Lilliana tapped impatiently on the table. Currently, she was sitting at one of the many terraces in Avrel. In front of her, a young girl of her age was quietly sipping a pinkish drink.
"Mmmh... Nothing is better than a good Emeria juice under a shiny sun."
This was too much for Lilliana.
"Well, can I finally know what you want from me? You dragged me all the way here, could you at least tell me why!"
*Sigh*
"My name is Stella Perseia, I graduated from the Aeira Academy of Magic, founded by the country's guild of mages."
Lilliana looked at the teenager, who seemed proud of what she had just said. Still, she couldn't help but look at her doubtfully.
"And?"
A little surprised, Stella tried to explain herself:
"Well... Like I told you, I'd like us to form a group!"
"Why?"
"To complete quests, of course!"
Lilliana's eyes were showing interest.
"Don't you think it would be easier to complete the quests together?" Continued Stella.
"I understand what you want, but why should I form a group with you? You seemed quite oblivious to me earlier, being chased by those goblins."
"Eh... It is precisely to avoid this that I wish to form a group! You would be the vanguard, and I would cover you with my spells! We'll be able to do much simpler purge quests every day, without getting hurt!"
It wasn't hard, analyzing Lilliana, that she had tried a "purge" quest without being fully prepared for it and had hurt herself.
"It is true that I too am looking for a group so that I can complete my quests safely, and especially more complex quests to become stronger."
"See! We have the same ambitions! Come on, let's form a group! "
"Wait. I did say I wanted to form a group, but why should I form it with you? I don't even know what you're capable of, and I don't know you at all!"
Stella tilted her head, pensive.
"Well, as you saw earlier, I have mastered the fireball technique. Other than that, my skill repertoire is almost empty at the moment!"
*Sigh*
Lilliana sighed heavily.
"As I expected, you're just a useless mage!"
"Hey, I can't let you say that! I was among the best in my class, at the academy!"
"And yet, you're still stuck as an H-rank adventurer..."
'Yeah, well so are you!' wanted to retort Stella, but she didn't. She didn't want to alienate her new "friend", she was currently her only chance to form a group.
"Please, I promise I'll be helpful!"
Stella didn't know how to convince her, and without knowing why, she began to beg her. She was practically kneeling on the table.
"Well okay, let's give it a try. It's not like I have a choice anyway. I don't know anyone else to ask to form a group, so I might as well take advantage of the opportunity!"
At that moment, Stella's eyes lit up in an instant.
"Don't get too excited, I warn you: this is just a trial run for now. If things don't work out for me, I'll continue my quests alone."
Unfortunately for Lilliana, Stella didn't listen to a word she said, too busy celebrating the moment.
__
Adventurer's guild reception desk.
"Hi, Alice."
"Hello!"
After their discussion at the restaurant's terrace, the two girls decided to see a guild advisor to find out how to formalize their group.
Indeed, a group of adventurers was entitled to more benefits. In addition, for legal reasons regarding third-party possession of a quest and its rewards, the name of the group had to be informed. This was to limit fraud.
But more importantly, for security reasons, some special quests were only available to groups.
"You want to form a group with this young lady, then? Stella Perseia, is that right?"
"Yes, miss! We met on a quest, and we decided to form a group after we hit it off."
Listening to Stella, Lilliana could not help but send a wry smile. In the end, she still decided not to retort.
Alice looked at the two girls in front of her, a little surprised. Indeed, it didn't take a mind reader to figure out that these two people weren't the best of friends either.
Still, she couldn't help but feel that they would make a wonderful group. This was probably because their personalities were relatively identical.
"If you would like to formalize your group, I can do that myself, as I am Lilliana's helper."
"If you can help us with that, that would be welcome, thank you."
Alice smiled at Lilliana, before continuing:
"Well, I need both of your adventurer cards please."
They each held out their card.
Alice scanned it with a control station behind her.
"What would you like to name your group?"
Stella and Lilliana did not think long, as they had discussed it beforehand.
"The Orphans Stars."
Alice's hand paused a little after hearing that name. A slightly embarrassed smile appeared on her face.
"Eeeh... Why 'Orphans'?"
Lilliana cleared her throat and looked away. Stella, on the other hand, spoke proudly:
"Well, we're not sure... But we thought it was cool so we kept it!"
"Ah. Well, if you enjoy it, that's the main thing."
She used a joystick and pressed a few buttons. After a few moments, the station emitted a small beep.
"There, it's over!"
Alice handed the girls their cards.
"Congratulations, you are both now part of the group 'The Orphan Stars'."
Lilliana and Stella exchanged a look and a smile. From now on, they were going to team up on each of their quests.