"Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! I'm really sorry! Are you hurt?!! Are you fine?! Is everything OK? Sorry! I've been so reckless, I thought no one would still be here. I didn't know you were here. Please forgive me!"
Liora kept apologizing to the archer man who stood before her. The beast's enormous form was behind her, covering a huge extent of the forest. She immediately rushed down from the top of the yawn's head when she noticed a human figure standing on the ground in front of the monster's hideous face.
She got shocked when understanding he's Arian, the same new adventurer who had joined the guild. Magical Scale had identified Arian's magic level as the lowest possible rank: 0G1
What was he doing in such a dangerous place? Only 1D6-ranked adventurers with higher magical pressure than average standard could have a chance.
Fighting against a gigantic yawn would leave a lot of damage and effects, putting the lives of people around there in danger. She had been fighting with a yawn for hours in the deep parts of the forest, which not so many adventurers came to enter due to monstrous powers of the forest beasts in that area. Therefore, Liora could fight different monsters without being worry to hurt anyone.
However, why would still be someone there? And why a low-level newcomer? He stood only inches away from where the yawn's dead body had landed. Her constant worries began to end as she understood Arian is safe and unharmed.
"But... why would you move so deep in the forest?" Liora asked.
"There were no monsters," said Arian, "so I had to move on. I really didn't notice I've gone too much ahead."
The sudden surges of regret and guilt started striking her mind. She had already killed so many monsters in the way, and Arian must have come from that same way, facing nothing but silence. Liora could blame no one but herself for being so thoughtless to not consider such a possibility in the first place.
"Sorry! Sorry! It should be my fault! I did kill all of those beasts in the way. I am really reaaallly sorry!"
"No! No! Not at all! It's my fault since I went onwards without thinking about my current level. I would've also given you trouble in the battle with that yawn. So, I'm the one who should apologize."
Arian put a charming smile on his face. Although Liora's actions could've killed him, he still acted so kindly and nice. Just like when they first met in the guild, or when he looked worried about her in the street, he was so friendly and affable.
Exactly unlike Liora's cold temper, Arian had a very warm attitude, being totally compassionate. His eyes were animated and full of life, as though they'd never become bored, always remaining energetic and warm. Those eyes belonged to someone who wouldn't contemn feeble and would find value in mortals.
"The world needs more people like you." she thought.
"I see," Liora sighed, smiling pleasantly, "then let's say it's both our faults."
"Ah... All right! But I think I should go now. I need to get this quest's required materials after all. Well, then—"
Hearing what Arian said, Liora decided to help him as she was the main reason he couldn't get the materials in the beginning. She interrupted him before he could finish his words.
"Wait! Wait! I can help you! Here, I've got so many materials from the monsters. You can find the ones you need here."
She untied the leather bag from her belt, offering it to Arian. Although it would be seen as a normal small pocket, it was in fact a magical pouch, providing a huge space for its carrier to put the necessary items, materials, or anything else needed.
"R-really? You sure about that?"
"Yes! Please accept it from me! Take whatever you want for your quest. And it's not that I really need all of them anyway."
Arian collected what he needed from the inside of the magical bag, returning it to Liora afterward.
"I'm really grateful! I will definitely pay it back to you when I get the chance to kill some monsters."
"There's no need for that! It's just a favor! So stop thinking about it!"
Feeling tired and exhausted, Liora could no more stay on her feet. She started to fall and lie down on the grass.
"Are you OK?" Arian asked in anxiety, looking worried and concerned.
"I'm fine," Liora replied, closing her eyes in peace. "Fighting with a fully grown yawn is too hard. I need some rest."
"But wouldn't other beasts from the nearby areas get here over time?"
"We would get out of here by that time. Also, you should stay close to me since you won't have a chance here. You need to upgrade that 0G1 rank of yours first. But don't worry, I will gladly help you."
It was the first time that Liora had talked to someone so spirited and warmly. She would normally end her phrases quickly and get to do her job next. Her conversations with the other people would end so fast because of her lack of interest in communicating.
But this man could make her talk. He had something special that never failed to draw her attention. Whatever it was, it made Liora delightful and happy. Arian's fascinating aura and his gentle behavior absorbed her interest more than anything in the world.
She could hear Arian mumbling somethings and moving his eyes around. He intended to start a chat.
"So..." he hesitated, coughing immediately to change the silent mood, "why do you work so hard as an adventurer, Liora? What're your goals?"
Her interested face changed to the same serious one. That question brought her into a gloomy, vengeful air.
"I'm trying to become stronger. I have to become stronger. I need strength."
She stared at Arian, looking harshly and violently.
"Ah... Is something wrong?"
Liora noticed that she had unintentionally glared at Arian, stopping her fierce stares.
"Oh, sorry! I got lost in my emotions," she lifted her eyes to the sky. "Well, I need to kill someone. That's why I need power."
"That's... All right... but just don't take it hard on yourself, OK?"
Arian didn't ask whom she wanted to kill or anything about the reason behind, he simply chose the best words to comfort her and show his concern.
"What 'bout you? Why have you become an adventurer? What do you want to do Arian?"
He also looked overhead, staring at the sky with his warm eyes. At that moment, a sudden change happened, as Liora could see the shift in Arian's lively look to a bored, lifeless expression.
"I also want to kill someone."