Roles

Without much ado, our journey southward began relatively quietly. No bandit ambushes, no giant chimeras, no witches in forest huts. The most trouble we encountered on the first day was figuring out who to put on cooking duty.

“I’ve been cooking since day one!” complained Sofia, not liking the prospect of the new girl cozying up on her turf.

“But, I’d like to do it to show my gratitude to everyone. I have plenty of experience cooking from when I was...” Ophelia trailed off, a forlorn look on her face. She had been trying her best to move past her time as a thrall, but clearly she still had difficulties not thinking about it.

“Hey, hey,” Sofia said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“How about the two of you cook together?” Alice proposed.

“I’ll help with ingredients,” said Flora, dragging her backpack behind her. The three girls headed off to the campfire.

“Good work Alice,” I said, patting her on the back.

“It is good to see them working together. I’m pleased Ophelia is fitting in,” Alice said, a proud smile on her face.

“Yeah. I wasn’t too sure how well she’d do with us at first, but Flora seems to like her a lot. She respects Lucille greatly, and well, Sophia’s coming around, albeit slowly,” I said.

“She simply seems to be jealous. After all, Ophelia is another offensive spellcaster, and can use a blade as well. Not to mention her proficiency in cooking and other camp skills,” said Alice.

“Well, you’re right, but Sofia’s raw power is still unmatched. You’re our healer, Lucille’s tanking abilities are invaluable, and Flora takes care of most of our non-combat needs. If anything, a powerful all-rounder like Ophelia should be making me worried about my own job security,” I said.

“Nonsense,” said Alice. “You’re our leader, we couldn’t replace you.”

“Relax. I was just joking,” I reassured her. Having finished setting up the tents (we now had a total of four), Lucille joined Alice and I.

“She’s quite the student,” said Lucille. “But we’ve yet to see how she’ll fare in a true combat situation. That is the test that truly matters.”

“You’re right. I hope she can manage. It’d be a shame to waste that talent,” I said.

“As for yourself,” said Lucille. “Do you intend to remain an adventurer forever?”

“Huh?” I asked, confused. “You’d rather have me get some normal job?”

“Ah, my apologies. I was referring to your class. While adventurer is useful for solo and small parties, now that our group has expanded considerably, it may be time for you to consider specialization,” Lucille recommenced.

“How does that even work? The guild card doesn’t have anything about changing classes on it,” I asked.

“At the Aedon guild branch lies a man who can change your class. He is the man who created the guild cards, as well as the enchantment on them that allows you to learn skills from them,” said Lucille.

“And this guy can change my class for me? How does all this work?” I asked.

“I know not the specifics, but once we arrive, I am certain he would explain it to you if you requested it,” she said.

“Alright. I’ll think it over,” I said.

“Looks like the others are almost done with dinner,” said Alice, gesturing to the girls by the fire putting spices onto the flame cooked elk that was to be our dinner. The three of us joined the others by the fire. As we sat round the flames, partaking in an excellently cooked meal, Lucille began to speak.

“I think it is about time I told you all a little about Aedon before we get there,” she said, setting her plate aside.