Many people are firm believers in the notion that "Persistence beats talent." This saying encourages those without inherent skills, pushing them to excel. However, what happens when talent is combined with hard work?

Emerging at the entrance of the petite village of Sofiya, a boy in his sixteenth year, bearing the name Anesidora but affectionately known as Dora, His cascading mane of silver-gray hair, coupled with a visage that possessed an alluring femininity, was a sight to behold.

Clad in a sleek tracksuit of ebony hue, accentuated by lightweight athletic pants, he carried upon his shoulders a sizable bag brimming with the bounties of medicinal flora.

As he ventured closer to the bustling village market, the astute merchants manning their vibrant stalls couldn't help but be captivated by his arrival.

"He's here, look... Hey, Dora, how much are you selling these plants for? I want all your stock."

The young man stopped, looking surprised.

"... Really? Finally! So... Huh... I just want to get rid of it quickly so if you want... What does that mean?"

Hearing the shopkeepers laugh, he realized they were teasing him. His serene expression shifted to a hint of bitterness.

"Each leaf is worth 1000 lyre, there are a total of 1682 plants with several different leaves, I will send the invoice to your weird daughter who can not count."

"Oi, brat, who are you calling weird?"

The shopkeeper's companions burst into laughter as they restrained him, thoroughly enjoying his embarrassment.

"Hahaha, calm down, Mr. Rohn, you know he's like that, it's between friends."

"Friend? That brat is my daughter's age, he owes me respect!"

"I can't respect someone who owes me money, but I like you and your daughter, she can't count, you can't read, you're the ultimate combo."

Laughter erupted from the group as Rohn, held back by the other salesmen, attempted to lunge at Dora. This amusing incident seems to be a common occurrence in this location.

Anesidora is a valued emissary within the village, belonging to the esteemed emissary team.

He has played a vital role in safeguarding the town and is praised for his humility and friendly attitude.

His dedication to helping others has garnered him widespread respect and affection from the community, establishing him as a beloved member.

"If only his mouth were as noble as his heart." The merchants resumed their discussion as he walked away. "He's a great boy, but I wouldn't give him custody of my children, he's too unpredictable!"

"By the way, what's the deal with what he's carrying? You said it would be wood or rocks."

"Huh? You don't know?... Ah! Yeah, you're usually out hunting at this hour, you can't know. You see, this kid leaves the village every day, nobody knows where he goes but on the opening day of the big market, every week, he shows up with a weird bag of goods that no one wants to buy."

"How come? Does he need money? He's an emissary, right? He should be loaded with money."

"Not that kind of emissary, he's still E-rank, at that level he must earn less in a month than the rest of us."

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"Ah, that's weird, considering how everyone is talking about him and his team, I thought that was a big shot."

"Nah, Dora is just an average emissary, but the leader of his team, on the opposite, is the real deal."

As part of the assault group Shining Sword, I was known as "Dora". Our leader, Leon, hailed from the hero branch and was famous for his exceptional strength and daring exploits.

Our group consisted of seven individuals, each possessing distinct abilities and personalities.

Leon fearlessly led us, embodying bravery and heroism.

Erick his faithful companion, adept at thievery.

Sana, the serene and alluring monk, brought a gentle touch,

Marie, the puppeteer, remained silent and composed.

Morgiana, a formidable and honorable spearman, stood strong.

And Lilith, our most ferocious warrior, may have been small in size but possessed a sharp wit and immense power.

As for me, I focused on utilizing debuffs and other mystical talents.

Together, we were the village's main defense against Rifts and the monsters that threatened it, often surpassing even the guards in our successes.

Our exploits made us the talk of the town, and we were celebrated as true heroes.

After I "accidentally" dropped my bag of plants in Rohn's garden, I headed towards an old wooden house near the village entrance, which was Shining Sword's headquarters.

The house used to be a grain storage facility for the peasants, but it has been beautifully renovated and decorated with magic that I find admirable.

I entered through the back door and found my comrades there, looking unhappy.

Leon, sitting in his desk chair, looked at me without saying a word and it was Lillith who broke the silence.

"Unbelievable... Where have you been all this time?! We had a meeting 30 minutes ago!"

I closed the door and walked over to a mini fridge.

"What don't you understand about 'I'm unavailable in the morning'? Nobody disturbs your 40-minute holy baths so respect other people's time."

"What?! You... You idiot! You're wrong here and you dare insult me?"

"... You call 'holy' an insult? Poor Sana."

Sana couldn't help but let out a muffled chuckle as soon as those words reached her ears, but she swiftly composed herself. In a fit of rage, Lilith snatched her hammer.

Watching the incredible abilities of the emissaries was always a joy for me. The red-haired girl with twin tails effortlessly lifted a hammer twice her size, demonstrating her remarkable strength.

"The only holy you'll get is a holy beating if you keep testing me!"

For me, it was like.

"Take corn from a hamster."

"What did you say?"

She raised her weapon and took a step forward, still very sensitive to her size, and alas for her, that made it my weapon of choice.

"Ah? your ears are too small to hear?"

Just as she was about to launch her attack, I reacted swiftly by hiding one hand behind my back.

I extended the other hand in a sword-finger pose, positioned in front of my mouth.

Standing tall and composed, I readied myself to overcome the approaching onslaught.

"Enough!!!"

Leon let out a loud scream of frustration, causing Lilith and me to snap out of our daze.

Lilith dropped her hammer, causing the ground to creak, and turned her index fingers together, visibly embarrassed.

Meanwhile, I put my second arm on my back and continued to smile.

"It's your fault... stupid," Lilith pouted, almost as if she was about to cry.

"It's your fault too, stupid," I replied.

I tried to playfully pat her on the head, but she pushed my hand away, irritated.

Lilith and I had been friends for a while, but she was a proud and stubborn person and had trouble making other friends.

I was one of the few people who could tolerate her behavior, but she became harsher towards me after I started "dating" Sana.

"sigh What can I do with you? Dora, I know we said we wouldn't call you in the morning but, between you and me, you think this is a behavior worthy of an emissary?"

"Depending on the situation, Leon, I don't need to change my daily activities if there is no real threat. The rift won't open for 3 more days, will it?"

"Is that really how you think? Just because there's time, you're not following the team's instructions anymore?"

"We had a deal when we started this team, I believe. You're the one stepping out of your bounds now."

"Hey, watch your mouth!"

I wasn't surprised by Erick's reaction. Leon was highly respected, even among the village elders.

I was probably the only one who spoke to him that way, but he didn't seem phased. We had founded the team together and, in my opinion, were equals.

I couldn't back down in front of someone like him.

"... Well, I expected that from you. And you're right, that's not what we agreed on, so I think you'll have no problem with what we decided. You can come in. "

As the door to the restroom creaked open, a stunning young girl stepped out, her long white hair cascading down her back.

Her piercing blue eyes gleamed in the dim light of the cabin, and she was clad in lightweight armor that hugged her slender figure.

Despite the cramped surroundings, she moved with grace and confidence, leaving a trail of sweet-smelling perfume in her wake.

"Allow me to introduce you, Liliana, your replacement."