*Chapter 8: Clash of Personalities*
The over-the-top introduction of the girl had left the guild master smiling, while Kagami and Astaria exchanged worried glances. They decided to voice their concerns.
"We want to go alone," Kagami said coldly, his face devoid of emotion.
Astaria echoed his sentiment with a similar lack of expression. "We don't want to take this commission any longer. We want to go home."
After some time, the three found themselves in the vicinity of where the missing lady was last seen, deep in the heart of the forest. It was a beautiful midday, with the sun casting shadows from the trees above.
Astaria hesitated, clutching her makeshift wooden staff. "So, Kagami-san, are we really going to do this? With this arrogant girl, no less? We're quite far from the guild. We could just go to the next adventurer guild and start over. I bet things will work out somehow."
Kagami glanced at the arrogant girl leading the way, Charlotte, who was younger and smaller in build than him but acted as if she were the team's leader. He found her occasional use of a countryside dialect slightly annoying, as it brought back unpleasant memories. From his past.
Charlotte's impatient voice cut through the air. "What's stopping you two? Are you scared or something? Come on, move your asses."
Astaria, her discontent evident, tried to persuade Kagami to reconsider. "You see, Kagami? We need to get out of here. She's weird, and the guild master is even weirder and kinda creepy. We just need-"
Kagami interrupted her, "Running from the get-go is not something we should do. At least not yet, We will continue this journey for now and see where it leads." Kagami maintained his resolve and walked forward, Trying to Picture his fulfilling life and what it would be about. leaving Astaria trailing close behind, attempting to change his mind but failing .
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The sun shone brightly overhead, and a gentle breeze ruffled the leaves, creating a calming atmosphere. And giving the group a breathing time after all the walking they did and still doing. Kagami decided to address the elephant in the room.
"Hey, you," Kagami said, fixing his gaze on Charlotte.
"What?" she responded.
"What are you? And why are you acting the way you do?" Kagami asked, his voice tinged with suspicion. He didn't buy much of the way she carried herself.
With pride, Charlotte puffed her chest and proclaimed, "I am the hero of light and protector of the universe." She continued to spout extravagant claims that sounded more like tall tales that has almost no Truth in them. Kagami was reminded of a certain someone. He exchanged a disappointed glance with Astaria, who quickly averted her eyes.
The trio pressed forward toward their destination when Charlotte spotted a massive crab-like monster lurking in the forest. These creatures usually roamed near bodies of water and were known for their incredible strength and razor-sharp claws that could easily Carry and cut a horse in half. They were highly dangerous, with their only vulnerable spot being a small, soft area on their lower stomach. Kagami and Astaria knew not to engage them. For it's widely accepted to just avoid these creatures if you can.
Charlotte, however, froze and twitched for a moment before pulling a short sword she had dangling from her wrist. "No, this needs to go with a bang," she muttered and returned the sword to it's place. She then summoned two bright, yellowish short swords with light magic. Excited and somewhat crazed, she charged at the creature. Laughing a crazy sounding laugh.
Kagami and Astaria stood in place, realizing they were most likely in trouble. Charlotte swung her light swords at the monster but struggled to penetrate its hard shell. In response, the crab monster unleashed a devastating attacks with its powerful claws, uprooting trees and tearing up the ground.
Astaria panicked, shaking Kagami violently. "Kagami-San, what should we do? She's going to die, we're going to die, and the guild master will kill us after that."
Kagami remained calm, observing the situation intently. He pulled his dagger from its sheath, contemplating its short length before sheathing it again and rushing toward Charlotte. He collided with her, prompting her to complain. However, Kagami urged her to keep her focus on the monster. Charlotte couldn't refuse for the monster was drawn to her, So she obediently circled the creature from the right, drawing its attention Further, while Kagami moved to the left. When the monster exposed its back, Kagami slid underneath it, short sword in hand, and aimed for the vulnerable spot. He pierced and cut the monster repeatedly, ultimately ending up inside the creature.
To be continued...