The Traveller And The Demons!
As I swung open the imposing doors to the adventurer's guild, a multitude of faces came into view—mages, shield-bearers, spear-wielders, and an array of individuals clad in splendid gear.
"Well, this is intriguing!" I remarked with genuine curiosity written across my face.
"Shall we head to the reception?" Yukki's hand interlocked with mine. While the situation still felt slightly awkward, I couldn't bring myself to let go and shatter her heart, so I went along with it.
"Good afternoon, Aira," Yukki greeted the familiar receptionist. I was relieved to see that Yukki was well-acquainted with her.
"Good afternoon to you too, Yukki," Aira responded, her eyes shifting towards me.
"And who might this be?" Aira gestured towards me.
"Good afternoon. My name is Yuna. I'll be staying with Yukki for a while. Pleased to make your acquaintance," I offered my introduction with a touch of nobility, though it still made me cringe inwardly.
"Ah, I see. I'm Aira. As you can tell, I work here as a receptionist," she introduced herself with a friendly smile.
"It appears Yukki wishes to register as an adventurer. Does the guildmaster approve?" I inquired.
"We just need to conduct a few tests, and you should be fine. Here, touch this crystal ball. It will record your name, age, skills, hometown, and specialty," Aira handed me a gleaming crystal orb.
"Of course, but do I need to provide my actual information?" I inquired, concern etching my expression.
"Yes, for registration purposes, we require accurate details. If you could," Aira responded with a hint of worry, as if she suspected I might be withholding something crucial.
"I understand. Very well, my name is Yuna Everlasting Empress. I'm 200 years old, my skills include... error... and my hometown is... unknown. My specialties are magic, hand-to-hand combat, alchemy, magic creation, stealth, acrobatics, and nature." As I touched the crystal orb, most of my information materialized, but my skills and hometown remained concealed.
"W-what? Your age is 200 years old, and your skills are too numerous for the crystal ball to display! Moreover, your hometown is listed as 'unknown'? Yuna... who exactly are you?" Aira's voice trembled slightly, her panic evident.
"I'm just your run-of-the-mill newbie adventurer," I responded, suppressing a smug grin.
"Sigh... Please wait here, Yuna. I'll call the Guildmaster," Aira sighed, departing for the room behind the counter.
"Did I make a mistake?" I glanced at Yukki.
"You might have. Ahahaha..." Yukki chuckled nervously.
"Yuna, Yukki, please follow me. The Guildmaster would like to speak with you," Aira returned and led us to the room she had just left.
"Are we in trouble?" I asked Aira, anxiety creeping in.
"No, not at all. We just need to ask a few questions and then proceed to test your skills," Aira reassured me.
"Thank goodness," I sighed in relief.
Upon entering the Guildmaster's office, we were greeted by the imposing figure himself—a man named Harzard who exuded an aura of ruggedness and authority.
"So, why have we been summoned here? Is it due to my unusual information?" I inquired, meeting Harzard's gaze directly.
"No, no! It's quite the opposite. Your data is unlike anything we've ever encountered, Miss Yuna!" Harzard's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Hmm... So, what's on the agenda for today?" I addressed Harzard, locking eyes with him.
"Allow me to introduce myself first. I am Harzard, the Guildmaster of this adventurer's guild. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Harzard greeted me with a formal nod.
"No need for such formality, Guildmaster. Nice to meet you. My name is Yuno Everlasting Empress, though you can simply call me Yuna," I greeted him, realizing I had unintentionally adopted a noble persona.
"To the matter at hand— I've summoned you here because I have a task that I believe suits you perfectly. Should you complete it, I will grant you an immediate promotion to S rank," Harzard declared, his words carrying a promise that piqued my interest.
"What task do you have in mind?" I inquired, my curiosity growing.
"There is a demon that has taken up residence in a forest nearby. This creature has grown increasingly aggressive since settling there. Your mission is to eliminate this demon," Harzard handed me a detailed document outlining the demon's appearance.
"So, where does the danger lie?" I questioned, puzzled by the seemingly straightforward nature of the task.
"Eh? The danger is the demon itself. We're entrusting you with its elimination," Harzard explained, his tone suggesting that the idea of a demon being a formidable threat was self-evident.
"I had assumed it might be something on the level of tracking down a Fenrir or a Hydra," I muttered to myself.
"No, no, no! Those are ancient creatures that even legendary heroes struggle to defeat," Harzard corrected.
"Regardless, I'll accept the quest. After all, it's just a demon. Let's go, Yukki!" I declared, taking Yukki's hand and departing from the room.
"Only...?" Harzard's voice trailed off, his bemusement evident.
"Are you sure about this, Yuno?" Yukki questioned.
"Sure about what?" I responded with a grin.
"The demon... It's pretty dangerous," Yukki voiced her concerns and worries.
"Oh, don't worry. A mere demon doesn't pose much of a threat," I smirked, exuding confidence.
"But... it's still a demon," Yukki persisted, her worry unshaken.
"Don't fret. Just trust me," I assured her with a reassuring smile.
"Alright, I'll trust you," Yukki conceded.
"So, where is this forest the Guildmaster mentioned?" I scanned the surroundings, my attention drawn to a particular area.
"Should we return and ask him for directions?" Yukki turned back.
"No need. I've found it," I replied, my senses alert to the potent dark mana emanating from the forest. It was a formidable force, and I recognized it: an Arch Demon.
"Ah?" Yukki turned back to me, her curiosity piqued.
"Arch Demon..." I murmured to myself, my thoughts a whirlwind of apprehension and curiosity.