✽✽ Jade's Perspective ✽✽
I walked through the busy streets of Montclair, scanning the crowd for potential allies. The capital city was alive with activity: vendors shouting about their wares, children playing, and townsfolk bustling about their daily routines. Yet amidst the chaos, something caught my eye.
In a narrow alleyway off to the side, a group of thugs had cornered a young woman. Her long silver hair stood out, but it was her defiant posture that drew my attention. Without hesitation, I moved toward the commotion.
As I approached, I heard the thugs' crude laughter and their threats. The woman, although clearly outnumbered, showed no sign of fear. Instead, she seemed almost... bemused.
"Hey!" I called out, my voice cutting through the noise. "Leave her alone."
The thugs turned, their expressions shifting from surprise to amusement. "And who do you think you are?" one of them sneered.
I didn't respond. Instead, I stepped forward, my stance calm but ready for action. The thugs underestimated me, a mistake they would soon regret. Within moments, I had dispatched them with swift, precise movements, my experience evident in every strike.
The last thug hit the ground, groaning in pain, and I turned to the woman. She looked at me with wide eyes, a mix of shock and recognition flickering across her face.
"Are you alright?" I asked gently.
The woman blinked, her surprise quickly replaced by a composed expression. "Yes, thank you. I didn't really need the help, but I appreciate it."
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✽✽ Lisbeth's Perspective ✽✽
I had been enjoying a rare moment of solitude, walking through the city incognito. My duties often left little time for personal freedom, and I cherished these brief escapes. However, my quiet stroll had taken an unexpected turn when a group of thugs decided that I was an easy target.
I had been ready to defend myself when a stranger intervened. As he fought off the thugs, I couldn't believe my eyes. This was Jade, one of the hidden male leads from the game I had been reincarnated into. I had heard rumors of his prowess but never expected to meet him like this.
As Jade turned to me, concern in his eyes, I felt a flutter of nerves. I quickly composed myself, masking my surprise. "Yes, thank you. I didn't really need the help, but I appreciate it."
Jade raised an eyebrow, clearly curious about my confidence. "You handled yourself well, but it's always better to have an ally."
I smiled, my minds racing. I couldn't reveal my true identity or my knowledge of him. "True enough. I'm Lisbeth. And you are?"
"Jade," he replied, extending a hand. "I'm a traveler on a quest. I'm looking for allies to face a great evil."
My heart skipped a beat. So, the quest had already begun. "A great evil, you say? That sounds... intriguing."
Jade nodded, his expression serious. "The demon lord. I need strong allies, and from what I saw, you might just be one of them."
I considered his words carefully. Joining Jade's quest could be an opportunity to make a real difference. And if he was anything like the character I remembered, he would be a valuable ally and help me escape from those bad ends. "I might be interested. Tell me more about this quest of yours."
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✽✽ Jade's Perspective ✽✽
I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Lisbeth than met the eye. Her poise and strength pointed to someone with considerable experience. But her willingness to listen gave me hope.
As we walked together, I explained my mission. "The demon lord threatens to engulf the world in darkness. I'm seeking allies with unique skills and unwavering resolve."
Lisbeth listened intently, her expression thoughtful. "How about participating in the upcoming battle tournament? It could be a great opportunity to find someone strong with unique skills and unwavering resolve," she suggested softly. "Plus, you can make a name for yourself and become famous."
"I don't want to become famous," I replied bluntly.
"Being prominent has its advantages," Lisbeth said with a languid laugh. "It would help you gather allies more effectively."
I was taken aback by her insight but nodded. "Thanks for the advice." I smiled and waved at Lisbeth. "I think it's time for me to head out now."
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Lisbeth marveled at Jade's resolve. His determination and experience were evident, and she felt a strange sense of connection to him, knowing his character from the game. But she couldn't let on. Instead, she focused on the mission.
"W-wait!" the young lady shouted, her beautiful voice cracking slightly. Seeming embarrassed, she took a deep breath and finally said, "I think I can help."
"I have some connections," Lisbeth grinned. "But don't expect too much. Although my influence is far-reaching, my reputation is kind of..." she said with an awkward smile.
Jade smiled, relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Lisbeth. With your help, I believe we can turn the tide."
As they continued their conversation, both Jade and Lisbeth kept their secrets close. Jade, with his knowledge of time and battles fought, and Lisbeth, with her past life and the game's intricacies. Together, they formed an alliance, each aware that their journey would be filled with challenges but hopeful that their combined strength would lead them to victory.