It had been 7 months since the incident. Our house was also ready. Previously our house had been rather old so it was not attractive but now our new locked like a small castle. Mom had opposed the idea of building such a big house but dad insisted on it. It was reinforced with magic so that something like what happened won't happen again.
Just before shifting to my new house, we had celebrated my and Sherry's birthday. I got a locket from my parents with our photo in it while Sherry got a staff. In these past 6 months, there was no interaction between her and me. I deliberately had been keeping away from her.
The rest of the year just passed by like that. Mom had also started teaching me subjects other than magic and I had almost mastered the Elliot sword style.
Once my parents were assured that Ash had no ill intent we decide to tell her about my job. She told me that a high-rank demon might know something about it. She said that demons were very prideful and stubborn creatures who would not yield any information until I defeat them which was simply impossible for the present me. The demons had high magic power and physical attack were almost ineffective on them but magic is very effective on them due to low magic defense. Light magic was specially effective. I had decided to ask demons about it later but first I had to defeat dad to become independent.
With that thought in mind, I kept practicing.
By the end of the year, there was news that a new demon king had emerged. There were also rumors that the demons who fought in the previous war were just the frontiers of their army. There were demons spotted lurking near the border and chances of war to break out again were high. Many people sought out for my parents but they turned it down saying that they were injured in the battle and couldn't fight.
Due to the reappearance of a demon king, new dungeons started appearing. A dungeon had also appeared near the village. The village neither had any high ranking adventurer nor a guild so it was decided by the villagers that they will report it to the guild in Clare which was the nearest town.
I too had wanted to explore the dungeon but was shot down by my parents. They said that it was impossible for me alone. I also tried to sneak out but was caught as they were extra careful after the Ash incident.
After pleading my dad for a long time he agreed to let me go into the dungeon but I would be accompanied by a party. Dad wrote a letter to a guild and a few days later there was a party of young adventurers at my doorstep.
"Hello is this Mr. Elliot's house"
"Yes, are you the party which Cornor(guild master) had sent"
"Yes"
"Okay, come in. Zack will come in a minute. ZACK COME DOWN"
"Coming," I said getting my gear ready.
When I came down I saw a group of 4 people sitting in the dining hall. 2 girls and 2 boys.
I greeted them and introduced myself. They too introduced themselves.
The party's name was Dark phoenix. (A Chuunibyou name)
The party leader was Azar. He was a tall guy with red hair combed backward, slanting eyebrows, and a scar on the left cheek. He was a swordsman. Although he didn't look old maybe in the mid-20s he looked experienced.
The other guy was Lauren. He was the tank. A heavily built guy with a broad face and ruffled blonde hair. He had heavy armor and a big sturdy shield.
The girls were Elle and Kira. They were sisters. Both were petite and had long golden hair. They were shy types. Elle was a thief while Kira was a magician.
I felt that they were good people. They didn't underestimate me for being a kid and welcomed me to join them for the exploration of the dungeon.
After breakfast, we were ready for exploration.