Previously, Sora had approached a girl named Seris to learn magic. Instead of simply teaching him, Seris offered to form a party together—and Sora agreed.
After forming their party, they headed to the quest board.
"I think we can do this one. What do you say?" Seris asked, holding up a quest sheet.
"If you say so, let's go with that," Sora replied.
They went to the receptionist to confirm it.
"Defeat 5 Wolves. D-rank quest. The reward is 25 silver coins. Quest confirmed," the receptionist said.
Not long after, they reached the forest.
"Found them—three wolves. You take one, I'll handle the other two. I'll attack first," Seris instructed.
She stepped into view, drawing the wolves' attention. They growled and charged. Seris conjured a water ball in each hand and launched them simultaneously, striking two wolves. The third rushed straight at her—but Sora cast a water ball, knocking it down.
[Sora learned water ball from Seris]
With three wolves defeated, only two remained to complete their quest.
"Tell me, Sora… are you really new to magic? Back at the guild, you said—"
"Yes. The magic I used earlier was the very first spell I ever learned… and used," Sora replied.
"I didn't even teach you, but you picked it up just by watching? That's talent."
(I can't tell her it's because of the goddess' blessing…) Sora thought.
"Okay, watch this," Seris said. A breeze swirled around her, rustling the leaves. "Now you try."
"Alright…" Sora concentrated. A similar wind gathered around him and spread outward.
Seris's eyes widened. "Amazing! You really can learn just by looking."
"We—well…" Sora laughed awkwardly, still hiding the truth. "Let's continue the quest."
"Right. Let's go," Seris replied.
They continued deeper into the forest—until the sound of clashing steel reached them.
"What's that?!" Seris exclaimed.
"Over there!" Sora pointed.
They ran toward the noise and came upon a scene: a carriage surrounded by knights, a few robed figures, and armed bandits. Among them stood a man who appeared important, fighting along with the knights
"This looks bad!" Seris said. "Let's help them!" Without hesitation, she charged in, and Sora followed.
Seris cast a spell—the ground erupted with spikes, injuring or killing several bandits. The survivors rushed her. One lunged from the side, but Sora intercepted, thrusting a stick into the bandit's eye before raising a spike from the earth to finish him.
Sora's hands trembled.
"Is this the first time you killed someone?" Seris asked gently.
"…Yes," Sora admitted.
"It's alright. They're murderers themselves—don't feel guilty."
Sora took a deep breath. "…I'm fine now. Thanks, Seris."
They pressed on until all the bandits were defeated. The important-looking man approached.
"You two… thank you for your help," he said, bowing.
"Please, raise your head," Sora replied.
"We're glad we could help," Seris added.
A woman stepped out from the carriage.
"Darling!" she called.
"Stay inside—it might not be safe yet," the man urged.
Still, she bowed. "Thank you for saving us."
"My name is Stella Edelweiss," the woman introduced herself.
"Edelweiss…?" Sora's eyes narrowed in thought.
"And I am Reymark Edelweiss," the man added.
"I'm Seris, an adventurer."
"And I'm Sora—also an adventurer."
When Sora asked about their destination, Reymark explained, "We're headed to a village, searching for our daughter. We were separated because of the same incident."
Sora froze. (Lilith was separated from her parents… they were attacked by bandits too… Could it be—?)
"Mr. Reymark… is your daughter's name Lilith?"
"Yes! How do you know?!"
"I found her by the roadside near the village. She's safe and staying at the inn," Sora explained.
Reymark let out a relieved sigh. "Thank the heavens… How can I repay you?"
"You don't need to. I helped her of my own will," Sora said.
"You're very kind. Then, could you both accompany us to the village?" Reymark asked.
Sora hesitated. "We're still on a quest…"
"We can cancel it," Seris interrupted. "I'll cover the cancellation fee."
"Are you sure?" Sora asked.
"I'm sure. Let's go."
They boarded the carriage and made their way to the village. Upon arrival, they entered the inn where Lilith was staying.