Team formation

After my strange encounter with Zhoron, I continued walking through the castle's corridors, trying to get to where the others were. After a few minutes and asking some maids who passed by, I finally managed to get to the place.

Two guards opened the doors for me. My eyes were used to the darkness of the corridors, and the bright light of the room dazzled me, but once they returned to normal, I went in to see what was inside. It was a fairly large room, with tables in different places with food on them. There was a group playing live music plus maids and butlers along the walls. Everyone in the group was scattered around the room, talking in small groups.

It was an environment that I was not used to. Everything is very elegant. While looking around the room, I spotted Ryul next to one of the tables, so I headed in his direction.

"Yoo! Darx, you took too long. What were you doing? Try this food, it's delicious!"

"Harold had some questions for me. He seems to have trouble understanding what is wrong with me." I replied to Ryul as I grabbed a plate ready to serve me food.

"Everything is very crazy." Ryul then continued. "Speaking of crazy things, it's difficult to eat standing up. Why aren't chairs used in the castle?"

Now that Ryul mentions it, it is true that there are no chairs to sit down to eat. Those in the group that seems to be from a wealthy family are together and eating standing up without a problem. They can hold the plate and cup with just one hand. On the other hand, those who seem not used to this environment, like Ryul and I are next to the tables, leaving the plate on the table to eat.

"Would you like something to drink?" A waiter came over and asked.

"Ah, yes! Darx, you need to drink this. I have no idea what it is, but it tastes great."

"Sure."

As Ryul said, the drink they gave us tastes delicious, although I have no idea what it is either. The only thing I am sure of is that it is an alcoholic drink. I look around the room once again. Apart from the group of those who look from a wealthy family, there is a girl surrounded by three guys, and the rest are eating alone.

"Ryul, have you talked to someone in the group?"

"I tried to make friends with the group there, but they saw me weird and ignored me." Ryul said, pointing to the group of guys who seem wealthy. "Whatever. It's not like I care too much. After that, I started to eat, so I haven't tried to talk to anyone else."

Ryul and I keep eating and talking about various things. The musicians kept playing a very calm type of music that I had never heard since it is very different from the music that is played in the village. When suddenly, they started to play a song that I knew. It was a popular son. One which was Amelia's favorite...

"They're going again..." Ryul said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"Look!" Ryul said, pointing to the girl who was surrounded by guys. "Ever since we got here, those guys have been trying to get close to that girl."

I focused on the girl who was surrounded by three guys but now the group of wealthy guys was also next to her. It seems they are trying to get her to dance. The girl is on the other side, and since she is surrounded, I can't see her well, but it seems that she is quite beautiful.

From where I am, I can see her pink hair, and her eyes are just slightly different from what I am used to. I think I’ve heard of such people before. Supposedly they live in the northwest. A different race of humans that are called Asians.

"You like pretty girls, don't you? Didn't you try to talk to her?" I asked.

"Sure, I like pretty girls, but I know when someone is out of my league. Also, my heart belongs to Princess Kathleen now." Ryul replied, while still eating. "I seemed to hear that her name is Shalia, and she doesn't seem to be interested in anyone as she has rejected every one."

She really seems uncomfortable.

"Look, hahaha! They were rejected again." Ryul said, pointing at Shalia and the group walking away from her with an annoyed expression.

After the group of guys left Shalia, she approached one of the maids, and after having a little talk, they both left the room. When I looked back at Ryul, I notice in the distance the girl with cat ears who helped us this afternoon. She was leaning against the wall alone with her arms crossed.

"She's been there since we got here. She didn't even come to eat anything." Ryul said after realizing that I was looking at the cat-eared girl.

"I would like to go thank her for helping us today." I responded.

"Let's go! I want to thank her too."

Ryul and I walked in her direction when someone stopped me holding my shoulder.

"Hey, I saw you this afternoon outside the temple."

I went back to see who stopped me. If I remember right, his name is Gerald. He was the one who introduced himself to the queen.

"Tell me, what did you do to get Kase to kick your ass? Hahahaha! How do you know him?" Gerald asked mockingly.

“Dude.” Ryul saying shock. “Kase? You know an S-rank?”

"Wait, Gerald. Was Kase really kicking his ass?" One of the guys that were with Gerald asked him.

"Yeah! It was very funny! The townspeople are pretty foolish and most likely offended Kase without knowing his place and see his strange eyes." Gerald reply.

"Let's go, Ryul." I said, turning around without saying anything.

I don't have the will or the patience to deal with guys like him. Doesn't really matter where I go, will I have to keep hearing Kase's name? I'm sick of it.

"How dare you turn your back on me when I'm talking to you?" Gerald angrily said pulling me tightly.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, moron?" Ryul said, standing in front of Gerald.

"How dare you speak like that to me, elf. Don't you know who my father is?" Gerald responded by holding Ryul by the neck.

"I don't give a shit who your pompous father is, you idiot." Ryul said, removing Gerald's hand from his neck.

"It's none of your business who I am or my relationship with Kase, so go away."

Gerald and the two guys with him got into combat position. I don't care who they are, but I won't back off if they want to fight. People like him and Kase get on my nerves.

Suddenly a group of maids came to stop us. "It is forbidden to fight inside the castle." "Please stop, or we will have to call the guards."

"Chee... You two will pay for this." Gerald said before leaving.

"My daddy says that you two will pay for this." Ryul replied in a mocking tone.

"Please follow us, and we will take you to your room." One of the maids said.

"Sure..."

We followed the maid through the corridors of the castle. I am still amazed at how big this place is. After ten minutes of walking, we passed through a terrace, viewing a large garden in the lower part.

"My little sister would love that garden." Ryul said with a melancholic smile.

"She really likes flowers, right!?"

"Yeah..."

It was a cold night, and after walking for a few more minutes, we finally reached what seems to be the place. It is a long corridor with doors on both sides.

"These are the men's bedrooms. They were arranged to meet all your needs.

"Inside, you will have your own bathroom. If you need anything, just let the maids in charge of this area know." The maid guiding us commented, giving us a key to each one. "Please don't lose your keys."

"Excellent, we'll be neighbors, Darx."

Just like Ryul said, our rooms are facing each other.

"If you're hungry, you can go to the dining room during the day. Harold also asked me to tell you to be there early tomorrow."

"OK"

"If you don't have another question, I will leave."

Ryul and I opened the doors to our rooms.

"Thank you for helping me a while ago." I told Ryul before entering the room.

"Don't mention it. I got your back." Ryul replied, smiling.

"Same."

I walked into the room, which was bigger than I thought. I'd say three times the size of my room at the village. I toured the room, which had a good size bed, a desk, and just as the maid said, my own bathroom. The room is on a high floor and looking out the window, I have a view of the city. It is really a great place.

I lay down in the bed. A lot happened today. I was pretty tired, and just by closing my eyes, I fell asleep.

In the morning, I woke up to the sound of knocking on my door.

"Darx, we will be late."

I heard Ryul call me from behind the door.

"Give me a minute."

I fixed myself as quickly as possible and left the room where Ryul was waiting for me.

"I asked one of the maids how to get to the dining room. Let's go, we're already late." Ryul said.

Ryul and I ran to the dining room, which was on the ground floor. Upon entering, it was once again a fairly large room, but this time the tables did have chairs, which was a relief. The rest of the group was already in the room eating, so we sat down in the same way. Shortly after, one of the maids arrived with food.

Everyone in the group was spread around the tables, but the ones that caught my attention were Shalia who was surrounded by guys trying to get her attention once again and the girl with cat ears eating alone. And at a third table, further away was Gerald watching us threateningly.

Harold arrived a short time later, giving an announcement.

"Today, before you meet the mentors who will be in charge of all of you, you will be divided into three teams. Before that, I will have interviews one-on-one, and depending on your classes and skills, I will decide how to distribute the three teams." Harold informed the group.

Soon after, Everyone started leaving, being led by butlers. Ryul and I also got ready to go, and passing by Harold, he stopped me to say something.

"Darx, in your case, I already have all the information I need at the moment, so you don't need to come."

"In that case, is it okay if I leave the castle for a moment?"

"Ehm? It's okay. Just make sure you get back before noon. The meeting place will be at the training grounds at the back of the castle."

I left the castle, heading for the city. With everything that happened yesterday, I didn't have the chance to go see Oliver. In his letters, he told me that he was working at an inn called 'The pleasant owl.' Walking through the city more calmly, I was able to contemplate Riledo in more detail. It is an exciting and vivid place, with many people walking in all directions. Houses and buildings of all sizes forming many roads. I passed a plaza where many stalls selling all types of things and food. It wasn't too difficult to find the inn thanks to Harlod directions.

I entered the place where a lady greets me. "Welcome!"

I approached her to ask about Oliver, and seeing me confused, she asked me to sit down while she went to look for him. After a while, Oliver appeared, and after seeing me, Oliver smiled happily and ran to the table where I was.

"Darx, how are you? I was expecting you yesterday."

"I'm sorry. A lot of things happened." I answered and told him everything that happened yesterday regarding my awakening.

"How strange. I talk to many adventurers because of my work, but I never heard anything like that."

"I know it is something I've been struggling with. And how's Emma?"

"Emma is fine, but she will give birth soon, so she's resting at home. I can't believe I'll be a father soon. She wanted to see you, so you should visit her soon."

A waitress came bringing us drinks. "Thanks!" Then I continue. "Right now I'm living in the castle, and I don't know how much free time they are going to give us, but I'll go as soon as I can.

I was about to drink from the glass when I accidentally broke the glass, spilling the drink while trying to lift it. How strange I didn't think I had used too much ****.

"Are you okay, Darx?

"Yes, I'm sorry."

"Don't worry, it's something I've seen several times already. New adventurers have trouble measuring their strength."

"I see."

"The same thing happened to Amelia too." Oliver said, smiling, but his face froze when he realized what he said. "Did you see Amelia?"

"Yes, I saw her for a moment after leaving the temple." I responded, staring at Oliver. "Oliver, what happened to Amelia?"

"It all started when Amelia was in the castle. There was a time when she visited Emma and me practically every day and always asked if one of your letters had arrived." Oliver continued. "Then Amelia stopped coming for a few weeks, and the next time she came, the way she dressed and behaved was completely different from the Amelia we know. That's when I found out she was in a relationship with Kase."

"Did she say something to you?"

"Not really. Amelia didn't stay long and just asked me not to meddle in her business." Oliver said, looking sad. "I don't know if you know this, but Kase is engaged to someone who his family chose for him, so that would make Amelia his second partner."

"Amelia ... His second partner...?" I asked incredulously.

"Kase is quite famous, so the news about him are quite popular in the city, so I'm sure that's the truth."

The Amelia I know would never have agreed to be in that kind of relationship. How much has Amelia changed in this time? I can't recognize her anymore. Now that I think about it, after our meeting in the temple, a blonde girl was waiting for Kase and Amelia. Is it her?

"I was worried about Amelia, so I tried to go see her several times, but she refused to see me." Oliver said with a worried look on his face. "Oblivion, the guild that Amelia belongs to, does not have a very good reputation. Although Oblivion is one of the big three in Riledo, it is rumored that it has illicit relationships with criminal guilds and also has establishments around the city such as bars and brothels."

"Regarding what happened to me, Harold wants me to meet someone from the Oblivion guild today. It seems like she's a mentor too." I said.

"The advice I can give you is that you better stay away from the members of that guild." Oliver replied.

I wanted to spend more time with Oliver, but I don't have time. I have to be back at the castle before noon, so I got ready to leave. After saying goodbye to Oliver and asking him to give my regards to Emma, I leave the inn.

"Come back soon, Darx!"

"Sure! I'll come whenever I can."

I returned to the castle just in time, and after asking the guards how to get to the training grounds, I went there. When I arrived, I went to where Ryul was.

"Yoo, Darx, where were you?" Ryul asked.

"I went to see a friend."

"You mean Oliver? You told me about him on the way here."

"Yes, I went to see him since I didn't get the chance yesterday. Where is Harold? What are we doing here?"

"Who knows. As Harold said, we had a one-to-one interview where he asked us about our classes and skills and asked us to tell him things about ourselves. In the end, he told us to wait here."

After a while, Harold arrived holding a notebook.

“Excuse me. Can I have everyone’s attention?” Harold announces.

"The mentors will arrive soon, but before that, I will form the teams. During the month you are here, your team members will be with whom you will spend your training. I made the teams considering your classes and skills to fill the necessary roles for a party." Harold continued. "When your name is called, come to this place."

Harold then takes out his notebook and starts flipping through a few pages. He began calling names, and one by one, they left the group, placing themselves at the point that Harold pointed out until the first team was formed.

“Let’s see. Darx, would you mind standing over here.” Harold says as he points to a place close to him.

I walk over to the spot Harold has been pointing at. Then Harold calls out the name Leona. The girl with the cat ears steps out from amongst the crowd and comes to stand next to me. So that is her name.

I hadn't had a chance to thank her for her help. I hold out my hand and say, “Hello again.”

Leona doesn’t shake my hand, but still says, “Hi.” Then she crosses her arms in front of her chest.

Next, Harold calls out the name Shalia. The person walking to us is the beautiful pink-haired girl.

The following name that is called is Gerald. But instead of walking over to our side, the guy stays where he is and protests against Harold’s decision.

“You don’t expect me to team up with a beast-kind, do you?” He says. Is he referring to Leona?

“Do you have a problem with that?” Harold asks?

"As a worthy noble and patriot, I refuse to be on the same team as humans' enemy. You can’t trust those people.”

What is he talking about? I will admit that Leona has been mostly on the cold side, but I haven’t seen any signs of her being hostile.

While Harold is thinking about how to respond, Ryul raises his hand and says, “Harold, sir. I have no problem being in a team with Leona. So, if Gerald doesn’t want to, I’m willing to take his place.

"You and Gerald have a similar class, so it wouldn't be a problem swapping you guys. Alright then, Ryul. Thanks for volunteering.” Harold replies.

Nice. I was worried that Ryul and I would end up on different teams.

Teams distribution was stopped when three people arrived. I hadn't seen them before in the castle. Could they be the mentors? ...W-What? She... I was shocked to see one of the instructors. I-I know her.

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Leona/Paladin

Rank-A

Leona has a serious personality. She is half-human, half-beast kind but raised in human territory.

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Shalia/Mage

Rank-A

Shalia came from a middle-class family and became an adventurer trying to escape an arranged marriage. Because of her beauty, she usually attracts good and bad attention.