As Haruki and the elf girl emerged from the shadows, the tension of their escape began to wear off. Haruki rubbed the back of his neck, glancing over at her. She looked exhausted but determined, her silver hair disheveled and her pale skin marred by faint bruises.
"Come on," he said, leading her back to his hotel. "You need rest. But after that, you should go home or… wherever you're from."
When they reached the hotel room, Haruki opened the door and gestured for her to enter. "Make yourself comfortable for a bit, but don't get too cozy. I'm not running a shelter."
The elf girl looked around the modest room before turning to him. "I'm not going anywhere."
Haruki sighed, exasperated. "You don't owe me anything. I just happened to be there. Now, take care of yourself and go."
She shook her head defiantly. "No. You saved my life. I have to repay you somehow."
"You don't—"
"My name is Yuki," she interrupted, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination.
"Haruki," he replied flatly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Okay, Yuki. Now leave."
"I'm not leaving."
Haruki crossed his arms. "Why are you so stubborn?"
She tilted her head. "You're clearly strong. Are you some kind of adventurer? You handled that dagger like a pro back there."
Haruki ignored the question and waved her off. "That's not your business."
Yuki was about to retort when her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the floor.
"Hey!" Haruki crouched beside her, shaking her lightly. She was unconscious. "Great. Just great."
A few hours later, Yuki woke up in the hotel bed, her vision blurry as she blinked against the dim light of the room. Haruki was sitting in a chair nearby, sharpening his dagger.
"What happened?" she asked groggily.
"You passed out," Haruki said, not looking up from his work. "I had to drag you to the bed. You owe me for that one."
Yuki chuckled weakly. "I guess I really do owe you now."
Haruki finally glanced at her, his expression neutral. "You're an elf, right? What's an elf doing here in a place like this?"
"Yeah, I'm an elf," she replied, sitting up slowly. "But it's not like I have anywhere to go. I've been wandering for a while."
"Figures," Haruki muttered. "So, what? You're just going to latch onto me now?"
Yuki smiled faintly. "Maybe. You seem like you could use another party member. That dagger of yours isn't going to save you forever."
"I already have someone in my party," Haruki said bluntly. "His name's Dante. And speaking of him, he should be back any minute now—"
Before he could finish, the door swung open, and Dante stepped inside. His armor was dusty, and his sword was slung over his shoulder.
"Speak of the devil," Haruki said dryly.
Dante froze, his gaze shifting to Yuki. "Whoa, who's this?" he asked, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Got yourself a lady friend, Haruki?"
"She's not a 'lady friend,'" Haruki snapped. "Don't start."
Dante ignored him, addressing Yuki directly. "So, what's your name, mysterious elf girl?"
Yuki smiled politely. "I'm Yuki."
Dante nodded, his grin widening. "Well, Yuki, welcome to whatever this mess is." He gestured vaguely between himself and Haruki. "I take it you're the reason Haruki didn't come with me today?"
"Something like that," Haruki muttered, shooting Dante a glare. "And where were you, anyway?"
"Out," Dante said with a shrug, plopping down on the couch. "Picking up quests, making money, you know. The usual."
Haruki rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
The next morning, Yuki was still trying to convince Haruki to let her join the party.
"You saved me," she insisted. "I can help you. I know magic, and I'm a fast learner!"
Haruki groaned. "You're not going to drop this, are you?"
"Nope."
"Fine," Haruki said finally, throwing up his hands. "You're in. Welcome to black Sun."
Yuki's face lit up. "Thank you! I won't let you down!"
Haruki sighed, muttering under his breath, "You'd better not."
Later that day, Haruki took Yuki to a shop in town to buy her a proper wand. He picked out one with a red gem at the top, its polished wood smooth and sturdy.
"Here," he said, handing it to her. "You can't use magic without a wand, right?"
Yuki's eyes widened as she accepted it. "Thank you! I've never actually had a wand before, even though I've practiced magic."
"Don't mention it," Haruki said, turning away.
Dante left on a separate quest shortly after, leaving Haruki and Yuki to tackle their first mission together. They ventured into the dense forest on the outskirts of town, tasked with defeating a ferocious lion-tiger hybrid that had been terrorizing the area.
As they trekked deeper into the woods, Haruki noticed movement in the trees.
"Stay alert," he said, his voice low.
Before Yuki could respond, thirteen ninjas clad in black dropped from the branches, surrounding them.
"Well, this just got interesting," Haruki said, drawing his dagger.
The chapter ends.