...
{Ember Pov}
The journey lasted for two full days, and thankfully, it had been quite smooth overall.
We encountered a few monsters along the way, but they were nothing particularly dangerous—just small groups of Goblins and a few wandering Kobolds.
They were easily taken care of by the members of the Familia without much trouble.
I was a bit anxious at first, half-expecting that we might stumble into a group of bandits somewhere along the route.
After all, it's a common enough story in isekai anime—travellers getting ambushed on open roads—but thankfully, no such cliché situation happened.
This region wasn't exactly known for bandit activity anyway.
The presence of a Guild branch nearby, along with several active Familias, made this area relatively safe.
Bandits wouldn't survive long here, since no God would ever bestow falna upon them, and any adventurer worth their salt—especially those enhanced by divine blessings—could easily eliminate them without breaking a sweat.
Knowing that helped ease my worries as the journey continued.
By the time we reached the town, I could immediately sense the change in atmosphere.
[Image]
The place was bustling with energy, filled with people going about their daily routines.
The streets were lively and filled with the sound of chatter, footsteps, and merchants calling out to attract customers.
I saw a mixture of humans and demi-humans everywhere—beastmen with tails swaying, elves with elegant postures, and even dwarves carrying heavy packs of goods.
Many of them wore the typical attire of adventurers—sturdy armor, travel cloaks, and belts with weapons strapped to their sides.
While most of the Familia members went off to handle their respective tasks—selling the goods we had brought from the village and trading the collected materials—Sir Edward decided to personally accompany me to the Guild to complete my registration.
After all, it was my first time here, and I still needed to be officially listed as an adventurer.
We soon arrived in front of the Guild building.
It was a moderately large structure made of stone and wood, clearly well-maintained despite the weathering from time.
A large emblem was displayed above the entrance, signifying its official status.
"So, this is the Guild, huh?" I said, looking up at the sign before turning to Edward.
He nodded with a small smile and replied, "That's right. The Guild is a neutral organization that exists in almost every major settlement. The one here is just a small branch, but it still serves several important functions."
He then began explaining in a clear tone, as if he'd said it many times before.
"Aside from providing quests to adventurers, the Guild advisors here also evaluate your capabilities, helping determine what kind of monsters or missions are suitable for you. They're responsible for buying monster materials, selling loot, and converting it into valis. They also handle information exchange and even operate as a kind of bank, allowing adventurers to store their earnings safely."
I nodded as I listened carefully to his explanation.
"So basically, the Guild acts as the backbone of the entire adventurer system," I said thoughtfully.
"Exactly," Edward replied with a grin.
"Now, let's get you registered before the crowd builds up."
With that, we stepped through the large wooden doors and entered the Guild hall.
The interior was spacious and well-lit, filled with wooden tables, notice boards covered with papers, and adventurers chatting or negotiating deals.
As we walked further inside, I noticed several people glance in our direction.
Some looked curious, others indifferent, but it was clear that newcomers always attracted attention.
Ignoring the stares, we made our way toward the counter, where a young woman with neatly tied brown hair and a calm expression was seated. Edward approached her confidently.
"Disha, I'd like to register him in the Guild," he said, gesturing toward me.
"He's our newest member of the Aurora Familia."
She had medium-length brown hair that framed her face neatly, and her eyes were a soft shade of brown that reflected both curiosity and warmth.
What immediately caught my attention, however, were the two furry dog-like ears on top of her head—positioned right above her forehead—which clearly identified her as a member of the Chienthrope race, a demi-human race known for their keen senses and loyalty.
She gave me a polite nod of acknowledgment, but as soon as her gaze properly landed on me, her expression shifted dramatically.
Her eyes widened, and she gasped aloud, "An Elf? Wait—he's an Elf? That's… that's incredible! He's only the second Elf in the entire city of Argon!" she exclaimed; her voice filled with both astonishment and excitement.
Her reaction caused an immediate stir throughout the guild hall; several nearby adventurers stopped what they were doing and turned their heads toward me; their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and envy.
For a brief moment, I could feel dozens of gazes fixated on me, and honestly, it felt somewhat uncomfortable.
I wasn't exactly used to being treated like some kind of rare exhibit.
The looks they gave weren't necessarily hostile, but there was a strange sense of jealousy in them—something I didn't quite understand at first.
"Seems like the Aurora Familia is really lucky this time," one adventurer muttered from a nearby table, clearly implying that having an Elf as a member was a big deal.
His tone carried a hint of sarcasm, perhaps even resentment.
Before he could say anything more, Sir Edward turned his head slightly and gave him a sharp glance from the corner of his eye—just one look, but it was enough to silence the man immediately.
Still somewhat confused, I leaned closer to Edward and whispered quietly, "Sir Edward… are Elves really that sought after around here?"
I genuinely couldn't understand why my race was causing such a commotion after all in Orario Elves were not a rare race.
Edward nodded, his tone calm and matter-of-fact as he replied, "Yes. Elves are considered extremely gifted when it comes to both Magic and archery. Their natural affinity for Mana and precision makes them invaluable as adventurers. Many Familias would do just about anything to recruit one."
I sighed under my breath, feeling a mix of mild irritation and discomfort.
'So basically, it's one of those situations where a 'genius appears among the weak,' huh?' I thought, slightly grunting in displeasure.
It felt strange to be praised for something I had no control over—my race.
But this made me understand something, perhaps the golden age where Elves joined the familia in large number hasn't started yet, at least outside of the Orario and Altena.
Meanwhile, Disha, who had recovered from her initial surprise, composed herself and returned to her professional tone.
"Anyway, Sir, if you would please fill out this registration form," she said politely, sliding a paper across the counter toward me.
I looked down at the form; it was written in Koine, the universal common language used across most of the known world.
It was simple, direct, and easy to read—no fancy grammar or complicated glyphs, which made the process relatively painless.
I took the provided quill and began filling it out carefully.
Under Name, I wrote Tithonus.
For Affiliation, I marked myself as a member of the Aurora Familia.
Interestingly, I noticed that there was a separate option for Falna-less Adventurers, meaning those who worked independently without any divine blessing.
Apparently, such adventurers existed here as well, though they were rare and often considered weak or reckless.
Next came Level, which I filled out truthfully as Level 1.
When I reached the section labeled Occupation, I hesitated for a few seconds, unsure of what to write.
After some thought, I finally decided to list multiple roles—Archer, Magician, and Swordsman.
Disha's eyes widened once more as she scanned the form.
"Sir, you're truly talented! More than even Miss Amalda!" she said with genuine amazement, her tone slightly awestruck.
I maintained a calm expression and replied modestly, "I'm still not a true magic swordsman yet. I have a long way to go before I can claim that title. I still need plenty of practice before I can master all three disciplines properly."
That was, of course, a half-truth—something I said to conceal my actual abilities.
There was no reason to reveal the full extent of my strength, one most always have a trump card for emergencies.
Disha, however, nodded in understanding, seemingly convinced by my humble response.
"Understandable," she said with a small smile, before returning to processing my paperwork.
Yes, while I wasn't going to completely hide the fact that I could proficiently use archery, magic, and a sword, I still decided it was best to leave out the most crucial detail — that I was, in truth, a Magic Swordsman, one of the most powerful and highly regarded categories of adventurers in existence.
There was no real reason to advertise that information to strangers; drawing unnecessary attention could only bring trouble, and again as I said one most always have a trump card for emergencies.
After the paperwork was complete, Disha continued explaining the Guild's services, basic regulations, and general knowledge that every adventurer in Argon should be aware of.
She spoke about how the Guild handled the buying and selling of monster parts, the quest distribution process, ranking evaluations, and even how Adventurers could deposit their valis safely through the Guild's bank service.
It was a lot of information to take in, but all of it was valuable.
Once the registration was officially done, Edward helped me find a place to stay.
Together, we walked through several busy streets until we finally arrived at a modest lodging house run by an elderly demi-human woman.
After a brief discussion and a bit of negotiation, I managed to rent out a small room.
It wasn't luxurious by any means—just a single compact space with a simple wooden bed, a desk, a small window, and a basin for washing.
Still, it was enough for one person, and considering my situation, I couldn't really complain.
The rent came to 5,650 valis per month, which was fair for a place located within Argon's inner town area.
"Good," Edward said with a satisfied nod once everything was settled.
"Now, I should probably introduce you to a few people you'll need to know. Come on, let's go meet one of the blacksmiths we regularly work with."
I followed him through a few narrow alleyways that opened up into a district filled with smoke, clanging metal, and the faint scent of burning coal.
Blacksmith workshops lined the streets, each one bustling with the rhythmic sounds of hammering and the hiss of hot steel being cooled.
It was a lively and loud place, but there was a certain charm to it—a raw, industrious energy that made the air feel almost alive.
As we stopped in front of a particular workshop, Edward suddenly turned to me and asked, "Sir Tithonus, you're already aware of the three Familias that operate here in Argon, right?"
I nodded, recalling what Goddess Aurora had told me before my departure.
"Yes, the Goddess already explained that to me. There are three deities who have established their Familias here—Goddess Achelois, God Modi, and Goddess Oshun," I replied.
Edward nodded approvingly.
"That's correct. Thanks to the Guild's policies and some unspoken agreements, there's no hostility between any of the Familias in this town. We of the Aurora Familia are neutral with both the Modi Familia and the Oshun Familia. However, our Goddess shares a personal friendship with Goddess Achelois. In fact, it was Goddess Achelois herself who welcomed our Goddess when she first descended to the mortal realm. Because of that bond, we're allowed to do business with her Familia's blacksmiths. Of course, we have to pay a small markup—around ten percent higher than the price offered to their own members—but that's a fair arrangement."
I understood the political and social nuances immediately.
Familias were like factions, and relationships between gods were just as important as their followers' strength.
Business, alliances, and even friendships could shape how these groups interacted.
The ten percent markup made sense; it was the cost of access and respect.
When we entered the workshop, the sound of metal striking metal echoed through the air in steady rhythm.
Sparks flew from the back, where a figure was hard at work at the forge.
The heat was almost suffocating, and the faint scent of molten iron filled the air.
Edward rang the small brass bell on the counter, and after a few moments, the rhythmic hammering stopped.
Footsteps echoed, heavy and deliberate, before a muscular, stocky man emerged from behind the curtain of smoke and steam.
"Well, who's this here—" he began, but stopped mid-sentence the moment his eyes landed on me.
His expression instantly soured, and a flicker of disgust crossed his face.
His thick brows furrowed, and he scowled ever so slightly before looking away as if the sight of me offended him.
I sighed inwardly.
The reaction was all too familiar.
From the looks of him—his stout build, broad shoulders, thick beard, and the faint earthy scent of soot clinging to his skin—it was obvious he was a Dwarf.
And as an Elf, I already knew what that meant.
There was an ancient rivalry between our races, one that had persisted for countless generations, born from nothing but arrogance and prejudice.
To be fair, there was a reason behind it—though not a good one.
According to old records and tales, our Elven ancestors once mocked the Dwarves for their short stature, their bulky bodies, and their rough, hairy appearances.
They had called them "ugly toads" and "misshapen moles," while proclaiming the Elves as the epitome of beauty and grace.
It was pure vanity—an insult that sparked hatred lasting centuries.
And now, here I was, paying the price for my ancestors' arrogance.
Suppressing an exasperated sigh, I mentally cursed those prideful Elven ancestors of mine for starting such a ridiculous feud.
As I met the Dwarf's glare, I steeled myself, fully expecting an unpleasant encounter ahead.
"Who's this fancy-looking Elf you've brought along with you, Edward?" the Dwarf asked with a gruff snort, his tone carrying a hint of mockery.
His thick, soot-stained arms were crossed, and his eyes glinted with mild annoyance as he leaned back against the workbench.
Edward sighed, clearly anticipating this kind of reaction.
"Damper, listen to me," he said firmly.
"I know you're not particularly fond of Elves, but Sir Tithonus isn't like the ones you've met before. Besides, you already have an Elf in your Familia, don't you?"
The Dwarf—Damper—let out another exaggerated snort and rolled his eyes.
"Don't remind me of her," he grumbled, sitting down heavily on a nearby stool and wiping his hands on a piece of rough cloth.
"That woman is so damned arrogant and irritating. If it weren't for the Goddess herself ordering me, I wouldn't even forge a single pin for her, let alone a weapon."
His tone was filled with obvious frustration, and it was clear he had zero tolerance for what he considered typical Elven pride.
He then turned his sharp gaze toward me, narrowing his eyes with curiosity mixed with challenge.
"You say he's different, huh?" he said with a sly grin forming on his face.
"Then how about a handshake, lad? Just know my hands are all sweaty and filthy from working the forge all day."
I blinked at him, a bit speechless.
For most Elves, such a request would've been considered insulting—a Dwarf's sweat was practically taboo to them.
They would have recoiled in disgust or lectured him about 'purity' or some nonsense like that.
But to me, it was just a handshake.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Without hesitation, I stepped forward and extended my hand.
"Nice to meet you, sir," I said sincerely as I grasped his rough, calloused palm.
The contrast between his hardened, soot-covered skin and my smoother hand was quite distinct, but I didn't care.
"I'm Tithonus, the newest member of the Aurora Familia."
For a moment, Damper just stared at me, almost as if he couldn't comprehend what had just happened.
His bushy eyebrows shot upward, and his mouth hung slightly open in disbelief before he let out a surprised grunt.
"Lad… are yer a Half-Elf or somethin'?" he asked bluntly, his tone almost accusing.
The way he said it was so casual yet so loaded with implication that I couldn't help but wince slightly.
A Half-Elf?
Me?
A High-Elf?
I thought in disbelief, barely holding back the urge to laugh at the absurdity of it.
I mean, being mistaken for a Half-Elf was practically unheard of for someone like me.
Keeping my composure, I replied calmly, "Well, no. I'm a pure White Elf, actually," I said, speaking with a polite tone as I gently withdrew my hand.
Damper blinked at me again, still processing the situation.
"You're not gonna wipe your hand with a handkerchief now?" he asked incredulously, his expression one of utter disbelief.
"No complaints about my sweat staining your oh-so-pristine Elven skin? Not even a single insult about Dwarves smelling like burnt coal?"
I looked at him awkwardly, genuinely confused and wondering what the fuck Elves behave like in outside world for him to be so biased against me.
"Um… I don't understand what you mean?" I replied honestly, my tone uncertain.
Edward coughed lightly to suppress a laugh, clearly finding the Dwarf's flustered reaction amusing.
Damper, on the other hand, just sighed and rubbed the back of his neck with one hand.
"I see… so that's how it is," he muttered, almost to himself.
"You really are unusual for an Elf. Far too easygoing, no trace of that typical Elven pride. I'd even wager you weren't raised in one of those blasted Elf forests."
(A/N: Meanwhile Ember who was raised in Royal Alf's Forest: "...")
He paused for a moment, eyeing me from head to toe before finally nodding to himself.
"Well, if you're really this different and don't start acting all high and mighty, then I suppose I can tolerate you," he said at last.
"I'll forge your weapons and armor, and handle any repairs you need. The same deal as Edward's Familia—ten percent higher than my regular rate."
That was as close to a friendly offer as a Dwarf could get, especially toward an Elf. For someone like Damper, that was practically a declaration of acceptance.
Edward nodded in visible relief, and so did I.
We both expressed our thanks to Damper before leaving his workshop.
The next morning, Edward and the rest of the Familia departed for the village, while I decided to remain behind and explore the town of Argon properly.
However, before venturing into the surrounding areas, I wanted to gather more information about the monsters that roamed nearby and the zones considered dangerous for adventurers.
Naturally, the best place to do that was the Guild.
Thus, after preparing myself, I made my way back to the Guild building.
The familiar sound of chatter and clinking armor filled the air as I stepped inside.
Just as I was about to approach the reception desk, I heard a familiar voice call out.
"Miss Amalda, this is the new Elf you were looking for," said Disha, her tone polite yet a little teasing.
Curious, I turned my head toward the direction of her voice and saw another Elf approaching.
She had long black hair that reached her waist, tied loosely with a white ribbon, and her eyes were a deep shade of black as well—a rare trait among Elves.
Despite that, her overall appearance struck me as fairly average, at least by Elven standards.
She walked toward me with a refined posture and a faint smile before speaking.
"I am Amalda, from Aeshina Forest," she said in a soft, composed voice, bowing gracefully as was customary among Elves.
I returned the gesture with equal politeness.
"I am Tithonus, from Alf's Royal Forest," I introduced myself, bowing slightly as well.
Her eyes widened slightly at my words, and she let out a small gasp of surprise.
"Alf's Royal Forest? Truly?" she asked, her tone carrying both curiosity and disbelief.
"I've heard rumors that His Highness Ember Ljos Alf disappeared from there not long ago," she added, lowering her voice a little, as if speaking about something forbidden.
I forced myself to remain calm and composed, ensuring my expression didn't betray even a hint of emotion.
"Indeed," I replied casually, pretending to be a distant admirer.
"It might sound foolish, but I always admired His Highness. I thought to follow in his footsteps and leave the forest as well," I said with a light chuckle, as if speaking of some youthful inspiration rather than something personal.
She nodded, visibly relieved to meet another Elf she could talk to.
"Finally, there's another Elf I can converse with here," she said warmly, her smile becoming genuine.
"Sir Tithonus, would you mind sitting with me for a while? It's been far too long since I've had a proper conversation with someone of our kind."
"Of course," I replied with a polite nod, and we both sat down at a nearby table in one of the Guild's quieter corners.
As soon as we were seated, she began talking rather enthusiastically.
"The people here aren't bad," she said, waving her hand dismissively, "but they have no sense of respect for Elven customs or traditions. They're far too casual, too touchy! And don't even get me started on the blacksmith in my Familia—he's a Dwarf! A big, bearded Dwarf who smells like smoke and metal all day! It's absolutely dreadful…"
She continued to rant, her tone growing increasingly exasperated with each sentence.
My eyebrows twitched slightly as I listened to her.
Clearly, she assumed that as a fellow Elf, I would share her disdain for such things.
Unfortunately for her, I didn't.
'Sad for her… I don't,' I thought to myself in mild amusement.
Still, I maintained a polite demeanor, nodding and offering small acknowledgments here and there to appear attentive.
It was better to let her talk than to risk offending her or drawing unnecessary suspicion.
After several minutes of complaints, she finally sighed and composed herself again.
"Anyway," she said with a faint smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, "I suppose I still haven't given you a proper introduction. Sir Tithonus, I am Amalda of the Aschelois Familia."
"I am from Aurora Familia," I replied calmly, to which Amalda nodded in understanding. Just as we were about to continue our conversation, a voice suddenly called out from nearby.
"Amalda! Who are you talking with?"
Both of us turned toward the source of the voice, and I saw a Chienthrope girl approaching us.
She had short grey hair that matched the color of her fluffy wolf-like ears, and her black eyes gave her a sharp but energetic expression.
Behind her, a small group of people followed, clearly her companions or perhaps her party members.
Amalda immediately stood up from her seat, smiling as she gestured toward me.
"Everyone, this is Tithonus, a White Elf from the Royal Alf's Forest," she said, introducing me with a tone of pride, as though presenting someone of great significance.
Then she turned back to me and added politely, "Sir Tithonus, these are my party members."
Following her cue, I stood up as well, offering a polite bow of greeting.
"Nice to meet you all. I am Tithonus," I said in a calm and respectful tone, maintaining the same formal etiquette Elves were known for.
The group seemed to study me curiously for a moment before the same Chienthrope girl with grey hair grinned.
"I guess Amalda really wanted to meet the other Elf in this town," she said teasingly, glancing at her friend.
Amalda puffed her cheeks slightly in response, clearly a little embarrassed but still dignified.
"Well, while this place may be crawling with all sorts of monsters and filled with plenty of adventurers from various races, it is still quite rare to find another Elf here. Naturally, I was curious to meet my compatriot," she said in her typical composed yet slightly proud manner.
The Chienthrope girl chuckled at her response before Amalda motioned toward her companions.
"Anyway, why don't you all introduce yourselves properly?" she said.
The grey-haired Chienthrope girl was the first to speak up, her tail wagging slightly as she introduced herself with enthusiasm.
"My name is Aika! I'm a Level 1 Chienthrope Adventurer and a close-range fighter," she said cheerfully, her tone full of energy and friendliness.
Next, a tall man clad in heavy armor stepped forward.
His armor clanked as he moved, and his face was half-hidden beneath his helmet, but his voice was deep and steady.
"I'm Bosh," he said bluntly.
"A Level 1 Adventurer, human, and the tanker of this group."
Then, a girl standing next to him—wearing a dark-colored magic robe, a wide witch hat, and holding a long wooden staff—spoke softly.
"I am Mika," she said. "A Level 1 Adventurer as well, a Chienthrope and a magician."
Her voice was gentle, almost calm, and I couldn't help but notice that her hair was also grey and she was also an Chienthrope, just like Aika's.
It was obvious that Aika and Mika were related—possibly sisters.
However, I decided not to pry into their personal matters.
It wasn't my place to ask, especially not upon first meeting.
Finally, my attention turned to the last member of the group, a man who had remained silent until now.
He had short brown hair and sharp eyes that seemed to be fixed on me with a noticeable sense of displeasure.
After a brief moment of awkward silence, he finally spoke.
"I'm Chad," he said curtly.
"A swordsman, the leader of this group, a human, and a Level 1 Adventurer."
Even as he introduced himself, he continued to stare directly at me, his tone clipped and his expression tense, as though my mere presence irritated him.
Amalda immediately frowned, clearly disapproving of his behavior.
"Chad! What do you think you're doing, staring at Sir Tithonus like that?" she snapped in irritation.
"Don't you know that such behavior is considered extremely rude toward an Elf?" she reprimanded him firmly, her voice carrying the sharpness of genuine offense.
The group fell quiet for a brief moment after that, the tension between them becoming almost palpable.
I stood there quietly, observing the situation, already beginning to understand the group's dynamics a little better.
The man's expression instantly changed, doing a complete one-eighty from his earlier hostility to sudden panic.
"Amalda, it's not like that! It's just… that's how I look," he said hurriedly, stumbling over his words as he tried—and utterly failed—to explain himself.
His reaction was so frantic that it was almost comical, though I simply stood there observing the situation silently, not wanting to make things more awkward than they already were.
Meanwhile, my attention drifted toward the last member of the group, who had remained completely silent until now.
He was wrapped in a long cloak that covered most of his body, and even his face was mostly hidden beneath the hood's shadow.
Upon noticing that my gaze had landed on him, he stiffened slightly and spoke quickly, almost as if to avoid being questioned.
"I—I'm Newton, the scout of this party," he said in a slightly nervous tone.
My eyes widened for a brief moment upon hearing his name, but I quickly composed myself and maintained a neutral expression.
'Newton… huh? That's quite an amusing name,' I thought to myself, inwardly chuckling at the coincidence but keeping my composure on the surface.
Amalda, meanwhile, seemed satisfied with the introductions and turned back toward me with a polite smile.
"Sir Tithonus, since you're from the Aurora Familia, I assume the rest of your familia members have already departed for the village, right?" she asked.
"Yes," I confirmed with a nod.
"They left earlier this morning. I plan on hunting monsters solo for a while to get used to this area."
Her smile immediately turned into a frown as she crossed her arms.
"Hunting solo? That's not safe, even for someone skilled. How about joining our party instead? We're actually the strongest Level 1 party in the entire Argon region," she said with confidence, her tone suggesting she genuinely meant it as a friendly offer.
However, her words didn't sit well with Chad, who frowned deeply, his expression turning stern.
"Amalda, we can't just let anyone join our party," he objected in a firm tone.
"He's from a different familia! You know how complicated that can get."
Amalda simply sighed and shook her head in response.
"Chad, he's from Aurora Familia. Our goddesses—Lady Aschelois and Lady Aurora—are on friendly terms. There's no conflict between our familias, so it should be fine," she explained patiently. T
hen she turned back toward me with a confident smile.
"Not to mention, Sir Tithonus isn't just an excellent archer and magician like me—he's also a swordsman. He's just a small step away from becoming a true Magic Swordsman. With his addition, our party could easily take on stronger monsters and higher-ranked quests!"
Her declaration left the group in brief silence as everyone stared at her, and then at me, with varying degrees of surprise and curiosity.
Even Chad, though still displeased, looked uncertain as if torn between his pride and practicality.
I raised my hand slightly, speaking in a calm and composed voice, "Miss Amalda, I appreciate your kind offer, but I have little to no experience working with a party. I'm afraid my inexperience might hold you back or disrupt your team's coordination."
Amalda, however, simply smiled and waved off my concern.
"It's fine, Sir Tithonus. Everyone starts somewhere. You'll get used to it with time, and we'll adjust our formation accordingly. So, how about it?" she asked with encouragement, her tone leaving little room for polite refusal.
Before I could respond, Bosh—the heavily armored tanker—spoke up in his usual straightforward manner.
"Honestly, I think it'd be a good idea," he said, glancing around at his teammates.
"Other than Sir Romblo, there isn't a single known Magic Swordsman in all of Argon. Everyone knows how powerful Sir Romblo is, and having someone with similar potential, even if he's still developing, could really boost our strength."
Mika, the magician, nodded in agreement.
"Well, duh. Sir Romblo's the only Level 4 adventurer in this entire town," she said matter-of-factly, adjusting her hat.
"Having another skilled hybrid fighter, even if he's a beginner Level 1, would be a big help."
Everyone then turned to look at me expectantly.
Their collective gaze felt heavy, but not in a hostile way—more like they were genuinely hopeful.
I exhaled slowly, realizing that declining now might come off as rude, and after a moment of contemplation, I nodded slightly.
Internally, I reasoned that forming a cooperative relationship with Aschelois Familia would be beneficial.
After all, they were the second most influential familia in this town, and more importantly, they had the only Level 4 adventurer—Sir Romblo.
If my understanding was correct, Argon didn't even have a single Level 3 adventurer besides him.
Only six Level 2s existed here in total, including Sir Edward from my own Aurora Familia.
Considering that, it was clear that building friendly ties with this group would be a smart move—for both safety and opportunity.
"I guess I will accept your offer," I finally said after a short pause, giving my answer in a composed tone.
Amalda's face immediately lit up with a bright grin, her expression practically radiating enthusiasm.
"Good! Then let's head out right away and go on a monster hunt!" she declared eagerly, her excitement almost contagious.
Chad, standing beside her, sighed heavily in visible defeat, though I didn't miss the faint flicker of jealousy flashing in his eyes as he glanced between us.
It was subtle, but noticeable enough for me to recognize the reason behind his earlier attitude.
I chose to ignore it for now and focused instead on the preparations ahead.
After a brief conversation with Miss Disha at the counter to confirm our party registration and obtain the required permits, we exited the guild building together.
As we walked through the busy streets toward the town's outer gate, Bosh suddenly broke the silence with an awkward chuckle.
"Sir Tithonus," he began in a slightly hesitant tone, scratching the back of his head, "I hope you won't take Chad's earlier behavior personally. He really isn't a bad guy. It's just that… well, he's got a bit of a crush on Miss Amalda."
I blinked in mild surprise at the explanation before responding calmly, "Ah, so that's the reason. Still, assuming that I'm interested in Miss Amalda just because I'm friendly toward her seems rather childish, don't you think?"
Bosh looked genuinely shocked by my words, his eyes widening.
"Wait, you're not interested in her?!" he asked in disbelief, as if such a thing was unthinkable.
Before I could even answer, Mika, who had been walking slightly ahead of us, turned around with a small laugh.
"Sir Tithonus, you might not realize this since you're new here," she said, her tail swaying slightly as she spoke, "but Miss Amalda is considered the most beautiful woman in all of Argon. Only the goddesses themselves could be said to surpass her beauty. Even Bosh and Newton here are completely smitten with her!"
Her teasing tone made Bosh splutter while Newton, walking quietly behind us, averted his gaze with an embarrassed cough.
I finally understood why everyone seemed so captivated by Amalda, and at the same time, I felt a wave of realization wash over me.
'So that's how it is,' I thought with mild exasperation.
In my eyes, Miss Amalda was… well, she was decent-looking, perhaps a little charming, but by Elven standards?
She was average at best.
It wasn't arrogance—just the result of being surrounded by astonishingly beautiful women my entire life.
Back in Alf's Royal Forest, even the attendants and maids were breathtakingly attractive.
Remia alone could easily outshine Amalda, and that's not even mentioning my mother and sister—both of whom possessed a level of beauty so divine it could easily rival that of goddesses.
Then there were others like Maya and several of my mother's friends, whose elegance and charm were on an entirely different level.
'Ah… so it's my ruined sense of beauty acting up again,' I sighed inwardly, realizing I might never see human or demi-human beauty in quite the same way.
What others found stunning, I found merely ordinary.
As our group finally passed through the town gates and made our way along the dirt road leading into the nearby forest, I couldn't help but let my thoughts wander.
I sincerely hoped this little adventure would go smoothly.
The last thing I wanted was unnecessary drama—especially the kind involving a jealous idiot convinced I had cucked him without even trying.
I shot a brief glance at Chad, who was walking a few paces ahead with a rather stiff posture.
My expression unconsciously turned into a grimace.
'Please,' I thought silently, 'let's not turn this into some ridiculous love rivalry. I've had enough headaches for one lifetime.'
And with that silent prayer lingering in my mind, we continued onward toward the hunting grounds, unaware of what awaited us ahead.
To be continued...