Chapter 7: Hidden Meanings

  The hospital room reeked of antiseptics and the sharp tang of alcohol. The narrow, thin mattress beds offered some comfort, yet they were a far cry from any resemblance to recreational, restful solace.

  Yet, the presence of Helena and Valentina, with beds right next to each other with just a nightstand apart, presented the greatest dread of all. Ever since the dawn of their awakening, they had been entangled in a relentless verbal war. Their voices a cacophony of curses, shouts, jests, and venomous barbs.

  The weary hospital staff bore witness to their unsightly antics, powerless to intervene, for the Adventurers Company’s contract bound the establishment to provide unwavering support and the highest quality care, regardless of the costs incurred.

  But they were all at the brink of explosion. The middle-aged nurse, all in white, stormed into the chamber with an angry look on her face. “Can you two finally stop?! My head is buzzing from it all. Not to mention all the other patients inconvenience. There’s someone here to see you!” They did not pay her any mind. So she slapped her hand on the wooden nightstand so loud that the girls felt the snap at their eardrums. Making both women finally stop shouting and pay attention.

  As if summoned by her words, a statue of a man stepped into the room. The atmosphere shifted rapidly, thick with an almost visible pressure that seemed to threaten the integrity of one’s skull, filling the entire room. The nurse left the room like it was set on fire.

  It felt as though the world's weight descended squarely upon one’s shoulders, an oppressive force that commanded submission. The unmistakable, overwhelming aura of authority and power.

  The man was towering at over two meters, needing to duck slightly to pass the doorframe. He possessed a physique that embodied nothing but physical strength. His muscular frame was clad in heavy, ornate, full-scale armor that appeared as lightweight as a mere shirt upon his mighty form.

  Despite the constraints of his metal garb, he moved with an uncanny grace, each step silent even against the clatter of his imposing greaves. His wild, curly hair shimmered with hues of blond and red, intertwined with threads of silver. Hinting at experience through age.

  Everyone in town and even beyond would know the identity of this titan without a shred of doubt. Both women were no exception. Glancing at each other, noting that it was Falrog Kriegrock himself. The famed, illustrious headmaster of the Adventurers Company of Vellos.

  A man in his late forties, he had a body and face that seemed ageless, with his muscles at their prime. Known to accompany his fellow adventurers into the perilous unknown, his presence during important quests and dungeon raids underscored his commitment to the safety of those under his wing. Commanding respect and admiration from all without exception who were ever fortunate enough to cross his path

  Yet beneath his formidable exterior of a ferocious warrior lay an aura of wisdom and compassion, nurturing fierce loyalty among all his followers and fellow leaders alike.

  “Greetings, ladies! I trust you are faring well.” The man smiled profoundly. His bushy beard moved to the sides, revealing the unusually even white teeth.

  Scanning the room with his gaze as he walked closer, Falrog added in a sincere, warm tone. “The Adventurer’s Company constantly strives to deliver the finest care for its members that were injured in the line of their hard duty.”

  He took a big wooden chair at the entrance and took a seat right in front. The frame barely supported the weight of the man and the gear, while the wooden floor creaked with distress.

  “Good day, sir, that’s an honor for us! Sorry for the unsightly view.” The man tilted his head as he raised his eyebrow.

  “Even if we do not look like that, we’re doing splendidly well, aren’t we, Valentina?!” Helena added swiftly, as he shot her companion a glance that implored. What on earth is the headmaster doing here?! A droplet of sweat appeared on her forehead.

  “Hello, chief! Ah, yes, yes. We are indeed doing great. The treatment has been nothing but extraordinary. Thankfully, even our eardrums are healed nicely, ha-ha, truly,” Valentina stammered, fighting to soothe the tremor coursing through her. The man before her was virtually an S-class adventurer, an entity of another realm altogether. And he was there for a certain reason. A reason she was not yet sure about. One wrong word could lead to a disaster.

  “Oho, that’s good to hear! It warms my heart to know that your healing is going well. I hope that the staff treats you well and you, in turn, don’t trouble them. It would be unfortunate to know that such captivating women have ill manners,” a playful lilt colored his voice as he chuckled with the sound so deep within his chest only a keen ear would hear it.

  “Ah, w-well, we will try our best. Right?” The long-haired woman once again turned her head as Valentina nodded.

  “Can you, please, forgive my bluntness? But I suppose you have more pressing matters than this mere small talk. Your reputation is unmistakably remarkable, but I don’t believe you simply came to check on a few random adventurers,” Helena carefully phrased.

  “Huh? Well, it can be the case sometimes.” The man scratched his beard.

  “Even a person like me needs a break occasionally. Not every conversation has to be all dull, blunt business. The small talk can be very refreshing sometimes, and I find it amusing. Especially in such a company,” Falrog playfully gazed at both women.

  “But you got me. There is a reason. For the record, I don’t find your case random at all.” The man paused as he gazed from under his bushy brows with a calculating sharpness.

  The headmaster took out a piece of parchment from one of his small leather bags. Reading it briefly, with a puzzled expression as if looking for something.

  “Regarding my true purpose here. It is simply to personally inquire about the incident. Would you be so kind as to answer my questions?” His demeanor immediately converted to one of focused intent.

  “Of course!” Came flying, their synchronized response. The girls sounded like soldiers prepared for battle saluting the chief in command.

  “Splendid! Let’s get right to business, then. I’ve reviewed the reports submitted by the investigator. There is not much you remember. Which is understandable given the circumstances. But I would want to add a few more pieces to this puzzle.” He paused, leaning closer, with his hand supporting his head by the chin.

  The man inhaled heavily. “Just to think that a Death Minotaur Chieftain lurked so close to the city, and that fate had you both caught in its path…” Undertones of concern and a hint of suspicion were weaved into his voice.

  “Hmm, I don’t think there is anything else we can add. We have already told all that we know. We lost consciousness after the one strike of the minotaur. I was sure that we were going to die,” Helena replied defensively, recalling the moment made her shake involuntarily. Yet her mind raced with another matter. Valentina, don’t you dare go back on your word and tell him. We had an agreement!

  “That was so scaryю I barely managed to raise my defense. It was so powerful. I was surprised to open my eyes here. The pain was unbearable when I fainted.” The timid demonkin raised slightly from her bed, positioning herself more upright.

  “That fiend had appeared out of nowhere as soon as we finished the blood wolf alpha while we were gathering the spoils. I’m pretty sure it was the reason the pack fled there in the first place.” Valentina quickly caught up. Her voice was still trembling as she remembered the feeling of death breathing down her neck at that moment. She managed to throw a glance towards Helena. I’m not about to break the agreement.

  “Oh, well. I get that what you've been through is hard, but there is no need to be so defensive. I promise I won’t bite. I'm here to support you. The thing you had to go through was very unfortunate. Honestly, I can relate. And as a matter of fact, I did not have anything to verify. It was just a young boy in me fooling around. Those reactions of yours were worth it.” The man smiled the warmest smile, like a dad would smile proud of his daughters. Releasing most of the early tension.

  “Ha-ha, it was a good fun! But the important thing is that we have finished the investigation of the sure. And there is some concerning information I have to share with you.” The big man stared intently, his features radiating deep contemplation and a serious doubt.

  “What information? For us?” Helena inquired with disbelief, her forehead furrowing with curiosity.

  “Yes. We verified that Minotaur indeed traveled directly from the Land of the Beast. Our scouts were able to track the hoofprints back. But it seemed like he had a certain goal… A purpose,” the headmaster started with the shocking bit, his expression tensed hard.

  “But what's even more strange is that it was, in fact, drawn to something specific. A place, or maybe a thing, that it was driven towards. Not just mindlessly wondering. Yet that is merely just a small piece of this mystery. We found the leftover traces of unusual magic at the site.” Two women looked at each other with cold shivers down their spines.

  But when Falrog continued, the weight of those worries lifted from their shoulders. To a certain extent.

  “The fact was that the beast met its end due to a timed self-absorption spell. And that was what saved you. Otherwise we would not be talking now but scraping your remains from the floor of the forest.” The man looked at them with a saddened expression. Definitely thinking about all the brave adventurers who lost their lives.

  “A timed spell? I've never even heard about anything like that before.” Helena crossed her arms, her expression perplexed.

  “Well, that’s not a surprise to anyone. You are a swordmaiden, not a mage, so you don’t need such deep magic knowledge. The timed self-absorption spell is a specialized, contract-level magic. If certain conditions are not met within a specified timeframe, the creature under the spell self-destructs, well, in a common sense. On the deeper level, it is just shredded into pieces by the magic power stored inside.” Valentina replied with a sense of accomplishment as a magic scholar. Like being the best of the class in the Royal Academy was her one and only real source of pride.

  “So that self-absorption or whatever was what saved us?” The swordmaiden's voice sounded perplexed as she spoke, her eyes widening.

  “Exactly, that is what happened. There is no doubt. That Minotaur ran out of time to fulfill its task. One of our investigators speculated that it was somehow held up on its way. So, it exploded right after delivering that initial blow. Can you imagine? Such a case of misfortune and fortune at the same time. Both of you should try gambling.” Followed a reply from a headmaster as he chuckled with both maidens joining for a brief moment.

  “But this also implied that a certain someone, and a mighty powerful mage at that, placed this spell with a specific purpose?” Valentina thought deeply, her face a canvas painted with realization.

  “Correct,” the mountain of a man agreed, nodding thoughtfully. “That is the reason our investigation must continue on further. Until we get to the root of the cause. It's still too early to draw any conclusions. But I can promise to update you on any significant developments.”

  “Thank you, Headmaster.” The brown-eyed woman bowed slightly, holding her bandaged hand as waves of pain throbbed through it. A hint of concern crept into her voice.

  “But I can’t help but wonder. What's the reason for sharing this information with us at the early stage of the investigation? Wouldn’t it be logical to let us know all afterward?” The demonkin woman butted in.

  “Hah, you’re sharper than you look.” The man exclaimed. “Befriending a famous swordmaiden of the Esberth family suits you well.”

  Falrog continued, leaning forward slightly and bringing his voice to a near whisper. “We have all the reasons to believe the monster was targeting one of you. Unfortunately, our best magical deduction investigators could trace nothing more than the remnants of that contract spell, but the final destination was right there. Which means that you didn’t just happen to be in its way.” The man looked around, making sure no other ears were close.

  “What?! T-that sounds ridiculous! One of us was the target? Who can be such powerful and vile bastards?” Valentina exclaimed, shaking her head in disbelief and frustration.

  The headmaster felt that the information was too much to digest. The tension in their eyes was rising. Yet he had to tell them that they could be the target of someone so powerful. So he decided to leave it at that, for now, and give them some room to breathe.

  “Young ladies, please, accept my apology for taking your time and bringing you far from the kindest news while you are still recuperating,” he said, rising to his feet.

  “Please, take good care of yourselves. If there's anything you wish to discuss or if you require assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to me through the clerks. They will know. The Adventurers Company will do everything in its power.” He said with a warm look over his face while slowly moving towards the door.

  Right before grabbing the handle, he turned around and gazed at them with a patronizing look.

  “Oh, one more thing!”

  “For heaven's sake, please try to get along. We do not need any commotions like the last time.” His words stung. Falrog winked over his shoulder and abruptly left the room. Leaving the girls in stunned silence.

  Each of them realized that the secretly cunning man had known everything about their fallout right from the start. And, for some reason, the headmaster was letting it slide, obviously, just this once. The man could have easily ended their adventurous careers by the snap of his fingers, yet he decided not to.

  They both sighed and exhaled loudly, finally able to relax back at their cushions. Throwing each other dissatisfied yet puzzled gazes.

  The atmosphere thickened with unspoken words as they sat in silence for the remainder of the day, both lost in their separate reflections. The weight of the Minotaur's goal and the absorption spell bothered them. A new revelation they were now both wrestling with.

  The urge to speak lingered between them, but neither was willing to break the steely silence that had settled in. It was a sight not familiar to the medical personnel. They were all used to the girls bickering all the time. Being at each other's throats for hours upon hours with no end. Eventually, the day drifted to a close without a single word passed between them as they succumbed to sleep.

  The following morning came. During breakfast, Valentina finally mustered her courage. Suppressing her ego, she felt it was the time t make things right.

  “S-so, how about we grab a few drinks? The one I owe you” The timid mage proposed, jerking her head, her tone apologetic. “This food tastes horrendous.” She managed a genuine light smile on her tender rose lips.

  “Hmm, well, you owe me that much… And so much more!” Helena grinned through her teeth.

  “With conditions only. The entire tab is on you, no matter how much I order.” The long-haired woman shot back, with an authoritative tone.

  “And you'll have to tell me everything. And I mean everything about my pendant and house of yours.” She did not hold back drilling the small demonkin with her eyes through.

  “I mean… Oh, okay, fine! I was out of the line. I agree, no need to be so stingy. But the fault is on me. I’ll just ask you to answer some of my questions too,” Valentina attempted to maintain a fa?ade of confidence, though it faltered slightly.

  Valentina grimaced, yet she nodded in agreement.

  And when the hospital staff finally came to check on them, both beds were already cold and empty. The remnants of barely even touched breakfasts left on the trays.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  The “Sprained Ankle” was a bustling tavern as usual, alive with the chatter of adventurers and travelers alike.

  The place boasted a lavish menu filled with exotic dishes and some of the best alcohol from around the region. The secrets of their seasoning and brewing were closely guarded family traditions. Marked up with reasonable prices, the place allowed visitors from most backgrounds to savor the finest meals in town.

  While the owner's family never aimed to be extraordinary, running their business as one would an ordinary town tavern. It still became the most loved and famous place for your stomach in Vellos.

  Helena and Valentina chose a cozy table at the far corner, right up at the wall. The surface sagged under the weight of the food and drinks they had ordered. Pork ribs glazed in a sweet sauce, aromatic grilled cheese bread, crispy chicken skewers, azure boar stew, and a multitude of other mouthwatering dishes surrounded them.

  And to wash it all down, a dozen mugs of the tavern's renowned special spiced hot butterbeer wafted with swirls of spiced smoke.

  “I’ve told you a hundred times already,” Helena insisted, her cheeks burning with heat. “This was a gift from my grandfather! He gave it to me when I was very young, in recognition of my potential for swordsmanship. Usual family business.”

  “That just can’t be right!” Valentina interrupted, her voice loud and sharp. “It's an insignia of a collateral branch of the Kavardan family. The faction was responsible for investigation and intelligence. No human could possess something so private without stealing it.”

  “Ugh, why are you still babbling about?! Do you happen to have sawdust for your brain?!” The swordwoman snapped. As she shot back with a look of displeasure.

  “First, stop screaming about it so openly and lower your voice. You’re going around as a powerful mage. You went to the academy, but it seems that intelligence leaves your brain the moment family gets into the picture!” Helena looked at her and sighed. Maybe she’s not as bright as she believes herself to be.

  “Let me chew it for you. Did it not occur to you that, perhaps, there is a possibility? Like, my grandfather somehow could be connected to that organization of yours? You just told me that they were experts in intelligence and espionage. So isn’t it logical they may have used agents and trusted individuals from other nations?” She rolled her eyes. Grandfather, what have you been hiding all this time?! Should I dig deeper or stop here…

  That made Valentina pause, as she sat there frozen for a moment. Looking for an answer. “Ekh, oh, well… Come to think about it, that actually makes sense,” she considered the possibility and conceded, her expression softening.

  “Let’s imagine that that is the case, for now. I’ll have to learn more about that family of your. You have to tell me everything about your grandfather.”

  “Like hell!” Helena cut her off.

  “Why would share such sensitive information with some stranger, the one who attacked and tried to steal from me? Do you still have amnesia?! You act like some spoiled, needy brat.” The long-haired woman did not mince her words, her voice rising.

  “Oh, I get it…” Timid demonkin lowered her gaze before raising it again.

  “I’ve apologized multiple times already. Yes, I promised that I would own up to it. Indeed, I have acted too rashly, without much thought. In my defense. It’s just…when I saw the pendant, I couldn't help myself. My feelings at that time clouded my judgment. You know how bad my family's situation is.” Valentina’s voice quivered slightly, her eyes brimming with tears at the corners.

  “You are indeed a baffling individual,” the swordmaiden remarked, biting deep into a juicy pork rib that sent sauce dripping down her chin.

  “It’s just beyond me. How can you look so fragile and vulnerable at one moment and turn into a ruthless demon in a heartbeat? Huht, I suppose, that is the part of your race’s charm. Still, I’d prefer if you could, at least, find some balance between the two.” Woman said, words muffled by her loud chewing.

  “Well, what can you understand about the noblewoman's charm… You look like an ogre when you eat!” Valentina teased her back.

  “What’s that supposed to mean? I’m just eating! Do you think you can survive an adventurer's life without putting food into your stomach? You’ve barely touched anything. You’ll get dead drunk by the second mug. Or is it your true intention?” Helena raised her eyebrow, a mix of playfulness and a hint of concern traced in her tone.

  “I'm not hungry. And… I’ll have to pay for the whole feast. I’m starting to doubt I’ll be able to afford that appetite of yours. I’m not sure if you’re a woman or a pig.” The mage shot another glance over the multitude of dishes. Helena did not mind it at all as she grabbed another plate and shoveled everything into hers, already empty.

  “But a promise is a promise. Just fill your plate as much as you like. It’s part of my sincere apology.” The young demonkin girl was visibly confused. While Helena could sense that she was sincere, for once.

  “I may pretend that I did not hear your words. But you better prepare your purse, as my retaliation is close,” Helena grinned, finishing the mug of beer in a single continuous gulp.

  “Oh, well, I suppose, nothing can be done. But, you know, I was… Just thinking… Do you think we can officially register a party? You know… Work together, once again…” Valentina murmured with a hopeful gleam in her eyes. Slightly rubbing with her legs, anxiously.

  Helena paused, putting her dish aside, tapping her fingers on the wooden table. She locked her gaze with the other girl. Her deep red eyes were full of hope.

  “Hmm, I'm not entirely sure whether I can trust you enough. A single feast does not fix bad blood,” she finally responded, caution and doubt in her tone.

  “Yes… I understand, and the full responsibility is with me. But. I really want to. I mean it. I want us to work together.” The timid woman took a long breath, gathering her thoughts.

  “We may have started wrong, but even for that short period, you saw how well we can work together. You don’t have many options here, and with the proper chemistry, we can rise through the ranks. I have my reasons. You have yours. Yet currently our goals are perfectly aligned. This can become a great opportunity for both!” Helena was struck by such a logical conclusion. Valentina attempted to be as reasonable as possible without pushing the matter too hard.

  Soooo… This girl is finally using that brain of hers. Maybe, just maybe. Could I really give her another chance? Ugh, she pinned me well with a lack of options. However, I need to take some precautions. Helena rolled her eyes to the side, deeply contemplating all the options.

  After a long pause, she finally exhaled heavily and responded.

  “What you’re saying does make sense, but I’m still quite wary of you. It’s not like I believe that I could reach my goals all alone, no matter how I believe in myself. Heck, surviving that Minotaur attack was just sheer luck. Or I simply want to believe it was for a reason.” She pressed her temples, and as Valentina passed her a fresh mug of butterbeer.

  “Yeah, you get it! That’s what I mean. But the choice is fully yours. I won’t beg for you to take me in. I truly feel disgusted by my previous behavior.” Her shoulders slumped as she averted her gaze in shame.

  “Ah, to hell with that. J-just… Fuck it!” Helena bubbled. The alcohol was cruising through her bloodstream.

  “Enough with that perpetual apology thing. I think I can believe in your sincerity. You convinced me to move past the point. When family is involved, I can get it.” With another sip, Helena recalled some of her grandfather’s words.

  “There are actually no more hard feelings.” The woman managed a weird smile, like she had never even smiled before. Her cheeks were already hot and red from all the drinks. Sweet warmth filled her body.

  “Really? You mean it?” Valentina's expression brightened. She jerked her hand, nearly rolling over some plates, barely catching them and only spilling a few drops on the floor.

  “Pfft, talk about gratefulness.” Helena's resonant laughter filled the room. As soon as she was able to stop, she added. “Yes, I really mean it. But I do have some conditions. No way to weasel out so easily for you.”

  “Of course! Just let me know. Whatever is needed. You can even decrease my share to thirty percent spoils, or to hell with that, maybe even twenty for...” The demonkin's face was one of sheer delight as she was interrupted by another woman.

  “No,” Helena replied with a serious gaze. “The rule for this party is that everything is distributed evenly between all members. That, in fact, will be one of the conditions. The other one is that you will have a three-month trial period.”

  “What do you mean by a trial period?” Valentina asked, tilting her head with a puzzled look.

  “Simple. We’ll sign a magic contract that your time at the party will be temporary for the first three months, and you’ll have to behave yourself. If you break my trust, you’re out, and we part ways. But if you manage, we’ll continue working together normally henceforth.” Helena extended her hand towards the mage girl for a shake.

  “I humbly accept all those terms!” The young girl replied immediately without a hint of hesitation, her features alight with real determination as the girls shook on it.

  “Well, well. How fast it was, you must be desperate.” The swodmaiden chuckled.

  “For that, we need to have a toast. Time to celebrate tonight until we can’t stand. We have lived to tell the tale. Cheers!” Helena raised her mug for a bump with her former foe and now, once again, her party member.

  “Cheers!” the other girl exclaimed in unison, laughter bubbling up as they clanged their mugs hard together, spilling a good portion of their drinks.

  The rest of the evening unfolded with vibrant chatter and hearty laughter as both women began to embrace the rediscovered camaraderie.

  Early in the morning, a new party was once again solidified. After chatting late into the night yesterday while being drunk enough, two girls came to realize that their families connections might be deeper than they had ever anticipated.

  On one hand, it was unusual that Elsbeth's family had been such a lower-class noble house, yet they had managed to produce more than one legendary swordmaster for generations without ever rising through the ranks.

  While on the other hand, it was more than weird that Kavardan, being the closest and most loyal to the royal family of the Kingdom of Gravitas, traced countless generations back. Until they were suddenly accused of treason and fell from grace with mind-boggling speed.

  The pendant Helena received from her grandfather seemed to hold a clue to answer both of those questions. Or at least they were inclined to believe that.

  Valentina had asked one of her close acquaintances to investigate the matter deeper. Asking them to seek contact with scattered individuals from the sprout branch of Kelestine.

  Suddenly the matter became bigger and deeper, as much as their worries. Yet without any additional pointers for now, they decided to continuously pick up quests. Both of them were desperate. And that desperation was for money, and lots of it.

  For all intents and purposes, it would be crucial if they ever wanted to reach their goals. Improving their skills and combat abilities was a welcome bonus too. Yet this time the women decided to tread more cautiously. Dying was not on their list.

  So for the entire next week, they engaged in rigorous questing from dawn until dusk. With the primary focus on the medium-grade monster extermination contracts. To secure valuable resources that they could sell at the Company, in addition to the rewards from the quests themselves.

  Helena's high rank allowed them to cherry-pick the good ones with substantial rewards. They gained an astonishing pace. The record-breaking day saw them finish three separate experimentations.

  Occasionally they were taken on caravan and noble protection duties along the roads, especially when those aligned with their destinations.

  And by the end of the week, both felt drained and utterly exhausted. Their skills and teamwork were improving at astonishing speed. But the main issue appeared to be that neither of them was accustomed to such a demanding regimen.

  For that reason, their energy levels depleted quicker than they had ever anticipated. And they now lacked the proper spirit. The morale was at the bottom, with no way to remain upbeat and optimistic. Despite all the achievements, they just felt like they were in the dumps.

  Yet the biggest issue was that the financial gains did little to alleviate their concerns. Even without deducting costs for accommodation that was still paid. The provisions, gear maintenance, and small leisure activities gnawed on their budget like wildfire.

  By the end of the week, two young women discovered that they were not amassing any significant amount of wealth. It was far from what they imagined.

  “So, our total profit for the week is just one hundred gold coins. That leaves us with fifty coins each,” Helena declared, her voice echoing off the walls as she kicked off her boots to the corner. Letting out a weary puff, she slumped onto the bed. The fabric of her bedspread crumpled beneath her, as the accumulated day's fatigue rendered her immobilized.

  “Ah, damn, that really sucks! Why can’t we earn more? We hardly spend on anything aside from necessities. And that’s while the room is paid until the end of the month. You should have made that ugly bastard pay for a year instead. I don’t get it. This is so frustrating!” Valentina puffed her cheeks.

  She let out a cry, her voice bubbling with indignation as she swept some papers from the table. The mage girl clenched her staff with all her strength, looking like she was trying to break it. But the girl lacked the strength, so she ended up standing there while looking at the papers on the floor, with a frown on her face.

  “Ah, this is unbearable,” Helena replied, her tone heavy with disappointment as she rolled over to her back, looking at the ceiling.

  “We are taking the best possible task, and still, we earn brudcrubs compared to other adventurers of the same ranks. And, oh fuck, the work is just grueling…” She managed to sit up, her expression mirroring the weight of her words, a dissatisfaction deeply rooted on her face.

  “Is there really a way for us to earn more? We should be right at the top, and yet it feels like we’re barely scraping by. At this rate, it’ll take us years to reach our goals, assuming we survive like this. I just hate it now. Maybe the nobles were not meant for this!” Valentina's frustration bubbled over as she hurled her staff toward the wardrobe. The sound of hardwood hitting over the wooden frame echoed in the small room.

  “Ah, don’t be so loud, my head hurts. I think we just need to relax and take a breather. But I feel you. We should think reasonably,” the long-haired woman urged camply, her voice softening as she rose to her feet. Dropping out of her hard leather brigandine armor.

  “Still, it's tough. A break could be nice. Yet if we look at it from another angle, it is not all doom and gloom.” She reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Valentina's shoulder. The room was too thick with exhaustion and bitterness.

  “Do you have something specific in mind?” The timid demonkin girl asked, her tone shifting as a glimmer of hope. A flicker of fire danced in her red eyes. Her pale, white skin was still red from earlier outbursts.

  “Yeah, I’m trying to think of possibilities,” Helena replied, her brow twitching as a plan began to form in her mind.

  “Come on, don’t drag on it, just tell me what it is.” Valentina leaned in, her curiosity piqued, earlier despair momentarily forgotten.

  “This might be a bit ambitious,” she said, her tone tired, yet excited. “What are your thoughts on hunting the low-rank Legendary Beasts?”

  “Legendary?!” The demonkin's brows shot up.

  “Will be just another suicide. I know you’re capable, but we’d need extra help to even stand a chance. I still have my dreams left to chase. I’m far too young to die. You are well aware, right?” Valentina replied, a mixture of fear and contemplation coloring her voice. She walked back and forth, shaking her head as if trying to organize her thoughts with the wooden floor creaking.

  “Hey, yeah, I feel the same way. But you already said it: we just require extra help, or rather, an extra member. The time has come to expand our party. We just need to find a trustworthy, inexperienced adventurer of proper rank to join us. Low-rank Legendary monsters is the best way to earn money,” Helena suggested, her eyes sparkling with a blend of determination and excitement.

  “Young, inexperienced, and with the proper rank. Sounds like a fairytale.” The demonkin voice was full of doubt.

  “I don’t think you’re realistic here. We know all the mid- and high-rank adventurers in Vellos. They are all tied up within established parties. And there are none for us to join. The ones looking for members are mostly low-rank beginners,” Valentina countered the idea. As the realization dampened her mood again.

  “True, and the likelihood of a high-caliber adventurer appearing out of nowhere is very slim, but never zero.” The spark glinted in the young sow maiden's eyes as her comrade gave her a puzzled look.

  “Look… You've been in this town for a while. You know its history. Do you remember what day it is tomorrow?” Helena pressed on, her voice laced with urgency and weight.

  “Ah, don’t tell me?! Are you thinking about the Commemoration Day of that monster attack?!” The demonkin girl exclaimed, her eyes widened. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place inside her head.

  “Exactly! It’s the day when numerous fresh recruits come to the Adventurers Company for their evaluation test. And it's one of those rare occasions when renowned fortune seekers come to Vellos to showcase their skills. There’s just bound to be a hidden gem among them. And I have sharp enough eyes to notice.” Her voice was full of confidence. She brushed her hair back in a fluid motion as she spun around on one leg.

  “Well, that sounds like something. But still, we can’t be so sure to succeed. Switching to betting can have the same rate of success.” Valentina replied, skepticism lingering in her tone while slightly softened by intrigue and possibilities.

  “Of course, the odds are low. But precisely on that day, they’re significantly higher than usual. Plus, we don’t really have too many options. Beggars can’t be choosers.” Helena insisted, as she slightly pushed the timid girl's shoulder with hers.

  “Well, when you put it like that, I suppose we can give it a shot. But more importantly, does that mean a few rest days? Maybe we should visit that bathhouse?” Valentina brightened up, her demeanor shifting back to one of optimism.

  “Not quite the rest, but less work than usual. Let’s discuss the further details during supper. We have to stay on our toes tomorrow and ensure we don’t miss any opportunities. Sharp and rested.” Followed the response. The swordmaiden took a long, deep breath to steady herself for the planning ahead.

  “Oh no, that serious expression with fiery determination again… Another restless night. You're no fun at all! Why are you so dull at your age?” Valentina said with a mix of playfulness and seriousness as she grinned.

  “Hah, you have some nerve to say it to my face! There's no other way around. Remember, we’re doing this to secure our future,” Helena affirmed, a resolute hint of a smirk forming on her lips.

  The evening stretched on as they diligently strategized. Helena meticulously detailing the traits they sought in a potential party recruit. Her focus was palpable, her mind racing through scenarios, considering how the right addition could amplify their strength and seamlessly fill the gaps in their current abilities.

  She assessed that with her speed and attack power, it would be great to get someone with enough firepower to the front line and still be able to absorb enough damage. A tank-hybrid warrior.

  This would allow Helena to focus either on going around the enemy line or covering the flanks for Valentina, who would unleash her most powerful offensive spells with time for full incantations and buffs to the allies.

  But even among all the adventurers they knew, there were barely a few individuals that would fall into such a category perfectly. Generally, warriors just chose one path: damage or defense, with nothing in between. They were fully focused on honing their skills for a single role. Hybrid classes were extremely rare, and mostly freaks of nature or idiots who wanted to stand out like they were special picked those. Ultimately, even prodigies gifted from birth could not always pull it off and rarely dared to try.

  Trending such a path could have easily hindered one’s chances of joining the powerful party. As none would require such composition in one member, they usually filled the slots with safer choices.

  But weirdly enough, they had the party where this would be the ideal scenario for them. Nevertheless, they still had to think of all other options if they could not find anyone falling into the right category.

  When morning finally dawned, they found themselves slumped at the desk. The remnants of a long night spent in deep contemplation left both young women looking utterly disheveled.

  Yet a renewed sense of purpose was glimmering with this new day. They could feel a promise of things to come.

  And for some reason, everything felt different, revitalized, even within themselves. Something was surely building in the air, but they could not yet grasp it.

  This day! Soon, enough! They thought to themselves.

  The final revision and update for RR of this chapter was done!

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