(Main protagonist's Pov)
"What? So, you are saying that the drugs are going to be transported to the village?" said Jystice.
"That is correct." I replied.
I reported everything that happened in the secret base where the drugs had been produced. Anti-Libra members were captured and sent to the prison. They were interrogated regarding the Shadow Tear and the Anti-Libra base. The members were loyal and never seemed to open their mouth.
I wondered why did Anti-Libra members tried to keep their mouth shut despite knowing they had been abandoned by the Anti-Libra because of failures. These members had also same devices that can blast you but I disabled them. However I understood what was happening, I understood what Anti-Libra wanted and why these members were so loyal.
I had managed to grasp it all when I received the information about the Shadow Tear being stolen by Anti-Libra. However, I didn't intended to report everything to Libra or others as it could have resulted in the worst possible outcome.
"Every event should proceed naturally as it could interfere with the natural order of events". I thought.
Besides I thought it was still unclear whether what I imagined was correct or not.
"That's right, no one knows what exactly Anti-Libra will try to do in future". I thought.
Future can't be predicted perfectly after all.
"That is bad news but currently no arbiter is available or any spies I can send right now. Orion can you do this? You are the only available arbiter right now." he said.
I personally never wanted to do this kind of stuff because I am lazy, I would have asked him to send the issue to guild and let them handle this problem however I can't reject his request as it would have created more problems for me.
"I will-"
"If you don't mind, can I go and deliver the message?" said someone behind me.
Just as I was about to accept his request, someone interrupted. It was Guildmaster Ray.
".....What are you doing here, Ray?" said Jystice.
"Nothing, just eavesdropping you guys." said Ray with no hesitation of hiding his intentions.
"I see, but I don't think you should take such tasks that might lower your reputations."
"You are funny, everyone are kind in this Kingdom and besides we should not care about what kind of work we are doing. Sometimes you may need to do small things in order to achieve something great."
"I understand what you are getting at, but I think you simply wants to take this request. If you insist then I guess I should not stop you. However, are you sure about this? This task can be handled easily." said Jystice while giving a last chance to give up on the request.
"Don't worry about it, I'm completely free and I was looking for something to do in my free time then I heard you guys captured some Anti-Libra members. So I just came here to see if I can help you guys with anything else." said Ray.
"..... Alright, so, can you-"
"Don't worry, I know what you are going to say." said Ray.
"Hey you! Just because you are a guildmaster, it doesn't mean you can disrespect Lord Jystice." said one of the paladins.
Jystice gestured to stop the paladin from saying anything further.
"Loyal Paladins indeed." said Ray while being amused.
"I know you won't take long however do it quickly because those drugs can be transported earlier depending on the situation." said Jystice.
"Don't worry about it, besides I will be joining them on their quest." replied Ray.
"....." Jystice didn't replied.
"Excuse me but are you Orion?" said Ray while he turned towards me.
"Yes I am." I replied.
"I see, I heard that you solved this case. I hope you will keep working just like this for the sake of this Kingdom." he said.
"I will..." I replied.
"Good, Now if you will excuse me." He said and left the room.
"It seems the task is handed to the Guildmaster Ray, so I think you don't need to do anything for now. You can return to your duties and maintain peace in Celestial city." said Jystice.
"Yes..." I replied.
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Part 2 (Kurt's Pov)- A flashback where Kurt was having a conversation with Orion
"You want me to go with arbiters and other guild members for this mission?" I said.
"That's right Kurt, I want you to go with them in order to keep an close eye on Ryuji..." said Orion.
"Well, originally I joined the guild to keep an eye on Ryuji so that's fine with me however I don't think they would take a newbie like me who just joined the guild." I said.
"It's not like your original mission is to keep an eye on Ryuji because I don't want to force you but I would appreciate if you can stick with me for a while." replied Orion.
"No, that's not what I wanted to say that you are forcing me besides I don't have problems with this career as a guild member so I'm enjoying it.... However the problem-"
"If you are thinking that they won't take you with them then it's fine, you don't have to force your way. Ask Voila to join her group and you can officially go on this mission since the leader's postion matters in the group. Since Voila is the leader and is ranked A, she is allowed to go on this mission." he said.
"I-I see, alright, I will try to join them and see whether they allow me or not." I replied.
"Just don't force yourself if you don't feel like it doing this job." He said.
"No, I will do whatever you tell me to do if it's within my limitations. Besides I owe you." I said.
I'm F ranked member, it's obvious because I had joined the guild 2-3 days ago. Orion helped my parents back then and I can't deny his requests, besides he became my friend as well. Friends should support each other. Although I didn't understand what he was aiming for, I accepted his request.
"Okay, I'm leaving now." He said.
"Alright."
I saw him going to the opposite direction.
"Now I should go and find Voila.". I thought.
I had started searching for Voila, I was unable to find Voila at the guild. I had searched everywhere in Rednaught city, but I couldn't find Voila.
"Does that mean she is doing her job in another city?" I muttered.
"It would not be surprising if Voila is doing her job as a guild member in another city since guild members are allowed to roam around and select the tasks from other guild centres located in various cities.". I thought.
"Sigh... At this rate I can't find her so quickly." I muttered while sighing.
"Find who?"
I got shivers down my spine when I suddenly heard the voice behind me.
"Woah! Y-you scared me!" I said to the person who gave me the jumpscare.
"I'm sorry, I didn't meant to do it." said Voila.
It was Voila and I felt little relief when she appeared, Although, I had also hoped that she would not appear like this because I had almost got a heart attack.
"So, what are you doing? Are you searching for someone?" asked Voila.
"Ah! Yeah, actually I was searching for you Ms.Voila." I said.
"Searching for me? First of all, just call me by my name. You don't need to be formal and besides I think I am at your age, you must be 18 or 19 years old from what I can see." She said.
"So she is the same age as mine? Then she must be around 19 or something.". I thought.
"So Voila then, is this alright?"
"Of course it's okay. So, what do you wanted from me? Do you need some help?" She asked.
"Right, I.....I was hoping if you could let me join your group and go on this mission...."
"What?"
"I-I mean, it's your choice. I was just hoping if I could go with you guys." I said while laughing awkwardly.
I didn't even knew why I was laughing awkwardly.
"Hmm, you want to join my group? That's fine with me as I needed some members for my group. Ryuji suggested me to recruit some members for working together and enjoy our time together as a group." she said.
"I can't believe she said that.". I thought.
"However, I don't think I could take you on this mission. You already know how dangerous this mission can be, depending on the situation. It's not like I am underestimating your abilities or something though." said Voila.
"I knew it, it's useless for me to ask them.". I thought.
"Alright, no problem." I said while giving up, considering that it will be useless to take this conversation further.
Just as I was going to leave, she stopped me in my tracks.
"Where are you going? Don't think you are giving up so soon?" She said.
"Eh? But I thought you just said-"
"If you could prove me that you won't let us hold back during the mission and show that you are ready for everything that will come in your way, then I will take you to go on this mission." She said while interrupting me.
"...." I didn't replied.
I had honestly thought that the conversation will not go further, but she gave me an opportunity to join them on this quest.
"Furthermore, if you tell me the reason for participating in this quest. Then depending on the answer, I may consider taking you with me on this mission."
"First of all, tell me the reason." She continued while asking her first question.
I honestly never thought of it, I wanted to go on this quest because of Orion's request.
"Um, I think I could prove you that I will be useful. If I just prove my strength, then I can join you, right?"
"No, what really matters is the real intentions and what motivates you the most, your emotions and personality decides most of the time what you can do." She said.
"Intentions? Motivation? Emotions and personality, huh?". I thought.
To be honest, I had never thought about it until she said. "My real intention is to protect and help those who are in trouble. Thanks to Orion who showed me what it means to help, It was to help each other and work together.". I thought while smiling a little bit.
With the clear resolve I opened my mouth.
"I want to see the smiles on people's faces, help them when they need it and that's why I want to help you guys on this mission as it would also let me help and contribute to the Kingdom, I am also ready to show you that I would not let you down. So please, give me a chance to prove my worth." I said while bowing a little bit, watching the grounds.
"I see, in that case. Don't bow down, you don't need to be formal and you are allowed to go with me on this mission. I also welcome you in my party." She said with a smile while looking satisfied with my answer.
"Your face and reactions were honest along with your answer. I like your answer. Everyone should work together, help each other and enjoy their peaceful life. Your motivation and reasons are valid. We will work together not as party member but as friends from now on." said Voila with a gentle smile.
"She was serious a while ago but now she is smiling and accepted me as her one of the friends. There was no single friend in my life at my same age before except for Orion.". I thought.
"Y-yes, but what about the condition where I need to show my worth?"
"I believe you will do fine, I already said your own emotions and a will to do something that helps other is what gives you the strength. Your friends are also valuable remember that. So, you already passed the test." She said.
"Y-Yes! Thank you!"
"I am happy I have another friend now. Not only I made a resolve but also able to experience some great moments. I think Orion also wanted me to make friends and strengthen my resolve.". I thought while feeling grateful for what Orion did.
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To be continued...