As Lucy was just about to voice her thoughts, she paused, holding back the words she wanted to say with a thoughtful expression.
This seemingly unreliable senpai might actually be of some help.
Since she had never done a task before, she had been a bit uncertain about which mission to choose. Plus, she wanted someone to go with her, someone to help her gain some experience rather than going alone.
Originally, she hadn't thought of whom to ask for help, but now it seemed like a "tool" had conveniently appeared right in front of her.
Although Roy had only joined the guild a day before her, the guild master had mentioned he possessed S-rank mage power, which meant he should have plenty of experience with tasks.
Thinking this, Lucy's angry expression softened into a sweet smile. She clasped her hands behind her back, straightened slightly, and with a charming tone, asked, "Since you're offering, could you do me a favor?"
Using her beauty to her advantage, Lucy's golden hair flowed down her shoulders like a waterfall, with a side ponytail adding a playful touch. Her big eyes sparkled as she gazed at Roy, trying to win him over.
Lucy was putting on her "cuteness attack," which was very effective.
Roy, guessing she wanted him to accompany her on a task, thought it was no big deal; he had to do tasks anyway, so why not do one together?
Besides, he hadn't done any missions yet himself. He figured partnering with Lucy to complete a task would be a good way to familiarize himself with the process. Plus, who could refuse a charming young lady's request for help?
However, he felt he should make a request of his own.
"Alright then…" Roy smiled, "Just call me 'senpai.' If you do, I'll help you."
Without hesitation, Lucy obliged, saying "senpai" in a sweet, almost saccharine tone, which was so sweet it sent a shiver down Roy's spine.
"Alright! So, what do you need help with?" Roy asked, stopping Lucy from saying it again as he turned serious.
"Let's see if I can handle you!"
Seeing Roy's reaction, a glimmer of triumph flashed in Lucy's eyes, though she kept her sweet smile.
Then, she picked a task notice from the board. "Help me complete this mission, senpai."
Roy glanced at it and recognized it as the mission from the "Chapter of Sunrise" in the original story. It wasn't a particularly difficult task, so he agreed without hesitation.
"That's great!" Lucy beamed. "But I want to try handling the task myself. Just stay nearby and help if I get into trouble."
Having called him "senpai" a few times, Lucy was getting used to it. She shared her plan, wanting to hone her skills through experience.
Roy rubbed his forehead, a bit troubled. He had originally asked her to call him "senpai" just to tease her, but she had turned it around, and now it didn't feel the same!
With Roy's agreement, Lucy dropped the sweet act and looked genuinely confident.
She had chosen this mission because it simply required retrieving a book from a mansion, and she had already thought of a plan to enter the place.
Her only concern was the mansion's owner, described as a pervert on the task notice. But with Roy there, she felt reassured, as he would act as her safety net, a backup without personal attachment.
Once they registered the mission with Mira, Lucy excitedly pulled Roy along.
Lucy, the "genius mage," believed that today's task would be her grand beginning!
She had originally intended to take the train with Roy to the task location, but Roy surprised her by summoning a dragon-rider motorcycle with a snap of his fingers. Lucy was awed by his impressive ride.
Meanwhile, Roy experienced the joy of riding with a soft, youthful beauty quite different from Erza. It was definitely a journey worth taking!