The Love Story Begins

I stood facing Cyrus, who regarded me with a cold, scrutinizing gaze.

Cyrus began, "What is your name?"

"My name is Banri," I replied, making sure to maintain eye contact.

"Where are you from?"

"I come from a small village near the Celestial Tree. My people are worshipers of the Celestial Tree."

According to Ivor, their are many small nameless villages located near the celestial tree.

"How long have you been a guardian?"

"I've just awakened a week ago."

I recalled how me and the others had rehearsed our cover story at the suggestion of Ivor, the white deer who had guided them here.

The interview stretched on for about half an hour, with Cyrus relentlessly questioning me. Despite the intensity of the interrogation, I maintained my composure. Deception was second nature to me; it was ingrained in my blood. My family had long been involved in dubious enterprises that took advantage of innocent people.

I fully understood that my comfortable life was built on the suffering of others, and yet my only regret is that it didn't last longer. From a young age, I had learned that only the strong endure while the weak are trampled. Adaptation is the key to survival in this world, I told myself. With the power to adapt at my disposal, I will become a god and enjoy everything the world has to offer without limitation.

While the others were being interrogated, I took the opportunity to explore, trying to familiarize myself with this place and the people in it. I was acutely aware that I was in enemy territory.

"Looking for something?" a familiar voice called out as I opened a locked door.

I turned to see Mariah standing there, her expression a mix of curiosity and mischief. "Just having a look around," I replied, trying to sound casual.

"Well, you shouldn't. You're not a member of the guild yet," she warned, her tone playful yet firm.

"What's a receptionist doing here anyway?" Why was she here? Something was telling me that she is not just a receptionist.

"I came to check on you," she said, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. 

"On me?" I said, feigning confusion. Love at first sight maybe? No, that's too convenient.

"Let's go for a stroll," Mariah suggested, her gaze fixed intently on me. What is this?

As we walked through the town, the vibrant atmosphere enveloped us. Mariah walked beside me, our hands intertwined. She leaned against me as we navigated the bustling streets. She played the part of an excited girlfriend, her eyes wide with wonder as she pointed out various shops and stalls. I smiled at her enthusiasm, engaging in the conversation as we chatted and laughed together. I

leaned in closer, matching her excitement with playful banter and lighthearted teasing.

I could feel the eyes of all the men as they stared at me with envy. Everywhere we went, Mariah was the center of attention. People of all ages and genders approached her. I felt as if I were escorting a goddess. It was no wonder she was so popular, given her good looks. She received free gifts from every stall we approached, and I was the poor sucker who had to carry them.

We eventually made our way to a clothing shop, where Mariah's eyes lit up. She burst into the store leaving me behind carrying a mountain of gifts. As I entered the store after her, I saw she was examining a red dress. "I remember her" she mumbled "She was so beautiful" Who is she talking about? Mariah wore a remorseful look on her face then suddenly got excited again. "These dresses are beautiful!" she exclaimed, running her fingers over the fabric. "I'm going to try one on." She caried the bright red dress and dashed to the changing room, her excitement palpable.

I waited outside, glancing around at the shop's colorful displays. The dresses in this place gives me a weird vibe. Maybe Mariah felt it in the dress she was holding, maybe that's why she was acting so different. Suddenly, a loud thump echoed from the changing room. "Is everything okay?" I called out, showing my concern.

"Banri, can you help me?" Mariah's voice came through, laced with a slight moan. She then pushed her hand out, pulling me into the cramp changing room with her. To my surprise, Mariah was half-naked. The classic parabolic shape, represented by the equation (y = ax^2 + bx + c), can symbolize the gentle curves of this woman's body. The vertex of the parabola represents the most aesthetically pleasing point, akin to the waistline, while the arms of the parabola can represent the graceful lines of her body—

"Can you zip me up?" Mariah asked looking embarrassed yet playful as she disrupt the mathematical equations flowing through my mind as I tried to find the right way do describe this seemingly goddess of a woman who dared to pull me into a cramp dressing room with her very very curvy body on display. 

The dressing room was cramped, and the air was thick with tension. As she turned around, and I slowly zipped her up, my hand slightly trembled while Mariah's cheeks flushed red as she arched her back slightly to help me zip her up. After I finished, she turned to face me and the dressing room got even more cramp as I was face deep in her—

"How do I look?" Mariah said doing a slight pose with her hands on her hips. 

I drew closer to her, resting my hand on my chin making as if I was examining her appearance. The dress she wore hugged her figure in all the right places, accentuating her curves while flowing gracefully to her knees.

"Hmmm.... I can't tell, could you raise your arms and do a little hop," 

"There's not enough room for that,"

"Even better."

Mariah gave a small chuckle then pulled me in closer. We locked eyes, and leaning in for a kiss. As our lips parted, Mariah's innocent expression faded, replaced by an icy coldness. Why now, its too soon!

"You seem to be enjoying this game we're playing," she said, her gaze piercing.

"You're done already? I was about to declare my undying love for you," I replied sarcastically. It was all a game.

"Who are you, Banri? Anyone else would have fallen for me instantly."

"I'm not so easily deceived. What was the point of all this?"

"Just having a bit of fun," Mariah said, licking her lips. "Get out! I need to change!" she ordered. Jeez so this is what she was really like. All I want is a cute girl who is nice to me. Is that too much to ask.

We silently made our way back to the guild hall, no longer the loving couple out for a stroll. "You're quite the actor Ban-Ban," Mariah remarked sarcastically, poking my cheek.

I ignored her words, all I could thinking about is how I should've grabbed her—

"You're quite dangerous, aren't you, Ban-Ban?" she added, interrupting my train of thoughts with a mischievous grin. "Don't worry Ban-Ban; I happen to like dangerous men. Answer me this: why did you play along?"

"It was a good way to pass the time," I replied. Wait who's the hell is Ban-Ban. Maybe if I ignore she'll stop calling me that.

"Liar!" Mariah replied perching her lip into pout. "You like me, don't you, Ban-Ban?"

I continued walking, paying her no mind.

As I walked away Mariah muttered under her breath "I like you too" . Damn, this girl is so hot and cold. And why the hell am I still carrying her bags! She better not call me 'Ban-Ban' in front of Alina!

When we arrived at the guild hall, the others had just finished getting interrogated. "Where have you been?" Hikari asked, as I approached with Mariah.

Before I could answer, Cyrus appeared. "We have decided to accept you as part of our guild. The four of you will work together on quests. You will be assigned a supervisor to help train you and assist with your missions. Keep in mind, they will also report your progress to the guild master."

"Who is the guild master?" Alina asked curiously.

"There she is," Cyrus said, pointing at Mariah, who stood beside me. I can't say that I was surprise. Their was no was she was just a a receptionist.

Mariah gave a polite smile and waved at them. "I expect you all to do your best. Despite your special abilities, this job is dangerous. You will be tasked with protecting celestial beasts from outsiders, known as mutants, as well as from the monsters we call demons, who crave the power of the celestial beasts for themselves." 

"You will all be required to live here at the guild. I will show you to your rooms, so follow me," Cyrus said as he led us through the guild hall. "Hikari and Banri will share a room, while Katherine and Alina will share another."

Later that night, as I laid in my room, I reflected on everything that had happened. I caught myself smiling as I remembered our encounter.

"Who Are You Mariah?"