Week Two

Dante seems confident in himself. I know he is an A-Rank Warrior, a more offensive tank class compared to Leona's Paladin class. But even so, apart from me, there are three A-Ranks in our team. He is underestimating us too much, and my teammates and I want to show him his mistake.

Still, I am surprised by the facility with which he wields that enormous greatsword. It will be difficult for the sword's length to get close, but Leona can take care of giving us the opportunities.

"Ready? Let's begin." Dante announced the start of the training.

Leona did not waste time, and with her shield in front, she started the attack. Ryul started activating his passive skills, and both he and I looked for the opportunity to attack while Shalia gave us support from behind.

With my staff in my left hand, I tried to throw water balls at Dante, but he moves too much and constantly moves in such a way that Leona is in the middle. Shalia has the same problem, which makes it difficult to use magic without the risk of hitting Leona by accident. Meanwhile, Ryul can't get close enough as Dante wields his greatsword with such speed that it is almost unbelievable.

In the same way, I can't find a way to attack comfortably with my sword. Now I understand why Dante doesn't use a shield. He uses the width of his greatsword as a shield when he needs it. Fighting another adventurer is quite different compared to fighting a monster. Conventional methods don't work very well.

Leona started to look frustrated, and she started using skills.

"Good! That's what I'm talking about." Dante said, smiling in the middle of the fight, which made Leona angrier.

Ryul and Shalia also started using skills. Things got serious. I cannot be distracted; since I am weaker than the rest, I must fight in a smart way.

After fighting for hours, we took a little break. Dante really is impressive. He was able to deal with all four of us at once, even though he was on the defensive the whole time.

I sat under a tree taking my canteen out of my magic bag when I noticed Princess Kathleen in the distance at the top of the castle watching us train.

"She's been seeing us every day since we started," Ryul said, sitting next to me.

"Really!? I hadn't noticed her. I didn't think the princess would be interested in these kinds of activities."

"I would like to find the opportunity to ask her," Ryul replied.

Now that I remember, Ryul has a crush on the princess. Still, it surprises me that he realizes that she has been watching us. Even after we returned to fight, the princess continued to look at us for quite a while.

At sunset, Dante ended the training day.

"I can not anymore," Ryul said, collapsing on the ground.

We all ended pretty tired, even Dante. In the last hours, we began to improve more, and things became more complicated for him. This type of training is quite effective. Fighting for so long in a serious way helped me get used to the increase in strength that I received when I went to D-rank, as well as becoming more familiar with my skill and magic. Even so, I'm quite surprised that Dante was able to fight the four of us all day. He is quite strong.

"Good work! At this rate, when the weekend arrives, I don't think I can fight all four at the same time anymore." Dante said, "I suppose you already understood what the main purpose of this type of training is. Once you join a guild and start doing quests, you will not only face off against monsters but also against other adventurers. You have to learn that it is not the same as with monsters and that you have to be smarter and work as a team correctly, or else you will die without knowing what went wrong. In theory, you have the advantage, but since you still make many mistakes, it gives me the opportunity to take advantage of and hinder your attack attempts."

Dante is right. It was more difficult than I thought, and in large part, it was because we were continually getting in our own way.

"Even so, you did better than I thought, and I'm sure that by the end of the week, you will be ready. As a reward, I'll take you guys to eat something delicious." Dante told us, smiling. "Go take a bath, and I'll see you in an hour at the entrance of the castle,"

"Will we leave the castle?" Shaila asked.

"Yes, so don't waste time and hurry up."

As Dante said, everyone went to their room to fix themselves, and after an hour, we met him at the castle entrance. I didn't expect that I would leave the castle once more today. I wonder where he will take us.

As we walked through the road from the castle gate, Dante was advancing to the main street where the number of people increased to then lead us to a busy market that spread out. There are numerous stalls and establishments everywhere. I had not been to this part of the city. The inn where Oliver works is located in the territory of Dark Dragons, and it seems that this part of the city is located in the territory of Midnight Dawn.

"WOW! The area here is lively!" Ryul said.

"I heard that in this area, there are excellent restaurants," Shalia commented cheerfully.

Despite the fact that it is already dark, the street lights make it very bright, and there are many people everywhere. The atmosphere reminds me a bit of the village festival.

"What are you doing? It's this way." Dante said.

For a moment, I lost sight of Dante because I was contemplating the surroundings. I thought we would go to one of the restaurants in this area, but for some reason, Dante is pointing out that the road is through a small alley.

"I-It is over there!? Won't we eat at one of the restaurants from here?" Ryul asked in dismay.

"Of course not! Follow me." Dante responded, entering the dark alley.

"B-But..." Shalia tried to say as her smile faded.

Crestfallen, we entered the alley, following him. While Shalia and Ryul murmured, I turn my attention to the surrounding buildings. All of the buildings here are made of stone. There is not much light, and the few people you see on the road don't look very friendly. So much so that Shalia held my shirt while she walked a little behind me.

Dante stopped in front of a slightly old three-story building which above the door had a wooden sign on which was written, 'Red Knight'.

"Red Knight!?" Shalia asked Dante. "Isn't that your nickname?"

"You are correct! This place is mine," Dante said, opening the door.

"Your place!?" We all asked.

We entered the place and inside, a few people were relaxing, sitting in front of small tables. The place looks better on the inside than I thought, but this is clearly not a restaurant. There are bottles on each table and several drunk people plus many **** bottles behind the counter in the right corner.

"Wait... This is not a restaurant but a bar." Ryul exclaimed.

"I never said I would take you to a restaurant; what I said was that I would take you to eat delicious food. The ribs that are prepared here are the best in Riledo. Trust me!" Dante replied.

"I feel cheated..." Shalia said, lowering her shoulders.

"Let's go have a seat," Leona told us.

Dante went to talk to the guy behind the counter who was polishing some glasses. At the same time, we went to a table at the back, which was the only one big enough for the five of us to sit down.

It was a rare scene; we kind of seemed out of place. Sometime later, Dante and a pretty girl arrived with plates full of food and drinks.

"Wohuu!" Ryul exclaimed upon seeing the food.

"What a spirited boy." The girl said, referring to Ryul! "Enjoy the food."

The girl left, and Ryul followed her with his eyes and said, "You have a very pretty waitress."

To which Dante replied, "Evelin is not a waitress. She is a member of Midnight Dawn and lives here. When she has time, she helps serve the few clients we have."

"Wait... is she a high ranking adventurer?" I asked.

"Evelin is a B-Rank. She is one of the recruits from six months ago."

Dante explained to us that some members of Midnight Dawn live in the upstairs rooms. It is a cheap place for members who are not very active as adventurers for one reason or another. The guild is in another part of the city, and the most prominent adventurers usually live in their own houses or more elegant places.

With that clear, we began to eat. The castle food is very elegant and delicious, but this most common type of food is still my favorite.

Still eating, Ryul asked. "There were a lot of people in the castle today. What was the meeting with the queen about?"

"I'm curious about that too." Shalia commented.

"Do you want to know?" Dante asked.

"YES!" Shalia and Ryul answered at the same time.

"If you guys manage to make me give up in training, I might tell you."

"Come on...!," Ryul expressed.

"Does it have to do with demons?" Leona asked.

"I already told you what the condition is to tell you." Dante smiled with his mouth but not with his eyes and continued, "It would really be a good idea for you guys to get better soon..."

Food and drinks kept arriving, so we put our worries aside and continued the feast.

"Darx, do you like the beer? Do you want to compete to see who can drink more?" Ryul said happily.

"Don't drink too much. Tomorrow we have to train." Shalia said, "Right, Dante!?"

Shalia turned, looking for Dante's confirmation, but both he and Leona were drinking as if there was no end. Are they also competing? They seem to be drinking and arguing about today's training.

"Dante..." Shalia exclaimed, disappointed.

"HAHAHA!" Ryul laugh. "See, don't hold back, Darx. "

I'm not used to drinking, but the beer and **** from here are much better than the one that comes to the village. I'm having a good time and want to keep drinking. I went along with Ryul, and we started drinking more. Shalia also gave up and started drinking more too.

Between laughs and songs, the hours passed, and the time to leave came. With the exception of Shalia, who had to be carried on Dante's back, we were all sober enough to return safely to the castle. The cold breeze helped us a bit.

"Thanks, Dante! I had a good time. Do you invite all your groups here?" Ryul asked.

"Of course not. You are the first team I invite," Dante responded, walking with Shalia asleep on his back.

"You lying... If so, why did you invite us?" Ryul asked.

"I'm not sure. I liked you guys. You guys really didn't hold back in training today, and you fought like you wanted to kill me."

"Sorry..." Leona reply in a soft voice.

"You don't have to apologize. It's a compliment." Dante replied with his typical smile.

When we got to the castle, it was almost midnight. Leona took care of taking Shalia to her room, while Dante also left.

"Let's go, Darx," Ryul said.

"Go ahead. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Are you going to do something at this time?" Ryul asked.

"It won't take long."

"Okay... see you tomorrow, dude."

What I wanted to do is go to the library to see if Syvis was there. It is quite late, and most likely, she is not there, but I want to go see her for some reason. Maybe too much **** made me act crazy.

I open the big double door to enter the library. As I expected, there are not many people at this time, and on the third floor, there must be fewer or no one at all, but if I am lucky, Syvis may be there.

Climbing the last few steps of the staircase, I saw Syvis standing in front of the bookshelf, reading a book. Lucky me. Since I'm a couple of steps down from floor level, I can see Syvis from behind, especially her long legs. A little more, and I could see her panties. I know I shouldn't keep watching, but it can't be helped, right? I'm a man, after all.

I noticed that Syvis changes clothes often. Now she is wearing a different outfit than this morning, but there is always something in common in all of her clothes. She usually wears pretty revealing dresses with high heels.

And this occasion is no different.

Syvis took one of the books from the bookshelf and walked to one of the tables. Now she is wearing a short black dress, and I can see her beautiful long legs beneath it. And because of her thin waist and wide hips, it fits her amazingly well, highlighting her nice butt. Adding on to that, Syvis has big breasts. When she walks, her breasts are shaking and swaying around a little bit. How should I describe it..., she has an erotic aura surrounding her.

W-What am I doing? After shaking my head and slapping my cheeks, I took a random book, and I walked up to the table where Syvis was sitting.

Seeing me, Syvis asked. "What are you doing here at these hours."

Of course, not saying the real reason; I said, "I wanted to read a little before going to my room, so I came."

I sat in front of her and pretended to read the book but couldn't really pay attention. My eyes kept drifting to Syvis.

"Are you okay? You look red." Syvis stated, staring at me.

"I'm okay, I just drank a little bit."

Syvis went back to reading her book, and I pretended to do the same.

Syvis face is gorgeous. Her eyes are pretty, and the combination of her light brown skin with her long red hair is astonishing. Besides that, the mole near her lips is very sexy.

Syvis noticing that I was staring at her, asked. "What?"

"I-Is nothing." I said, returning my eyes to the book.

What is wrong with me. I think I drank too much.

Syvis looked back at her book and asked, "I heard from Harold that you met the Dark Dragons guild master this morning."

"Ah, Yes, Alberch is quite impressive, but I can't deny that his appearance surprised me."

"Looks like Harold is really trying his best to unravel the enigma that is you."

"That's what it seems. I'm grateful to Harold, but is there a reason for that?" I asked.

"I'm not sure, but Harold is very loyal to Riledo and wants the best for his citizens. Maybe he thinks that you can be of great help in what is coming our way."

Harold seems to have many responsibilities at the castle, but he's still been trying to help me. It certainly must be exhausting. I should find a way to thank him.

"And what was today's meeting about?" I asked.

Syvis looked at me, startled by my question. After looking away and being quiet for a moment, she replied.

"It's not something you should care about."

Dante also dodged the question. Now I am more curious. Still, Syvis's reaction was odd. For a moment, her eyes trembled, and she gave me the impression of looking sad.

Trying to change the subject, I said, "Today, Dante took us to a bar outside the castle. It's a good place with good food and drinks. So, yeah... Dante seems like a cool guy."

"I guess, but the fact that he's always smiling makes me want to punch him in the face." Syvis reply.

"Hahaha! And how was your new group?" I asked.

"They are a group of arrogant and spoiled kids. It doesn't seem that they want to learn anything from someone of my race."

Those damned. I already knew that Gerald's group was unbearable. Maybe I can make things easier for Syvis if I threaten Gerald with what I know about him. I'm sure he doesn't want his group to find out that he's seeing one of his teammate's girlfriends. It's not the kind of thing I like to do, but I won't let them insult Syvis.

Syvis crossed her leg and continued, "But it's not a big deal. I'm used to those kinds of people by now. In Oblivion, there are too many of them."

"Really?" I asked. "Why did you decide to join Oblivion if it's that kind of guild?"

"Oblivion's guild master and I have been friends for a long time, and in the past, we were on the same team. Her family has a close relationship with Oblivion, so she joined them, and I did the same as most of my companions of then also did."

If Syvis and the guild master were teammates, then how old is Syvis? From what I know, Oblivion's S-Rank and guild master is an old woman.

Syvis hit the table and said aloud, "I'm not old!! The life span of humans and elves is very different, so it's not the same."

How did Syvis know what I was thinking? I have to learn to control my facial expressions more. For sure, she realized because of that.

"I-I wasn't thinking that..." I tried to say unconvincingly.

"I know in human years it will look like many years, but as a dark elf, I'm barely in my late twenties. DO YOU GET IT?"

"I get it! I get it! But keep your voice down; we're in the library."

Syvis, mad, crossed her arms, making her low-cut chest go up, and turned her head to the opposite side of where I was. "If you get it, that's fine."

Why did she get so defensive? I think age is a sensitive subject for her. I thought it was a good time to give her the scarf I bought her to fix things. I hold the magic bag that was on the chair next to me and took out the scarf.

Syvis, realizing what I was doing, turned to see me.

"I bought this for you this morning. I-It's starting to get quite cold, and as a thank you for the magic bag and for training us, I wanted to give you this scarf." I said, extending my arm with the scarf in my hand.

I didn't think I would be embarrassed by this, but I'm sure my face is red.

Syvis looked at me without making any expression, and she didn't say anything for a few seconds, which made me more nervous. After that, she got up from her chair and took the scarf from my hand.

"I see... Thank you." Syvis replied in a neutral tone.

Syvis, after appreciating the scarf for a few seconds, put the scar inside her magic bag and begins to gather the rest of her things. "It's late. Make sure you don't stay too long, or your mana won't regenerate enough for tomorrow."

After saying those words, Syvis left. What just happened? She didn't seem very happy... I don't understand.