"Morning Miss Amia."

Amia Brooks is a guild receptionist who helps manage adventurers' activities.Her appearance is slender and tall, her light blond hair is tied into a neat bun, a few strands dangling loose around her ears.

Even with her standard grey and white guild uniform and its puffy sleeves and a tight collar, it looks cute on her and the long skirt she wears really shows her frame very well.

She is a mature lady, older than most of the other guild members, having served in the guild for over twenty years, and had earned a reputation for being strict and demanding. She had a pretty good track record for keeping the guild running smoothly, despite the constant influx of adventurers.

It's early morning and the Adventurers are usually out in the dungeons or simply resting around this time of day, even though her shift starts as early as dawn, she gets lots of time to read her book and finish off yesterday's paperwork. She smiled from the papers on her desk as the familiar voice called her.

She's back later than usual today...

Can't believe, how long has the girl been here now, two years?

That's right, she is an adventurer, one of the only jobs out there that anyone can join, regardless of age, gender or race. But that's why so many people have died in the last few years, not many have survived for a long time, either by getting killed or quitting.

It's not a job you can just walk in and start doing. You have to train and learn how to fight and survive, but this seventeen year old girl had the potential, the skill... But....

"Good Morning, Miss Amia," Liora said.

"Good morn- OH MY LORD!"

Amia screamed, jumping out of her seat, her book flying through the air.

Pools of red goo were dragged on the floor, her clothes, her face, and even her hair were caked with mud and grime, not to mention the blood covering her entire body.

"I got the herbs! Has the quest expired yet? "

"You- What- How- Huh?"

Amia stammered, trying to collect her thoughts.

"I got the herbs, and the quest is still on the board, isn't it?

"You-"

"What? Is it expired?"

"N-No, no, it's not expired, but you- what happened to you? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Don't worry about it.

"Don't- What- What do you mean 'don't worry about it'? You're covered in blood!"

"It's not mine, the Orge bled on me," Liora answered.

"O-Orge?!"

"Yeah, an Orge. You know, big, green, ugly thing? Well, there was this woman-"

"A WOMAN?!!"

"Yeah, she saved me. I was about to get eaten alive by an ogre, but she blew it up. She was really cool."

Amia looked at her blankly, unable to comprehend what she was hearing.

"So, you were attacked by an ogre, and you didn't fight back?"

"No, I tried to run, but it caught me and was dragging me around in the air. I couldn't do anything."

Amia stood silent, staring at the girl in front of her. The girl who had come to her, covered in blood, and claiming she was nearly eaten by an ogre.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Really, don't worry about it.

"Are you sure? Because if you need medical attention, we can take you to a healer."

"I'm fine, I promise. But I'm really tired. Do you mind if I get the reward and go home?"

Amia sighed.

"Of course, Liora. I'll give you the reward. Just clean yourself up a bit first."

Liora smiled.

"Thanks."

As Liora walked towards the bathroom, Amia looked at her and wondered how someone like her was still alive. She had potential, yes, and the will to try, but she was weak. And she was too timid. She couldn't fight back when it was necessary, and that would probably be her downfall one day.

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"I'm such an idiot."

Liora was standing in front of a mirror, her reflection staring back at her. She looked awful.

"How could I be so stupid?"

She had been so excited to complete her first quest, and now look at her.

"Why did I have to get into this mess?"

She had no idea where the Orge came from, and how it ended up attacking her. And worse, she had no idea where that woman went.

"Ugh."

She grabbed a towel and started to wash the blood and dirt off her face.

"I'm such an idiot.

She thought back to the moment she was captured by the Orge, and the moment she was rescued by the mysterious woman.

"She was so strong. So beautiful. Why did she have to leave?"

She closed her eyes, remembering the moment they first met. She remembered her eyes, her smile, her laugh.

"I wonder what her name was."

"Who?"

"Ah!"

She turned around to see Amia standing in the doorway.

"M-Miss Amia! I-I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."

"It's fine, Liora. I'm just here to make sure you're okay.

"Yes, I'm fine, really. Thank you for the concern."

Amia stared at her.

"You sure you're okay? You seem a little down."

"I'm okay, really. I'm just thinking." Liora sighed, her shoulders slumping.

"Oh? What about?"

"My rank. Am I ever going to rise up the rank? Am I good enough for it? Or am I going to be needing to be saved? Just like..."

"Who?"

"W-Nothing! Forget it, I'm sorry for troubling you."

Amia shook her head, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips.

"You're not troubling me, Liora. I've known you for two years now, and you've always been the same timid girl and will be until the day you die. I really do wish you would stop second-guessing yourself. Everyone else thinks you're pretty great."

Liora lowered her eyes.

"You really think so?"

"Yes. We all do. You have a lot of potential. And I'm sure your grandfather would be proud of you.

"Thank you."

Amia put a hand on her shoulder.

"Now, clean up, and let's get you back to the inn.

"Okay.

Liora was grateful for the support. But she couldn't help but feel discouraged.

"Will I ever be strong enough?"

Liora had never been a fighter, only was trained once a week by her father for self-defence, and for magic... Well, she could use basic spells, but nothing too advanced.

She was an adventurer, yes, but she was never going to be something like a warrior, or a hero from the novels and plays. Despite her family history, her grandfather's achievements, she would never reach that level.

Why?

Because she was weak.

Her grandfather had been a legendary adventurer, but she was just a girl who couldn't even handle a simple mission only sticking to herb collections for being indicted for better jobs. And worse, she didn't have the skills or the courage to do what he had done.

She was tired and frustrated. She wanted nothing more than to go back to the inn, take another hot bath, and forget about this whole mess.

Liora makes her way back to the reception desk to meet back with Amia.

"Here's the reward, and here's a list of the new quests available, please pick a good one this time," Amia said.

"Thanks," Liora muttered, taking the list and the bag of coins.

"And if you need anything, just let me know. Okay?

"Yeah, I will. Thanks again.

"Take care."

"Oh, if there is a girl with amber hair and blue eyes, please tell her my thanks!"

"Sure!"

With that, Liora left the Guild Hall and began her journey back to the inn. As she walked down the street, she noticed that it was becoming quite busy. People were bustling around, talking, laughing, and shopping.

"Must be the weekend."

She continued walking, passing the many shops and houses lining the streets until she saw the sign that read, 'Rusty Hearth In'.

"Home sweet home..."

Liora opened the door, stepping inside. It was warm and cosy, with a large fireplace crackling away. The scent of woodsmoke hung in the air.

She walked over to the counter, where the owner sat knitting a scarf before glancing up as she approached.

"Ah, Liora! How are you? Did you find another quest to do?"

The mature woman who looked to be in her forties, smiled warmly, her dark brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. Her hazel blue eyes were filled with kindness and concern.

"I'm fine, Mama Marnie... Just trying my best as usual," she replied.

"Are you sure darling? You look tired, did something happen?"

Liora gave her a small smile. "I'm fine, really. Also, can I get a bath? I had an eventful day."

Marnie nodded. "Of course. Come on, I'll prepare it for you.

As they walked upstairs to the bath area, Liora was grateful for the silence. She didn't want to talk about her failure. Not today.

The bath was hot, just the way she liked it, and the steam felt nice on her skin. She sank into the water, letting the heat wash over her body. She closed her eyes, letting her mind wander.

She thought back to the moment she had been captured by the Orge. It had happened so fast. One minute she was walking through the forest, the next, she was being dragged through the air by an ugly green monster.

She remembered how helpless she had felt. How afraid she had been. She had tried to fight back, but she was no match for the beast. And then there was that woman. She appeared out of nowhere and saved her.

"What was her name?

The image of the woman appeared in her mind, clear as day. She was beautiful, with long, amber hair, and deep blue eyes. She had been wearing armour, and carrying a sword.

"She was so strong. So brave. She didn't even hesitate to fight that monster. I wish I could be like her. I wish I could be stronger like her..."

A knock on the door startled her.

"Miss Liora?"

It was Marnie.

"Yes?"

"Are you alright? You've been in there for quite a while.

Liora blinked, realizing that she was starting to prune.

"Sorry, Mama Marnie, I was just thinking."

"Is everything okay? Did something happen?"

Liora sighed. She couldn't hide it from her. Not anymore.

"I failed today. I got attacked by an Orge and had to be rescued by a stranger."

"Oh, honey! Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I just feel so embarrassed. I can't believe I let something like that happen."

Marnie frowned.

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Miss Liora. Everyone makes mistakes.

"But I should have been more careful. I should have known better. I'm such a fool. I should never have gone out there alone."

"It's not your fault. You had no way of knowing what would happen."

"I know, but still..."

Liora shook her head.

"I'm sorry, Mama Marnie. I shouldn't be bothering you with this. You already do so much for me."

Marnie gave her a sad smile.

"It's alright, Miss Liora. I know you're trying your best."

Liora looked away, feeling ashamed.

"Thank you. And I'm sorry."

"It's okay, honey. Now, why don't you get out of the bath and I'll make you something nice to eat.

"Okay. Thank you."

Liora stepped out of the tub and grabbed a towel. As she dried herself off, she thought about what Marnie had said. Maybe she was right. Perhaps she shouldn't be so hard on herself.

But she knew it wouldn't be easy. She had spent her whole life being weak. Being afraid. And now, she was supposed to forget about all that and become this strong person? It was a lot to ask.

"Well, maybe it's time I change that," she thought to herself.