As she readjusts my posture like how an instructor would get hands on and move parts of your body to meet their requirements, my minds at a different place. Mostly because she's way too close, that may be a given but I can't quite concentrate at this rate.
"Just a little bit forward, and your leg needs to... Hm, is there something wrong?"
Noticing my aloofness even though I should be paying attention, I avert my gaze.
"I-It's nothing... but... Talking about postures and such, sorta reminds me of correct postures to take when you're playing baseball..."
"Baseball..? Is that some sort of game?"
"A-ah, yeah, it's a sport from the world I was from. It was rather popular with people around my age."
"Oo, I see. I suppose it's something like training drills if it's to do with correct postures.~"
"I guess..? Though speaking of training... How long have you been adventuring for?"
Given her status parameters, her equipment, connections and her level, I could only assume she's been at it for quite a long time.
"Hmm..."
Giving me a firm pat on the back as though to signal we're taking a break, I turn to her as she appears to be in deep thought.
"It took awhile for me to learn the ropes after I was taken in... I guess the general term would be that it's been a really long time, I was a little kid back then."
Resting against the plains, she stretches her limbs and lies down.
"Hehe, those times may have been rough, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I couldn't grasp most of what he tried to teach me."
"Is that right?"
"Yup.~ Oh, and speaking of training... There's something I haven't taught you yet."
Sitting back up, she gestures for me to come closer as I take a seat beside her.
"Like the skill you shown us at the herbalist, you can have a look at the skills you've acquired."
"Skills? ...Like that potion enhancement or what not?"
"Yup, that one!"
Gesturing with her index finger, she mentions that skills may be acquired upon rebirth; like with our status parameters, we could be given skills as well according to our previous lives.
"So like how one would think to see their status, you can bring up the list of skills you've acquired."
"Hmm..."
Following the same procedure, a window soon pops out in front of me, but unlike my status sheet, this one is devoid of any text asides from two boxes.
"Oo, yes that's it. Hehe, you're getting the hang of this, aren't you?"
「Rank: III」「Potion Enhancement」
Enhance finite amount of potions equal to the skill rank.
※Refreshes upon the beginning of each day.
「 ? ? ? 」
Requirements not yet met.
"Not yet met..?"
Staring at my skills, for starters I've already know of the existence of my so called Potion Enhancement, how I have the ability is unknown to me but... What's the deal with the second box?
"Hmm, I'd suppose that'd explain the reason you weren't able to enhance the other potions."
"What do you mean?"
"You grabbed the three reds first, didn't you? And according to the skill description, you're limited to three at the moment."
"Is that right..?"
While the green potions Luel offered me are more potent than the reds, I guess I should keep an eye on this ability for future reference...
"Supposedly... You most likely need to keep training with that ability to increase its rank, if you tap on them you can see how far you've progressed to the next rank."
3/100, or so it says... So it's three a day, and I've already consumed all the red potions I had from pora hunting.
"How about this other skill, it's marked with three question marks."
"Mm, I was wondering about that too. But it's locked at the moment, so you can't do much about it. If the requirements haven't been met, then all you need to do is hope that you meet the requirements some day."
"Well that's helpful..."
It may as well not even be there.
Soon after Rosebelle brings out a sort of bread roll which was wrapped in parchment paper. With it being relatively hefty in size, it was pre cut into two halves as she handed me one.
Graciously accepting her offer as my stomach answered first, she giggled just a slight as we both take bites from them.
...
Eventually, we return towards the entrance of the city as she then stops before reaching the drawbridge.
"Rosebelle?"
"I'll be back in time for dinner, once you hand in the request, you should use it at the bathhouse. You won't regret it.~"
"S-Sure... But where are you-"
I soon remember the request she accepted earlier in the day as she them nods like she knew what I was thinking.
"You're not saying you're going on that alone?"
"It may be just its nest that I'll be dealing with, but I'm sure it's lurking not too far away. Someone has to get rid of it or else the docks would be in trouble."
"Yeah but... If that's the case then-"
"No!"
About to offer my assistance, she denies it in a flash.
"Akira, you promised didn't you? That you won't do anything reckless, and facing a Griffon at your current level is just that."
"But, you're there too, if-"
"...Akira, I'm not so sure if there's a better way to say this, but..."
Looking for a term to soften the blow, I already knew what's on her mind.
"...Sorry. I can't believe you made me make that promise in advance. You knew, didn't you? That I'd follow."
"Mm, I knew the moment I thought about taking the request. Akira, I don't think you truly understand the dangers of this world. It's lovely yes, however, it's also frightening and unforgiving. All it takes is one false move, sometimes you won't even see it coming."
For some reason the nagging sensation with me hasn't gone away as it only grew into a sickening feeling.
"Come on, Akira.~ Don't give me that look. I'll be back. I fought many griffons in the past and that was when I didn't have Dawnbringer."
"You'll come back, right?"
"I will, so be a good boy and wait for me."
Clenching my fist, I know I'm close to nothing, however, since Rosebelle has been helping me out, I'm determined to repay her in anyway I can.
"...All right, I'll wait."
So that just means I just need to listen to her.
"Hehe, that's what I want to hear.~ Then I'll be off! IF you want we can meet back at the Sleeping Ogre, just tell the tender that you'll be using my room, he'll know what I mean."
"Gotcha. ...Have a safe trip, Rosebelle."
Taking off in small strides, she turns back in small intervals as we exchanged waves until I could no longer see her.
"Guess it's bath time, wonder how that'd be like. Though, I do have to hand in the request first so I'm not entirely broke."
...
Following the path, I soon realise this is the first time we've been apart as I constantly relied on her. Now t hat I'm alone, I feel strangely anxious.
"What are you, a child that got separated from their Mother? Get a grip."
Slapping my cheeks, I step into the Adventurers Hub and towards the counter. Before I could ring the bell, the lady steps in as though she was waiting.
"It's about time. Hm, what's with that look? Rose finally got tired of you and ditched you?"
"Well..."
"Hmph, well I know she wouldn't do that. She asked you to stay back in safely because you'd only hold her back.
"Basically..."
She didn't have to put it so bluntly.
"There's nothing a fresh Hero Candidate can offer in the matter."
"I just thought I could at least do something for her."
Breathing deep through the cigarette like object, she holds her breath for a short moment before releasing the smoke out as she faces away from me.
"Then it should be clear on what you should do, no? Get stronger, stronger to the point she wouldn't feel inclined to leave you behind."
...
Entering the bathhouse, after paying the fee which was 5 seraphs, the place generally looked like similar to bathhouses from where I'm from. After figuring out where the men's side is, I pre wash myself before entering the large bath situated at the back of the room.
"Nothing like a hot bath..."
While there are a few other people occupying the same space, the vicinity is large enough that it's possible to avoid contact with others. Not to mention the bath I'm currently in could fit a few dozen.
"Hmm..."
Taking the time to think over her words, it's true that if I want to follow behind her, I'd have to get stronger.
"Although..."
Being only half way towards level 2, the distance between us is vast. I guess that just means I have to work harder.
...
Entering Rosebelle's room after mentioning it to the person behind the counter, I sit against the chair and wait.
With a few bits and bobs here and there, the room is almost identical to the one I stayed in, asides from the bed which looks a lot more comfortable.
"..."
My heart rushes, my face flushes as I turn away.
"You're still just a child after all!"
I exclaim as I try to derail my train of thoughts.
"Hahh... Come back soon, Rosebelle..."
...
As evening came, Rosebelle still did not return as I became more concerned of her safety. But since she has mentioned she's taken on a bunch of griffons before in the past without the help of the Dawnbringer, perhaps my worry for her is unnecessary.
"Still..."
I couldn't help wonder, as the nagging sensation inside continued to grow, I head down stairs to have a word with the person behind the counter; about the location of the docks and the quickest route there. Of course it'd be wise to check the Adventurers Hub once more just in case she only just returned.
However, the moment I got there the lady has still yet to see her.
"Don't do anything foolish now."
Reminding me of my place, I simply left without word and depart from the city towards the docks. Only then will I figure out the location of the hill.
With there being a few dirt paved roads with signs at the beginning of cross roads, it was still rather tricky to navigate even with directions.
"Next time... I should purchase a map."
With one item on my priority list, I continue moving forward. It was only until I came to a fork in the road which lead to the docks that I spot a large towering hill in the distance. Following the trail before hitting the plains, I climb the hill surrounded by trees as I eventually reach the summit. It was then that a large nest came into sight.
"Is that..?"
The nest is too big for regular birds, heck a few humans could rest inside with no problem.
"Rosebelle?"
With her nowhere to be seen, I expected some sort of engagement between her and some monsters, but I'm met with placidity; but strangely this peace is even more terrifying.
"...The nest is still here."
The request was the removal of a griffons nest, so if it's still remaining then, Rosebelle may still be here.
Walking around scanning the area, I soon find signs of battle in the opposite direction from which I came from. Heading down the hill into the thickets of the surrounding trees, numerous holes the size of golf balls almost lead a trail towards fallen trees.
"What the..."
Gazing further down, dozens of tree have feel from jagged carvings on their trunks.
Pacing myself down, my anxiety soars as I almost tumble the way down.
"Rosebelle? Rosebelle!"
Desperately calling out to her as I continue my search, a small voice soon calls out to me; telling me to stay away. However, I ignore her plea and tread further on.
"R-Rose...belle..?"
Finally meeting up with her, she's resting against a fallen tree trunk in a messy state.
"I told you to wait for me... didn't I?"
"S-Sorry... but I..."
Almost choking on my words, I'm left at a loss as I find it difficult to breath at regular intervals. Sitting amidst the aftermath of an intense battle, Rosebelle attempts to cover herself, however, with it all laying bare to me already, she finds her efforts futile and looks the other way.
"It just had to be you... Akira... I didn't want you to see me like this..."
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