One week and had nothing but trouble with those girls. Vampire is terrifying, but this way I'll put my plan into action. Just a little bit and goodbye adventures.
"Excuse me. I heard you were looking for a party member."
As he looked up he was stunned.
Before him stood a young, green eyed beauty with long dark hair in a ponytail. She was unsually tall and wore dark-grey armour that hid her figure. On her back she carried a giant shield and at her side was a maul.
"Yea, yeah. That's right."
His heart beat faster.
"My name is Perla. My class is that of a guardian. You were looking for someone who could stand on the frontline. "
Calm down.
"Yea, yeah. That's right."
"I'd like to fulfil that role. I heard you encountered a vampire and now you're going to hunt her in a haunted mansion."
So they made a rumour out of my discovery.
"Yeah, yeah. That's right."
"This is great. Allow me to join your endeavour."
His heart was pounding.
Just calm down.
She smiled.
Heaviness of this view made him look at the lunch.
"What's great about it?"
"I've been looking for a party that's not afraid of scary situations. Not that adventurers avoid it, but you seem to focus particularly on that."
True. But I have a debt to pay.
"And why are you interested in that?"
"This is what adventuring is all about. Fighting with things and monsters common people are defenceless against. That's why there should be heroes who can stand up and fight against the horrors of this world."
Another hero. One is way too much for me.
"Be ready to get into danger, not knowing what will come for them or what will happen. Especially when it's terrifying. That is the fate of an adventurer."
Excitement sparkles in her eyes.
Oh crap. She's scaring me. Why do they all do it?
"Well, I wouldn't recommend my party. We already have many problems and we're not that great either. Besides, we're not going to that mansion without investigating. And we wanna gather money and experience first."
"That's not a problem for me. I can take some other quests."
She's stubborn. I gotta talk her out of it. I'm not making the same mistake again.
"Can you tell me about yourself first."
She sat in front of him.
"I'm a guardian. My role is that of protecting my party and others. I'll take on any hits with my shield, no matter the size. The bigger the better. If it fails I'm ready to damage myself and fight with my hammer. My hits are strong, but they usually miss smaller targets, so I'd need help."
Sounds great, but there's that scary side.
"You sound so brave. You should have a party by now."
She looked aside. Her index fingers touched one another.
"To be honest, I was in a few parties, but we couldn't agree on the methods."
She's honourable.
"Our party mostly aims at victory at any cost. We use any advantage and trick we can."
"That's bad. We should face the enemy and not avoid it."
"Right, a few days ago we were hunting rats, but ended up fighting a giant monster zeugl in the sewers. But next time we came prepared and tricked him into eating something poisonous and blew it up with a fireball."
"Really… How was that fight going?"
"The first wasn't easy. It caught us with tentacles and almost ate us back then."
"Terrible. You really don't have luck. Now I feel more inclined."
"Yeah, I understand…"
Huh?
"I'll gladly join your party. This is exactly the type of danger I'm looking for."
"It's a waste for someone with your abilities. Earlier we've lost to squirrels and we only finish the quest because our mage electrocuted them. But then went crazy and burnt down a barn."
"That's horrible. Can you tell me more?"
She smiled excitedly.
Crap. She's hopeless.
Kota sighed.
"Your offer is very interesting. But let's not rush such an important decision."
"I understand. I'm sorry. It was inconsiderate of me."
"Yes."
"I still haven't met the other party members. It wouldn't be right."
No. That's not what I meant!
The guild's door was opened wide.
"Adventurers. I need your help."
A man with a red beard and green coat barged in. Few present adventurers and stuff looked his way.
"The distillery was attacked by a band of ogres. The lord's daughter is trapped inside the house. I ask for any help I can get."
Few people got up and agreed to help. Most were too inexperienced for such a challenge.
Another strong monsters, huh. Should I wait for something easier?
"Have you heard him? This is a great opportunity to show my skills in a fight."
Then again. Some stronger adventurers go too. Maybe there's a chance for some money.
"Hello?"
Her face. Close again.
"Yeah, but I still need my party and they haven't eaten yet."
"Forgive me, but you don't seem like a brave man."
It hurt.
"I meant. We can't help if we can't fight. But we'll surely go right away after breakfast."
What did I say? It's even worse now.
"You're right. I haven't eaten as well."
Perla got up, raised her head and hit fist down into her palm.
"But let it not stop us from our duty."
She went to the counter and bought a few rolls.
As they left the guild they met the girls.
"Shouldn't you be at the guild? What's going on and who is she?"
"Apparently, some ogres attacked a distillery and we decided to fight them. And this is Perla. She wants to join us."
"Nice to meet you. I'd like to show my skills as a guardian. Sorry if it's so sudden, but it was an emergency."
"No worries. We're always happy to help people. But it would be great if we could eat something on the way. We can't kill monsters efficiently on an empty stomach."
Sekalia smiled.
Her honesty is killing me.
"I've already bought some fresh buns for you."
"Thank you. So you've got the guardian class, right?
"I can defend and stand my ground against strong monsters. I don't mind danger, however terrifying it may be."
"Great. Now I can finally take on real monsters."
We lost to squirrels.
"I love challenges."
"And I can show my magic more efficiently. So that everybody will know my real power."
"Kota already told me about your power. I can't wait to see it."
What I've gotten myself into.
Clouds were gathering in the sky.
*********
In the forest near a Brook there was a two-story building with a stone base and chimney. The yard was surrounded by a high wooden fence. In the middle there was a group of ogres twice the size of a man. To the rescue came two adventurers' parties who were hiding in the bushes.
"Thank you for coming. Those monsters will ruin me and my daughter's still inside."
"Don't worry sir. We're here to do our job. I hope you won't forget about the payment."
The owner and the other adventurers looked surprised.
"Why do you bring that up? You're that greedy?"
"Remember our first fight? We were almost scammed back then."
"Sir, money's no problem. I'll pay you all. Just help me."
Kota began scouting. At the yard he saw empty bottles and barrels lying all around.
"There's ten of them. They're a bit drunk so it helps us."
"Those vile monsters. Let's not waste time and face them."
"Wait a minute. We need to bring them out first. We don't want to damage this place."
And get a new debt.
"Oh. Good thinking, adventurer."
"They're drunk, but maybe not stupid. They won't leave if they see so many of us."
Yuna, Perla and two other adventurers boosted by Sekalia stood on the path to the entrance.
"Monsters. My name is Meyuna. You brought destruction and despair to this place. I cannot stand it. I'm going to free this place and slay you. Come out and face my blade."
She thought of it on the way here, didn't she?
"Hey, humans. Shut up and bring us more funny drink."
That's what they call it?
"No drinks for you. All you'll taste is my blade."
Two ogres stood before the entrance.
"Bring more funny drink."
They threw a cart at them. They dodged it. Perla took the hit.
"Are you alright?"
"Oh, they really are dangerous."
Perla said happily.
"Damage is already done. We bring the fight to them. Let's go."
The girls rushed. Two other adventurers were slightly reluctant.
Seeing them the monster got up. Two ogres rushed at Yuna. She dodged them and jumped on the ogre's back, climbed up and stuck the katana into his neck. The giant howled in pain and collapsed.
The second ogre was hitting Perla's huge shield. She was happy. The other two adventurers were looking for an opening while armed and angered ogres were coming their way.
"We can't win. One is enough for us."
"Stay your ground. Don't be cowards."
With that Yuna dodged a club and jumped up the monster's arm and hit his shoulder. Another ogre hit his back. He collapsed on one knee. Yuna leapt towards the attacker's head and stabbed arm once again. The ogre stood still while others surrounded him.
"We need to run away, now."
"Nonsense. I can take it. I can take them all."
Yuna jumped on the monster's heads and reached for the first ogre. She was in front of his face and stabbed his neck. He collapsed.
"Run away. I'll do it myself."
"I'm not leaving you."
Perla put the shield back on her back and with her maul in both hands she charged the ogres.
Her hits were strong and damaging, but not enough to collapse giant monsters. Meyuna jumped around, dodging and hitting critical points. However, after a while they realised the fallen monsters were getting back up.
"Is this magic?"
The monsters laughed.
"Stupid humans. Little knife funny. You can't kill us. Bring us more funny drink."
Yuna was saddened and angered.
"We need to retreat."
The girls broke their way out with laughs behind them.
At the hill.
"What happened?"
"My holy katana is a joke."
She cried.
"She was killing them with skill and grace, but they got back up as if it was nothing. And they demand more funny drink."
The sky got cloudy.
"Thank you. You appreciate me."
Sekalia grabbed Meyuna's hands.
"I believe you'll achieve great things, but maybe not today."
"Oh."
"Now, let's try Kota's plan so we can help those poor people."
"What trick have you thought of?"
"None for now, loser. Let's see. They want more funny drink and we can't kill them. Hmmm."
"Hinota, can you make an illusion of a cart with bottles?"
"Yeah. But I'll need an object to maintain if you plan something sudden."
"We'll make them give up."
Kota stood at the base of the hill.
"Hey ogres. We want to talk."
From behind the fence a movement was heard.
"We give up. We see you're strong and powerful and we can't win no matter how hard we try."
"Human smart."
"We're sorry for the trouble. We want to give you the funny drink."
Ogres smiled.
"We have prepared a cart with that funny drink for you, but there's enough for only six of you to feel it working."
Ogres angry.
"Human bad. We want it for everyone."
"If you drink, but not feel funny you're only gonna be angrier. Just give it to the strongest and bravest of you who deserve it."
"I'm bravest."
"You died first."
"I'm strongest."
"You can't beat shield woman."
"You can't catch knife woman."
"Yeah. You're weak. No funny drink for you."
"Pog not weak. Pog will get funny drink."
"Yeah, Pog. Show us you're the strongest."
Pog hit Zog with a club. Zog hit Pog with a club.
"Who can stand? The winners will get the drink. Lovers get nothing."
The instincts took over.
Is it my charisma or luck?
"This stupid. We all strong. Get human."
The angry ogres started charging. Kota ran.
As the giant monsters got close the adventurers at the hill started throwing bottles so that they rolled. Some ogres, trying to catch them, stumbled hitting down the ground and getting stomped by their comrades. A few still kept charging.
"Funny drink!"
"Perla. Your turn."
With that Perla charged and bashed her shield into the closest enemy who rolled down the hill.
They played with ogres for a while. Finally the ogres realised the bottles the were looking for turned to stones after a while.
"There no funny drink only stones. Human bad. Human lied."
"Wow, even monsters take you for a cheater."
"Those are just evil monsters, Meyuna. We can fight them any way we like."
"That's not right."
"Ogres, you saw through the illusion magic. You're smart. You can try and climb here all you want. Even if you get up here I'll just burn this cart so you won't get it. Either way you lose."
"You promised and now you don't give it to us. Human bad. Human liar."
"Ogres come back and get what we want."
"Then I call honestly tell you this. You won't get anything. We were stalling you here because soon more humans will come and they will slay you."
"Is that true?"
"I called the town's watch for help, but they said they need to organise. And it will take hours before they come with someone who can kill them."
The people hidden in the bushes whispered.
The ogres looked at each other.
"Human bad. You made us tired for nothing. We leave. We come back one day.
With that the band disappeared behind the trees.
"Well done. Your reward is waiting for you at the house."
This was quite fun. And the new girl kept her role.
"Thank you. We'll gladly take it. We'll allow help with cleaning this mess. We don't want to get wet from the rain today."
"Do you believe it's going to be that bad?"
"Yeah. Just look at those clouds."
As they went down the hill they saw the owner's daughter waving her hand in the air at the gate.
"Papa!"
"Ruchira!"
That's an usual name. But it's a different world, after all.
The adventurers felt warmth in their hearts as they saw the happy faces of the two family members after a terrible experience.
"I feel so happy for those two."
Ruchira ran out of the gate. Happy thoughts filled everyone's minds. As they were watching this wholesome scene unfold they also noticed something unsettling.
From the trees three ogres charged in the direction of the joyous girl.
"Are you kidding me?"
"Ruchira! Watch out."
Yuna sprinted to the girl. Kota and others followed her.
Saviours were closing in. Ogres ran faster.
Saviours were close. Ruchira was a few metres from Yuna.
Ruchira screamed. An ogre grabbed. Yuna stopped.
"Leave her alone or kill you again."
Ogre laughed.
"Listen humans. If you want this woman, give us more funny drink."
Crap, again. How did it go south so fast?
An ogre grabbed the girl's neck.
"Or we kill her."
"You really are smart. All right there is no way we can refuse such a generous offer. We make you more funny drink. No doubt about it.
"We come tomorrow."
"That's a really short time to make it."
"You give it tomorrow or she die."
"All right we'll give what you want. Just don't hurt her."
"Human lied to us once. We don't listen. But she be alive."
Ruchira screamed. The ogre covered her mouth and went back with the others to the forest.
"Ruchira, no!"
The father punched fists in the ground in despair as he watched his little girl being carried away from him like a bag of potatoes.
"We need to follow them."
Is this happening again?
"We can't. Our party is too weak. If it wasn't for that armoured lady we wouldn't even survive."
"We can't just leave her like this."
"We can return and call for help."
"And what then? They just ki… ki… ki… They won't let her go."
She didn't notice the danger.
The sky was grey.
"Let's not give up. It may be hard, but we'll rescue her. We just need to think of a plan, right Kota."
Sekalia looked curiously as Kota chuckled a little.
"Don't say it's funny to you."
Others watched him worriedly .
"No, it's not. Sekalia right. It's not the first time I'm getting myself into such danger.
Just like with ice cream.
"Sekalia, I remember you can bring people from the death."
The others showed concern. Except for Sekalia.
"I sure can. If anything happens I can resurrect someone who died not too long ago."
The concern turned into shock.
"Don't tell me you'll let my daughter die. You are a real monster."
I was worrying about myself there.
"Your methods become worse and worse. You disappoint me even more."
Meyuna crossed her arms.
"You would put her life in danger more than it already is. You surprise me even more."
"I regret ever partying with you."
Kota gasped.
"Are you done? Sir we can't win against those monsters, so I'm worried about my companions. I can promise we'll bring your daughter home and I promise a hair won't fall from her head."
"Weird saying."
"It's normal where I come from."
"All right. Just bring my Ruchira back.
"You see. Kota is worried about us. Please rest assured Sir. If anything happens I'll heal her from any painful wound or scars left by hose monsters.
The father trembled.
"You don't need to be so brutal."
"Please, let's not hide the truth. Those are evil monsters. Who knows what horrible things they'll do to her."
The father was on the verge of tears and screams of despair.
"Horrible thing. Kidnapping."
Perla was mumbling excitedly to herself.
"Don't lose hope sir. I'm a hunter and she can talk to forest spirits. Well, find your daughter in no time."
"Just do it."
"But can we ask a favour?"
"What? I'll do anything."
"Getting her back will take a while so we'd like to ask for some food."
"All right. My servant will give you your food."
*********
In the murky forest they went. With his tracking skills trained during months with an old hunter Friedsieg Kota was following huge footsteps left by three-metre tall ogres.
"Your hunting skills are as useful as always, great hunter."
"Thank you. Let's see how that knife of yours is useful again."
"Grrr. I just need more life force and my holy blade will cut their heads in one swing."
"But is it enough to slay them? Does holiness beat regeneration?"
"I don't think so. Maybe if we get to their hearts."
Very romantic.
"We can always use my magic. Or you still think I'll burn down the forest."
"You're a great and powerful wizard. There's no limit to what you can do."
Hinota puffed her cheeks.
"Bastard."
"Annoying brat. But I think thanks to your illusion magic will get that girl back."
"Hmpf. You're right about that."
"Is this usual in your party?"
"Yeah. We're trying to get by, so we're just bound to each other."
"Is that so?"
"He wants to see me fail, since he doesn't believe in honour or destiny."
"Well, you see me as a coward or trickster or a liar, but in the end my plans get the job done."
"Ha, you wouldn't do anything without me. Squirrels got you down."
"And you got them together with a barn and a bonus debt."
"Grrr. You'll change your mind."
"Please, calm down. I think everyone here has wonderful skills that help people and you have a great potential. And I don't mind if we burn some part of the forest as long as long as the monsters die."
The party looked curious and concerned.
"Aren't you a druid? Shouldn't you be putting nature first?"
"That's right, but Goddess Natura won't mind it. Nature will regrow and I'll kindly ask the forest spirits to give a warning to the animals."
What kind of crazy druids live in this world?
"I'll listen more about druids some day."
"So you want to use my magic."
If that's the plan I want to see all your power as you take down those vile monsters. Just try to control yourself more this time, please."
"I'd like to see that too."
"If we're going to fight them, let's not forget about announcing ourselves."
"No way. We have no chance. We'll do it quietly. First we distract them and then I'll sneak in and rescue her."
"Fine. But only because I don't want anything to happen to her."
As they approached the ogres it started raining. They laid together in a circle in a meadow. The place was mostly surrounded by stone walls and bushes. The party observed the ogres from above.
"There she is."
The girl's feet were stuck under heavy rocks. She was sulking.
"How are going about this?"
"We need a distraction. Maybe show them some strong animals or monsters or loud sounds. What are ogres afraid of?
"A dragon?"
"A land eel?"
"Are there such monsters?"
"Yeah. Why are you surprised?"
What is this world?
"Ok. Can we replicate it here?"
"I would have to see one first to replicate it."
The rain was pouring stronger. Thunders were heard in the sky."
"Wait… We can scare them if lightings hit the ground near them. If Hinota can control real lightings we may have a chance. They'll start hiding and forget about the girl. Worst case we'll have to deal with just one."
Hinotna was angry.
"Grrr. My lightings aren't real to you?
Her face got close to Kota's.
"Am I just a joke when I get your plans through?
She stood proudly.
"You've berated me for long enough. I'm a wizard who controls fire, illusion and lighting magic. Time to show my real power."
A radiant smile bloomed on Sekalia's face.
Excitement crackled in Perla's eyes, a live wire waiting to spark.
Expectancy was written Meyuna's face.
What have I done?
In heavy rain among the thunders a young girl stood on a rock. In her green cape and sombrero.
"Monsters! You've made a great mistake kidnapping this girl. You brought the magician's wrath upon yourselves. I am the great and powerful magician Hinota and I'll see you burn before you know it."
"So great."
"She announces herself like me."
"Not afraid of weather or a challenge."
She's crazy. You're all crazy.
The ogres stood before her and laughed.
"We not afraid of puny woman with stupid hat. We kill you easy."
"Puny? Stupid hat? I'll show you my power."
The sky throbbed with the booming resonance of thunder.
Hinota focused on herself and started chanting a spell.
"When she starts there's no turning back. We need to get the girl and hide."
"La furia de la tormenta."
Was that Spanish?
For a moment the sky was peaceful. Then a series of thunders started hitting the ground.
As Kota didn't have time to wonder, he and his companions rescued the scared girl from the stones and hid in a hole under a stone wall.
They observed the power of Hinota as ogres one after another were getting hit by lightning from the sky. Panicked monsters were running away, but their efforts failed. If they didn't fall after one hit they were turned into ash in the blink of an eye.
The party couldn't believe the sight. As Perla and Sekalia got more excited, Kota and Meyuna felt overwhelmed with admiration and fear. They had to move them out of the danger zone and jump into a gaping hole in a wall.
In the storm, among this chaos one girl stood above on a rock. Hinota was out of her mind. With eyes turned white and surrounded by a white aura around her she was laughing maniacally and spewing her magic on once mighty monsters looking for any escape. But they couldn't. Soon out of ten strong and dangerous monsters none was left standing.
That didn't stop Hinota who still feeling adrenaline and excitement in her veins spewed the spells around. She increased her range, so the lightnings were hitting nearby trees leaving them instantly burned.
After a while the sky above her was clear. With a wide smile on her face she collapsed happy and victorious.
"It's over, right? How is everyone doing?"
The girls look stunned. They moved their mouths.
"What?"
Meyuna pointed at their ears.
Right, we're mute.
Sekalia's hand had a green aura. She started healing the eardrums.
"Finally. And how are you, Ruchira?"
Her eyes were empty.
"Hello?"
She didn't respond.
"That's just too much thrill for one day. Let's grab Hinota and return her to the father."
"Yeah, good idea."
"She needs some soothing. Let me take care of her pain."
They got out of the stone wall cavity. Sekalia started her usual healing.
That weird smile again.
Kota looked down the hole to the left.
A rusty door in the middle of a forest?
"What is it?"
"I think I've found something interesting."
"You can check it later. We have things to do."
They went to Hinota. She lied down with a smile.
"I did it. I showed you who's great. What do you say now?"
"Your power is something to admire and fear."
"I agree."
"That was wonderful. You showed those evil filthy meanies who's the greatest."
She turned them to ash.
"And you didn't burn the forest. Maybe because it was raining."
"You didn't have to spell it out."
"This was a wonderful experience.You made me feel so dreadful. It was wonderful."
"I wanted your admiration from my performance, not your fear."
"Well, she won't forget it for a very long time."
Hinota looked at the emotionless girl.
"She'll need some rest. She'll surely appreciate me later."
"Right. Now, get up, we have some road ahead for us."
"That's the thing. I have no mana left in me, so I can't move. Could you carry me back?"
She did the whole job for us, after all.
"All right princess. Get on my back. Someone take my stuff."
"Don't call me that. I'm a wizard or magician. I take pride in my title."
*********
They came back to the distillery. There were now town watchmen and some new adventurers and the party from before. The father greeted her daughter with open arms.
"Ruchira, are you alright? What happened there?"
She started crying.
"It was horrible. Those monsters carried me and put heavy rocks on my legs. It was painful and I was scared. Then they came. They killed monsters with ease."
"Really?"
"That girl brought hell on earth. She started spewing lightnings like it was nothing. Nothing was left."
She pointed at Hinota who was sleeping on Kota's back. People were surprised.
"We heard thunders and lightnings from the forest. She did that all by herself?"
"Yes. She was terrifying. She laughed like a maniac and changed how she looked. There was an aura around her."
The people whispered among each other.
"You're one scary party. You said you wouldn't fight them. That ogres are too strong for you."
"That was the plan, but she got angry and wanted to show off."
"That's a show off?"
One guard commented.
Kota sighed.
"Sir, we brought your daughter back unharmed and solved the ogres problem. I hope you've got a payment."
"Of course. Right this way."
*********
They stayed at the table inside the distillery. Hinota lied down on a servants bed.
"Is it enough to pay the debts?"
"Yes. We can almost do it. Not much will be left for that barn, but she can pay for that stage."
"Does this mean Hinota will leave?"
"She wanted out because we didn't appreciate her."
"I appreciate her. You called her crazy, but I believe with time she'll learn self-control."
"She has too much power to run around free. Some mages should take her under control."
"I don't think I can decide her fate. I don't know this girl and I'm still not a member of this party."
"Right, you wanted to show your skills. I think there'll be no problem. From what I you handled yourself well. And we needed a frontline anyway."
"Yeah, it was great working with you."
"Thank. You won't regret it."
"Now then. Do we convince her to stay?"
"I think it's up to her. But I believe she'll return to performing."
Memories ran through his mind.
I wanted her out, so what's the problem? It wasn't a problem to kick a party member online.
Hinota entered the room.
"Hello everyone. What did I miss? When did we get here?"
"You fell asleep on the way back. We got the reward. It's enough to pay for that stage and almost for the barn."
"That's great. I can find a new party."
She smiled.
No hesitation.
"Thank you for getting me through the debt and everything. I hope I don't have to go against such scary and disgusting monsters ever again."
She bowed and raised her cape in a theatrical gesture.
"Aren't you gonna perform again?"
"About that. After that incident I was prohibited from performing in the town or near it."
It's over. She's finally out.
Kota gasped.
"Let's get back to town."
As they left others were whispering and looking at them.
"Why are they looking at us?"
"That girl told what happened. She was terrified of you and what you did. You were heard from that forest even here."
"Is that so?"
"But they're probably also amazed. I'm sure others will take you now."
"Are you sure? It doesn't look like it."
"Grrr. Hey everyone, if you have something to say about me, tell it to my face."
She stood on barrels. People got silent.
"You're very powerful. To kill so many ogres so fast it's incredible."
"Yeah. That must have been quite a show."
Others complement her as well. Hinota stood proud.
"I'm glad you recognise me and my power. But that's still not my full potential. I'm ready to join any party that will support me on my path to greatness."
The distillery went silent.
"Hey, what's with those looks?"
"Well, you are strong and powerful. I don't think we're ready to handle so much power."
"We can take on smaller monsters. Your powers should help someone stronger than us."
"We have a mage and… we hope he'll get as strong as you one day."
"Is that so?"
"I'm a wizard of three domains, but I'm still a beginner. I think there'll be no problem."
It didn't help.
"No we don't think we manage your talents, but good luck."
"If you have something against me and my magic, say it now."
"Well, we heard you went crazy and your own party had to hide from you."
"Ghhh."
"Yeah and the girl was terrified after witnessing what you did."
That's how we felt back then.
Flabbergasted, she was angry
"We can't take on such responsibility."
"Aren't you also the mage who burned the stage?"
That's all true.
She lowered her head. She was on the verge of tears.
Nobody talked. She was leaving the distillery.
That's right. It'd be better if she stopped adventuring.
She was at the entrance.
"Hey. You people are right."
Kota stepped in.
"She is a crazy maniac you see her as. She's dangerous and short-tempered and unpredictable brat."
Why am I doing it?
"Grrr."
"But he's also the member without whom our team can't get quests done."
"That's right. She doesn't have self-control and can threaten anything around her. But I believe in her power to fight evil monsters effectively and ejth time she'll become the great mage."
"I met just today, but nobody made me so excited."
"She's strong. Scary strong. But she knows how to fight like a knight."
"You guys."
They turned to her. A smile returned on her.
"My name is Hinota. The great mage of fire, lighting and illusion. I have strength and power that will make me the most famous mage in the world. And a party to support me."
She went down and approached them.
"I wanted to leave you but you want me back. "
"Yeah, quite unexpected."
What am I doing with my life?
"But that you see like that?"
I fell for my emotions.
"Just like Sekalia said. With time you'll learn control."
I don't believe it one bit.
"Can I join this party back."
"Yes. You're welcome."
She'll be my downfall. I could have gotten a new mage.
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it. Now then we have quests to do."
"Kota's right. There's an evil vampire living in a cursed house."
"Ha, ha, ha."
"I'm pretty sure I've found some hidden dungeon. It may another chance for a treasure."
"Ha, ha, ha. You're joking."
"Ha, ha, ha. No. If we pay our debts in full now, we're broke. Ha, ha, ha. And that's scarier than any monster. Ha, ha, ha."
"Haaah, can I give up on this party?"
"Come on, Hinota. After such a great speech that'd be embarrassing. Please, don't give up on your dreams."