughing.


    ¡°Hahaha, wit you were seri-¡°


    Before he could finish she through the glaive at him. He was expecting something like that, but just as he started reacting the glaive already pierced his shoulder, sending him flying backwards until the glaive also hit a tree. He was a few inches above the ground as writhed in the pain grabbing his shoulder to try and ease the pain somehow.


    Taking it as their queue, Vyria launched the flaming ball she was holding at one of the orcs closest to her, while Dalia cast a [Blinding Light] spell which allowed the fireball to hit its target without problem instantly setting his armor on fire. Dak and Lana simultaneously charged three orcs also trying to take advantage of the opportunity while Stela jumped at a tree, and then jumped again a second time to get on a branch as an arrow hit the spot where her foot landed from the initial jump.


    Truelip also charged, but she ignored all enemies and went for her glaive, pulling it out effortlessly without hesitation as she reached it, a massive waterfall of blood spilling out as she did that, the orc leader left suffering on the ground. She then swung it around her, the blade piercing another orc, while the other end hit one that was closer to her, making him stumble, before also slashing him with the edge. She took this brief moment to look at how the others were dealing.


    Because they were all on one side of the campfire and she charged the other, she had to deal with most of the orcs which was her plan. Dak managed to block some attack with his shield, as Lana was taking advantage of that to wound them, Stela was sniping at the archers so they don¡¯t interfere, Vyria was setting the nearby tree and along with them the orcs on fire while Dalia kept casting support spells, like one to help avoid projectiles, one to increase accuracy, to replenish stamina, to heal when someone got hurt, etcetera.


    Being more confident in her teammates, Truelip turned her gaze back to her surroundings. While she only spared a glance, there was already three orcs charging her from all sides. She turned to face two of them. The one on the left was preparing a strike from the left, while the other from above. She had also noted that the one, now behind her was also preparing a strike from above. She charged the one who was about to strike her left, pushing her glaive forward and extending her arm, taking advantage of her reach as she pierced the orcs hand holding the blade before he was even in range to swing.


    She wasted no time and instantly pulled back the blade, as the orc beside him tried to hit her arm with the downward strike, though he had to switch to only using his right hand, as she was no longer straight ahead of him and didn¡¯t have time to turn his entire body, thus weakening and slowing the strike, giving her plenty of time to pull back. As she did though, while the orc missed her arm, the glaive was still traveling and the polearm was now, under his armpit.


    Of course, it passed through only slowing down once, when it passed through the orc before it continued to go back towards the orc she had gotten more distance from, using the swinging motion and sudden movement to also strike him before he could react. Three bodies fall on the floor, but another one already caught up to her, striking towards her from above with yet another downward strike. She jumped up, doing a backflip with her legs, instead of going down, hitting the orcs face and pushing him backwards to hit another one, as she then jumped again, this time with a front flip, the extra force, making both orcs fall down. As she landed he intern did a downward strike slashing at another orc that was too cautious to attack her, going straight through him, although not leaving too deep of a wound.


    All the other rocs who were surrounding her just stayed back. They saw that trying to use only numbers to take her down is pointless since she said herself she has magic sense, so she has no blind spots. They need to use group strategy instead. Even knowing that though, no one dared to attack first. She just stood there and stared back with a merciless gaze. When there weren¡¯t flashes of white and red coming from behind her, they noticed that her red eyes glowed slightly in the dark.


    She only let them a moment of peace before she decided to attack herself, seeing as they weren¡¯t doing so. She simply charged on and slashed at him, before moving to the next on the right who was still swinging before he fell on the ground too. She continued, then thrusting her blade again, piercing one. Pulling it back again, as she looked back, hitting someone with the shaft in the stomach, followed by spinning her body and glaive around her, allowing her to effectively spin it twice since both were doing so. That last strike making sure everyone around her goes down for good.


    There were no more standing bodies around her. She looked at her teammates. They were holding on but hadn¡¯t managed to get one down yet, as their weapons were too weak to pierce them. Only Vyria¡¯s fires were capable of getting them down, given they burned for long enough to lose motivation to keep trying to attack her. While the flame probably couldn¡¯t go past their tough skin, the mental effects of the constant pain did them in.


    Truelip charged the remaining orcs and took them down with two successive strikes, seeing as they were nicely lined up in a line on the edge of the clearing. Everyone from her party seeing that just took a sigh from exhaustion, Vyria and Dalia falling to the ground sitting, unable to move and Stela, laying her back against the tree of the branch she was on wiping the sweat from her head. They had somehow managed to pull through or so were their thoughts.

 Chapter 12 – The bridge sprite

    A few hours had passed since the night occurrences. Even though originally everyone had thought they miraculously won, when they turned around to see the pile of bodies Truelip left, shivers ran through their spines, first because of the number of enemies on the ground and moments later due to the realisation of what would have happen to them, had she not been then.


    Surprisingly all the orcs that had attacked them, while some with serious injuries, none had died. There were some with missing limbs or open wounds, but nothing they couldn¡¯t heal. After all, bringing them alive gave a bigger reward. Considering the amount of them they assumed it was everyone, plus even if it wasn¡¯t they can¡¯t risk going to their camp without keeping watch over their prisoners and they didn¡¯t really feel like they¡¯d manage to deal with anymore, even if they all went to the camp, aside from Truelip probably. Their rope was also almost entirely used up to bind them and they could barely carry even a quarter of their weapons so they resorted to removing all handles and carrying only the blades in the two backpacks. As many as they could afford to.


    Considering that, they were to go back to the town as soon as they finished resting. Of course, they couldn¡¯t do leave the prisoners without watch but this time Truelip decided to sleep. Considering how much she did, they weren¡¯t really surprised, but really uneasy at the burden they know had. They spent the next 4 hours changing shifts. After they were all finally up and awake their blond savior was still heavy asleep so they didn¡¯t disturb her to get her rest.


    They prepared breakfast and everything and ate and then started preparing to move out. About half an hour before they were done Truelip also woke up. Everyone was too ashamed to talk to her after what they made her go through. After she ate and everyone packed everything they tied the captives to a line of rope and started their journey back. This time Truelip was at the front and leading everyone since she had said that she could take a straight path through the forest now that she knew where she was heading. Of course, the others didn¡¯t feel safe hearing that, but at this point trusted her a lot more than themselves.


    They spent the rest of their time quiet, no one uttering a word. While they had no clue where they were going they were walking in a straight line. At some point in their journey, they started seeing small rocky hills up ahead. While not impossible to climb, it was unfeasible with so much weight, but before they reached them they came across a pathway that went around them which they used. The problem being it went around in the opposite direction of where they came from so they were slightly worried but after they used the path to go around the mountain they continued through the forest again.


    They didn¡¯t really understand how she was taking them a shortcut if she claimed she now knows where they are headed. Of course, anyone could go in the general direction of their destination, but she was avoiding all obstacles ahead of time and using roads where applicable. Though they didn¡¯t like turning around to see the orcs, when they did, said orcs looked just as surprised if not worried about their fate.


    After a few hours of walking, they were in the thickest canopy they had ever seen. Sunlight barely went through. Luckily they had found a pathway after they had decided to take a slight turn at some point. Though the trees were so spaced out that none had to be cut for the canopy, leaving the roadway just as shady as the parts of the forest before it. After even more walking they eventually came to a cliff going downwards towards a river, with a bridge connecting both sides of the road.


    That being the case, the road had to go slightly around seeing as the hill was too steep of an incline for carriages. As they were nearing the bridge after Truelip took a step too close she suddenly felt with her magic sense as if the area itself became denser and was tugging on her soul directly. If it could be described as a feeling it¡¯d be as if your vision was going darker, but the darkness itself was the feeling. Of course, it didn¡¯t actually affect her vision.


    The moment she felt that she instantly stopped scarring everyone else behind her as they were forced to stop as to now bump into her. Of course, none of them knew why she suddenly stopped and Dak was the first who collected enough courage to for the first time talk to her during the journey back.


    ¡°I-is something wrong¡­?¡±


    Without answering his question Truelip responded with an unusually strict voice ¡°You guys wait here. I need to check something. Do not move from here under any circumstances. Understood?¡°


    ¡°W-what¡¯s wrong¡­?¡± Stela spoke up trying to help with the confusion.


    Truelip though ignored her and simply continued towards the bridge.


    The rest gulped at the tense atmosphere that came out of nowhere.


    As Truelip neared the bridge, which was quite sturdy and made of white stone, a girl suddenly came out from the stone ground of the bridge, as if an apparition. And her looks only seemed to support that. She had a soothing sky blue skin, pointy ears, deep sea blue hair and wearing only two things, the first being a long white cloth that was floating in some areas and went around her entire body, simultaneously covering it, but perfectly describing her curves as if it was inviting someone to remove it. And the second ¨C her mischievous smile that looked like it was ready to eat you alive.


    Her looks while seemingly normal, could not help you decide which gender she was as her face neither looked too feminine, but didn¡¯t look masculine even in the slightest. Her long hair added to the feminine appearance of her face, but her chest was completely flat and in fact, showed no muscles either. It was like a chest of an armor. Slightly curved forward and no other features.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    As Truelip stopped right in front of her, she decided to wait to see what this strange girl would do.


    ¡°Considering the mind control spell didn¡¯t work and that you detected it instantly I would assume you are a sprite too, no?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡± her stern voice and gaze not letting any emotion show.


    ¡°I¡¯m a greater water sprite! You can call me Disula!¡± she exclaimed enthusiastically as she gestured her hand towards her chest.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m an ice sprite. I¡¯m Truelip. Why are you residing on this bridge?¡±


    The formal speak finally got to the water girl as she lowered her face slightly as to swallow her saliva without it being audible, nor visible.


    ¡°I¡¯m a water sprite so it only makes sense I¡¯d pick a place that has lots of water, considering I can feed my power off of it to improve it.¡±


    ¡°I thought the larger territory a greater sprite control''s, the more power. Wouldn¡¯t a lake or sea have been more fitting for you?¡± The blond fire her question without after Disula finished speaking.


    ¡°True, but that would be too far away and too dangerous to search for¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a greater water sprite so surely you know that all rivers lead to the sea.¡±


    The blue girl stayed quiet for a moment with a troubled look before deciding on an answer. ¡°While true, like I said I don¡¯t know how far that is and it¡¯s too dangerous. As for a lake that would be even more so without water to my side¡­ though I guess that¡¯s hard for you to understand seeing as you¡¯re used to be without ice¡­¡±


    Truelip also waited before replying, staring at the girl. ¡°You¡¯re just making up excuses because you¡¯re scared without water near you.¡±


    Seeing as the nail was hit on the head, she didn¡¯t know how to respond and looked uncomfortable slightly bringing her elbows and knees closer to each other, only exposing her discontent. ¡°So what brings you here? With so much food at that¡­¡± she says trying to change the subject.


    ¡°We were done with our quest and were just heading back to the city as we''re taking a shortcut so we stumbled across you. So I assume you use the mind control on passing travelers to eat them?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± she said with enthusiasm and joy her mischievous smile and demeanor returning as they switch to a more pleasant topic.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t merchants rarely be passing through here though?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± she replied this time slumping her shoulders. ¡°Though sometimes really strong people show up in groups! They want to defeat monsters plaguing this road apparently or something. Aaaaaaah, the stronger they are the tastier they are afterwards.¡± She responds this time as she sighs with content.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t they be bothersome to deal with though?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± the sprite says, as she lowered her head, donning a sad face, as she evidently reminisces about it.


    ¡°Then why not go to a city?¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±


    ¡°Well obviously you aren¡¯t going to be eating there, but there are other easier ways to get food.¡±


    ¡°Really¡­? Like what?¡±


    ¡°Well, the big city this road leads to is on a giant cliff right next to the sea and is full of people. They¡¯d pay you to do all sorts of things and with that food, you can buy even a bigger variety of food!¡± Truelip says giving of an earnest smile.


    ¡°Hmmm, that does sound nice¡­ Is that where you¡¯re heading?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡± the blond replies, although this time less enthusiastically.


    ¡°But it¡¯ll probably be safer if I traveled through the river so I won¡¯t be joining you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll see you there then.¡± She says while no longer smiling, still in a friendly manner.


    ¡°Oh and also, no eating of living people. Got it?¡± she continues this time with a slightly serious tone ending on an almost aggressive tone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry! I know towns are full of all those strong people so I¡¯d only be able to eat the weak, spoiled ones.¡± The blue sprite replies with this time an innocent smile as she floats up slightly in the air happily.


    ¡°Okay then! Do you often leave town then?¡±


    ¡°This was my first time. Though I just got ¡®here¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Oh, then how do you manage without ice¡­?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need it. Though I¡¯m a bit different to you so I don¡¯t know how to answer you really.¡±


    ¡°Ah, too bad¡­ Are there other sprites there too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, some. Maybe they¡¯d be better at explaining it to you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I was thinking too¡­ Anyway, I¡¯ll be going now. See you later!¡± the Disula says as she flights up slightly again as if standing on her toes and waves to Truelip before she dives back into the bridge and while the other couldn¡¯t see, Truelip sensed her going into the river and swimming into the direction of the current at astronomical speeds.


    As that was finally dealt with the blond returned to the group.


    ¡°It¡¯s safe to proceed now.¡±


    ¡°What was that¡­?¡± Dak asks his voice still trembling slightly from seeing that apparition.


    ¡°it was a greater water sprite.¡±


    ¡°Was it dangerous. What did you tell it¡­?¡± Stela asks\, her curiosity getting the better of her.


    ¡°It was. It had a mind control field set up around the bridge so that anyone who enters she can safely lure to her nest and eat. Since I¡¯m immune to it I simply went to her and convinced her to stop.¡±


    Yet again everyone¡¯s opinions raised of Truelip, though it did not seem like they were surprised of her at this point.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be unusable on groups¡­? The first one that gets mind controlled would give it away that something''s wrong when they attack and everyone would stray away from the bridge?¡±


    ¡°She said people were straining away as is, but I assume she mind controlled them one by one as they entered the field, but just made them walk forward as to pretend nothing happened. That¡¯s not that hard of a command to execute.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Dak says as most looked down thinking over her words.


    Vyria, on the other hand, asked another question. ¡°Why weren¡¯t you affected then?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m also a sprite so if I¡¯m stronger than her, my body can naturally repel the spell since it knows exactly how it functions.¡±


    Everyone froze as they heard her being a sprite. Of course, there are some races that have species that eat other humanoids, but they were rarely in towns and even then few were the cases where they couldn¡¯t find food and tried attacking people in alleyways. Truelip didn¡¯t seem at all like that type as she even hunted an entire doe and ate the least out of all of them, but seeing as how calmly and easily she convinced that sprite, their uneasiness of her only rose, considering their power difference.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go on. We should get to the city by noon if we follow this road.¡±


    They felt a bit of relief at those words and got their minds back on track as they continued on their journey. After walking some more they finally reached a forked in the road leading three different ways. Truelip didn¡¯t hesitate to go the leftmost one and of course, everyone followed. Vyria after giving it a though realised it was the fork they had went through on their way yesterday. After some thinking of how long it¡¯d take to get back, the others realised that as well. Only Stela realised it once she saw the familiar greenery and got an idea of where they are.

 Chapter 13 – The truth

    A few days had passed since Dak and the rest had come back from their quest with Truelip. The orcs they found were feral ones, unlike the normal variety they thought they were and considered very tough for beginner adventurers so almost everyone at the guild had learned of their battle with them, or to be more precise ¨C Truelip¡¯s battle with them. Of course, everyone also knew that the rest of them were barely capable to hold off against half of them.


    Dak was currently with Lana and Stela, sitting opposite to them on one of the tables, waiting for the others. Some were giving them gazes from time to time and it was obvious that they were discussing them.


    ¡°Sigh¡­ I knew we¡¯d be getting gazes from the moment we asked her to do the quest, but I didn¡¯t expect it¡¯d end up feeling this painful¡­¡± Dak said with back hunched the table, as his face was buried in his arms.


    ¡°Maybe our oh so great leader should do his job better~¡± Lana says teasingly trying to brighten him up a bit.


    ¡°Nah, we¡¯re lucky he hasn¡¯t done anything too stupid yet. Are we sure we went back with the right Dak?¡± Stela adds to the teasing.


    ¡°Oh, I haven¡¯t checked! We¡¯ll need to send him to the hospital later. He does look not so okay t\now that you mentioned it.¡± The redhead responded with a hand under her chin in a contemplating posture.


    Dak just groaned at their reply, not having the will power after days of being teased by the girls after what happened. They just started laughing when he couldn¡¯t reply back. A mocking laugh came from behind Dak shortly after.


    ¡°Hahaha, even your party members are laughing at you! Though I guess they aren¡¯t really in a different boat from you either.¡±


    Dak turned around to see where the voice came from. Behind him was a tall blond man who had a lot broader shoulders than Dak, but wasn¡¯t that more fit than him. His confident smirk thought, unlike Dak¡¯s, pissed Lana and Stela off.


    Lana responded with an annoyed tone ¡°What do you want Karis? You don¡¯t need to worry about Dak taking your number one spot as the joke of the guild and I¡¯m sorry if you feel desperate and lonely at the heights you have reached in that position, but I¡¯m positive he isn¡¯t aiming for them either so sadly he can¡¯t spend time with you. We¡¯re very busy so if you could leave us to our discussion now-¡°


    ¡°Fuck off.¡± The blond said, cutting her off. ¡°If you think you¡¯re so smart then your party wouldn¡¯t be the laughing stock of the guild.¡± He turns around towards Dak again ¡°So how does it feel to not only have to constantly get help from girls but now also get saved by them?¡± Karis asked with his annoying mocking tone.


    Dak turns his head back slightly before replying ¡°You¡¯re just jealous.¡±


    Lana stiffened a little at that response and looked at Dak, but didn¡¯t say anything and her reaction went unnoticed.


    The tall blond crossed his arms ¡°Tch, whatever you say it doesn¡¯t change the fact you were beaten badly and barely managed to survive and to top it all off were nothing but a burden to your own savior. You¡¯re the kind of people that give our guild a bad name.¡±


    Everyone sitting at the table wanted to punch him really badly at this point but knew they¡¯ll be fined if they started a fight in the guild and they didn¡¯t know how to respond either. After all, he was speaking the truth.


    Truelip was just browsing quests when she heard their ¡®friend¡¯ approach and start speaking and she couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. She approached them just as he was about to continue.


    ¡°And not to mention-¡°


    ¡°Excuse me-¡°


    After hearing the soft and empty voice from behind, Karis turned back expecting to find another one of their party members only to see the very girl they were discussing, arms crossed.


    ¡°Ha, you don¡¯t need to feel bad for-¡°


    ¡°And what have you done?¡±


    The only response he could muster to that was a shallow ¡°Huh?¡± expressing his inability to understand the question.


    ¡°While they were off risking their lives, trying to fight a group of murderers what did you do?¡± she explained her question as her tone became slightly more heated, but not enough to not fit her calm expression.


    ¡°I uh¡­ I was hired as a guard for a supply storage¡­¡±


    Her tone and gaze shifted quickly as they both became sharper and she leaned her upper body forward and holding her hands in fists, straightening her arms. ¡°So not only did you stay in the city where your life is in the safest place possible, but you dare fucking complain that they risked their lives and almost die in order to help innocents and defenseless?¡±


    At this point he was the one who had no response and stood in the same place, awkwardly staring into her eyes.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Then her expression changed once more as she donned a sadistic smile and raised one arm up in the air, pressing the other on her waist for support ¡°Or is it that you thought they were too weak to be adventurers if they can¡¯t handle that? Then that means you are more than capable of doing it yourself. Why not spar with me then? Surely as the one who defeated those orcs, I should be strong enough to face you off?¡±


    She donned a serious face, with no emotion shown, like that of a predator eating its prey alive. Her body stiffened, fists straight down again as her chest was puffed, shoulders widened which only solidified her presence. Those that were close to her couldn¡¯t help but tremble as they looked at her eyes, too scared to look away making them focus on how frightening she was at that moment, their vision blurred and darkened anything but her visage. Of course, those who were affected the most were Dak¡¯s party and even more so ¨C Karis.


    The poor boy was visibly sweating as he was too scared to even breath in her heavy presence.


    ¡°Siiiiighs¡­¡± she says while actually sighing ¡°Don¡¯t ever bother anyone again lowling. Got it?¡± she said as she loosened up a bit and put her hand on her waist again, this time with an expression expressing her annoyance.


    The blond could only nod with his head as every movement showed how much he was actually trying to hide his trembling.


    ¡°Good-¡± And with that, she turned around started going to the receptionist.


    The moment there was a few meters of distance between them Karis turned towards his party and walked to them as fast as possible, almost running. The rest of Dak¡¯s party silently looked at each other, all with an expression showing the discomfort they also had when returning with Truelip. They were kind of glad they only asked her to join on the quest and not their party.


    As Truelip was walking towards her destination she noticed none other than the boy she had walked to the guild with, laying his head on a table as usual. Needless to say, she walked over to him.


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­?¡± he spoke by habit as he lifted his head nervously to see if they were talking to him and who it was. Of course, seeing Truelip made him feel a bit more comfortable as he didn¡¯t really want to deal with problems.


    Then again maybe she isn¡¯t really a person I should feel more comfortable around¡­


    He says to himself as he thought about the conversation he could hear a few moments ago. Half the guild went silent just for that.


    ¡°Why are you so down?¡±


    ¡°Eh¡­ I finally got my training and am no longer on guard duty so I¡¯ve just been thinking about a few things¡­¡±


    ¡°Did you regain some of your memories?¡±


    He was quiet for a few seconds before he finally replied ¡°A little¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful!¡± a sudden gentle feminine voice was heard from beside them. As they turned around they saw none other than Catharine, the receptionist they met on their first day at the Guild, holding an empty plate with both hands against her front thighs. ¡°What have you remembered? Do you remember your name?¡± she continued to bombard him with questions.


    ¡°A few things¡­ My name is Elliot Diosfol. I remember bits and pieces, but it¡¯s mostly there¡­¡±


    ¡°But?¡± Truelip asked.


    ¡°I the last memories I remember I was getting sick more often, but I don¡¯t really know what happens as the memories start getting scarcer¡­¡±


    Catherine looked worried, but also didn¡¯t really know how to respond.


    ¡°So you still haven¡¯t realised what this world is?¡± the blond girl asked. Hearing the question, the purple haired girl only started to become more visibly nervous.


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    ¡°When some people die they end up in this world.¡±


    At first, he couldn¡¯t process those words, but when their meaning finally reached him his eyes opened more profoundly as he looked down in thought. After a minute of even more silence, as Truelip just stared at him and Cathy was holding the plate next to her chest tightly so worried that she panicked and couldn¡¯t think of anything to say, he finally spoke up.


    ¡°I see¡­¡±


    Hearing that the purple haired girl lowered her shoulders a little relaxed now that he accepted it.


    ¡°Some parts are still missing¡­ But it makes more sense now¡­ But then¡­ why here¡­? And what happens if we die here too¡­?¡±


    This time Catherine was the one who took the lead ¡°We still don¡¯t know why¡­ There are many legends how the universals made this world just for this purpose¡­ Of course, that was so long ago that no one is alive that can confirm it¡­ But there are records of those who have¡­ not to mention every record of a meeting with a universal states that when asked, they say that Righteousness had proposed the idea and it was accepted.¡±


    ¡°¡­I see... So if this is a world where the dead end up, why does it have some minor similarities to games¡­?¡±


    ¡°Well apparently the universals made it so that it¡¯s easier to understand and it just looks like in games because there it¡¯s also made to mimic real life, but easier¡­ They also have events and similar things to keep us entertained¡­¡±


    ¡°Also, you don¡¯t age here. As for the dying part¡­ it¡¯s said that we simply get reborn¡­ Again there are records of some people claiming they¡¯ve remembered multiple past lives¡­ But there isn¡¯t anyone we currently know of like that¡­ Although after you remember your entire life you should start to slowly remember memories of being here too¡­ Everyone who has ever been here always remembers being here before too¡­ Also as you slowly remember you should also be getting stronger at the same pace until you fully remember all of your last life¡­ of course everyone¡¯s starting and final strength are different from each other usually ¡­¡±


    After a pause to process, the information Elliot replied ¡°So then does that mean that we can meet our friends and family again¡­¡±


    ¡°Not really¡­ What records we do have a warning from the universals themselves, stating that the universe they get reborn into is random and that even if it was the same universe, it¡¯s too unlikely for it to be in the same place at the same time as last time considering how big universes are¡­¡±


    Elliot was quiet again. After a moment he turned towards Truelip ¡°Is it the same with you¡­?¡±


    ¡°Actually I¡¯m a bit different¡­ You see I have a special ability which allows me to remember all of my last life so I directly start remembering the time I¡¯ve spent in this universe instead¡­¡±


    Elliot seemed down again as Cathy replied intrigued ¡°Ooooh, so maybe you directly start off at your max level and don¡¯t need to wait¡­ That would explain why you¡¯re so strong for a newbie¡­¡±


    ¡°So then do you also get stronger when you remember your last time here instead of just till your last life¡­?¡± the red haired boy asked.


    ¡°No, it simply allows me to remember. It¡¯s not that special of an ability.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I should tell them to promote you to an experienced adventurer then?¡± Their private receptionist suggests.


    ¡°Wait, she¡¯s gonna skip intermediate?¡±


    ¡°I mean, experienced is where only available to high-level adventurers¡­ if they deem her strong enough then why not? It¡¯s obvious she¡¯s definitely not a beginner. Especially considering she literally has the experience of her last time here.¡±


    Truelip suddenly turned her head ¡°Oh by the way Cathy, I wanted to talk to you about something.¡±

 Chapter 14 – Dryan

    Cathy was confused since Truelip never was interested in anything other than adventuring so she never spoke to her about anything else.


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s better if we spoke in private.¡± The blonde replied with her emotionless tone.


    ¡°O-okay¡­ There are private on the second floor¡­¡± she said awkwardly as she was nervous now about what she wanted to talk about.


    Her awareness became obvious once she got up and started walking since she was trembling ever so slightly, but obvious to the all-seeing Truelip, who ignored it as she does most things; and unnoticed by Elliot.


    As they entered the aforementioned door, it revealed a small room behind it which had a few doors and a staircase. IT seemed that some of the doors were quiet busy with multiple receptionists and possibly other workers at the guild were constantly using them. Of course, they went directly up and entered the first free room that was available.


    The room itself was quite lavish, having mahogany furniture, a red carpet, small figurines and other decorations scattered around as well as lighting that seemed to fill the entire room, giving it a shining feel, despite the windows being pointed towards the neighbouring building which prevented most sunlight from entering. They sat down opposite each other without uttering a word the entire time.


    ¡°So what did you want to talk to me about¡­?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s this rumour I head.¡± She paused after saying that.


    Catharine¡¯s heartbeat escalated when she heard those words and the silence only made her hear it louder which made her even more worried, thus beating even faster.


    ¡°W-w-what rumour¡­?¡±


    Truelip stayed quiet for a moment, although that moment felt like an eternity, as the blond simply gave Cathy a look that was between her normal blank stare and one filled with curiosity and slightly weird at the strange behaviour.


    ¡°Apparently there have been many kidnappings recently during the night, without any witnesses as well as many gangs inside the city, either just vanished or started attacking in unison with each other.¡±


    It took the purple haired girl a couple seconds to process those words as the topic was way off from what she expected and instantly felt a rock of her chest.


    ¡°Ah, that¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes. From that pattern, we can deduce that someone is attempting to organise them. Or get rid of them if they refuse.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we already got reports about that from our scouts¡­ I¡¯m not supposed to be telling you this, but they found about it yesterday¡­ How did you learn about this?¡±


    ¡°Magic sense helps me listen without even being noticed.¡±


    Cathy for reason seemed grumpy at that response as she mumbled ¡°Why do mages even have eyes and ears¡­¡±


    Surprisingly to her Truelip answered with a question of her own ¡°Why do you have a sense of touch?¡±


    ¡°Huh? I don¡¯t know¡­?¡± she replied puzzled at the sudden question.


    ¡°Because the better your notion of where you are, the better you can use your body and be aware of your surroundings. Same with magic sense. Besides if something obstructs one sense you have a fall back just like if you get blinded you can still react relying on your touch.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± After a moment of though Cathy continued ¡°Why not join the scouts?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    I expected that reply to be honest.


    ¡°As for the gangs, I¡¯d like to be assigned on that quest please¡±


    Honestly, I also expected her to start with the obscene quest request first. Huh, quest request rhymes. How didn¡¯t I notice that in all my years of work?!?


    And thus Truelip was patrolling a small street intently looking at the alleys as the other person who was with her, a petite girl with pale skin and orange colored hair with pink strands here and there, was getting irritated, by her delaying, as it was sunset and almost the end of said person¡¯s shift while the other was working vigilantly. It was the third day she was put on guard duty on her request. The first day she caught two small-time burglars trying to get into a house and nothing on the second one.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re trying too hard¡­¡± her co-worker asked with slight irritation in her voice. ¡°I know you have some important secret mission or something, but it¡¯s getting bothersome now¡­¡± Said voice while being nice to the ear, simultaneously sounded very harsh coming from her, as if a shy and quiet person was trying to sound Irish.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°It¡¯s better to be safe than sorry.¡±


    A sigh was heard in response ¡°Won¡¯t focusing so much make you actually miss something when it happens¡­?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have magic sense in case that happens.¡±


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you just use that instead!¡± the girl raised her voice slightly


    ¡°I am. But it¡¯s possible to be deceived with masking magic and it¡¯s hard to combine alongside illusion magic since the light itself will have traces of mana in it and since its sunset now and guards are about to change shifts, it¡¯s the perfect moment to move around, especially since even if a guard notices strange movements, they can hide, while his eyes adapt to the darkness in the alley from the bright streets they were just looking at.


    The response she got was a lot more detailed than she expected or care about and since they were going a bit faster towards the guard post she didn¡¯t bother asking any more questions.


    That same night in one of the streets a girl was walking down an alley, although it was almost the size of a street and was filled with crates scattered here and there. She wore a white dress with a few decorative layers with a jacket over her back to keep her warm in the cold night. She had long black hair, tied in a knot, starting from one side of her and going around the back, to the other side. She also had a hidden dagger on her back under one of the dress layers, though it wasn¡¯t that hidden and was possible to be spotted by a keen eye, like a certain Truelip¡¯s.


    Down the alley were a few thugs on guard. They looked at each other once they spotted her walking towards them and waited for her to come closer before doing anything rash. There was three of them there, each standing behind a makeshift barricade of broken wooden furniture and other such garbage.


    Once she did so, she just stood there looking at them with slightly furrowed brows. The alley itself was dark and barely lit from the moonlight.


    ¡°Are you from the rusty cockroaches?¡±


    All their faces went sour once they heard the name. The sole girl from among them spoke up ¡°And whad if we are?¡±


    The other girl gulped and stared momentarily before answering. ¡°I need to talk to Dryan.¡±


    The gang instantly tensed up, the guys glancing at each other from time to time before their girl continued again. ¡°Who¡¯s bitch do ye think ye are? He doesn¡¯t just talk to any fuck that shows up. What do ye want to talk to him ¡®bout?¡±


    The girl visibly started trembling. ¡°I.. u-i..¡±


    One of the guys laughed at her when she couldn¡¯t even reply ¡°What happened mate, cat got your tongue? Hey Kurch, whad ya say we prep this one for Dry, before we give ¡®er to ¡®im?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t pester me with this trash, I got guard duty to do.¡± Replied the girl, this time sounding more annoyed as she readied a crossbow hidden behind the barricade.


    The guy ignored everything she said as he continued. ¡°Sounds good to me. Then we¡¯ll be having some fun with ya dear. Right after we¡¯re done with your friends.¡±


    Right when he finished his sentence an arrow was shot, passing by the shy girl and aimed towards the other girl, who was right next to the wall. Luckily for her, she expected it and duct right on time.


    Of course, that scared the shy one even more as she instantly held her hands to her chest and backed away while the other one verbally complained ¡°Why ye gotta always target me ye fuckers.¡±


    Although she didn¡¯t expect a response, Stela suddenly jumped over a crate sideways and aimed another arrow. ¡°I¡¯m sorry sweety, but I just can¡¯t take my eyes off you! Though you¡¯re probably used to getting that.¡±


    The only response was a growl as multiple arrows went over the barricade before, she got up and shot her crossbow barely missing.


    As that was happening one guy who was talking earlier charged right after the arrow barrage. Surprisingly Steal wasn¡¯t with her party as a different adventurer blocked that with his shield while simultaneously swinging to strike, his attack meeting the opponent''s blade.


    The third person from the gang members also charged, but towards the barricade to get closer, as he was further behind another one.


    As that was happening two more warriors charged from behind Stela while two fireballs were flying towards the barricades.


    As now three attack were going towards him, the thug cast [Steel Body] and increased his defences, as he didn¡¯t even try to block and instead aimed at the opening of the guy with the shield, piercing him in the shoulder, forcing him to drop the shield, while the other three blades simply bounced off him.


    Just before the fireball hit the barricade, the girl got up and aimed her crossbow, took a good look at the ball and yelled [Ice Arrow] before shooting the arrow, leaving a chilled trail behind it, exploding the fireball before it hit the barricade and vastly decreasing its range, in the direction of the cold arrow, the shockwave not even reaching them.


    Of course, the other fireball hit the targeted barricade, deafening everyone¡¯s ears temporally as the pieces flew everywhere.


    At that moment three projectiles were thrown from the roofs hitting the two mages while Stela avoided the third as it barely scratched her arm. That sadly was to no avail as she instantly started feeling dizzy and started swinging back and forth, her vision blurring, before all three of them collapsed.


    Now with the support out of the way, the second melee thug jumped out from behind the barricade and charged the other knights as he cast [Decisive Strike] and took down two of the adventurers as his friend finished the one he was already working on.


    ¡°Hahaha, easy as ever.¡± The guy who hadn¡¯t spoken yet said.


    ¡°Hey, keep it down. Someone might¡¯ve heard the explosions so we need to take care of them before anyone shows up.¡±


    ¡°Ay ay, princess.¡±


    ¡°And here I was getting excited about finally getting to play with her.¡± The first guy said as he was looking lecherously towards the shaking girl who was watching all this while hiding behind the crates.


    ¡°Fuck off, we got more important things to do. You can do whatever after it.¡±


    ¡°Tch, whatever¡­¡±


    Just as he was about to go tie her up so she doesn¡¯t scram he stopped, pressed his hand on the handle of his blade and tensed up visibly.


    ¡°What¡­?¡± the other guy asked slightly nervous as he also put his hand on his blade.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there¡­?¡±


    When the other two looked at where he was, they only saw a pair of red glowing eyes staring at them from a distance. They shone so bright it was like they were right in front of them and it felt that way too as they¡¯re perspective started to get fuzzy and couldn¡¯t tell how close anything in their direction was.


    Fuck, a vampire or a demon is the last thing we needed to deal with¡­


    The eyes looked like they were getting closer but they couldn¡¯t really tell until the moonlight hit the rest of the body and they saw a blond haired girl revealed, with ominous thangs protruding from her between her small lips, wearing long pants and trench coat reaching her calves.


    It was none other than Truelip.

 Chapter 15 – We meet again

    They were expecting a predator of the night, but the next words completely broke those expectations as a calm uninterested voice reached their ears, as if coming from right next to them ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Of course, needless to say, the defenseless black haired girl froze in fear, despite the non-threatening attitude she heard.


    Fuck, another weirdo showed up.Thought the girl bandit.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of yer business, buzz off.¡±


    Truelip simply looked down at the bodies in front of them and then back at the supposed perpetrators and started walking slowly towards them.


    The bandits tense up their muscles, hands still on weapons, not knowing what to expect when suddenly three more mysterious projectiles were thrown out from the rooftops towards the blond girl. Just before they hit her though, the girl simply moved her right hand towards her left elbow without touching it and after that swept the projectiles with said hand. Instead of them falling to the ground though, which made the bandits even more uncertain of what¡¯s going after which they tensed up more when they heard bodies hitting the rooftops above.


    Tch, those guys are useless as ever¡­


    ¡°This is yer last warning. Fuck off or we¡¯re gonna make sure ye can¡¯t even lift a finger after we¡¯re done with ye.¡±


    The girl just stood there silent, which only made them more infuriated.;


    ¡°Listen ¡®ere, even if ye pass here, behind us the boss and ye have no chance of dealing with him so stop wasting our time and scram! This is yer last warning-¡±


    She tried to sound intimidating, but the trembling in her voice was evident even to the girl they laughed at earlier.


    This girl managed to not only block, but redirect the projectiles so she obviously isn¡¯t overestimating herself like the idiots before her, but she still has some nerve to think she can take us all on. Even if we take some hits from her, it doesn¡¯t look like she can take us on. Sure the night patrols were all experienced adventurers, but everyone stronger is too busy with the stupid cultists so she should be no problem to us.


    After setting her resolve in her mind, she quickly pulled up her crossbow.


    Truelip suddenly jumping towards her with speeds as if she teleported, quickly slashing with the ice sword that had appeared in her hand just as quickly, disposing of the only left ranged fighter that was left. Of course the two bandits who were slightly in front and to the side of their artillery to be able to protect her, so when the blond blitz by them, by the time they turned around, their friend was already struck down, wounded and unconscious, but alive which instantly told them just how strong their opponent was ¨C what the weaklings from earlier were to them, they are to her.


    Of course, Truelip didn¡¯t stop and used the momentum from the swing to sidestep, so that she¡¯s further away from one of her opponents so that she doesn¡¯t get overwhelmed by their attacks. Of course the one that was further away in case instantly recognised what she aimed, but couldn¡¯t do anything about it since it was his companion that needed to go slightly backward so they have their advantage, but of course that¡¯s not something you think about on spot unless you have years of experience and even if you did you wouldn¡¯t think that such a tiny advantage would matter, but in their case even the smallest thing does and she isn¡¯t even allowing them that generosity.


    After pressing her foot firmly on the ground, she turned suddenly using the old and now the added momentum to renew her strike, taking out the second guard. The reason he could see his friend¡¯s failure is because he always wanted to be like those cool guys that analyze everything and had masterful plans that took everything into account. To show them that he too was cool and strong. And thus in this world, he got just that special ability, but it only allowed him to see these small mistakes.


    Of course, he was rushing towards her as he though all that and swing his weapon yelling [Decisive Strike] yet again. Her balance was off while pulling off that stunt. He couldn¡¯t think ingenious plans or scenarios they can happen or what to do in them where his ability could come in handy. For him anything could happen so could he know what will.


    She quickly pulled her sword in a reverse grip and placed the palm of her other hand next to the blade in order to block the attack, which pushed her back and towards the ground, instantaneously giving her the stable footing she needed, pushing her on one knee. She spent no time wasting the opportunity as she quickly reversed the way she was holding the sword yet again, while it was momentarily floating between the opponent¡¯s bastard sword and her palm, this time in a proper grip.


    She used her bent knee to spring herself forward, their sword sliding on one another, as his sword was too heavy and was now pushing him forward as there was nothing slow him down now. His was annoyed that he got what he always wanted, but was too incompetent to use it. But he was more annoyed at the strike he saw a mile away, zipping past his sword, aimed directly at his waist, but didn¡¯t have the time to react. The pain itself was enough to knock him unconscious.


    The last body fell on the floor behind the perpetrator, who launched herself with such force, she was a meter away from her target after his body had already (supposedly) slowed down her attack. The black haired girl who was watching all of this while hiding was frozen from fear. She saw her take out in 5 seconds an entire group of elite bandits who weren¡¯t even phased by the beginner adventurers from earlier.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    She couldn¡¯t move a muscle even if she wanted to, but she was too busy being in shock to even begin to comprehend what just happened. After all the last attack was in her direction and now the glowing crimson eyes were staring at her as if directly looking at her soul. She didn¡¯t have the strength to scream. The shock of what could happen to her next finally caught up to her body as she started to tremble visibly. As if to add to the already ominous scene she heard an uninterested ¡°Who are you?¡±


    She instantly remembered that she also asked such a question before she attacked earlier and a shiver went down her spine, but despite that, she tried her hardest to answer. She was forcing her voice out, but it was as if she had something stuck in her throat preventing sound from coming out. She tried swallowing but it only made her already dry throat only hoarser. The shivers didn¡¯t help as they finally caught up to her and she felt the night¡¯s cold air against her body, making it shiver more, while simultaneously feeling intense heat on the inside, enough to make her feel dizzy.


    Truelip seeing all of this she made her ice sword disappear and closed her eyes, looking down as she sighed loudly.


    That sequence of actions already made her feel at ease, but the other shock still had a grip over her body. The next words only aided in that regard.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help you if you don¡¯t let me.¡±


    As if a rock fell off her chest, hearing the words she wanted to hear the most, she came a bit back to her senses.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Take a moment to relax. I¡¯ll quickly give everyone first aid while you do that. Okay?¡±


    It took a moment before the girl realised she was waiting for her response and quickly nodded.


    Truelip proceeded to the adventurers first, but not to the supposedly poisoned one, but rather the warriors. She bent one knee next to them and pointed her palm against them.


    ¡°[Heal].¡±


    The blood suddenly started faintly evaporating as the wound itself simply closed itself after a few seconds. She continued to the next one. The scared girl, on the other hand, sat on the cold cobblestone road, pressing her back between the crate she was hiding this entire time and the wall the crate is sitting against, as she hugged her knees to both help her relax and assist with the cold.


    After the blond finished with the warriors from the adventurers she moved on to the bandits which grabbed the other girl¡¯s attention and she finally mustered her voice, though still trembling.


    ¡°A-a-aren¡¯t you going to h-help the others¡­?¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t need healing. They have small wounds.¡±


    ¡°B-but the poison!¡±


    ¡°This is a heal spell, not a cure one. It closes wounds, not cure poisons.¡±


    ¡°T-then we need to t-take them to a hospital!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only a sleeping poison. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°How do you know that?!¡±


    ¡°Magic sense.¡±


    ¡°¡­


    But how can you be so certain¡­?¡±


    ¡°¡­


    Magic sense¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­But-¡°


    ¡°Besides, reinforcements will arrive in a few minutes and check up on them and if something¡¯s wrong they¡¯ll call for help and considering what they¡¯ll stumble upon they¡¯re gonna call for it anyway.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± not knowing how to respond the scared girl simply stood there awkwardly, visibly not content with the decision, but unable to think of an argument to convince her otherwise.


    ¡°So who are you?¡± Despite her voice and expression sounding neutral a hint of annoyance could be heard at the end of her sentence.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m Tiara¡­¡±


    ¡°So what happened here?¡±


    She was uncertain whether to answer honestly, but if this girl could really sense the poison type in the adventurers she definitely doesn¡¯t want to find out if she can detect lies¡­


    ¡°I-I-I a-asked them to h-help me¡­¡± despite her going with the idea, she was still too nervous to speak properly.


    ¡°Help you with what?¡±


    ¡°To meet Dryan¡­¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡±


    She was about to think how these questions are getting too much but scrapped the thought since she knew that she basically hasn¡¯t told her anything yet.


    ¡°He¡¯s from the Rusty Cockroaches¡­¡±


    ¡°Why do you want to meet him?¡±


    ¡°¡­


    Because he took care of me¡­¡±


    The questions stopped for a moment as the blond thought for a moment before slightly raising an eyebrow briefly before lowering it again and continuing ¡°Why would you want to do that?¡±


    ¡°Be-because!¡± she said as she passionately held her hands together and pressed them against her chest ¡°He¡­ he helped me out¡­ And-and he suddenly left! And the gangs suddenly started acting weirdly¡­¡± she looked down lowering her hands slightly. ¡±An-and I couldn¡¯t find him¡­¡±


    Truelip wasted no time in her response ¡°So you were worried about him?¡±


    She hit the nail on the head so girl shyly nodded twice.


    ¡°So you asked them to help you find him?¡±


    She shook her head.


    ¡°Then?¡±


    ¡°¡­


    They came up to me to ask me what¡¯s wrong¡­ and from one thing to the next they decided to help me out¡­ Though they said to keep it a secret since the city is on high alert and they¡¯re too low ranked to be allowed at night¡­¡±


    ¡°So why are you telling me this¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­


    Because you probably already know¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmm, true.¡±


    ¡°Please! Please don¡¯t tell anyone¡­¡±


    ¡°Even if I don¡¯t they¡¯re still gonna get found out when the reinforcements arrive.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°So why did you think Dryan is here?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ They heard about it when listening in on the gang members talking¡­¡±


    Truelip assumed they meant the adventurers laying on the ground beside them.


    ¡°So where is he?¡±


    ¡°¡­


    In the building at the end of this road¡­¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    The girl felt quite awkward from this conversation, especially when she realised she was averting her gaze this entire time and even though the blond before her gave off a terrifying aura she forced herself to look at her as she didn¡¯t want her to thinks he was disrespectful, plus she was more scared if the girl would do something if she did think that of her so one fear gradually won over the other. As she lifted her gaze bit by bit, she was surprised to see that the aura she earlier was completely gone and could finally see the girls face clearly.


    ¡°Wait you¡¯re that girl¡­!¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°The one that saved me two weeks ago¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, right.¡±


    She felt a bit disheartened at that reply as if it was no big deal¡­


    ¡°Do you enjoy being molested by gangs or something?¡±


    Tiara suddenly turned red and moved her hands in front of her shaking them in denial.


    ¡°No, no, no, no, no, no! It wasn¡¯t like that!¡±


    Truelip simply smiled at her before she calmed her down ¡°Down worry I was only joking. You were looking for Dryan, no?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± She gulped. The moonlight gently illuminating her silky skin and her long soft hair. Even her eyes now that the aura was gone lost their glow and looked almost like a serene blue in this light.


    ¡±Then let¡¯s go find Dryan.¡±


    Her voice soothing and let her feel warmth in this cold night before she realised what she said.


    ¡°Wait, WHAT?!¡±

 Chapter 16 – Orb of the zealous

    ¡°What?¡±


    Tiara looked at her with fear in her eyes ¡°But what about them?!¡± referring to the everyone laying on the ground.


    ¡°What about them?¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t just leave them yet?¡±


    ¡°Why not? I told you reinforcements are coming soon already¡­ didn¡¯t I? Besides now that I¡¯m here I need to go find the rest of the gang members and their leader before they run away so if you want to have a chance to tell me who Dryan is so I don¡¯t beat him up as much you can come with me.¡± She replied with the same innocent smile, although it seemed a lot more devious suddenly despite her outward appearance not changing.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    While the commotion was happening inside a small abandoned bar that was currently used for storage a thug interrupted the conversation of his boss.


    ¡°Umm, boss¡­?¡±


    ¡°What is it?!¡± a scruffy man dressed in a black robe replied with a rough voice filled with irritation. ¡°I told we¡¯re having a very important conversation with the boss and not to interrupt us unless something important comes along!¡±


    ¡°I-I know, which is why I didn¡¯t tell you when the adventurers with the civilian were dealt with, b-but a guard showed up and already defeated everyone!¡±


    He had to take a moment to process that as not even half a minute had passed since his report of them so whoever came is indeed on the level of a guard.


    ¡°What should we do¡­?¡± he finally reacted to the information.


    Their boss, a tall bulky man with a greatsword on his back and a bandana on his mouth simply stayed there with crossed arms, silent in thought.


    ¡°We¡¯re starting early. Start moving all the cargo on the second floor to the new location immediately.¡± He replied calmly, but with force behind his voice.


    ¡°Aye, aye sir!¡± the thug started a salute but interrupted himself once he realised what he was doing. Such was the overwhelming presence of their leader it inspired admiration and loyalty in his members. Even the two other gangsters that were in the room to guard also almost fell to the same.


    As the lookout went upstairs to inform the others everyone in the room heard the door suddenly opening and turned around to the back door as the front one was barricaded from the inside along with all the windows. Everyone was watching intensely to see if it¡¯s the other lookouts when they suddenly saw a blond girl casually enter the room with a ¡°Excuse me.¡± Before turning to the side and started looking at the things in the crates all around.


    Her calmness and act as if it¡¯s completely normal dumbfounded everyone before the man in the robe spoke up. ¡°Who- What do you think you are doing?¡±


    He had many questions like ¡°Who are you?¡±, ¡°What are you doing here?¡± and ¡°Where do you think you are?¡± and the way he worded his in his confusion almost mixed everything as he himself didn¡¯t know what he wanted to ask and would have liked a reply to any of them. Truelip of course simply ignored him and continued to rummage through the crates talking to the other girl who was standing at the door.


    ¡°W-what are you doing¡­?¡± Tiara asked both confused and scarred as she was looking at the room with the scary man.


    ¡°I¡¯m just looking at what to buy later. You can go talk to your friend now.¡±


    Of course, she already had locked eyes with him and were awkwardly staring at this weird reunion.


    ¡°Enough! Do you think you can just barge here and do whatever you want? Do you have any idea who we are?¡±


    ¡°No clue, don¡¯t care.¡±


    ¡°How dare you?!¡± the hooded man yelled at her, the veins bulging in his frail arms as he stretched his fingers, like a predator readying their claws to strike. ¡°Do you know what the consequences are of attacking our members?!¡± he continued speaking in his rage.


    ¡°Does it matter? Reinforcements will arrive soon so it¡¯s not like you can do anything about it.¡±


    The caster was fuming at this point and looked at his boss to vent his thrust ration. ¡°DO SOMETHING BOSS!¡± To his surprise, he was simply looking at the second girl without uttering a word.


    Seconds passed as everyone stood in silence in those poses as Truelip was looking through the next crate before Dryan finally responded.


    ¡°So you¡¯re back.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Tiara replied timidly.


    ¡°Are you content?¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes¡­¡± an even timider and profoundly unsatisfied reply.


    The rowdy man had calmed down a bit as his rage was replaced by confusion once more. Sadly, that¡¯s what happens when Truelip is around, but he quickly focused his attention as even if his leader was acting friendly with them the blond girl had said that reinforcements are arriving so he had no time to waste. He was too late though as he turned around to face the trespassers he saw the guards on patrol already entering the room with spears pointed towards them as he was distracted by the casual conversation.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    He quickly pulled out his right arm from under the sleeve that had fallen over it to ready a spell, but the guards had already gone around Truelip, one went towards the stairs blocking them and making sure he takes out anyone who goes down it without seeing him while another in the opposite side of the room as they surrounded them with two more guards, one of which was the night patrol leader, closed in the other opening, forcing them back against the barricaded wall.


    ¡°The girl¡¯s the one who told us about them.¡± Truelip quickly told them as they had also begun to force her in the enclose with them.


    ¡°How can we trust her?¡± the guard leader asked her, without taking her eyes off their boss and the caster as they looked the most dangerous out of them.


    ¡°She¡¯s even weaker than every single one of the sleepyheads outside.¡±


    ¡°What about the dagger on her back.¡±


    Tiara quickly gulped and started shaking slightly as she inched her hands ever so slightly towards it at the mention of it, but stopped herself as she doesn¡¯t want to be considered a threat, even though the convincing was going so well right now.


    For the first time, Truelip took her gaze away from the contents of the crates and looked at the leader who was Soarhia Loetarsa, the red-haired girl that scolded her the previous time she was dealing with crates.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t change anything.¡± She said with her expressionless face, with slight irritation almost unnoticeable in her voice.


    ¡°True¡­¡± was the only response she got as Tiara visibly calmed down and got behind Truelip as the guards ignored her and went past her to tighten the enclosure.


    The caster was visibly shaking at this point, but with even more anger than earlier. ¡°What now?-¡± he almost screamed at his boss.


    In response was only a long silence before he finally made up his mind. ¡°Do you promise to keep her safe if we surrender?¡±


    Of course Soarhia was confused at who they meant, but obviously, it¡¯s better if they didn¡¯t have to fight so see blindly replied with a confident ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Then I-¡± Dryan wanted to continue but was cut off by his substitute leader - the hooded man. ¡°What do you mean we¡¯re surrendering?! What was all our work for?! Are you selling us out for this little whore?!¡± he was yelling so loud everyone could probably hear him in the nearby houses in this quiet night. Of course, they were in their territory so they were all vacant, but he can certainly point passing guards in the direction of the action.


    The first time during this entire fiasco did his boss actually bother to run around and looked incredibly pissed at that. Of course, he wasn¡¯t given a chance to respond as the caster put his right hand under his hood to pull something out. All the guards tensed and were about to charge him, but before even he can grab what he was looking for he suddenly shuddered as he was hit in the back and started to slowly lean forward before he fell with a thud, revealing Truelip, who had suddenly appeared behind him with a dagger made out of ice, in her arm, as she stood in the same pose she stabbed him in, right arm raised and close to her face, holding the dagger in reverse grip.


    Everyone was more surprised at her sudden teleportation as she didn¡¯t do any incantation, nor was any mana from the spell present in the air.


    As he was falling though, she quickly grabbed his robe with her other hand making him fall sideways. She quickly kneeled closer pulled it closer to here revealing a ball shape hiding under it as she moved the cloth to the side to reveal the mysterious item ¨C a black crystal ball with a purple sheen to it.


    ¡°What¡¯s that¡­?¡± Soarhia asked curious at what the caster was about to do.


    ¡°I¡¯m not done identifying what it does yet, but whatever it is its dark magic.¡±


    Everyone who heard that gulped that magic usually takes the enemies life to power it, especially so for items using it. Tiara didn¡¯t know that, but she still gulped as she knew that was a very scary magic type. Dryan looked especially nervous too, uncharacteristically for him since he looked calm the whole time till now.


    ¡°H-how do you know¡­?¡± The redhead continued her questioning.


    ¡°Magic sense.¡±


    Tiara was also getting tired of constantly hearing that the entire night.


    ¡°How come you didn¡¯t do it earlier?¡± Soarhia continued.


    ¡°Because the hood had a magical barrier that prevented the detection of anything under it including the wearer himself.¡±


    All the guards looked at her even more concerned now as that would have been very difficult to deal with, had things not gone how they did.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s dangerous, but why are you holding it with the cloak still¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not confident enough in not activating it accidentally.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡±


    ¡°We should go secure the second floor too.¡± Truelip changed the subject.


    ¡°Ye-es!¡± Soarhia replied back before ordering the rest. ¡°Quickly shackle everyone here and go secure the second floor, but one stay behind and watch them! But what about them?¡± she pointed at the girl.


    Truelip turned specifically to her. ¡°You go outside where the others are on this floor and scream if anything happens.¡± The girl just nodded timidly before she ran off.


    ¡°Also I checked the crates and they¡¯re all filled with magical items so we should be extra careful.¡±


    She received a nervous nod before everyone turned around towards the stairs and the blond girl spoke up once more. ¡°I¡¯ll take the lead.¡±


    ¡°But-¡°


    ¡°If they attack me I can get behind them effortlessly.¡±


    ¡°She received a second nod, which inclined her to believe she was the only her who had that ability as it would have been brought up otherwise.


    ¡°Then let us proceed.¡±


    She quietly and calmly walked up the stairs. As she was high enough to see inside the second floor she saw three thugs quickly moving boxes on top boxes through a magical gate with an active portal in its center. She could also sense two people waiting on her in ambush next the door to the staircase as well as 5 more people hiding behind the crates. She sighed internally and didn¡¯t spend long on what incantation she should use and quickly made up one before she quickly shot herself towards the doorframe, zooming past the two in wait as they were expecting cautious guards instead of a wombat they can¡¯t see.


    Truelip started casting her spell midair. ¡°Fallen frigid frost, tightly tie with ice, [Frost Mist]!¡±


    When she landed her feet on the ground, one in front the other for stable footing, she used the confusion to prevent them from reacting on time she quickly stretched her hands forward and pulled them sideways as an icy breeze started emanating from her, freezing the moisture in the air to all surfaces it came in contact, freezing the bandit¡¯s feet in place while they started shivering from the frost forming over their clothes and skin.


    Taking the opportunity, the rest of the guards stormed in with their spears once after the other.


    Soarhia was of course quick in her response too. ¡°Drop your weapons! Tie them up with the magicuffs!¡±


    Of course, all of them were trying to free themselves from the ground and the ones next to the portal were especially desperate to get near it as they were handcuffed. Frost started to appear on Truelip too while she was standing still in that pose as she was still channelling the ability. Her speaking was slower too.


    ¡°Stop¡­ the portal¡­¡±


    ¡°Quick!¡± added the redhead.


    As one of the guards went to the side of it too, the aptest at magic equipment, to see how he can do so when suddenly a giant fireball went through it, heading straight for Truelip who was standing in the middle of the room facing it.

 Chapter 17 – Ice Queen

    She knew that that wasn¡¯t an ordinary [Fireball] spell, but a [Pyroblast] instead specifically made for range and massive damage in order to eliminate all the evidence in the room, the failures that were meant to protect it as well as those who tried to stop them. It was heading straight for her and while she could dodge it, it¡¯ll only hit the staircase behind her accomplishing nothing as it¡¯d still affect 80% of the room and if there are any explosive items it¡¯d only act as a further accelerant.


    Her most powerful [Flash Freeze] spell had too low range to stop it and it¡¯s so hot it¡¯d take a few moments while her other ice spells would be even slower at that. She quickly stopped channelling the ability she was doing and stretched her arm towards it.


    The other confused and not knowing what she¡¯s planning quickly buffed themselves up while the one who was nearest the portal inspecting it, buffer her as she was bracing herself to take it head-on. Soarhia being the second highest level there and combat experience knew exactly what would follow and reacted before everyone else could casting ¡°[Peerless Aptitude!]¡± which improved everyone the effectiveness of everyone¡¯s following spells and abilities and while they were casting theirs


    ¡°Reinforce, [Ice Barrier]!¡± to buff Truelip¡¯s resistance to damage and fire.


    ¡°[Defense up!]¡± said the second guard to buff everyone defense.


    Their leader also time to cast a second unique one ¡°[Defense Of The Watchers!]¡± that boosted her charisma and everyone¡¯s defense.


    Last was Truelip who cast [Ice Queen¡¯s Domain] which did not seem to have any immediate effect while gauntlets made out of ice appeared on her arms with sharp tips, which she used to grab the [Pyroblast], but instead of taking it head-on, started spinning around in place, trying to redirect it back towards the portal, using the first spell she cast to extract the heat away from the spell converting it back to the mana it was made from and use it to fuel her ice magic and the gauntlets - one to further cool it down and the second to use as a barrier from the heat. Of course, the rest of her body wasn¡¯t protected, but her spell was sapping the heat fast enough for that to be bearable.


    At that moment it crossed her mind that they probably shut the ability to go back through the portal or might turn it off altogether at which point she instinctively grabbed the spells itself, the lingering mana within it that the caster left to keep the spell together and tells it how to behave as well as some extra mana since not all is converted properly into the spell and she can use that and the faint trail of excess mana it had left behind it too to link to the other side, preventing the portal from closing.


    Problem being that if all the mana gets used up the spell gets broken and she has a raging fire in her hands that will probably explode on the spot and the forced closer of the portal might use the mana in the link as fuel to keep it open and there definitely isn¡¯t enough wasted mana in the spell for such a big portal meaning it almost instantly will start using the one that binds the spell together instead.


    She was halfway through the spin already when her realisation dawned on her and she needed a way to pump mana into it. Her face looked disinterested even in this moment, but it had a hint of being worried. Does she have a spell like that? She is currently doing the opposite, taking mana away from it. So she can take that heat that her spell converted into mana and then redirect half of it into the [Fireball] spell instead of her ice gauntlets.


    ¡°[Flash Freeze], [Empower!]¡± she yelled out as she sent one last push of cold right before she shot it back at the portal since she empowered the fireballs spell itself, instead of giving any new properties or increasing its old ones she simply fed it mana and since she already cooled it off she redirected the mana from [Ice Queen¡¯s Domain] entirely to it. Those standing beside her who could sense mana noticed hers go from 80% to 20% at a constant and rapid rate after she cast those two spells and stopped the moment she let go.


    As she had expected they had already tried to shut down the ability for anyone to go back, but the mana flow was preventing it as there was mana being held together on by sides. The only problem with this plan is if the mana trail on the other side runs out before the fireball reaches it because while she can boost it on this side, she can only do so to things she directly touches. Knowing these she yelled out at everyone prematurely.


    ¡°Get back!¡±


    OF course, everyone listened, including the bandits who finally managed to get their feet off the ground as the frost melted from the intense heat in the room and everyone and towards the door or behind a crate. Even if her plan doesn¡¯t go perfectly she still reduced its heat and the massive influx of mana screwed the ratio of attributes it had been assigned before as it was set to fill the entire room with its heat, but now the range bonus will barely be 12% coupled with the reduced damage and range from the heat loss it should hopefully be manageable.


    As a last resort and while she watched it fly back she had the time to cast two more spells as the massive mana that was not given a purpose slowed it down heavily. ¡°[Ice Queen¡¯s Domain], Fallen frigid frost, incarcerate in icy imprisonment, [Frost Mist]!¡± The first she recast because it stopped the moment she let go of the [Pyroblast] and it allows her to cool down if an explosion occurs and use the mana to fuel the second spell to again further cool it down. She was already at 16% mana left only from recasting them and the mist continually drains from her which is why she tried to time casting it right before it touched the portal.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Thankfully the Pyroblast went through effortlessly which calmed her down, but it wouldn¡¯t mean much if it causes a chain explosion on the other side instead so now she needed to cut off the mana from this side which was easy enough. She stopped the [Frost Mist] and ran for the portal absorbing all of the now excess mana left behind, yet again, with her body. Just as she got to the portal, it closed, indicating that she had successfully managed to absorb all the mana on this side and that they didn¡¯t think of or didn¡¯t manage to do the same as her and prevent the portal from closing.


    Everyone in the room was trembling, partly from the cold mist, but more so for the nerve-racking experience, they just lived through somehow. Seeing as they were experienced in their line of work, the guards quickly came to their senses and shackled the bandits that were still confused as to what had just happened.


    Soarhia walked behind Truelip who was hunched over, holding herself up with her hands on her ankles and was panting raggedly.


    ¡°Are you okay¡­?¡± She asked her worried.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ just need to rest a little¡­¡±


    The redhead put her hand on her shoulder to express concern when they suddenly heard more people coming up the stairs behind them. Of course, everyone tensed up expecting the worst but were relieved when they saw more guards coming up the stairs. Truelip started heading outside as to catch some fresh air and to not get in the way of their investigation of the room. As she went outside she noticed in the distance Tiara next to more guards who were helping out the injured adventurers from earlier as well as the shackled bandits she had dealt with. She walked next to them when Tiara noticed her and ran up to her.


    ¡°A-are you okay¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yes, although I exhausted too much mana and need to rest.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ okay¡­¡± she thought for a moment what to say to her as she felt uneasy about the situation ¡°¡­Is there anything I can help with¡­?¡±


    ¡°Right now it would be best if you waited for the guards to examine everything and make sure it¡¯s safe¡± she was think of also telling her that after that she¡¯ll be going with them to the guard office where she¡¯ll probably be questioned and then taken in for protection for the night, but decided not to stress her out too much right now which proved to be the correct choice as Tiara seemed to get worried when she heard it wasn¡¯t safe yet and looked down with unease on her face, although that was probably because she also felt useless in this situation. Of course, Truelip¡¯s suspicions on that were also spot on.


    It happened as she assumed and the girl was taken in for questioning and protection. It was quite an eventful night, but it had not gotten Truelip at all closer to her objective as while she did bust an illegal gang operation, all they gained from it was that they were smuggling items into and possibly out the city, which did not at all help her track down those who are organizing them. Of course there were investigations to see if there were any explosions throughout the city connected to any item storehouses as to see if the wild [Pyroblast] had indeed set off any, but the only explosions in that night were caused by adventurers fighting and none were found that matched what they were looking for, not even a small one caused from the spell itself was heard.


    Of course, they had captured the leader of that gang operation too, but he refused to talk about it and when the protectors used a truth spell on him he had no information to give as he was kept in the dark on everything except what he needed to do.


    Truelip didn¡¯t have any new leads and gained that their network was tight and extensive measures were kept to keep it secret as even their leader was uninformed and they had tried assiduously to remove all the evidence once thing turned sour. She probably would need to search more thoroughly that she is right now. That said after she had rested she was also escorted for questioning to see if their reports matched after which she was advised to return home and sleep for the night, but she of course refused and continued her patrol normally although no other assurances had happened that night. Except maybe the aforementioned explosions throughout the night, but they were too far away for her to hear so they did not get a visit from her.


    On the next day, Truelip, of course, went to her daily visit to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. As usual, using her magic sense she could see and hear them whispering about her and staring from behind and as usual, she ignored it. She didn¡¯t really care what they had to say but she did unconsciously hear some things sometimes that grabbed her attention. That didn¡¯t happen this time though so she just continued to her usual targets - Cathy and Elliot. When she saw them, they were talking together again, the purple haired girl standing up, but this time there was a third girl there ¨C Tiara.


    Truelip calmly walked to them at a normal pace, until their ¡®new friend¡¯ finally saw her and put her arms high up and started waving at her from a distance. Cathy didn¡¯t notice who she was waving at and the red-haired boy, on the other hand, was looking slightly down as he himself looked flustered and tense as he had a weak smile on his face.


    Once the blond was next to them she spoke up ¡°Hi.¡±


    ¡°Hiiiiiiii!~¡± responded Tiara, happily almost jumping with excitement.


    ¡°Wait you two know each other!?¡± Cathy asked confused.


    ¡°Yaaaaaash!¡± was the reply she got.


    ¡°I saved her yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Wait you were the one who saved them?!¡± she continued asking. Truelip simply nodded.


    ¡°Wait you didn¡¯t figure it out?¡± Elliot asked as he looked at the Catherine with a slight smug over his still uneasy face.


    ¡°How could I have?~¡± She complained as she stomped her foot as she had a wide smile on her face.


    ¡°I mean how many blond girls do you know that can do what they did in Tiara¡¯s story?¡±


    ¡°Umm, 17 I think?¡± Cathy replied with a pointer finger on her chin as thought about the answer.


    Elliot¡¯s uncharacteristic confidence was instantly lost as he looked down saying ¡°Of course¡­¡± as he realised that her job requires her to constantly be around such people¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re name¡¯s Truelip, right?~¡± Tiara asked, switching the conversation as she looked at her.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Can you teach me magic?!~¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±

 Chapter 18 – Too much happiness is deadly

    Truelip was dumbfounded by the request she just received.


    ¡°Let me first ask why choose me?¡±


    ¡°Because yesterday you were cool and you shoot spells and were teleporting all over the place and froze everything and it looked like fun!¡± Tiara said rapidly in one full breath constantly smiling wide and doing over exaggerated hand motions to go along with it.


    ¡°¡­Why learn magic, to begin with¡­?¡±


    ¡°Because I think it is quite useful and very diverse!¡±


    ¡°Okay then.¡± After a brief pause the blond accepted the request which left Elliot and Cathy stare dumbfounded at her, before the girl finally spoke up.


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna accept just like that¡­?¡±


    ¡°Of course. She has an actual reason to learn it, besides right now she is pretty useless.¡±


    They thought that Tiara would be disheartened when she heard that but instead, she simply responded with ¡°Exactly!¡± and nodding confidently. That didn¡¯t really make them any more confident about this.


    ¡°So then do you at least know the different kinds of magic?¡±


    Tiara stared blankly at her which gave Truelip the answer she was looking for. She started off her sentence sounding uncharacteristically uncertain and doubtful. ¡°Well¡­ the way I know it at least, which is based on my knowledge of this world is that there are four types of magic.¡± Hearing this sparked Catharine¡¯s interest immediately and the girl also started listening intently.


    ¡°Firstly there is the Archaic magic which encompasses all types of magic you would know from other worlds, so like even though some of them are vastly different from each other it groups them as inferior to the rest. After that is Universal magic which is used by the Universals you should have heard of countless times by now - it focuses on efficiency. Then there¡¯s Primordial magic which is used by Primordials which are one of the first souls in existence and their magic relies on the very specific characteristics of their soul so that¡¯s not something you can really learn. Last, there¡¯s Sorcery which is wielded by Gods and Devils using other¡¯s souls - one by using the power from those who believe in them while the second by stealing it from others.


    She waited a moment to see whether they¡¯re still following her before he continued.


    ¡°The last type is also known as Ancient magic but as you could guess, having three major magic types all essentially meaning old was kind of confusing so some opted to calling it Sorcery instead. Any questions thus far?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard a magic classification specific to this world before¡­¡± Said Catherine still in awe from the new information.¡±


    ¡°I guess. Though as you can probably guess from those you can only realistically learn the first one so I guess my classification wasn¡¯t really useful in that regard¡­¡± Truelip said with a slightly disappointed face.


    ¡°No, no, that was great! I¡¯m sure that info will be useful someday!¡± Tiara replied enthusiastically.


    Can we not set off any flags here, please¡­?


    Elliot pleaded to himself but knew it was already too late now.


    ¡°All that said I think you should first learn basic magic before I start teaching you anything. Of course, I¡¯ll help guide in a direction to something that would be suited to you, but if I¡¯m going to be teaching basics I¡¯d rather do it to a group of people to save time, instead of doing it over and over again.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a great idea! Maybe you can go teach in one of the Guilds!¡± this time Cathy responded enthusiastically.


    Elliot felt kind of happy being surrounded by so many positive and confident people. It eased him into the world he had found himself in. Also, it just dawned on him that he was currently surrounded by three girls which instantly made him go on edge as he started worrying that they or someone watching might get a wrong idea and his not missed peace was quickly replaced with anxiety. Only Truelip noticed his sudden change, but choose to ignore it and continued the topic as she put a hand under her chin and hold up her elbow with the other.


    ¡°Yeah, I guess you¡¯re right I didn¡¯t think about that. I probably should start teaching again.¡±


    It is true that she still had a mission to do, but it probably wouldn¡¯t hurt to spare a few hours or a day in her week to help others better themselves or so she thought about it.


    ¡°Wait, you were a teacher?!¡± Elliot quickly asked both because he was surprised and curious, but also because he wanted to distract himself from the embarrassing thought he was having.


    ¡°Yeah, I taught before at the towns warrior and magic guild, though I assume you already knew that.¡± The blond said as she looked at a nodding Cathy.


    ¡°It was written in your info when I was checking your registration!¡± she then also put a hand on her chin but looked down, furrowing her brows. ¡°Though I didn¡¯t think about how your special ability basically lets you teach anyway. I mean I¡¯m sure they¡¯re still gonna test you because almost no one is knowledgeable like that so early on, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll pass with flying colors!¡± She finished off smiling big again.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Oh, she meant in this world¡­ - The boy thought to himself


    ¡°What special ability?¡± Tiara suddenly asked confused.


    ¡°Oh, basically I can remember my past life so I start off at max level.¡±


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s so awesome!¡±


    ¡°Meh, not really. All it really does is just save me some time. I could have eventually gotten there anyway. Others have a lot more interesting and useful abilities than me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, too bad¡­ But it¡¯s still better than nothing, right?!¡±


    The overwhelming positivity had begun to start slightly suffocating Elliot as he just wasn¡¯t used to it, but it also changed the way he viewed her passive. He thought she was very lucky to have such a strong ability, but the way she looks at it, it¡¯s basically worthless


    ¡­I guess perspective matters¡­


    ¡°I guess. By the way now that I think about it if you two go to the Guilds basic classes it would be quite good for you. I might actually go there to personally teach you two if you¡¯re up for that?¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Tiara replied instantly while jumping from her spot as some turned around to give them gazes.


    Elliot was of course surprised by the sudden reaction and then timidly came under the pressure of the expecting look of Truelip and the overly ecstatic one of Tiara.


    ¡°O-okay¡­¡±


    Though he was going to agree anyway he still felt pressured to do so.


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful then! By the way, where are you going to be staying Tiara?¡± Catharine asked


    ¡°Oh¡­ I hadn¡¯t thought about that¡­ usually, I just slept in the alleys¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you want to sleep in my house then?¡±


    Everyone looked at Truelip as they did not expect that from her.


    ¡°S-sure! If it¡¯s not a problem for you!¡± Tiara''s response was brimming with joy.


    ¡°No problem. It¡¯s also on the way from the Adventurer¡¯s to the Mage¡¯s Guild so I guess that works out perfectly too.¡±


    ¡°H-hey¡­! Why didn¡¯t you let me sleep-¡° As Eliot was voicing his thought he realised how bad and perverted what he was saying sounded and quickly tried to fix it ¡°-in a room too!¡± He thought he managed to salvage it, but still was too stressed over the mess up and continued his attempts anyway. ¡°I had to spend countless nights on barely any sleep because of my training!¡± He said confidently for a change as he thought that he made a good argument and that there was no way to confuse that to have some underlying motives so he felt pretty proud with himself.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    ¡°Well for starters she had been sleeping in alleyways all alone until now while you were given both a job and training to be able to get a better job later down the line.¡±


    Tiara quickly interrupted the blond as she shyly rubbed her hands between her thighs, blushing and smiling interjecting her thought ¡°Actually I was with Dryan at first¡­¡±


    Everyone stared at her a few seconds after which Truelip simply continued what she was saying, ignoring her comment. ¡°Not to mention that it¡¯s even tougher for mages since magic takes a lot longer to learn so they would have started teaching her the same physical training they did to you, which is basically worthless to her, but is the only way for her to buy food and a roof until she actually learns magic.¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly!¡± This time Cathy interrupted her. ¡°It is a lot harder for mages and I also think that it would be best if you took her in! I¡¯ll go sort out the details with the Guild later about that.¡±


    ¡°Thank you two!¡± Tiara said slightly emotional.


    ¡°No problem!¡± replied the purple haired girl while Truelip simply nodded.


    Elliot felt really bad about what he had just said and how he was so confident about it. Though it seemed like they had already forgotten about it, that only made him regret it even more, but stayed quiet about that and tried to not let it show.


    ¡°That said and done, would you want me to help you with your submissions to the guilds then?¡± Cathy asked as she picked up her clipboard and her professional demeanor became immediately apparent again.


    ¡°Yash please!¡±


    ¡°I-I would like that¡­thank you.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Were the responses she got from the future students and then she looked at Truelip expectantly.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ll go do it myself. I don¡¯t want to bother you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay too! And you won¡¯t bother me but I understand if you do not wish too. Oh and I almost forgot! Before I leave, congratulations on being promoted to an experienced adventurer!¡±


    And empty ¡°Thanks.¡± was given in response.


    ¡°Wait you weren¡¯t already that rank?!¡± Elliot asked surprised before continuing. ¡°I thought only those are allowed to patrol at night?¡±


    Instead of Truelip though, Catharine replied instead. ¡°It¡¯s true that it¡¯s usually like that but they made an exception for her. They were originally planning of promoting the entire group, that she went to hunt the orcs with to intermediate but everyone except her refused the promotion and all claimed that she had done all the work instead and that only she needs to be promoted.


    Sadly, they can¡¯t promote one person just from the witnesses of her teammates because that way everyone would just say a different person did all the work each time until all of them are higher rank than they should be and that defeats the entire purpose of the rank system to begin with as it¡¯s a form to measure the skills of an adventurer at a glance and use that to decide whether you wish to work with them or not.


    So instead they promoted her to intermediate instead but allowed her to patrol at night anyway. They probably thought that she¡¯s a fake and would get scared the moment she actually had to prove her skills, but of course, our little Truelip here probably made them all look dumbfounded when they were listening to the guard¡¯s report.¡± Cathy covered her mouth and as she giggled cutely at the end of her sentence.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Elliot replied quietly after listening to that lecture.


    I guess the rank system takes a lot of things into account¡­


    ¡°Oh by the way one last thing before I leave.¡± Cathy quickly turned to Truelip again before continuing. ¡°I heard from the report that you were able to identify the orb that one of the cul-tists was about to use. Can you tell me how you managed that?¡±


    The sudden pause caught their attention, but neither Elliot nor Tiara knew why she did, though the mention of cultists itself gave the red-haired boy goosebumps so he can see why she would also feel uneasy talking about it.


    ¡°Magic sense.¡±


    Tiara at this point fully expected that response and was kind of getting sick of it.


    ¡°But that would require really advanced magic sense and even then to be able to grasp parts of what it does before you¡¯re done analyzing it¡­¡± Cathy continued with her own detailed analysis.


    ¡°Well for starters my level is max plus I¡¯m a sprite so I have a natural understanding of magic and also sprites have natural magic sense so that combined with the extra stats from my levels means that mine would be a rank higher than those who would be the same level as me.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that makes!¡± Cathy responded instantly hitting her fist gently on her clipboard as if she just came to a realisation.


    Followed by a dry ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Surprisingly Elliot weakly raised his hand all of a sudden and asked slightly confused. ¡°Wait, so you¡¯re a sprite¡­?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡±


    Truelip¡¯s response was like a hot javelin piercing through his chest so he tried to not show his embarrassment to much. Thankfully for him, Tiara¡¯s next question eased his pain a bit.


    ¡°Wait, what?! But you don¡¯t look at all like a sprite?¡±


    ¡°I guess.¡±


    Catharine interrupted them, showing off her professional side again. ¡°Well, sprites are just nature spirits and don¡¯t really have a form¡­ in most cultures, it¡¯s thought that after a young spirit lives for long enough they start learning and eventually form a consciousness and decide to take on a physical form. Since they¡¯re not really biological, but more of a magical species they don¡¯t really have a given form so they use the knowledge they¡¯ve gained from observation and take on the form of whatever creatures they¡¯ve learned from, sometimes a mix of them.


    It¡¯s why some spirits take on animal forms while others like sprites are more humanoid. In fact, sprites are a subrace specifically born when a spirit stays near a civilization. Usually, they look like elves since they¡¯re more of a nature-based race and wouldn¡¯t harm anything to do with nature, especially if it¡¯s spirits, but sometimes they look like humans too, especially if they¡¯ve stayed around druids or shamans.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ So then you were also once a small spirit¡­?¡± Elliot asks nervously Truelip as he isn¡¯t sure whether this is a sensitive topic for her. Of course, after he asked her he also realised that it could be especially sensitive since it''s connected to how she got her current body which might remind her that they¡¯re basically dead.


    ¡°Not all people who die get the same body as their previous life. Instead, they get one that represents the state of their soul. For example, if someone was super energetic and felt like a child they would look younger while if someone was acknowledged as a sage and felt more elderly and mature they would have an older body. For example, I was actually ¡®human¡¯ in my past life.¡± Truelip put rather weird emphasize on the word human and it caught Cathy¡¯s interest.


    ¡°What do you mean by ''human''?~¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know if my definition of human is the same as yours.


    ¡°Ah, fair point!¡±


    ¡°Ooooh, so does that mean that Elliot could actually be an old perve that secretly is trying to get close to us to use us?!¡± Tiara said cheerfully while wide-grinned the entire time, as she kept talking faster and faster the more she went on, not being able to catch her breath from the excitement of finishing her sentence.


    After hearing that everyone just looked at Elliot expectantly, the black haired girl still grinning innocently with excitement, Truelip, with no difference in her usual uninterested look, which gave him the impression as if she wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he really was one and then Cathy whose expression hurt him the most as she actually looked at him slightly worried and uncomfortable.


    ¡°N-no!¡±


    ¡°How can you prove it?~¡± Tiara continued her teasing as she slightly stuck the tip of her tongue out.


    ¡°I mean we don¡¯t know how many lives we¡¯ve had so we¡¯ve all probably been old perves at least one.¡± Everyone just stared at Truelip with surprise after hearing her words and she wasted no time in continuing to talk. ¡°Wait, I probably shouldn¡¯t have used your phrase word by word. I meant we¡¯ve all probably been old at least once. It¡¯s not wrong really to like those who are young when you yourself are young. It¡¯s like if you drank a potion of eternal youth and became young again. It¡¯s not like you wouldn¡¯t start dating young people again, right?¡±


    Despite her initial mess up everyone actually agreed with what she had to say shortly followed by Tiara bursting into laughter from the initial poor word choice and soon after the other two started laughing slightly too, but it was evident on their faces that they felt bad about laughing, but continued so anyway.


    ¡°I-hehe-I¡¯m sorry!¡± the purple haired girl tried to say, but her laughter was preventing her from.


    Elliot, on the other hand, was laughing a lot more, but nowhere near as much as Tiara, but he decided to enjoy the moment while it lasted as he knew he already messed up and he can apologise after the fact.


    Truelip just looked at the three laughing idiots in front of her with a bored expression before she suddenly pouted, put the outer side of her hands on her hips, turned her head up and to the side and closed her eyes.


    ¡°Hmph. If I laughed every time you idiots messed up I would have suffocated Before I even learned your names. Not that I really need to breath as a sprite.¡±


    The mix of her serious demeanor and the mocking tone plus the mess up at the end only made them burst out laughing again, this time more uncontrollably so they had to grab their stomach from the slight pain caused by their uncontrolled laughter.


    They thought Truelip would actually get pissed at them but instead of that she looked back towards them and smiled cheerfully. The unexpected reaction surprised them, to the extent of making Cathy raise an eyebrow while the same smile made Elliot¡¯s heart suddenly stop as the sudden difference had done a complete makeover on her beauty and while before he could compare her to a Goddess now he simply didn¡¯t even know what emotion could express his thought. The shock was so great that even Tiara couldn¡¯t hold back her reaction.


    ¡°So pretty¡­¡±


    ¡°I guess even you can smile from time to time.¡± Catharine said teasingly while covering up her giggles again with her hand.


    ¡°How dare you!¡± Truelip responded quickly lifting her head and closing her eyes as she switched to an, obviously fake even to Elliot, insulted expression.


    The purple haired girl let out another laugh before she finally attempted to get herself on track again.


    ¡°Ah, it was talking to you guys, but I should probably go grab the paperwork for your submissions to the classes then otherwise we¡¯ll never get anything done here and I won¡¯t get paid for slacking off! Later!~¡± And with that, she waved at them with her hand as she left to go to her safe haven - her desk.


    ¡°Okay, see you later!¡± Tiara was basically yelling in the Guild as she waved her hands high above her head to the now departed Cathy.


    ¡°Okay, then I guess we should also go. I should probably buy lunch before I start my patrol with Elliot. Tiara do you want to come with us? My house is on the way so I can take you there.¡± Truelip also tried to get them back on track.


    Tiara, of course, did not hesitate with her answer in the slightest. ¡°Sure!¡±

 Chapter 19 – I don’t need money

    ¡°Okay, then let us go.¡± Truelip said while turning around towards the exit and started walking towards it. The others followed her soon after. Tiara was excited about what they¡¯ll talk around while walking, but no one actually said anything while they were leaving the guild. Truelip was slightly ahead of them and was walking confidently while Elliot was anxiously looking at the ground.


    Maybe I teased him too much¡­


    Thought the cheerful girl to herself. After a few minutes of walking in silence, she started to get restless from the quiet. It was to quiet for her liking, but she didn¡¯t know how exactly to start a conversation with these two so she felt very frustrated about it and after she spent minutes thinking of how to do it she couldn¡¯t think of anything that would last more than a few sentences. Surprisingly Truelip was the one who actually decided to speak up first.


    ¡°The market we¡¯re going to right now is on the way to my house so don¡¯t worry about me showing you a long way around. Also, you can buy food from there every time you go and come back from the Guild.¡±


    ¡°Oh okay then! But I don¡¯t have any money¡­¡± she said in a sad tone as looked towards the ground.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll leave you food when I can or give you money to buy yourself some. You¡¯ll give it back when you can.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Tiara didn¡¯t like the thought of owning money, but she didn¡¯t like begging or stealing even more so she swallowed her pride and promised herself to give back the money when she can.


    ¡°By the way¡­¡± Elliot suddenly spoke up. ¡°How come The Adventurer¡¯s Guild and the Mage¡¯s Guilds AND the market are all on the path to your house¡­?¡± he looked at Truelip with curiosity and disbelief in his eyes.


    ¡°Well, it only makes sense to put them all on the main road of the city since they¡¯d be able to get the most access then. Plus big and important places like those really do need that accessibility.¡±


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s a good point¡­¡±


    ¡°Besides, the old me was probably smart enough to get a house right on the main road, in middle of all those important places. Though since I taught in most of them it makes sense why I would do something like that. The Warrior and Rogue Guilds are on the main road perpendicular to the one we¡¯re currently on and my house sits right on the crossroad of them.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡±


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s awesome!¡± Tiara said excitedly. ¡°Though with your physical build, you look a lot more like a rogue than a warrior or mage¡­ especially because of those clothes!¡±


    ¡°Well yeah, as a sprite I¡¯m proficient at magic and use it to buff my physical stats. I have a natural affinity for swordsmanship since I like to look at everything from as many angles as possible which is pretty useful since then with my added knowledge I will always know which weapon is best for the specific scenario and I can use my magic to conjure it at will. Lastly like you said my body shape and proportions are better for a rogue so I rely more on speed and dexterity rather than brute strength which is why my combat style is lots of spinning motions that land multiple hits and I also use the weight of my sword and my body along with my elbows and knees to stun my opponents.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± said Elliot timidly.


    ¡°Wooooooooah! You really are like a jack of all trades!¡±


    Truelip turned around to look at her with an empty expression before answering. ¡°Yes, I am one.¡±


    ¡°Right!¡± Tiara responded just as enthusiastic as earlier.


    ¡°So then basically you¡¯re good at everything¡­?¡± The boy asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s more correct to say that I use my diverse arsenal to surprise enemies since in the middle of battle you usually don¡¯t know what the other is capable of and when you see them being able to counter you perfectly is demoralising since they just so happened to stumble across someone who counters them. Of course, when facing multiple opponents I use a strategy effective against that instead. Sadly though while being able to counter them obviously I¡¯m not as strong as someone the same level as me who has have specialised so that means that I either have to use the surprise factor along with constantly pressuring them so that they don¡¯t get a chance to use it against me. If I get to train you then you¡¯d see what I mean exactly¡±


    ¡°I guess¡­ Then why didn¡¯t you specialise instead¡­?¡±


    Truelip this time looked at him for a few seconds before answering ¡°I just focused on what I¡¯m good at. With the buffs, I can go up against those who have focused stats for at least a while.¡±


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t mages normally buff their stats to compensate?¡±


    ¡°Well even if they do that they lack the training to make use of it so it¡¯s much better for them to just fight with spells or buff others since it¡¯s a waste to cast it on themselves basically.¡±


    ¡°And you can make use of them since you already have the training from your past knowledge¡­ So then you are broken¡­?¡±


    ¡°If mana was infinite, then yeah. I guess.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean¡­?¡±


    ¡°Well, I said I have to end fights quickly. I don¡¯t have infinite mana. Powerful mages have higher pools of mana so they can last longer or cast more powerful spells. That means that while I can counter everyone I am useless in prolonged fights.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ Wouldn¡¯t mana potions solve that tho¡­?¡±


    ¡°In long battles, the amount of mana gained from potions wouldn¡¯t be significant enough and in a slightly prolonged battle Id probably be okay without them anyway.¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯s that¡­?¡±


    ¡°Sigh¡­¡± Aside from sighting Truelip also verbally said it as well. ¡°Because the opponent would also be tired and they¡¯d make no difference while in the long battles they¡¯d probably involve more people on both sides since like I said I ain''t lasting long by myself. I¡¯d be using mana quicker than I¡¯d be gaining it.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense¡­¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Yeah, after we walk further a bit more the shop should be to the right.¡±


    After hearing that they looked in front of them to see that they had already reached their destination and were just about to enter. The conversation had distracted Elliot and Tiara so much that they had stopped paying attention completely.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    After a bit more walking and taking the right turn, they eventually came to a slightly open area of the market with many restaurants and food stands a garden with trees slightly elevated than the rest of the plaza. It had a small cobblestone base going straight up from the ground around its edges, with wooden planks on it serving as benches. Truelip looked at them and said: ¡°You can go sit there while you wait for me. Do you want me to get you anything or would you rather come get what you want yourself?¡±


    ¡°Uuum, I¡¯m not really that hungry¡­¡± Elliot said awkwardly as usual.


    ¡°Yash, I want steamed buns!¡± Tiara said almost jumping with joy and a fist in the air.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll get you some too then.¡± The blond said looking at Elliot


    He, of course, got more awkwardly and tried to refuse ¡°No, wait! I said I¡­¡± but it was too late as Truelip had already turned around to go get the food and ignored his plead Tiara jumping with excitement behind her.


    ¡°I thought you already ordered, why are you coming too?¡± The blond asked curious, tilting her head to the side.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait! I want them naow!¡±


    ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll order yours first.¡±


    ¡°Yaaay! Thank you!¡± Tiara closed in on Truelip and hugged her tightly, pressing her cheek against her.


    ¡°Yes yes, you¡¯re welcome. But I can¡¯t get it for you when you¡¯re holding me like this.¡± The girl replied with her straight face again.


    ¡°Oh right, sorry!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologise to me. Apologise to your empty tummy!¡± Truelip said with a slightly commanding voice with a hint of playfulness, pointing at the girl¡¯s stomach.


    ¡°You¡¯re right!¡± Tiara replied, her voice expressing that she understood her error as she then followed up by holding her tummy with one hand and gently rubbing it with the other as if she¡¯s pregnant with an added sad and smiling expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please forgive me.¡±


    ¡°Good. Then let¡¯s go.¡±


    Elliot was at first confused as to why Tiarra suddenly hugged Truelip while they were in the middle of walking to the stand. He at first thought she was thanking her for letting her stay, but after rubbing her belly as if expecting a child he got even more confused and just as much uncomfortable. They continued walking to the stand so he opted to not pay attention to them and looked at the ground.


    He still couldn¡¯t believe his situation. More than a week had passed already, but it felt so surreal as if he was in a dream. In reality, he hadn¡¯t done anything in this world other than guard duty thus far. He hadn¡¯t found any serious criminals, neither had he been on an unexpected adventure. He was happy for that as everyone around him looked way more powerful than him, even though he was told that most of the civilians don¡¯t bother trying to level past 15 and try to live peacefully while the rest either become adventurers and venture out or try to scale the hierarchy of the city.


    While he was busy being stuck in his thought noticed thin legs walking in his field of vision towards him and he started lifting his head up and as if on cue something warm gently touched his head. Truelip had placed his steam buns right on him, but hadn''t let go of them accompanying them with a ¡°Hold.¡± Of course, he slowly reached out his arms to hold the buns on his head while his mouth was agape from confusion.


    Soon as he grabbed them Truelip leg go and moved her hand back to slowly open the bag filled with hers to start eating. Of course, moments later Tiara burst out laughing and then chocked a little on the ones she was eating, Truelip hitting her gently on the back to help her breath allowing her to swallow her mouthful before continuing to laugh even harder.


    It took a moment for Elliot to realise that he was literally staring at them as if they¡¯re aliens while he was holding a paper bag on his head. He picked it up and put it slowly on his thighs as his cheeks went a slight red and sucked in his lips from embarrassment. Truelip just ate her buns staring at Elliot, ignoring both of their reactions. After a few seconds, she moved towards him and sat next to him.


    Of course, that only made him more nervous, but she just stared at the ground like he did a few moments ago while continuing to eat her buns which made him relax due to her ignoring him which finally let him notice that the laughing had calmed down a bit as a Tiara trying to suppress her giggling sat to the other side of him.


    That didn¡¯t help either as he instantly shifted his head to look forward as he didn¡¯t want to make them feel like he was staring at either one of them and after a few moments of intense focused staring in front of him and countless though passing through his head, the information of the warm sensation finally reached him and he looked down at the still unopened bag.


    Calming down yet again since he can finally just eat at peace with them and he didn¡¯t have to worry about any weird comments he opened his bag and joined them in their lunch. As he was eating he, of course, couldn''t help but think about the situation that just happened and about what he could have done instead, but despite all that he couldn¡¯t shake of the empty feeling that Truelip had left him when she had just ignored him completely while she was eating, not even looking at him.


    That instantly reminded him of how he¡¯s was currently doing the same and has moved since he started eating which made another hole in his heart.


    Could she also be worried about what I¡¯d think and that¡¯s why she didn¡¯t look at me¡­? What if she also got heartbroken that I seemingly ignore her¡­? No, I still looked at her though so she¡­ probably didn¡¯t think that¡­


    He couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that he had ignored her and couldn''t stop feeling bad about it and thus the rest of his lunch was spent staring at a single spot on the ground lost in thought about his inability to communicate properly.


    After they had finished eating Truelip got up declaring a ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Soon followed by the other two also getting up and resuming their path. After they got out of the crowded and rowdy market area Truelip finally started up a conversation again.


    ¡°So as I was saying earlier if I teach you it¡¯d be best if Elliot joined the Warrior¡¯s Guild and Tiara the Mage¡¯s Guilds after which you can probably sign up for an advanced course in the Adventurer¡¯s Guild.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the difference?¡± Elliot''s curiosity poking out yet again.


    ¡°Well first only teach you what you need to know at a common level, but if you want more specialised builds like someone who uses both magic and fights you would need to attend the advanced lessons where after you pass the initial courses the teachers start teaching each student individually to help them flesh out their build.


    In essence, they first teach everyone the common things they need to know and help them with deciding what path they want to take while the second part is helping them improve in the fighting style they have chosen for themselves. That¡¯s where I shine as I am diverse in every fighting style I get paid more since I help every student out equally. Of course, if they choose a specific teacher who specialises in what they do instead, then they teach them and it¡¯s probably better that way too.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense¡­¡± Elliot expressed his thought.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Tiara just nodded as she was listening carefully, uncharacteristically so for her, though it made sense considering unlike all previous information this directly concerned her and her future. They spent a few minutes of walking in silence since Truelip decided to let them think over what she just said as well as how they should proceed going forward.


    ¡°Here we are.¡± She spoke up suddenly as the other two lifted their heads to look at the house on the corner of the two biggest streets they had seen in this city yet. The house itself was three stories like the buildings around this area and Elliot couldn¡¯t help but comment.


    ¡°Wait, t-this is your house?!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean why, why do you even need this big of a house?!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Guests?¡±


    ¡°Seriously?! How did you even get the money for this??¡±


    ¡°I mean it¡¯s not hard. I don¡¯t really need food or sleep since I¡¯m a sprite. I only really eat for the flavour and any positive effects the food might bring so it¡¯s not hard to amass gold quickly.¡±


    Alliot was speechless at that point. He at first was gonna complain that she didn¡¯t give him any money to help out, but decided not to as he didn¡¯t want to sound like a beggar.


    It¡¯s not like she can give money to everyone¡­


    Is what he told himself to make himself feel better about it. Tiara, on the other hand, was simply staring with amazement and an open mouth. It wasn¡¯t a big house, but it definitely looked impressive.


    ¡°This is where you''ll be staying temporarily.¡±

 Chapter 20 – She likes to satisfy

    Truelip just came out of her house and lock after which she turned around towards Elliot.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Is she gonna be okay?¡± he was, of course, referring to Tiara.


    ¡°She looked around a bunch of the house before I could finally manage to get her to behave and go in her room and stop snooping around.¡±


    ¡°Is it a problem if she looks around¡­?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to have to clean after her. Which is also what I threatened her with if she refuses to listen ¨C I told her that she¡¯d be cleaning after herself and she won¡¯t get food until she does so.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense I guess¡­ though maybe you¡¯re treating her too much like a child¡­?¡±


    Truelip just gave Elliot a look saying ¡®are you kidding me¡¯ before she replied ¡°Pretty sure children would behave more than her. And would listen more.¡±


    ¡°I guess you have a point there...¡±


    After his awkward pause, they decided to go on their patrol route for the day. They again walked about in silence until they finally got out of the crowded area and things got a bit quieter which was their queue.


    ¡°So is there anything else you want to know? Or did I finally satisfy your curiosity?¡±


    ¡°Nothing that I can think of right now¡­ oh¡± he was about to ask something he remembered, but he was too late as he gave Truelip the opening she was looking for.


    ¡°Okay, because that¡¯s the only part of you I will be satisfying.¡±


    Elliot¡¯s mind would usually go blank when he hears something like that, but Truelip¡¯s straight face didn¡¯t make it look like it was a flirt and it definitely didn¡¯t help if it was meant to be a joke so he just looked at her with an uncomfortable expression on his face not knowing what to say.


    ¡°So what were you going to say?¡±


    ¡°There were actually a lot more things I wanted to ask, but new ones kept popping up and I forgot most of them¡­¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Hearing that basic reply reminded him how he constantly says that to them when they explain things and started thinking how she should probably stop or change it up so he doesn¡¯t sound annoying after which he tried to focus his thoughts again on the question at hand after noticing the expecting Truelip.


    ¡°Why do you look like that¡­?¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡±


    Due to him being distracted he didn¡¯t think through his question and came to regret it now since Truelip¡¯s reply sound slightly irritated towards the end.


    ¡°I-I uh, I mean l-like you-you look so young, y-yet your personality is so mature a-and¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah that. Well like I said it depends on the person. Like I said if they¡¯re like childish then they¡¯d be young so that¡¯s why I¡¯m young and as for my personality, just because I act indifferent instead of playful that doesn¡¯t make me mature.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ Though I¡¯m pretty certain that¡¯s what childish means¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡± Truelip made that sound as she cupped her chin with her hand while pondering as they walked a bit in silence before she finally continued. ¡°I guess it¡¯s better to say that just because I¡¯m indifferent that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m not childish and just because I¡¯m not energetic doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m mature like there are teenagers who just aren¡¯t that interested in moving around and my mental age is 15 so I am basically a teenager right now and you don¡¯t look much older yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m 16¡­ and I guess that kind of makes sense¡­¡± he replied timidly before Truelip uncharacteristically made a face showing as if she just understood something and responded ¡°Ah, I got it! Basically, my mental age is 15 which is why I look like a 15 year old. I might be able to understand mature topics and concepts, but that doesn¡¯t mean I myself am that mature. Just like how I might act like a playful, but if my mind is that of an adult then I¡¯d look like one so I guess it¡¯s more correct to say that you look based on how you think and not how you act.¡±


    ¡°That makes more sense, yeah.¡± He replied trying to not sound repetitive.


    ¡°Yes!¡± she said sounding very proud with herself about finding a good way to say it although it wasn¡¯t even close to showing on her face which prompted Elliot about something else he had noticed.


    ¡°By the way, you can make any emotion with your face whenever you want, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why?¡±


    ¡°Why do you always choose to have none then¡­?¡±


    ¡°Meh, I don¡¯t know. Just don¡¯t feel like having one. You don¡¯t see people just randomly walking around all smiling, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I guess¡­ but you still don¡¯t show it often¡­¡±


    ¡°I guess? I don¡¯t really which is why I usually remove my cheek muscles since I rarely use them.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what¡­?¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t know? I¡¯m a sprite so I can change my body at will, remember?¡±


    ¡°No¡­?¡±


    ¡°When Cathy said that spirits decide to make a physical body and they make it with their mana and since they made it they obviously know how to change it by applying more mana.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ but why waste mana on your changing your cheek muscles then¡­¡±


    ¡°Well like I said I rarely use them so it''s not that much and it saves far more energy if I had them and used them reflexively¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    ¡°So does mean you can change everything about you¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Truelip replies while lifting up her arm and it changes, along with the armor, to a grey color and splits at the middle along with her hand which instead of fingers now had elongated claws before she just as quickly returned it back to normal.


    ¡°Uuuuuh¡­¡± he was, of course, dumbfounded and didn¡¯t know how to react at first but then his curiosity got ahold of him again. ¡°So then why do you choose to look like that¡­?¡± he hadn''t learned his lesson from earlier and he quickly realised that it sounded similar, but it was a bit better so he hoped that it was good enough not to upset her but it seemed it didn¡¯t catch her attention, or at least she didn¡¯t react as if it did.


    ¡°Well this is how I spawned in this world, but I want to look like this so that¡¯s why I spawned like that. I don¡¯t know I just like it.¡±


    He tried not to ask any questions about her proportions and why she chose them and instead attempted to ask a different question in such a way that could answer that one if she takes the bait. ¡°So then why did you choose that body shape and not something more¡­ deadly¡­?¡±


    ¡°Well, this is just what fits me and my personality. After all, like we said this world gives you bodies that fit you and this one fit my combat style perfectly. In fact, if it wasn¡¯t for its petite frame I would only be a spell blade instead of a jack of all trades since I¡¯d lose the maneuverability it adds.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense I guess.¡± He kind of got the answer he was looking for but was too scared to continue the subject.


    ¡°Speaking of you are going to be a magic knight, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ how did you know? I haven¡¯t told you yet.¡±


    ¡°Oh, well I just thought that would be best for you since it wouldn¡¯t waste your magic potential. I didn¡¯t know, but I was going to suggest you be one if you weren¡¯t going to.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ Catharine said the same thing when she suggested me that¡­¡±


    ¡°I could see why. Your physical potential isn¡¯t really that high. They¡¯re about the same actually.¡±


    ¡°How do you know it¡­?¡±


    ¡°Magic sense of course. Have you checked your stats yet?¡±


    ¡°No, Catharine checked them for me.¡±


    ¡°You do know you can check your stats at the library?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± he replied slightly irritated with himself for having to ask so much and hoped he wasn¡¯t annoying her and while she didn¡¯t show it, he now was certain that she might choose not to and he¡¯d never know.


    ¡°Wel now you do I guess.¡±


    ¡°How does it exactly work¡­?¡±


    ¡°Well, it measures your bodies abilities and shows them up as stats like Strenght, Dexterity, Speed, etcetera.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ so then what are yours¡­?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I haven¡¯t actually gone to check them out yet.¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯s that¡­ do you wanna come with me then¡­?¡±


    ¡°You see most people use those stats to be able to judge people power so, for example, their base their strength on their own so if you were in a party and you saw that your warrior is weaker than theirs, but your tank with plate isn¡¯t then you can get a guess how strong they are but you don¡¯t really need to know exact stats for that one I guess¡­


    But it becomes useful when that information becomes more widespread about said person and if you meet them you can decide whether your team can beat them instead of just having the random information of X party¡¯s warrior is stronger. Another use is when looking for a party member you know exactly how powerful they are and how they fight.¡±


    ¡°That makes a lot of sense, but it¡¯s all party related¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes and for starters, I don¡¯t really party up so it¡¯s irrelevant to me, but more importantly I use my magic sense to gauge an opponent¡¯s power and I know it¡¯s very accurate so I don¡¯t want to also have to consider stats and end up misjudging due to having too many things to consider.¡±


    ¡°Okay then, I can get behind that too.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why I don¡¯t be measuring them with you, but I can take you to the library after your shift?¡±


    ¡°Ah, n-no thanks¡­ I¡¯d rather not¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll be going on main streets so they¡¯d be open and less likely for something to happen and plus I¡¯d be with you so there¡¯s not much to worry about. It¡¯s a quick process so you should be able to get to your inn before sunset.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    They continued talking from time to time about whatever they could think of while on their patrol. A few hours had passed already and it getting close to sunset.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, did I tell you why there are different guilds?¡± Truelip suddenly asked him while she was peeking in the alleyways.


    He already had an idea why but decided to ask anyway. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Well obviously they all provide training and work for their respective profession, but all the guilds actually have quest boards in their guild halls. The adventuring one is more diverse quests that sometimes require parties while the others are more tailored towards what they need and can often be performed by a single person.¡±


    ¡°Then why do you usually stay at the adventures one?¡±


    ¡°Well, stronger adventurers can also solo some quests so there¡¯s that.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± at this point he was tired and couldn¡¯t spare the energy to not sound repetitive.


    ¡°But the most important asset is their specialised training. I mean the Adventurer¡¯s Guild also provides specialised training but its more like helping with directions while the others provide very precise training regimes and opportunities to learn from professionals.¡±


    ¡°So you learn what you want to do from the adventures and the perfect it in the others?¡±


    ¡°Well, kind of. You learn the basics from the adventures, then focus on it in the other guilds and then you go back to the adventures to further specialise and learn how to improve on your own if your build is more specific.¡±


    ¡°Are magic knights specific¡­?¡±


    ¡°Not even close. You¡¯re just a knight that uses a few spells to help you here and there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good¡­¡±


    ¡°I actually prefer helping those with more specialised builds since most teachers themselves struggle with them, but with my build, I have a better understanding of how to help them improve.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good at least.¡± He said as he looked up smiling at her.


    Then he remembered she can''t really smile and she looked at him, looked like she considered smiling, but didn¡¯t do it at the end which kind of hurt him, but he expected. Surprisingly to him, she commented on that specifically.


    ¡°Oh, right. You know about the cheeks now. Sorry for not smiling, I¡¯m just really lazy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay¡­¡± he can¡¯t lie that he still felt kind of disheartened, but also felt a bit better that she went out of her way to comment on it. It also added proof to his theory that she also overthinks things like he does as she didn¡¯t take long to reach the same conclusion as him, which he thought was from worrying about how everything she does ends up looking like.


    ¡°But like I said don¡¯t expect me to satisfy anything other than your curiosity as a way to make up for it.¡±


    She said in a slightly teasing voice, almost like Tiara which wasn¡¯t a good association to make for him, but he couldn¡¯t help but blush at that remark even though she still looked disinterested.


    She continued while looking up with closed eyes and both hands lifted horizontally at the elbow to the side dramatically. ¡°After all, I don¡¯t even have cheeks!¡±


    He couldn¡¯t help but giggle slightly at that one.


    She is definitely doing all this on purpose¡­


    He mused to himself, although he didn¡¯t mind it that much as shown by the slight smile on his face.

 Golden Masked Mistress

    Mia was walking down the market with its now crimson streets from the setting sun. She was cheerfully walking, swaying her arms back and forth, making the large loose sleeves on her white robe, to soon follow after their motion. The streets start getting emptier and emptier as it gets darker.


    Hmm, most are going home now. Guess you really don¡¯t want to stay outside when it¡¯s dark since bad people start lurking about. That makes our job easier.


    As she continues strolling casually the passer-byes started hurrying to get home quicker until there is almost no one apart from a few shops still closing and some people transferring goods to be delivered. The street lights turn on giving off a nice warm orange glow to the street. As the sky continued to darken the town got very quiet and you could hear from every nearby house families talking and having dinner together.


    Those who were still outside were going really fast now, almost running as the sun had almost completely exhausted its warm light for the day. The girl continued to walk calmly she continued to go deeper and deeper into the city. The guards had already switched with the night patrol and could be seen every other street. One of them, a priestess wearing a white dress that almost seemed to be glowing in the distance, approached her as she was the only passerby of the streets now aside from the guards themselves.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± a gentle and almost ethereal voice called out to her. The priestess was now standing in front of her with a benign smile on her face while she held her staff in both hands close to her. She could clearly see that she was indeed glowing but not her dress, but very skin.


    Judging by the pointy ears and light-blue skin I assume she¡¯s a moon elf¡­


    ¡°Yes?¡± the girl replied with excitement in her voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but it¡¯s really late now to be outside and I don¡¯t remember you being part of today''s guard. Are you by chance lost or maybe you¡¯re looking for someone on duty?¡±


    ¡°Yes! You see I was supposed to be meet my brother to go to the inn we¡¯re staying in together, but he had something to take care off and I completely forgot where the inn was!¡±


    Not that I ever bothered remembering¡­


    Mia continued to wear a cheerful smile as she said her reply in one quick breath and looked like she''s ready to go on like this for a few hours.


    ¡°Oh my! Then do you by chance remember the inn¡¯s name?¡±


    ¡°Nope!¡±


    ¡°Do you at least remember how it looks¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yep! It was fancy!¡±


    ¡°I see, but I meant if you remember the details of how it looks¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, fancy details!¡±


    ¡°¡­So if you were to see would you be able to recognise it?¡±


    ¡°Probably¡­ there arent many inns that look like it so asking the reception would tell us¡­¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ would you like me to accompany you while you check?¡± The streets are quite dangerous at night.¡± The whole time the priestess was also wearing her slight smile giving off a caring appearance. Neither of them had really changed their facial expression during this whole conversation.


    ¡°I would really appreciate that!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great! The Big Eyed Puppy Inn is the closest one to here!¡±


    ¡°What a cute name!¡± Mia almost jumped up as she squished her tiny fists into balls in front of her.


    ¡°It is! The owner is really nice and she loves cute puppies so she takes care of a lot of them at the inn and that¡¯s where its name comes from!¡±


    ¡°So cute! Though sadly I don¡¯t remember seeing any puppies so it¡¯s probably another one¡­¡±


    ¡°Aww, that¡¯s too bad¡­ I wouldn¡¯t have minded going there myself¡­¡± the elf replies with a slightly sad tone, but not letting go of her pure smile.


    ¡°Maybe we can take a small detour?~¡±


    ¡°Maybe some other time. It¡¯s late and your brother is waiting for you plus I¡¯m on guard duty right now.¡±


    ¡°Aww¡­ Then I guess we should postpone the puppies for now¡­ What¡¯s your name by the way??¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Linata.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s also a cute name!¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Now the problem is which in should we go to¡­ there are so many, maybe we should just go to the crossroads and decide there¡­?¡±If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Hey, do you have any teleport spells?¡±


    ¡°Why are you asking? Do you have anything in mind?¡±


    ¡°What if we teleported on to one of those big towers in the distance and looked form up there!¡± she was, of course, referring to the many tall watchtowers scattered around the city.


    ¡°That¡¯s a wonderful idea! Yash, I can do that one moment.¡±


    As she said that she turned around and lifted up her staff forward ¡°Lunar gateway!¡± and a silvery glowing portal suddenly opened in front of them. Without either uttering a word they just entered.


    Upon exiting Mia¡¯s hair and robe were pushed back as the strong winds hit her. Her slim body shivered under said robe from the sudden cold, but surprisingly Linata seemed unaffected despite her dress appears to be made out of silk.


    I don¡¯t know if she has an enchantment against the cold if she¡¯s just naturally resistant¡­ I guess if she IS a moon elf then it only makes sense that she¡¯d be active during the night. Maybe that comes with resistance to it too?


    The blue-skinned girl''s sudden question brought her back to her senses and sadly the cold ones too.


    ¡°Can you see your inn from here¡­?¡± I¡¯m sorry but I forgot to ask your name¡­¡± she says looking worried.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Mia! Don¡¯t worry about it!¡± saying that she put a hand over her eyes to shade them from the non-existent sunlight. There were lots of houses and buildings, big and small but mostly the same size all scattered around the city, some with almost identical shapes and some with rooms and wings that defy gravity itself with many brilliant lights shining from afar - some warm yellows, others melancholy blue.


    ¡°Wooow, soooo prettyyyyy¡± she was amazed by the beautiful scenery in front of her for a few moments before she finally snapped back to it and continued her search. She could spot from there not only the way they came from, the market and even the specific shop she was at earlier, but even the portal array used to move between the cities.


    Guess it makes sense that you¡¯d be able to see so much of the city from up here¡­ They are watchtowers after all¡­ Let me see¡­ Well, some look both like an inn and a warehouse so I guess being fancy wasn¡¯t at all on their priority. I wonder if they even get guests¡­


    She slowly turned her head around.


    I gotta look carefully so I don¡¯t miss it¡­ as I¡¯m sure I will at least 5 times¡­ Ah, there is a group of buildings in that area that are 3 stories so those are all probably inns...


    ¡°There it is! I¡¯m sure of it!¡± She pointed at an indeed luxurious inn further into the city past the town centre.


    ¡°Wonderful! I can¡¯t see the streets from there, but there¡¯s a big crossroad nearby and it¡¯s a straight line to the inn so I¡¯ll place the portal there!¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± saying that Linata opened a new portal and went straight in with Mia right behind.


    It got a lot warmer as I exited¡­ Just how close to hyperthermia was I!?!?


    ¡°It should be this way.¡± The priestess gestures with her staff down the road.


    ¡°What, that¡¯s so far away!¡±


    Linata giggled. ¡°Well, it¡¯s the only way so you should try to go as fast as possible if you want to get done with it as fast as possible!¡±


    ¡°Wait, I got a better idea!¡± as Mia said that she walked a few steps towards the nearest lampost and she pulled out a rhomboid amulet and opened it. Inside was a blue gem which she pressed and it started blinking. After a second a male voice called out as the gem glowed continuously now.


    ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Umm, I think I¡¯m on a crossroad near the inn¡­?¡± Mia replied with a scarred expression.


    ¡°You think?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I called you to ask if you could go out so I can see if it¡¯s the right one¡­¡±


    ¡°So NOT ONLY did you get lost again BUT you also want ME to go out in the cold just because you¡¯re too lazy to check?!?¡±


    ¡°No, no, no! You got it all wrong¡­ I just am not sure if it¡¯s the right one!¡±


    ¡°Then why not just go in and ask?!?¡±


    ¡°As if I know the inn''s name or how it looks on the inside?!?¡±


    The male voice just sighed in return as the gem stopped glowing. Mia just turned to look at Limara when she saw her walking slowly to her with a slightly concerned expression.


    ¡°Was that your brother¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it a bad idea to bother him this late¡­?¡±


    ¡°Naaah, he was totally happy to hear me, he was just hiding it so he isn''t embarrassed!¡±


    ¡°If you say so¡­ Well, I guess we just wait and see if he pops out now, right?¡±


    ¡°Yep!¡±


    As the two girls were waiting in the distance some high heels could be heard slowly coming towards them. Out of the shadows slowly emerged a tanned woman wearing a golden mask and a dress-like garment with lots of golden-coloured stars, crescents and sun decorations all around it with a big crescent on her back, the bottom of it starting from the bottom of her shoulder line reaching up to about twice her heads size with the filled part being on her right. She also wore golden gauntlets, knee pads and heels all with spikes on them.


    She spoke with a soft entrancing voice.


    "Now what are young girls such as yourselves doing in a place like this at this late hour?"


    She appeared to be taller than both of them and walked with an air of maturity and confidence around her. Lina responded normally with her soft voice.


    ¡°We¡¯re just trying to find the inn she¡¯s supposed to go to.¡±


    "And have you by chance seen a short blonde girl wearing all blue?~"


    "Hmm¡­ I don''t think so¡­" She replied after thinking for a bit.


    "Are you sure? That would be very sad. Then have you seen this leader demon boy wielding a giant sword and demon magic?¡±


    Lina instead of replying instantly like she did till now she attempts to hide her emotions.


    Those are very specific people¡­ what does she need from them¡­ That boy sounds the leader of the demon adventurer group that formed recently¡­


    "I guess I might have seen a man like that, but I¡¯m not quite sure. " She says putting a finger on her lip. "And may I inquire you as to why you have decided to ask us random passerby''s all of these questions so suddenly?"


    ¡°Well you see girl, there are some people that work for some people and some people that pay some people and I''m the person who has to mediate all of that. So I''d prefer it if you didn''t get in my way and helped out instead. So have you seen anyone resembling them or are you just wasting my time?"


    "Oh, well I¡¯m almost positive I haven¡¯t seen anyone that matches them. I don¡¯t remember anyone like that. Sorry." She says with a soft smile.


    "I see... And by chance were you the ones who were on top that top tower a few seconds ago...?"


    "Yes, we were. You seem to have quite a good vision to be able to see us from all the way up there."


    The strange woman laughs courtly as she puts a hand on her mouth "I do indeed, don''t I." She says giggling "And how exactly did you wind up here so fast? It must have been a pretty nice view up there." She grins maliciously.


    ¡°Oh, it definitely was! Too bad we didn¡¯t get to enjoy it.¡±


    The woman starts walking slowly towards the two while Lina was replying.


    "I think you should have enjoyed it as your final memory." As she was walking towards the two she suddenly leaps towards Mia materialising a longsword with a giant round crescent guard and swings it at her.