Back to [ Evan's POV ] ~
It was a fresh new day, the skies were clear, the sun is out, shining brightly, birds are singing, flowers are blooming, on days like these.. It's absolutely going to be a good day.. Except, it's NOT a good day, the skies were NOT clear, the sun is NOT out, the birds were NOT singing, and the flowers were certainly NOT blooming.. Why? Because today, there's a storm coming through Vansborough. The rain was pouring HARD. The wind was blowing strongly. The sun is nowhere to be seen. The day was miserable.
...Today, we were supposed to take on our first quest together. The preparations were already done, we purchased equipment for myself, bought a lot of foodstuffs, bought a Magic Beast Repelling Camping Tent.. We did everything... Aside from preparing for an unexpected storm.. All of that, just to be cuckolded by the weather. We're currently taking cover from the rain in a vacant kiosk. It was uncomfortably humid. Damn it.
" Shitty weather we have today, huh? ". Luke said from beside me.
" Yeah.. No shit. ". I responded.
" *sigh*.. If it goes on like this.. We'll have no choice other than to just go out into the storm. ".
" You sure about that? ". I asked.
" I mean, what else can we do? It'll take all day if we wait this one out. ". He said.
" You have a point. Well.. Whatever you do, I'll just obediently follow. ".
" You're starting to talk like Maxim. Don't do that. ". He protested.
" Oh c'mon, I'm not THAT strict and uptight like him.. ". I retorted.
" Whatever.. So, what do you think? Should we rush it, or not? ".
" Yeah.. Let's rush it. ".
" That's what I'm talking about. ". He said.
We both nodded at each other with a grin.
" Okay.. Three, two, one.. Let's go! ". He yelled.
At his signal, we ran out from the kiosk and straight to the direction of the Guild. It has been a while since I last experienced running around through the rain. It's really nostalgic for me, I used to do exactly this whenever it was raining and I was bored. The streets were a little vacant, with only a handful of other people going out and about. I felt the curious gazes of other people, but I didn't care, Luke and I both laughed as we ran down the streets, drenched. At first, I was worried Luke would slip and slide all over the street, because it was real slippery when wet. But that was an unnecessary concern, because his steps were very nimble and balanced. I'm a little proud of him.
The Guild's building was coming into view after running for about 5 minutes, so we slowed down a little. There were not many people here, which is a weird sight. I dried both of our clothes using the ever convenient magic. We then looked for a suitable quest we could take, but there was a problem.. Most of the quests available were only either solo missions, or it has a minimum requirement of a three people party or more to take it on, and the receptionists were not budging on letting only the two of us alone on any quest. We were in quite the pickle.
" Uuuuhhhh... What should we do about this??? Should we just team up with some random person?? What do you think, Evan? ".
" Don't ask me. I am as clueless as you are. ".
" Oh, come on! You're supposed to be someone convenient for me to have! ".
" What? Bro, I'm not G**gle! I can't do everything! ". I protested.
" I thought you'll be one hell of a butler! ".
" Ugh! What kind of retort is that?! ".
In the middle of the childish bickering between Luke and I, I suddenly saw someone familiar in the corner of my eye. I glanced over to see who it was, then I remembered, she was that weird girl that I talked with briefly when I was taking the Adventurer's Exam! I think her name was.. Melania?? I think? She also seems to be in trouble finding party members. I have an idea.
" Luke, Master.. Kindly look there. ". I said, pointing at her with eye gestures.
" What is it? ". He turned around.
" Do you see that woman? The one with light green hair, in a braid? ".
" Hmmm.. Yeah, why? ".
" I have met her before, when I was taking the Exam. She is very talented, both in her martial arts, and her sword skills. She seems to be looking for party members, why not recruit her? ".
" Her? Are you sure? Why do you think so? ".
" Yessir, I feel she is more than adequate for partying up with. She'll be an important asset to our team. ".
" Why do I feel like I'm being talked into something suspicious. ".
" What do you mean? I feel she is a trustworthy person, besides, we don't have much option. ".
" What if she decides to turn on us? ".
" If she does, I shall personally "take care" of her, we'll just then report that she was dispatched by a Magic Beast or something. ".
" Damn, stop saying ominous things like that, you're really giving off Maxim's vibes. ".
" Anything for you, Master. ".
" You know I unintentionally cringe every time you say stuff like that, right? ".
" That's the point-*cough*.. I mean, what is it that you're referring to??? ".
" *sigh* Whatever, you have a point. Let's go greet her. ".
We went over to where she was, she hadn't noticed our presence yet, so I called out to her. When she heard me, she turned her head towards my direction with a sullen face, but that expression changed from being sour, to smiling sweetly. She called back out to me.
" Hey Evan! Didn't expect to see you appear at the Guild in this weather! How have you been? ".
" I have been fine, thank you. ". I answered.
" So, what's the matter with you calling out to me? ". She asked.
" Actually, we noticed that you're having trouble in looking for party members to join, so we thought of recruiting you. Because truthfully.. We're also struggling to find party members. So that's why. ".
" Ahh.. That's a relief! It's true that I'm struggling to find party members! Let's team up! ". She said, without hesitation.
" Well then, let's be good friends from now on. Once again, my name is Evan Myers. ". I said.
" Likewise, my name is Melania Evergreen. And not to be rude. Exactly who are you? ". She asked, gesturing at Luke.
Luke was seemingly snapped back to reality by Melania's words, as he was in a daze, staring blankly at Melania.
" I am Luke Vesner, a pleasure to meet you. ". He said. With a gentle bow. He's clearly enraptured in her beauty, isn't he?
" Wow, I can't believe you, Master. Even though you already have the Princess... To think you're not satisfied yet... ". I said, teasingly.
" Wha- What?! No! You're really misunderstanding right now!! ". He said, while hitting me on my head.
" Owie~ Master is being mean~ ".
" Stop it! ".
Seemingly confused. Melania asked.
" Uuuhhh... I'll pretend that you didn't just casually name drop a Royalty.. But what is the relationship between you two exactly? ".
" I just work for him. ". I said.
" Y- Yeah.. He's my employee. ". Luke added.
" I see. Oh well, let's omit the unimportant details and let's immediately sign up as a team! ". She said, she's quick at adapting, I see.
" Yeah, let's. ". Luke affirmed.
We went over to a nearby counter and filled out a form regarding our party. After that, we deliberated on what quest we should take, Luke voiced his opinion, which is to explore the Skyscraper ruin nearby, much to Melania's delight. Because she has been wanting to explore said ruins. So we decided on a ruin exploration and clearing quest. We headed off right this day, after confirming that we have enough supplies for everything, we headed off. All of the luggage was handled by me. I am amazed at how unexpectedly reliable I can be. The storm has finally passed and the skies were clear and bright, I even saw a rainbow~ What a beautiful day to start off a journey! Adventure, here I come!
====[ Author's Note ]====
I'm really, really, REALLY sorry for this short chapter, I hope you'll forgive me. I have no excuses.
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