Vixella clutched her cheek with a mischievous smile as she stepped outside of Luna's herbalist store.
What she had mistaken for a street when jumping out the window earlier was was a large landing area.
It was situated upon a huge staircase which was one of the routes separating the common and noble districts.
How did she know this?
Well, the buildings up there were much larger, grandeur.
She assumed that it was probably meant for wealthier people.
Just now, Vixella had also greeted some people dressed in fancy noble attire who went inside Luna's herb store too.
Luna's place was easily accessible to all kinds of people thanks to its key location between the two residential districts.
"Although I'm not too well-versed in business-"
Vixella formed a picture frame with her fingers and looked through it.
The empty lot opposite Luna's store... Right on the same landing.
"That's not a bad spot," she envisioned a storefront of her own there, "Yup, this is the place!"
And then down the stairs, she went, passing a few pedestrians before entering into the crowd-filled market district.
Colorful flags and banners indicating shops and stalls could be seen at every acute angle the eye could perceive.
The place was filled to the brim to the point that some stalls were situated where they shouldn't be... Regarding safety.
"Hello, Auntie!"
She had climbed up to one of the food stalls that were grilling giant cave mantis meat on a slanted makeshift scaffolding.
One of said giant cave mantis meat sticks was already enough to be considered a meal due to how thick and juicy it was.
"How many would you like?"
"Hm, will this be enough?"
A silver coin was strung up between Vixella's fingers, much to the merchant lady's surprise.
Oh, and it wasn't like Luna gave her any money or anything.
She simply took that coin from those nobles she greeted earlier.
After all, they wouldn't be able to notice a single silver coin going missing... Right?
"But that's enough for a lot of sticks, miss... Unless you're planning to-!?"
A while later, there was a strange girl with the looks of a noble who wore a plain tunic attire seen strolling around the market district.
In both her hands were various sticks of grilled foods, five tucked between each of her hands. It was plain as day that she was a foodie.
Without pause, in the course of a few minutes, she had nearly finished all of them and was about to munch onto the last meat stick-
Vixella stopped in her tracks upon seeing a dirty kid pull onto her pants from the side. She also took note of his friends waiting in the background.
She glared down at the boy and raised her free hand, much to the boy wincing as if ready to receive a beating... Just to be patted on the head.
"Here you go," she knelt and handed over the last meat stick, "make sure to not fight and share it~!"
The teary boy nodded and hurriedly scoured off into the nearby alleyway where the other children had already begun to celebrate.
If seeing from where the children came from, the market district must have alleyways connecting it to the slums... "Hm, I see...?"
Direct routes to the slums? It must be convenient is it to conduct illegal business, Vixella thought.
She made sure to take note of that fact. After all, who might know what the future may hold for her?
"Aah, my visionary dreams of making the world a better place... Nah, let's be more of a realist this time."
She then stretched her arms and headed straight out of the market district without any further detours.
The adventurer guild was located in viewing distance from the town square's paved cobblestone floor and its grandeur marble fountain.
It was a building which spanned quite a long distance and was much bigger than the town hall and facilities situated beside it.
It took Vixella a short flight of stairs, passing a couple of combat-geared people, to reach the platform before the main entrance.
The place had a sturdy stone brick structure that was supported by square pillars and topped with fine cornices.
Carved on the triangular roof's front was the guild emblem; an engraving of a blade crossing a coin pouch.
The front doors were kept open, perhaps due to how many adventurers were going in and out.
She waited a few seconds to let groups of people pass before following behind one that was entering.
The interior was very spacious. It had made good use of the structure's overall size and did not compromise.
There was a large lounge area with a small café that had many benches and tables for adventurer parties to relax.
To the side was a long receptionist area with many rows. There were even nobility-specific VIP lanes and reserved ones to the side.
Above the vast lobby was a small loft that had a stairway leading up into a small corridor leading to where the Guild Master's office was.
Ignoring the whistles from the lounge where most of the male adventurers that saw her were huddled up, she approached the counter.
The somewhat taller receptionist lady struck a slight pose whilst shifting her squared eyeglasses.
"Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild. Are you here to submit a subjugation or request of sorts?"
Vixella softly placed the decorated token Luna had given her onto the counter and hinted to the receptionist to take it.
The receptionist slowly lifted it... But upon seeing 'Luna' engraved onto it, immediately narrowed her eyes at Vixella.
"The 'Emerald Flash' recommended you?"
"Emerald what...?"
"Did she not tell you?"
The receptionist then went for a quick minute debrief about Luna's past. She was a well-known B-Rank Adventurer.
Back in the day, she darted across hordes of monsters, sealing their fates with swift and elegant poison needle attacks.
Luna received the nickname of 'Emerald Flash' from the other adventurers who took note of her green hair and deadly agility.
However, upon saving up enough money to start up her herbalist store, she immediately retired from being an adventurer.
"That girl... She was never fit for fighting... She always came back crying after risking her life during monster expeditions..."
"Nah, it's even worse than that. I think she still suffers from some kind of combat hysteria, occasionally."
"Pardon? You fought with the Emerald Flash during her 'berserk mode' and survived?"
"Well, I had to snap her out of it by force... Although I wouldn't say it was a fight."
"If that's true," the receptionist beckoned her to follow, "let's head to the examination field right away."
...
In the guild's backyard stood training dummies made out of compacted straw and bits of wood.
There were crates with varying wooden weaponry and potions stowed against the wall to the side.
Ceramic pots alongside the few shattered remains were flayed everywhere in the training yard.
The glasses receptionist lady from earlier was now busy talking to a strong husky man.
If going by his tall and muscular stature, he must be the melee combat examiner dude!
"Andre, Baka! Can you hurry up with the crates?" ((Baka = Idiot // FYI WEEB // TSUNDERE AWAKENS!!))
The receptionist yapped out at the husky man who quickly nodded a few times before sighing.
Vixella watched as this 'Andre' went and brought a crate with filled potions over to where they were.
The man rested down the crate. "Yo, don't pay mind Celine too much... She's a bit like that-"
Celine who stood beside them clasped her hand on Andre's shoulder as he froze and gulped.
"Uhh... Vixella, right? Drink this!" Andre tossed over one of the many bottles from the crate.
In return, Vixella skillfully caught it with one hand, bit the cork off, and gulped the contents down within the second.
"Hm, a magic poison that tastes like fruit juice? I'm curious about its means of production-"
She glanced at the empty flask bottle for a second before placing it down on the ground.
"So you knew it was magical poison," Celine took a deep breath, "ARE YOU SANE-!? YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO SIP IT-!?"
Andre turned over to Celine, "I'll have someone carry her back to Luna's store."
The two then looked back at Vixella who was still standing straight.
Celine then pulled out a magical time dial as they waited in silence.
"Yo, Celine... It's been a minute and she's still okay."
She gave Vixella an unsure look before pulling out a small notebook from her receptionist dress
"Alright, I'll note it down that you have a lot of magical power... Can you give us an estimate?"
"About enough to not die from forcefully assimilating three lost-magic glyphs on the whim."
"Seeing how your jokes are quite advanced within the field of magic, that'll be a plus."
Celine, after finishing writing down notes, shifted her eyeglasses. "Icicle!"
A cyan-colored magic circle formed where her hand was raised, shooting a shard of ice at one of the ceramic pots and shattering it.
Andre whistled, "As expected of our ice-cold receptionist- AAHH-!?" but was pinched by Celine who smiled before shrugging him off.
Vixella was unsure what Celine wanted her to do. Though she figured that she should try and follow what she had just done.
After all, Vixella was able to use any element... So it' shouldn't be too much of a problem. "Ice-" But it didn't go so well.
Her right arm which was strung out became suddenly enveloped in ice, in which she faced Celine with slightly teary eyes.
Celine smiled wryly before taking some notes, "An overload of magic amplitude... Extreme lack of control... Noted."
Vixella drooped her shoulders just as the ice faded away.
She sighed, "Seems I have a long way to go, huh...?"
"Don't worry, kid!" Andre reassured her, "I don't know about magic but I'm sure you have potential!"
"Correct. Plus, that mindset of yours is good for a mage. Alright, what other affinities do you have?"
Vixella strained to raise her hands to form magical formations of each affinity within the minute.
Various colors of magic circles appeared before her two compelled hands as she winced a little.
"Silent-cast. Instant-cast. Multi-cast. True elemental affinity." Celine looked up, "I'm envious... You have talent, huh."
Celine jotted once again, this time stepping up the writing pace a bit. "Although that talent still needs to be refined-"
But then, she stopped jotting down notes and raised her quill to inspect it. The ink had dried out from all the scribbling.
Andre gestured them to wait and ran back into the guild before coming out with the quill ink so Celine could finish off.
"So, did I pass? I know I'm not that good at controlling magic..."
Celine looked back at Vixella sternly before easing it off with a scoff.
"But of course? Everyone starts somewhere! We aren't that strict here at the guild."
Andre laughed, "Well ain't that a relief."
Vixella nodded and then faced Celine.
"Do you have any advice on how I should control my magic?"
"Just try to get a clear picture of the magic you're about to use in your mind."
Vixella knew that she was quite bad at controlling the elements other than the Light Element that she used all the time.
Why? It was because Light Beams traveled to the target instantly thus was very convenient against the fast-moving demons.
Not to mention, even if she didn't finish them off in one hit, it would still blind or possibly disorient them when aimed at the eyes.
That was also one of the main reasons why she neglected training in any other element during the Great War campaign.
Right then, Vixella was reminded of something she learned from an oldie who called himself the 'Great Sage' back then.
Strangely enough, it was when 'he' was resupplying at an outpost where some villagers came to work and help them out.
That probably senile old man rambled about many things as 'he' helped him chop up some firewood for the allied forces.
"Wait, isn't it more about how you come to understand the spell's intention?"
Vixella racked her brain to remember, "That's what... The old man said."
"Eh? Did you say something?" Celine asked, but Vixella didn't hear it.
She was currently lost deep in her mind. A deep pool of surreal thoughts.
Vixella thought about ice... It's used to cool drinks during hot weather-
A cyan magic circle appeared above her palm to conjure a cube of ice.
"Oh... Already!?" Celine jotted more notes, "Well, that's just talent for you."
"Huh?" Vixella looked down at her palm, "I... I did it-!?"
"Damn right, Vixella! But don't ever stop trying to improve!"
Andre reassured her again and strung out a brofist at her.
Vixella then crushed the ice in her palm and returned the fist.
"Of course I won't... I'll be sure to master all the elements!"
"Calm down, you power-crazy people... The novice test isn't over yet."
Celine cut in between them, "Vixella. Can you perhaps sense the spirits?"
"You mean these fireflies that are swirling around me? Oh, right... You can't see them- Wait a minute-"
Vixella raised a finger as a swarm of Holy Spirits appeared and twirled playfully around her right finger.
Celine took off her eyeglasses and blinked a few times. "Andre, ink!" and began to write notes super fast.
"Am I hallucinating-!? Holy Spirit Affinity-!? Unbelievable- I must... I must write it all down in your report-!!!"
Andre looked at Celine who was scribbling notes like crazy before coughing to gain Vixella's attention.
"Okay... Looks like you're done in at the magic department. Now, let's do some physical examination!"
Vixella raised a hand. "Hey, please tell me that I don't have to run 20 laps around the yard or something."
"Nope!" Andre shook his head, "Go and pick a weapon of your choice then we'll fight... I'll go easy, don't worry!"
Andre watched as Vixella walked over to the varying wooden weapons piled up by the various crates by the far wall.
Her right hand moved reflexively to and snapped onto a certain weapon as if it was second nature to take hold of it.
This certain weapon was one that not many would choose to wield since it required a complex fighting style to master.
It was a short blade, lacking in reach. The design was meant to be used for fast deadly strokes.
This sword was meant to overpower and chop the opponent with a much wider and heavier tip.
This sort of one-handed sword was no other than the Falchion. It was known to be a steady blade in steady hands.
In a way, it is a more refined form of a War-Machete, and unlike those for bandits and peasants, was meant for duelists.
It was deemed somewhat impractical in a battle since the sharpness would chip relatively fast after prolonged fighting.
However, to Vixella, it was the closest in terms of shape and size of what she used to wield in her former world.
Andre watched as Vixella walked to the opposite sparring point's starting point, marked by a circle of clear white paint on the dirt.
He, on the other hand, raised his long blunt-tipped wooden lance that was meant to be used by foot soldiers at Vixella from afar.
"If you don't want to get hurt, just forfeit now!"
He shouted at Vixella from across the sparring range.
"Won't I fail the assessment then?" She asked back.
"You'll pass just fine as a Holy Spirit Mage."
"Then... I'd like to try this test as well."
"Alright, don't regret this later, kid-"
Celine emitted a chilling aura as it slowly seeped frost into the ground around her.
"Ugh... You're just wasting time! Can you two just get this fighting test over with-!?"
" "Yes, ma'am!" "
The both of them, probably due to a certain manly instinct towards strict women, saluted simultaneously.
Andre then took the initiative to charge in first upon seeing Celine lower her hand to signal the duel's start.
Vixella, on the other hand, raised her Falchion and turned it sideways to block.
Resting her other palm on the wider part of the blade, she braced for the attack.
Upon seeing such an amateur blocking attempt, Andre was confident that he would end it with just one decisive strike.
After all, he had to teach these younglings who thought they were combat masters so they wouldn't die out in the field later.
Clack!
It was the sound of their wooden weapons colliding.
Then, came the sound of someone tumbling onto the ground.
... It was Andre who had found himself on the dirt below Vixella.
"Shit... Not bad, kid... You got me good, hahaha!"
After parrying the shaft of Andre's Lance aside with her Falchion, Vixella pivoted away and spun around to whack him with the hilt.
She had perfectly made sure that the skilled counter looked like some clumsy fluke of a panicking amateur to not raise suspicion.
If this was a real fight, Andre would've been finished off by a follow-up attack before his body even reached the ground.
Andre seemed a bit shaken as he looked up at Vixella who was simply standing there, unmoving, overshadowing him-
"Girl... You have scary potential, you know that?"
Celine walked over and dragged Andre back up to his feet before getting ready to take notes. "Well? What's your assessment?"
If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
"Eh, she's rough on the edges but I'll give it a pass-" he grasped the back of his head, "also, she hits pretty hard for a girl..."
"Sorry, I'll heal you right away." Vixella reached out a hand as Holy Spirits formed around a bubbly magical formation.
The bubbles then reappeared around Andre's neck where he was still clutching and quickly popped one by one.
Andre's jaw dropped slightly as the place he was struck felt was suddenly relieved from all pain.
Celine, on the other hand, rushed over in a panic as she grasped onto Vixella by the shoulders.
"You... What did you do just now-!?"
Celine's eyes were wide and wild. At this point, Vixella was not sure if she was angry or surprised.
"I... Uh... Healed him?"
"Nonono... I'm pretty sure you just combined the Holy Spirits with Healing Magic-!? Do you have some sort of contract with them-!?"
Celine made a somewhat worried face, "Y'know... The price of a contract... It's not something you should overlook and use freely...!"
"Hm? It's not a contract? I can't even talk to them... But they're always nice around me and for some reason agreed to help heal him."
"Wait... You're telling me they listen to you-!?"
"Listen? No, it's more like they have nothing to do and don't mind lending a hand, right guys...?"
Vixella expanded her palm as Holy Spirits appeared and began to happily dance about in a circle.
"Wait..." Andre began to use his fingers to count, "Magic, Spirits, Swords, Heal... An Omni-!?"
"Ah, I see... If they aren't using your life force as tribute then it's- NO IT'S NOT FINE- HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE-!?"
Celine held onto her head and began to walk around Vixella, "Nonono, this is never heard of in the history of spirits and magic!"
"But it was?" Vixella thought of her past, "Didn't the Saint also do something like this? It's not that big of a deal, is it?"
"You're not wrong. But then again... How are you able to do that? Are you the Saint's offspring-!? No, summons can't have children..."
Celine frowned and averted her gaze, conflicted. She then raised her notepad again, "Urgh! This... Whatever! Anyways... You pass!"
...
The rumors of a newbie adventurer who aced the adventurer exam soon spread through the town of Devankul.
To Vixella, she was all but herself... But for most people, she was a peerless beauty beyond words for them.
Her facial structure and doll-like features were something that any man would dream of getting their hands on.
Despite this, not many people dared to approach her for varying reasons.
Upon being asked to join parties, she insisted on learning the ropes alone.
And upon being boldly asked out on the spot, she simply said she wasn't interested.
Well, in truth, it was more that she was simply not interested in men... Case Closed.
Humility?
Facade?
Volition?
No one dared to question her resolve, yet some do still doubt her ability to ace the exam.
Vixella took simple gathering quests and brought back inhumane amounts of medicinal herbs.
She was also sometimes questioned if she stole the herbs or bought them from somewhere.
Anyways, it all ended well... Not for the ecosystem of the herbs in the local forest though.
With that, Vixella had overpaid the self-proclaimed 'debt' she owed to the herbalist Luna.
Another reason why most people didn't dare to approach her was mainly due to the aura she exudes.
Unlike most of the adventurers who were commoners, she felt very much out of reach, akin to a noble.
And if someone seemingly annoyed her, a blank glare from her was enough to make them retreat wholesale.
Back in the ancient days, it wasn't like Xiveall was a noble in titles but perhaps in people's hearts?
Either way, no mere commoner would dare tangle themselves with someone of such importance.
In the end, no one was able to find out about her background nor what noble family they thought she came from.
Vixella seemed extremely troubled upon seeing other adventurers make way as she headed towards the quest board.
"Hm, is my killing intent somehow leaking again today? Damn, it's very hard to get along with other people ike this."
Later, she went to the guild's blacksmith after receiving an equipment token to grab her basic 'combat initiation kit'.
After all, she had been collecting herbs for the past week, which gave her enough merit to partake in combat quests.
The blacksmith was a sturdy dwarf. At first, he seemed a bit hesitant about Vixella. He also had an accent that was hard to understand.
But after stating her choice in equipment alongside showing some knowledge of basic smithing, she had gained the dwarf's respect.
((Random Reference))
[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/455394821364908032/455514344185266197/dwarf.jpg]
Despite that, unlike her expectations, she still received the usual starter kit.
A simple plain steel breastplate with a built-in gorget, strapped onto her torso.
No matter how one looked at it, the breastplate was rather flimsy and fragile.
"Uncle, you got a cloak?" Vixella who was inspecting the breastplate asked.
The dwarf raised an eyebrow as he watched her "Watcha need it for, ey?"
"To look dashingly awesome at times but also... Wait, do I even have to tell you?"
"Not lettin ye opponent see ye tools of the trade, ey? Yer sharper than ye look!"
She was also able to pick a starter weapon of her choosing with a few extra variations.
The weapon of her choosing wasn't too far off from the breastplate in terms of durability.
Vixella was sure that if she swung the blade too many times or clashed a lot, it would just snap apart.
A typical Buhurt Falchion. ((Random Reference))
[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/455394821364908032/455514920361132034/falchion-buhurt.jpg]
Vixella fitted the flimsy breastplate on her own despite the dwarf insisting to help.
"Hm, it's a bit tight up here... Is this how it's supposed to feel...?"
She frowned at her chest which felt a bit weird upon tightening the armor straps.
"Heheh, I wouldn't know ye? Take care of ye mushrooms, younglin." ((LOL IDK, MUSHROOMS XD))
"Right, I'll also have to buy proper underwear since these bandage wrappings Luna tied for me aren't just aren't going to do it."
Vixella was somewhat confused, "But for some reason, it works for her...? Well, Luna is a bit smaller, so I guess it does..."
After that, Vixella took her time to stroll around since there was barely any time to walk through any peaceful scenery back then.
It was so hectic to the point that they were always assessing the defenses and resources to get ready for the upcoming battles.
During the Great War, citizens who couldn't evacuate would just shut themselves within their heavily barricaded homesteads.
Vixella stopped just a few blocks past the marketplace districts.
She then glanced up and down the open street filled with people.
Now standing in front of a certain storefront, she peeked through the clear glass which had many mannequins on display.
"Yes... Buying underwear... Alas, this was inevitable", she shrugged, "I'll just have to come to check this out one other day."
...
The bell chimed above her head as Vixella reentered the guild.
It once again followed with whistles coming from the background.
For some reason, they were brave enough to whistle but not to talk to her-!?
Finishing the pork skewer she bought from the marketplace earlier, she incinerated the stick with fire magic which caused the crowd to go silent.
She then slowly looked over where the direction of where the whistles came from before casually returning the gesture by waving at them once.
The crowd of huddled adventurers within in the guildhall, in return, froze on the spot.
Everyone was quite shocked that Vixella was, in fact, quite an approachable person-!?
In the end, the majority had concluded it more like a wave from the nobility though.
Vixella sighed, feeling somewhat alienated. "I am suppressing my bloodlust though?"
The plan to ask Celine what to do next was called off by the few shouts coming from the reception.
Vixella looked over to see an athletic-built man with olive skin and black spikey hair arguing something with Celine.
As much as she did not want to interfere, Vixella still took note that it was something related to an escort request.
"Hm? He's not half-bad," Vixella nodded to herself, "As a combatant, if compared to the others in here."
[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/455394821364908032/455519854490025994/Adventurers_Guild.png]((Adventurer's Guild Reference))
Celine grinned upon spotting Vixella who was seemingly trying to avoid them by heading to another row down the reception.
Upon catching that look, Vixella made an uneasy sigh before turning directions to go back towards Celine's counter instead.
"Listen! You're just a Silver-Plate Adventurer! You at least need one extra party member for this!"
“Gaah, Celine! You already know that no one is going to party with me after that time-"
There was then a sudden abrupt pause in the argument which caught Vixella's attention.
The two angrily but regrettably averted their gazes mutually... They must've had a past.
"Also... I'm more than capable enough to do this one alone...”
"I know you can... But listen," Celine grasped her forehead, "The merchant still requested TWO adventurers-"
"Yeah, and about that- Can't you just tell him that I'm good enough for two then?"
"Oh, please... Alexei, I know you're great and all but don't pull that shit on me- Anyways, he wants TWO people!"
Celine gestured by raising her chin at Vixella who stood a bit behind him, "And I'd say you can take her with you."
Alexei didn't turn over to check but annoyingly kept his view on Celine who was also frowning back at him.
"Her name's Vixella... Our guild's rising star, an Omni... Though I think she lacks real combat experience."
"What, you're handing over a newbie to me? Gah, fine... She's pretty good to get this close undetected..."
Alexei slowly shifted around to analyze Vixella before stumbling against the counter upon seeing her face.
"It can't be...!? Alexei did you... No, is it love at first sight-!? Oi... Seriously, dude? Aren't you going to say anything-!?"
Celine whispered from behind as Alexei seemed a bit out of place, being caught between Vixella, the counter, and Celine.
"Goddamnit, no... It's not that... Shit, why is she here out of all places-"
Alexei whispered annoyingly in return, seemingly troubled about something.
Celine shoved Alexei to the side as she slammed a piece of paper onto the counter.
"The baka-weirdo aside! Come sign this and make a party with him, Vixella."
Vixella was confused at why Alexei was trying to hide his face but nodded and approached the counter.
Upon having to write it side-by-side, she began to inspect Alexei's meanwhile she filled the party form.
"Hm, I see... So, you're the hunter from that time."
Alexei looked over, a bit confused by what she could mean.
Vixella looked back at the paper and continued to fill it in.
"It was unfortunate that you missed the deer."
"Oh, that...! Yeah... It was unfortunate-"
"Wait, what's this about? Alexei can't hunt for shit for all I know-"
"Stop, Celine! Don't say anything further! Please- Woah...!?"
Celine slammed the counter with ice magic near Alexei which caused him to back away.
"See? Now, something's not right about this... Vixella, where did you meet this guy?"
"He was prowling in tall bushes."
Celine threw a disappointed gaze at Alexei, in which he returned a guilty look.
"Uhuh, as expected of our solo adventurer... And where was this, exactly?"
"It was a pond in the Forest of Desolation, ways off from the Farewell Monument."
Vixella slid the form on the counter towards Alexei, in which he quickly signed in his details.
"And...?" Celine narrowed his eyes at Alexei, "What about the pond?"
"Hm, I was taking a bath there that day and he stumbled into me while hunting?"
She replied normally, not understanding why the two were making a fuss out of it.
"Ahm, I didn't see everything!"
"It's fine? You were hunting, no?" Vixella gave a wry smile.
"Rather, I should be apologizing for being a distracting you-"
"Hahaha... It's as she said-"
"Alexei, you piece of shit!" Celine vaulted over the counter and grasped him by his gorget, "Let's talk."
"W-Wait, ma'am... I swear I did not--!!! It was a sheer coincidence I stumbled into her back there... For reals-!!!"
"So, you've ended up there and became that kind of 'Hunter', I see...!?"
"Hey, Celine... Ahm... I... I think there's a big misunderstanding here-!!!"
Celine slammed the counter with her free hand, freezing the top with ice magic.
This caused Alexei to shriek slightly and quickly raise his hands in surrender.
"Why don't we discuss this matter in the place you love so much? The backrooms?"
The other receptionists, request-makers, and adventurers nearby threw funny yet pitiful looks as they all gawked over.
The backrooms of the guild were also commonly known to be used as an interrogation room for rogue adventurers.
"Wait... Okay, actually... I'll be truthful- I was out for a gathering quest around those parts!"
"You-!? Gathering quest-!? And since when have I seen you take a damned gathering quest-!?"
Celine kicked his back leg, tumbled him over, and pulled him by his gorget to drag him away.
"GAAH-!? NOT THE BACKROOMS! N-NO... WAIT- NO- NO NONO- NOT LIKE THIS!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAA-"
Alexei's last screams echoed throughout the guild's lobby as the door to the backrooms was slammed shut with a magic-lock mechanism.
In that momentary silence, everyone in the guild shared a moment of grief before slowly returning to whatever they were doing earlier.
...
Many long minutes passed by as Vixella apologetically warmed up the counter which Celine had frosted with basic Fire Magic: Flame.
The intensity of Celine's Ice Magic was no joke... But it was nothing to Vixella... If she didn't mind burning down the counter while at it.
Knowing how bad she was at controlling the amplitudes of elements that weren't light, Vixella refrained from strengthening the flame.
"Mr. Counter... How many times has Celine frozen you? It must've been very tough all this time..."
Thus, she decided to go with an extremely weak flame that slowly yet surely melted away the frost.
A slight chuckle came from behind as Vixella glanced over her shoulder to see a few men spread out to encircle her.
Just as she stood up and turned around, a fist spurred forth and came at her face from the ringleader closest to her.
"Connor-!? What do you think you're doing-!?"
Alexei's hand had caught the fist and brushed it aside as he stepped in between them.
Vixella had missed the chance to perform her ultimate counter-headbutt technique she had learned from a martial artist during the Great War.
After all, if that had occurred, the dude's hand would have probably turned into dust if he wasn't ready for such a simple yet lethal technique.
"Haha, the coward protected his party member? I can't believe it... Pfft-!"
The ringleader, Connor, was a young man around the same age as Alexei.
"What the hell is your problem this time, Connor-!?"
Alexei growled as he shoved Connor away, much to him whistling at the hostile gesture.
"Hey, don't be so rough now? I was just checking if her rumored abilities were genuine."
The handsome ginger scoffed slightly after his remark. ((Handsome Ginger!😳😳😳))
At this moment, all the louder conversations within the guild had stopped.
Everyone gawked their way as a few mumbles sounded within the crowd.
"Well, aren't you a looker?" Connor brushed Alexei aside and took Vixella by the chin.
"Connor, what are you... Shit-" Alexei was blocked by Connor's henchmen.
"Little doll, a piece of advice..." Connor hinted at Alexei with his dark green eyes.
"Don't be around this guy, he once ran away and left his party members to die."
Alexei gnashed his teeth, giving a resentful yet very guilty expression.
"No, I didn't run... Gah... Don't listen to him... That's- Back then, I..."
Vixella took note of Alexei and scanned the surrounding men briefly.
If a fight were to break out, it shouldn't last as long as a few seconds.
"Whew, she doesn't talk too much unlike your former party members, does she? Oh well."
Connor softly let go of Vixella and paced away as his henchmen followed shortly after.
Vixella then took a step after Connor but was held back by Alexei.
"Wait... No need to pursue him, he just likes to provoke people..."
"Hm? But I was going to help him through the door, that's all though?"
Vixella pointed over at Connor and his men who had disappeared beyond the main entrance.
"Ahm..." Alexei didn't quite catch what she had meant, "Wha?"
"Follow me. It's easier to show it in practice."
Alexei who was then told to stand by the open doorway unsurely looked over his shoulder.
Vixella then nodded and began swirling a finger around in circles. "What are you doing...?"
"Please be patient, it takes some time since I'm not very adept at making Wind Magic not hurt."
"Huh? Wind Mag-"
BLAM! The last thing the guild witnessed that day was Alexei flying out through the main entrance.
A CENTURY LATER
(Whoosh! Transition)
Two adventurers went down the bustling streets of Devankul.
They were currently headed towards the marketplace district.
Alexei who walked side-by-side with Vixella was just about something around a ruler taller than her in height.
His worn-out but custom-fitted armor was weathered with traces of combat, clanking with each step he took.
His somewhat chipped bastard sword and kite shield were strapped onto his wide sturdy back.
His gear was overall quite the formidable choice for a lone warrior of his average composture.
"Alexei, are you still mad about that?"
"Yes. Yes, I am."
"Once again, I apologize."
"I'm not forgiving you."
After a little more walking, they took a short break at a lemonade stand.
Vixella placed two copper coins onto the counter as the merchant took them.
He then prepared wooden mugs of lemonade for both of them to drink from.
She nodded thanks and took a slight sip.
"About what Connor said back there..."
Alexei looked down at his mug before gulping it all in one go.
"Don't worry about that... I won't abandon anyone this time."
"Wow, you sound super duper reliable! Anything to back that up, chief?"
Vixella smiled teasingly before drinking from the mug whilst narrowing her eyes at him.
Alexei annoyingly looked back at her who was drinking the lemonade.
"I sought you for a more well-reserved and understanding person."
She finished it and slid both their mugs back at the merchant.
The both of them continued to walk to the wagon parking areas.
"About that just now, what do you mean about me, exactly...?"
"I think you're messing with me... Unless I've misunderstood?"
"Bingo! But it's all because you're full of openings!"
"Ahm... How long does our party contract last?"
"Seven days. Why?" Vixella unsurely asked.
"I don't want to be partied with an annoying bitch like you."
"Hm, that's quite brazen of you to say... I'm a bitch, huh?"
She then spun in front of Alexei, stopping him from walking further.
"Yes, you are... Gah, I hope you get raped by goblins."
Vixella grinned at that remark before laughing.
"Oh! And here I thought you'd rape me first-!?"
"Well, if I get the chance, it will happen."
"Jokes aside, do you mind telling me what happened?"
...
The two continued to walk towards the import-export area of the market district.
It took a long minute for Alexei to recollect his thoughts and begin to tell the story.
"We... We got ambushed by bandits after a tiresome subjugation."
Alexei clenched his fists. "We weren't in a condition to fight then."
"So what?" Vixella looked skyward, "You ditched the party and ran?"
"No. Everyone told me to break out of their encirclement. They entrusted me to survive and go call for help."
His face twisted regrettably. "But I was too late... And my crush, she was- Grr, to hell with those bandits...!"
"That kind of predicament is not unheard of... I don't think you should be too hard on yourself about it."
Alexei smiled wryly at what Vixella said.
"Hey... You don't get it at all, do you?"
"That's why I'm saying you should just move on," she patted him once on the shoulder, "Right? Let's move on with life."
Vixella who had walked ahead and gestured Alexei to follow with a bright smile made him scoff. "Yeah... Let's go."
...
"Vixella. No, can I call you Vix?"
"Sure?"
"So, if I didn't stop you earlier, would have Connor's ass been blasted out that door?"
"Yes, a fun occurrence it would have been! So I ask, why did you stop me?"
"Gah, I'm kind of regretting it now... But to think you would go that far for me..."
He smiled ahead, "I guess it's not too bad to try and party up with new people."
Vixella reached under her cloak to brandish an adventurer handbook.
"Not for you? I'm following the guidelines to help my party members?"
"Eh? Wait... So, you didn't stand up for me?"
"Hm, no? I was following what the book said."
...
...
...
Vixella who realized Alexei was all of a sudden making distance from her seemed a bit confused.
"Uhh... Alexei? What did I do wrong now-!? Wait, you're still mad about that wind magic thing-!?"
But of course, someone as dense as Vixella wouldn't understand what she had just said and done.
After that, they went to one of the merchant wagons parked on the roadside near the market's exit.
"Missy-!!! It's you-!?" The chubby merchant ran up, "I'm glad to see that you're still up and kicking!"
Vixella waved and walked over to meet Qatar, much to Alexei's curiosity as he waited in the back.
"I hope you made the right decision?" Vixella gave him an eye smile.
She did not plan to say anything further to clarify what she meant.
"But of course, I safely delivered you to the herbalist- Nothing more..."
The chubby merchant smiled. "So, what do you have in mind, missy?"
An inaudible conversation between them occurred as Alexei yawned while waiting.
After that, Qatar smiled again and handed over Vixella 1 gold coin as the forward payment.
Alexei who approached him later also was given the same forward payment of 1 gold coin.
For the value of the current economy, it was: ~10 coppers for a meal, ~2 silvers for a night at an inn, and so forth went the prices.
The standard conversion rate values was there since the beginning of time: 1000 copper coin(s) = 10 silver coin(s) = 1 gold coin(s).
Gemstones, on the other hand, were a superior form of currency that not even the majority of nobles would have their hands on.
The economic system was not so out of the ordinary since it was just the usual way it had worked for ages since the old times.
Risking your life to protect a merchant who could be ambushed by bandits for about a week of rest at a typical inn?
So was the job for adventurers... The way to earn money was quite effective, cheap, dirty, and yet very life-risking!
Still, such profit paid off faster than doing an honest job like plowing a farm field for six hours straight on a hot sunny day.
Of course, with the risk of being an adventurer at play, not everyone resolved themselves to pick up the sword or staff.
It was very natural that farmers, workers, and the members of the normal functioning society were still plenty to count.
Everyone had their ways of getting by in the blooming and peaceful frontier nation of Elderia... Not to mention the rest of the continent.
In the meantime, adventurers would be the ones to handle troublesome work such as subjugating monsters and private escort missions.
This was just another little snippet of how adventurers fare day by day around these parts.
They were all putting their lives on the line to earn a greater living within shorter periods of life.
The merchant wagon rumbled on the paved road. It had been dead silent for an hour straight already.
All that could be heard were the sounds of the wagon wheels turning and the horses' steady breathing.
Alexei and Vixella who sat on either side within the wagon covers exchanged silent glances occasionally throughout the journey.
No conversation seemed to surface, and the glaring kept getting more intense as neither of them seemed to care much about it.
Then, Vixella's loud audible sigh broke their staring contest.
"Are you perhaps fed up with me? Is there a specific reason?"
"If you can't figure out that much------!?"
Alexei paused in slight panic upon seeing Vixella scuttle into his personal space.
She moved so quickly to the point he didn't even have time to react... So fast-!?
"Hm, this might make you talk then." Attempting a kabedon ((wall slam)), Vixella instead busted through the wagon covers.
Unexpectedly, she raised her eyebrows as she tumbled into Alexei who also wasn't expecting that to happen.
Fumbling sounds were heard in the back of the wagon as Vixella found herself on top of Alexei who was flinching.
"Mmph---!?" Alexei muffled out as his eyes grew wide in surprise upon opening them.
Vixella winced slightly before backing off to feel her lips before spatting and rubbing it strongly.
"This feeling of losing something... Now I understand the importance of a woman's first kiss..."
"W-Wha... Y-You-!? T-Then, why...!?"
The two gave discontent and angry looks at each other, much to Qatar who opened the covers to see what was going on.
"Hey, what's going on here-!? No fighting in my wagon! If you two break my merchandise, I'm going to deduct the payment!"
"It's nothing... I accidentally ripped through the side of your wagon."
Vixella averted her gaze and went back to sit on the other side.
"That's the gold coin I planned to tip you as an extra gone, Missy."
...
As Qatar closed the covers and went back to keeping his eyes on the road, the two looked at each other in silence.
"Alexei."
"What..."
"I'm sorry."
"Yeah..." Alexei bitterly looked away, "It's... Whatever...."
He then rose and popped his head out the covers to meet Qatar who was busy coaching the horses.
"Why did we have to take this route?" Alexei asked Qatar.
He nodded, "It's the most efficient route according to the map..."
"Well, the path here turns up that steep hillside. It's where bandits love to lay in ambush! Be on guard, okay?"
"Sure, young man! Thanks for reminding me! I'll be careful... Just make sure to protect me if arrows start flying this way!"
Alexei nodded and brandished his shield with an assuring smile before peeking back inside the wagon covers.
"And you... Vix- You should get ready too. It might get dangerous in a minute. Better to be safe than sorry."
"Hm, we're cool already? Is it because of that accidental kiss?"
He faced back outside.
"It's whatever like I said-"
"Alexei, you're a virgin, huh?"
"Hey-!? What's this all of a sudden-!?"