"Get lost! Kahn, how many times do I have to tell you? I absolutely will not join your adventure party! Stop bothering us!"
Before Ethan Drake could respond, a beautiful girl appeared beside him, shooting a cold glare at the young man in front of them, her words leaving no room for kindness.
Her demeanor was a stark contrast to how she interacted with Ethan. This was Kahn, who had been persistently trying to recruit Crelia into his adventure party. He was a dashing young man, always with a sunny smile, and though he was persistent with Crelia, it wasn't because he was attracted to her beauty. He genuinely felt that it was destiny for her to join his party.
In terms of personality, Kahn was the type of hot-blooded fool. His occasional clumsiness and insensitivity could be exasperating, but he was reliable, confident, and decisive when it counted, exhibiting a different kind of leadership charm.
Recently, having heard of Ethan's impressive abilities, Kahn convinced himself that if he could defeat Ethan, Crelia would finally agree to join his adventure party and embark on world-saving quests together.
"Ah? Crelia~ No, please! Yesterday, my Glory Adventure Party recruited a powerful new warrior! I feel like we just need you! If you join us, we can explore the continent! The church has been facing setbacks recently, with the gods prophesying calamities and suffering. We must make it our responsibility to save the world…"
Kahn's face fell into a frown, and he spoke urgently to Crelia.
"Hmph, let the calamities come! What does the world's destruction have to do with me?"
Crelia interrupted him disdainfully before he could finish. She had no interest in this chaotic world! She only cared about the people she was close to! Who came or went, who was born or perished—it didn't concern her, and she wasn't interested.
If it were up to her, she would spend her life managing the small Black Flame Tavern with Ethan! If only...
Her thoughts wandered elsewhere, and a delicate blush touched her cheeks as she glanced sideways at the gentle, smiling Ethan.
So beautiful!
"Ha ha ha, Kahn, your ambition is impressive! Thinking of saving the world!"
"Why don't you join the church then?"
"Our future savior is still fixated on a girl, huh?"
...
The surrounding patrons laughed, seemingly mocking and teasing the young man. Most were just ordinary people. To them, Kahn's grandiose talk of saving the world seemed laughable and naive.
The church was a massive organization with multiple level 100+ experts, and here was a mere 20-something, level 30-something knight, thinking he could change the course of the continent and the future of the world?
In a positive light, it was seen as grand ambition, but in a negative light, it was just daydreaming and overestimating oneself.
"Kid, true leadership charm comes from attracting followers through one's own vision and qualities, not through crude persistence and coercion. That only lowers your standing, understand?"
Ethan set down his teacup, his eyes carrying a different emotion, as he smiled and spoke to the young man before him.
In truth, the patrons who laughed had no idea about Ethan's future. This 20-something, level 30-something young man would soon grow at an unimaginable speed. He was confident, powerful, tolerant, and brave...
He embodied many admirable qualities. He had inherited all the virtues of a knight and received the title of the strongest knight from the legendary Dragon Knight Alfred. He was becoming a key link and leader in the savior faction, earning the respect and admiration of everyone.
"Uh... Is that so? Haha... That's how I recruit companions."
Kahn hesitated, then awkwardly rubbed the back of his head, looking embarrassed.
Crelia:...
What kind of people are you recruiting? Now I really don't want to join!
In truth, had she not met Ethan, Crelia would have joined Kahn's Glory Adventure Party, and probably in a rather desperate manner.
"Kid, you're still far from it!"
Ethan smiled, shaking his head, gently stroking the girl's smooth white hair, and spoke to the young man in front of him with a serious tone, his voice carrying an indescribable quality.
The hero of salvation!
Still too naive and immature!
At his current level, attempting to challenge the calamity of world destruction was a distant dream!
In every sense...
"Hey, hey, hey, Boss Ethan, we're about the same age, right? It feels a bit weird for you to keep calling me 'kid'!"