From a distance, Ryu observes Mia that's busy giving help and service toward the Hunters waiting in the lane. Because it was the start of the month, there's a lot of people who want to buy a Dungeon map from the association.

"To think that we're required to get into the line..."

"Should we go to another queue, there's a shorter one over there."

Already approaching the crowd, Ryu gently shakes its head. "The circumstance forces us to exclusively go to her line."

"Somehow, I'm getting bad foreshadowing out of this..." Understanding his brother's intention, Verdi quietly joins Ryu's side. The time passes quite slowly, only after a cup of coffee time that they've finally reached the front of the receptionist's desk.

"Hell no!"

Ryu's a bit taken aback by the unexpected cold response he got. "Why? Isn't it possible?"

"We're a neutral association, in the first place, why are you even thinking about those actions."

"I'm simply asking for you to give this guy the Hunter card."

Ryu points his finger toward Verdi. When Mia casts a glance at him, Verdi immediately breaks the eye contact by throwing his sight toward the wooden floor.

"A level 6 novice can't get the card without taking the trainer trial."

"He's good enough. He doesn't need to get into the instructor's approval."

"Then let him get tested by Mr. Rogue."

"... Can you just give him the card already?"

"You know, I currently not in a good mood."

As a receptionist, it's her daily occurrence for her to being flirted out by the Hunters. Especially today, because it's at the early date, there's awfully an incredible amount of Hunters courted her out while asking for a map. Professional as she, she's forced to wears a fake smile to those ogling eyes.

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The piled-up frustration finally erupted at the boy's absurd request. Slamming the table, she stares deep into Ryu's eyes, "Just for your information, I'm still pissed at yesterday's event."

The chilling glares make Ryu unconsciously retreats a step back. "Hey, I really felt sorry about that, okay?"

"Hmm..." The humming really makes the atmosphere temperature went down further than before.

"I'll take my leave..." Not uncomfortable with the environment and realizing what the other party wants behind those acts, Ryu takes Verdi by hand and leaves the place quietly. It's clear as a day that the plan was a total failure.

"What're we going to do now, brother?"

"I didn't expect her to have that kind of temper..."

"Do you have another plan in mind?"

"I've, nevertheless, it's actually not for entering the Dungeon."

Leaving his companion confused, Ryu's mouth curved up a little.

"We're gonna train in my residence backyard."

"Ehhh!?"

"Let's go. We're already waste a good amount of time."

Ryu swiftly moves his foot in the direction of his place, trailed by Verdi. Because of the agility difference, he chased after him quite desperately.

***

"What are you doing here?"

"I assume you already know it."

Arrived at the backyard, Ryu catches the sight of his neighbor, currently drenching in sweat, busy shooting an arrow aimed at the big tree. 

"Aren't you tired already from doing that impossible task Mr. Rogue gives you?"

"To be honest, I don't want to be a dead weight to the team."

Mia takes another arrow, placing it in her wooden bow, she begins to pull the bowstring with her slender arm and closes one of her eyes. "That's why I'm burning with a motivation to progress faster!"

Releasing it from her hand, the arrow streaks at a considerable speed beautifully pierces the wood. The arrows were gathered at one point of the tree, symbolizing how accurate her aims were.

"You're already worthy as an archer."

"It's still lacking, compared to you..."

Having its quiver emptied, Mizuha walks toward the big tree taking off the pilled arrow one by another before placing it back to its holder. "By the way, why's Verdi here?"

"We planned to have a practice in here."

"I see, good luck then, I'll continue my training."

"Okay, remember to not overwork yourself."

Didn't want to disturb her activity any longer, the duo quickly separates themself from her before proceeding to warm up.

"What kind of practice will we do, brother?"

Ryu waves his hand in reply to Verdi's inquiry.

"It's not a practice, we're going to spar!"

"So, I'm simply going to get beaten up by you..."