Chapter 2

After leaving the Adventurers' Guild, I looked around and chased after Teresa.

I thought she had gone far away while I was teasing Lux, but she was sitting on a park bench, her hands on her knees, looking down.

I bought two fried dough pastries from a nearby stand and approached her, calling out, "Hey!"

Our eyes met as Teresa looked up. Her large, sparkling eyes caught my gaze.

"First, eat this to cheer up."

She took it, looking back and forth between me and the fried dough pastry, puzzled.

"If something bad happens, eat something first. You'll feel better once you're full."

As I started eating the fried dough pastry, Teresa narrowed her eyes and watched me intently.

She looked like a wary small animal.

After watching me for a while, Teresa's stomach growled, and she started eating.

The delicious smell wafted over, and it seemed she couldn't resist her hunger any longer.

I observed her as she ate the fried dough pastry with her small mouth, working hard to finish it.

Rumors say she can use incredibly powerful magic, but looking at her now, she just seems like an ordinary young mage.

After finishing the fried dough pastry, Teresa looked up at me again. Her expression seemed a bit better, probably because her stomach was full.

"I was there when it happened earlier."

As I said this, her eyes wavered. It was understandable; she had just been kicked out of her party.

She couldn't help but be shocked.

"Your misdeeds are known throughout the Adventurers' Guild."

What Lux said about "not being able to coordinate" also points to a problem on her part.

While Teresa can use powerful magic, she apparently doesn't call out when casting it.

This has led to issues with coordination, and her magic has grazed her teammates several times.

All the adventurers in this town know this, so she won't be able to form a party with anyone in the future.

Realizing this, she gripped her knees and looked down, falling into a funk again.

"Would you like to form a party with me?"

She looked up sharply, her eyes wide with surprise as she stared at me.

"I'm interested in the magic you're rumored to use, and I've been adventuring solo for a long time. I think it might not be a bad idea to try forming a party."

Teresa's eyes locked onto mine, studying me intently.

Her eyebrows moved several times, and her expression changed rapidly. From a suspicious look to a troubled one, then a sudden realization, and finally a sad, resigned look.

It must have been about ten minutes.

Eventually, she nodded, agreeing to adventure with me.

"Okay. Well, let's introduce ourselves. My name is Galion. I'm 18 years old and became an adventurer six months ago. I just came from a small village. Nice to meet you!"

I introduced myself and extended my right hand for a handshake.

Teresa grabbed my hand and shook it enthusiastically. Her hand was very small and cold.