Kefálaio VIII: Hello, Barbara.

Bennett was yelling for help from nearby. Slimes encircle him, and they appear to be all peering at him. I'm not sure I can save him, but I suppose it can't be helped. I ran as fast as I could to get him out of reach of the slimes.

"Leave Bennett alone!" I mustered all my courage and chose a stone to throw at them. Meanwhile, Bennett was hanging himself in the tree. Getting the slime's attention was a success, but it wasn't something to be proud of. As sweaty as I am, the slime slowly moves in my direction.

"Oh-uh…"

It's going to attack me. I closed my eyes, preventing myself from seeing what was about to happen. As I waited for it to hit me, my hands formed as if to block the attack. However, the attack that was supposed to occur was called off.

"Grrr!!" someone exclaimed, it was clearly a growl ahead of me. I opened my eyes to see what was going on now myself. His half-length white hair swayed in the air as his large claymore sword kept the slimes away. His red eyes were fixed on it.

"R-razor!" uttered Bennett, who was relieved as he recognized the person who had just saved me.

Razor is the one who lives in the woods with the wolves. The wolves adopt him and adorn him, they consider him as a member of their Lupical. Razor sways his large claymore as if it were weightless as he uses his elemental magic, and thunder strikes the slime mercilessly. He had wrapped everything up without a doubt.

"C-cool." As for me, I'm at a loss for words. Actually, I had no idea Razor was this powerful. I never bothered ascending him in the game back then because, umm, how do I put this? He's nice, but he's not my ideal type of character.

No hard feelings, but I have the impression that he is missing something. But, in this reality, he's strong enough to defend me from the slimes. I know.

"You. Alright?" and he does speak in a rather unique manner. "Hm. Thanks a lot!"

Why do I feel like I'm always getting into trouble wherever I go?

While Bennett finally went down to the tree he was on before, Razor assisted me in getting back on my feet.

"Are you guys, okay?" he worriedly asked.

"Don't worry. I don't get hurt so easily!" I responded cheerfully.

Bennett's worried expression hasn't gone away.

"I'm sorry if I caused you any trouble, Miss! Those slimes attacked me on my walk back then and I couldn't fight them off because they are immune to pyro."

Yes, I see. Bennett always gets into trouble in the game, no matter how hard he tries to avoid the incoming danger. Bad luck always approaches him. I'm not sure what Hoyoverse (Mihoyo) was thinking when they created such a pitiful character, he'll always be in danger, so someone needs to protect him in some way.

Bennett is my best four-tier character, he heals, he buffs; he provides the best damage results for my characters in the game. I'd love to if I could be his companion because Benny's guild is currently out of members.

"Don't worry. I'm still alive, he's still alive, and no one was hurt." I smiled and lightly tapped his back.

"Hm."

The conversation came to an end for some reason and became quite awkward for the three of us.

Right! They have no idea who I am or what my name is! What should I say to introduce myself? How? Should I say, Hello, Bennett, my name is Rheol! Nice to meet you—wait, doesn't that sound suspicious?

Come to think of it, wasn't I suspicious already when I called his name out before? Though he doesn't seem to mind it.

"U-uh, I have to go! I still need to run an errand. Thank you very much, Miss—"

"R-rheol!"

"Alright! I'll catch up with you later!"

And off he goes. He dashed away, leaving me with Razor. It's awkward, and I'm not sure how I'd start a conversation with Razor. I don't know much about him; the only thing I remember about him is meeting the traveler for the first time.

Traveler helped Razor in some sort of trouble, and they became friends as a result. I, on the other hand, was the one who was saved by him. But I'd already thanked him, so how would I strike up a conversation with him?

Oh, I haven't eaten anything since yesterday. I should probably return to the city. But without saying anything to him?

Look at him, he's still standing there. Like he's expecting me or something.

"U-uhm…" I don't want to offend anyone. I swear, but this is too uncomfortable for me.

"I need to return to the city and give Sara the customer's payment."

"Understood."

He sounded disappointed. Is Razor interested in spending time with me? I have no idea what he is thinking.

"Y-yeah…"

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!

"Hm. Razor. Understand."

My shame is killing me. But it's unavoidable. Razor then started walking eastward. I just stand there watching him walk away. I couldn't tell if he was angry with me or not. Razor is a person who is difficult to read but saying that is inappropriate. I'll make things up with him someday.

I just wish Razor wasn't upset with me.

When I finally make the call for myself. I returned to the city to give back the food payment. However, I was still at the gate when my legs gave way.

"It's hot... Why is it so hot..." I couldn't move because the heat from the sun is killing me. I never thought I would give in; I couldn't stand on my own. I just wish someone would notice me soon or I'll really end up dying here. I don't have the energy to move anymore.

I'm sweating profusely all over my body. In addition, my stomach continues to grumble.

"H-hey! Speak to me! Are you all right?" I heard a slightly feminine voice. "P-please hang on!"

My vision was blurry, and I couldn't see the person clearly. As a couple of droplets of sweat landed on my face, the light was against her.

She has a gentle voice... wait, just like...

"Barbara, what happened?"

The goddess idol of Mondstadt!