Chapter 7: A New Ally
After passing her trials, Lila was eager to begin her adventuring journey. However, she discovered that beginner adventurers like her needed to form a party of at least three to take on most missions. Depressed but determined, she set out to find party members, only to face repeated rejections. Despite her spirits dipping, she refused to give up.
---
Lila sitting outside the guild, staring at the every adventurers coming and going. Zora leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, with a sly smile. "Well, it seems the universe has decided for us," he said, faking concern. "Since you can't find a party, maybe it's time to head back home. No shame in it, you know." Lila shot him a glare, her frustration visible. "Not a chance, Papa! I'll find a party no matter what it takes!" Zora sighed, shaking his head but smiling inwardly. "If only you were this determined about cooking lessons," he muttered to himself. Lila sprang to her feet, her resolve reigniting. She marched back into the guild hall, determined to try again.
Taking a deep breath, she approached a group of three adventurers seated at a table, their gear worn but polished from use. "Hi! I'm Lila," she said with a bright smile. "I'm looking to form a party and was wondering if you'd like to join me?" The leader, a grizzled swordsman, barely glanced at her before shaking his head. "Sorry, kid. We don't have time to babysit rookies. "Lila's smile faltered, but she nodded politely and moved on.
Next, she approached a lone mage, a young woman dressed in flowing robes with a staff leaning against her chair. "Excuse me," Lila began nervously. "Are you looking for a party? I just started, but I'm a hard worker, and—"The mage raised an eyebrow, cutting her off. "A beginner? Sorry, I don't want to waste my time on someone who'll slow me down. "Her blunt words stung, but Lila forced herself to keep going. She spotted a trio of archers laughing at the bar and hesitated for a moment before approaching them. "Hi! I'm Lila, and I was wondering if you—"One of them burst out laughing before she could even finish. "You? With that gear? Pass." "But—" Lila tried, but they turned their backs on her without another word. As the rejections piled up, Lila's confidence began to waver. She found herself standing awkwardly in the middle of the guild hall, unsure of who to approach next. Her earlier determination started to feel like a distant memory. She approached a dwarf with a massive axe slung over his back. "Excuse me, sir, are you—""Not interested," he grunted without even letting her finish, walking away. Her shoulders slumped as she turned to leave, but then she spotted a kind-looking woman seated near the notice board. Clinging to a thread of hope, Lila approached her. "Hello, I'm Lila. I'm looking for party members and though, "The woman smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, dear. I already have a full team. But good luck!"
She approached adventurer after adventurer, introducing herself and asking if they'd join her party.But rejection after rejection followed.
"Sorry, kid. I've got my own team."
"You? A D-rank? Not interested."
"Maybe try someone else."
The kind words were little comfort. Lila stepped outside, her spirits crushed. She sank onto a bench near the guild's entrance, her head in her hands. With each rejection, her shoulders slumped a little more, but her eyes remained fiery.
---
It was late afternoon, and the guild was starting to empty out. Lila, in her frustration, wasn't paying attention and bumped into someone as she turned a corner. "Hey, watch where you're—" she started but stopped mid-sentence. The young man she had bumped into was already bowing apologetically. He had short, dark hair, sharp green eyes, and a demeanor so calm and refined that Lila couldn't bring herself to be angry. "I'm terribly sorry," he said, his voice smooth and polite. "I was lost in my thoughts and didn't see you. Please forgive me." Lila blinked, her frustration melting away. She stammered, "Oh, um… it's fine… I guess…" The young man straightened up, his expression soft and approachable. "I'm Adrian Valmont," he said, extending his hand. "And you are?" "I-I'm Lila," she managed, shaking his hand hesitantly. Adrian smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you, Lila. You seem new here. I don't think I've seen you around before." Lila nodded, her words stumbling out before she could stop them. "Yeah, I just passed my trials a few days ago, and now I'm trying to find party members because, well, apparently, beginners can't take missions alone, and I didn't know that, and—"Adrian, holding up a hand to stop her. "I see. So you're looking for party members?"
Lila nodded, her cheeks flushing."Well then," Adrian said with a slight bow, "if it's alright with you, may I join your party?" Lila froze, her mind racing. Is this a dream? Is this really happening? She quickly turned her face away, hoping Adrian wouldn't see her blush. Adrian, misinterpreting her reaction, quickly added, "If you don't want me to, that's fine too. I understand—" "Yes!" Lila shouted, turning back abruptly. "I mean, yes, you can join my party!" Adrian's face lit up with a smile. "Thank you, Lila! I promise I'll do my best." Before Lila could react, Adrian took her hand and shook it enthusiastically. "I'll see you tomorrow morning at the guild," he said. Lila, now red as a tomato, quickly pulled her hand away and mumbled, "Uh, yeah, tomorrow… morning…" before dashing off.
---
That night, Lila lay on her bed, clutching her pillow and grinning like a fool. "I found a party member," she whispered to herself. "And he's so… cool." Meanwhile, Zora watched her from the doorway, shaking his head. "Kids these days," he muttered, though he was glad to see her happy again.
---
The next morning, Lila woke up early, brimming with excitement. As she got ready, though, she realized she still needed one more party member. Her excitement dimmed slightly, but she shook it off." One step at a time," she said to herself. "I'll find someone else. I have to!" With Adrian as her first ally, Lila's scouting mission continued.