“Do I what?” Astrid questioned with an arched brow.

“N-nothing, just forget about it,” Hazel urged, doing her best to hide her embarrassment.

That was the second time she failed to start a conversation with this person. Even if Hazel had very little contact with living beings after getting dumped in this dungeon, it shouldn’t be this difficult to properly communicate with someone.

She felt like a schoolgirl trying to talk to her crush but continuously failed each conversation and only embarrassed herself. The novice mage stifled a heavy groan as she sorted through her thoughts.

“A-anyway,” Hazel coughed, changing the subject. “I-I think that introductions are in order. You know, since we kind of helped each other fight against those Orcs from before.”

Although she failed to properly converse with the dark elf, that didn’t mean she was going to give up. If not to befriend the player then it would certainly be for her pride after miserably failing two times before.

However, she was met with some resistance.

“I don’t see why that’s necessary,” The dark elf stated while crossing her arms. “I bet you already tried to identify me to see my status, right?”

Hazel froze after hearing this. “N-no…” She lied, nervously averting her eyes.

The dark elf sighed, shaking her dismissively. “You don’t need to try and lie since I did the same thing to you…Hazel Thatcher.”

The mage flinched at the mention of her own name as if she was being called out. However, she then turned to face the dark elf with an annoyed expression.

“Dropping my full government name, huh?” Hazel grumbled; her left eye twitching. “That’s a bit rude, don’t you think, Astrid Skogr?”

Instead of looking annoyed, the corner of Astrid’s lip curled into a slight grin, as if she found it amusing. This only annoyed Hazel more since it felt like she was only giving the dark elf what she wanted.

“You’re certainly bold for a human,” Astrid stated. “And here I thought you would start choking on your words again, or utter whatever nonsense that was before.”

Hazel’s face turned a bit red as she glared at the dark elf player. “Well, excuse me for trying to start a conversation.”

“Do humans normally spout incomprehensible things when conversing with someone?” Astrid leaned her head to the side in a mocking manner.

“I don’t know, do Dark elves act all snobby toward those that just saved their lives?”

The dark elf paused from Hazel’s words. Her sly grin shifted into a frown as she turned away.

“I didn’t ask for your help,” She mumbled. “You didn’t have to save me.”

“Right back at you,” Hazel countered. “Back when we were surrounded by those Orcs, you could’ve easily abandoned me. But you didn’t. Why?”

It would’ve been easy for the dark elf to escape the Orcs during that scuffle. All she needed to do was leave Hazel behind so the monsters could focus on her. And yet, Astrid stayed and helped the mage defeat those monsters.

But why? What compelled this player to do something like that?

Astrid wore a pensive expression as she hesitated to reply. Then she finally caved. “I only did it because I don’t like being indebted to someone. You distracted those Orcs before, so I simply returned the favor.”

Hearing this, the mage stood there for a moment, attempting to process the dark elf’s words.

That was why she did that? Because she was simply returning the favor? She risked her life for Hazel when it would’ve been easier for her to just run away and let her get killed in her stead.

That…was surprisingly admirable of her. Then again, Astrid was a Captain of her Legion Tribe and also the Daughter of a Chief who ruled over her people. Perhaps the dark elf was taught about chivalry and honor and to uphold those virtues.

Either way, Hazel felt a bit relieved that the first player she encountered turned out to be such a kind and honorable person.

And yet she couldn’t help but utter something that ruined the atmosphere they created.

“…So you’re admitting that you would’ve died if I hadn’t saved you, right?”

Hazel could easily see a vein throbbing on Astrid’s forehead from her statement. It only got worse when she shifted her gaze at the mage with an intense glare, as if she was looking at something annoying.

“Once again, you boldly speak your mind without an ounce of shame. This is why humans are so…” The dark elf held back from finishing her sentence, possibly realizing that saying anymore could spark a conflict between the two. Taking a deep breath, Astrid maintained a neutral expression while turning her attention back to Hazel. “Regardless, since I returned the favor, I believe we’re done here.”

She then turned around and started walking off, leaving the mage behind. This caused Hazel to panic and she did something rather unexpected.

“W-wait…!” The mage called out frantically.

The dark elf stopped in her tracks. She then turned her head to the side, slightly glancing at Hazel. “What is it?”

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“U-uh…” Hazel once again struggled to speak, as if the first time wasn’t bad enough.

What could she say to the dark elf anyway? That she wanted them to work together, so they had a better chance at survival? That she wanted someone to talk to because she had been on her own since the very first day of getting stuck in this dungeon?

Just what could she possibly tell her?

“Are you going to just stand there like a gawking chicken or are you going to say something already?” Growing annoyed, the dark elf urged Hazel to state what she wanted so this conversation would be over.

Hearing Astrid’s indignant and pestering tone managed to lighten the mage’s anxiety, allowing her to speak a little more clearly.

“L-look, I think it would likely be better for both of us if we…worked together while we’re in this dungeon.”

“…Come again?” Astrid inquired while fully turning around to face the mage.

For a moment, Hazel hesitated to answer, but it was too late for that. She had to reply quickly before she lost her chance. So, either she stood her ground and did everything she could to convince the dark elf or simply gave up.

“I think…that we should try and work together. You’re the only player I’ve encountered in this dungeon, and possibly my only chance in getting out of this place.”

Hazel wasn’t sugarcoating her words. She meant it when stating that she needed Astrid’s help. Despite her attitude, Hazel recognized the dark elf’s skills.

She was more experienced in battle compared to the novice mage, who had only recently started fighting monsters. Astrid’s battle against the Orcs showed Hazel her capabilities.

“And why would I agree to that?” Astrid questioned condescendingly. “I’ve been doing quite well on my own, thank you very much.”

“So have I but doing this solo will only take us so far. You saw how we took down those Orcs. We were able to take them down a lot faster and easier together than if we were on our own.”

When Astrid was taking on the monsters up close, Hazel stayed at a distance and confidently eliminated any threats that got close to the dark elf. They played their roles perfectly and managed to eliminate their enemies with ease compared to when they fought separately.

Hazel didn’t have to run around in a panic while fighting monsters. She did what any good mage was supposed to do; provide support. Which is why Hazel was desperate for Astrid’s assistance.

“Hate to break it to you, Thatcher,” Astrid spat. “But I don’t need your help. Besides, I can’t trust someone who I just met, even if they just saved my life. For all I know, you’re just using me to get what you want.”

Hazel faltered from Astrid’s harsh but reasonable statement. It was true that the dark elf should be distrustful of the mage. After all, the only reason why she was looking for her assistance was for her own gain, not the Ranger’s.

So, in a sense, Hazel was using Astrid to get what she wanted, which was survival. But that didn’t mean the mage was going to stop now after coming this far.

“In that case, how about we use each other, alright?” Hazel blurted out. “You use me, and I use you. A partnership where we both get what we want.”

The dark elf paused with a pensive expression on her face. As if the very thought of this idea intrigued her. However, her face went neutral, hiding any remnants of her considering Hazel’s proposal.

“And what exactly would I be using you for, huh?”

Even though it looked like Astrid was simply mocking her, Hazel knew what she was doing. This was a test. A test to see if the mage’s proposal was worth contemplating over. And she had just the thing to confirm this.

“Since you’ve seen my status, then you know that I possess the Mage class. And you obviously saw how I utilized my spells in battle right? So, in our partnership, you would be using me for my magic.”

While it was a long shot, this was the only thing that Hazel could offer. She couldn’t give Astrid food or water, since they were hers. Plus, the mage figured that this deal wouldn’t work since the dark elf did dungeon challenges too.

Offering her services as a Mage was the best course of action. Although Astrid was a Ranger and a skilled fighter, there were limits to her abilities. By allowing the dark elf to use Hazel’s magic to provide support, the novice mage should be able to solidify their partnership.

Or at least, that was what she was hoping for. It all depended on Astrid’s decision on the matter. The fate of their potential partnership was literally in her hands right now.

“Using your magic, huh? Are you saying that you’ll become my slave or something?”

Hazel hastily shook her head, looking appalled at the idea of such a thing. “I’m talking about a partnership where we both use each other. You use me for my skills, and I use you for yours. An equal trade to ensure our survival.”

Although Hazel was desperate, it wasn’t to the point where she would risk slavery as part of her normal lifestyle. If she had to choose between being enslaved for survival or taking her chances exploring this dungeon alone, she would pick the latter every time.

Astrid stared at Hazel, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. As if the dark elf was searching for some kind of ulterior motive behind the mage’s proposal. Granted, she did, but nothing like what Ranger was assuming she had.

“And how do I know you won’t betray me during our supposed ‘partnership’?” She inquired while using her fingers to air-quote.

Hazel pondered for a moment, understanding what Astrid was asking. Honestly, Hazel had no reason to betray the dark elf. Her survival essentially depended on this partnership, so having any thoughts like deception was practically nonexistent to her.

But she knew that wasn’t enough to convince the gray-skinned ranger. So, what would?

“How about a pact then? If you find any inkling that I plan to betray you, my life will be in your hands. You could kill me, enslave me, or whatever. You could even just walk away and make me fend for myself in the dungeon. It’s up to you.”

What Hazel suggested may have been drastic and unnecessary, but at this point, she needed to do something to convince the dark elf to accept the deal. Otherwise, this would all be in vain, wasting both of their time with it.

Astrid mulled over Hazel’s deal, lightly tapping her chin as she did.

“You know you’re essentially putting your fate in my hands, right?”

“…I know.”

“I could easily betray you with what you’ve given me, you understand? All I would need to do was act like you were planning on betraying me and use that to do whatever I want with you.”

“I am aware…”

“Then why are you going through with this? Surely, you would rather just explore this dungeon on your own than make such a ridiculous deal where you gain nothing from this.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Hazel retorted. “I do gain something from this and that’s your cooperation and assistance. Plus, if you were the type of person that would betray something, then you wouldn’t have tried to save me just to ‘return the favor’, would you?”

Hazel was certain that Astrid wasn’t the type of person to betray her in such a way. Not after risking her life to save the mage when she could’ve easily run away and left her to the wolves. Or in this case, the Orcs.

And it was from that act alone that told Hazel that this dark elf could more or less be trusted. And if she was wrong…then she would cross that bridge if or when she got there.

All that mattered right now…was this deal being made.

“So, do we have a deal?” Hazel asked, reaching her arm out toward the dark elf.

Astrid stared at the novice mage’s hand, intensely contemplating over her options. It wasn’t until she let out a heavy sigh that her decision was finally made.

“Fine. You got yourself a deal,” Astrid declared, reaching out and shaking Hazel’s hand. “Partner.”

Grasping the gray-skinned Ranger’s hand, Hazel returned the gesture with a small grin. “Glad to hear it, partner.”

And with that, their partnership was now official. As of now, Hazel Thatcher and Astrid Skogr were temporary companions for as long as they were stuck in this dungeon, or unless a sign of betrayal was shown.