At a corner table in the Adventurers' Guild hall, five individuals gathered to prepare for a goblin-slaying quest.
"Let's introduce ourselves again—briefly this time," Lynn said. "Just your name and class. No need to waste time."
Is that her way of saying we're a waste of time? The unspoken thought echoed in the minds of the other four, though none dared voice it aloud.
Following her instruction, the de facto leader went first.
"I'm Alex, a mage knight adventurer."
A mage knight—or mage swordsmaster—was a hybrid class that combined swordsmanship with spellcasting. Since he referred to himself as a knight rather than a swordsmaster, Arezu guessed he might be of noble blood or had been knighted by one.
Alex's light blonde hair matched his refined, handsome features. He stood at around 185 centimeters tall, about the same as Arezu. Two swords were strapped across his back—clearly a dual wielder—and he wore black leather armor beneath a long black coat, complete with matching arm and knee guards.
"I'm Liz, a valkyrie adventurer," said the girl seated next to Alex.
Her reddish-brown hair was tied in a braided bun, keeping it secure for combat. Though smaller than Alex, Liz wore significantly heavier gear—a gray battle dress reinforced with silver plate armor across her vitals. A silver longsword and a large black shield completed her look.
Next was the soft-spoken girl beside her.
"I'm Hannah, a priestess adventurer."
With shoulder-length blue hair, pristine white vestments, and a calm, serene demeanor, she looked every bit the part. Even her black mace felt fitting.
So we've got a confident knight, a serious valkyrie, and a reliable priestess... Arezu thought. Not the usual crew for a copper-ranked party. But definitely unique.
So lost was he in thought, he didn't notice the others had turned to him, waiting.
Jolted back to reality by Lynn's cough, Arezu scrambled to introduce himself.
"I'm Arezu, a copper-rank warrior adventurer."
Simple. Honest. He left it at that. Lynn took her turn last—but with flair.
"I'm Lynn, an iron-rank mage adventurer. You lowly copper-rank doofuses should prostrate yourselves—knees, hands, forehead to the ground—and entertain me with your meaningless squabbles as you struggle for survival!"
Arezu stared in disbelief. The others wore resigned expressions, as if they'd already learned to tolerate Lynn's dramatic tendencies.
Arrogant, smug, and clearly full of herself, Arezu thought—only for Lynn to break into laughter and toss in a sarcastic apology.
Despite calling herself a mage, her equipment told a different story: a dagger at her back, a crossbow and quiver at her side. Definitely not the image of a typical staff-wielding spellcaster.
"Aren't mages usually armed with enchanted staves?" Arezu asked.
"Oh, Mr. Arezu," Lynn replied, placing a hand on her chest with mock reverence, "how could I receive offerings from my followers with both hands if I'm busy holding a staff?"
What the heck does that even mean? Arezu wondered.
"That's three, by the way."
Ignoring his bewilderment, she continued her introduction. She claimed to have been raised by the Church of Isleen, trained to use both divine blessings and mystic spells. She also boasted some combat skills, letting her serve as a mage, priestess, and scout. Arezu squinted in disbelief.
"Four! That's the fourth time you've doubted me, Mr. Arezu!"
Maybe don't start with weird jokes if you want people to believe you. Arezu thought.
Still, when he looked to the others for confirmation, they all—reluctantly—nodded. Despite her eccentricities, Lynn could back up her claims.
"Now you understand why I outrank all of you," she said with a wink. "So go ahead and worship me. I accept silver and gold—but relics and artifacts are preferred."
Despite her antics, Arezu had to admit she seemed competent. Alex, Liz, and Hannah were all copper-ranked, but their titles spoke to real experience. Mage knights and valkyries weren't bestowed lightly, and a priestess wouldn't be allowed outside church grounds without formal approval.
With introductions complete, the group shifted focus to the quest details.
The goblin-slaying mission would take place in Mead Village, located west of the capital—a day's carriage ride away. Though closer towns existed, Mead fell under the capital's jurisdiction, meaning their request for adventurers was routed through the capital's guild.
The goblins' nest was suspected to be in a nearby forest. Its exact size and population were unknown, but the fact that the villagers had only suffered minor casualties hinted at a relatively small nest—at least for now.
For their formation: Alex and Liz would serve as the vanguard; Hannah and Lynn would support from midrange; Arezu would hold the rearguard.
Normally, Arezu preferred the frontlines. But with no experience fighting alongside Alex or Liz, he risked disrupting their rhythm. Lynn had sensibly assigned him to the rear, both to protect the casters and intercept any ambushers.
Everything—the formation, supplies, schedule, and departure plan—had been coordinated by Lynn.
So, she can be serious when needed. Arezu noted, glancing at her.
Lynn caught his look and returned it with a satisfied, knowing smile.