Chapter 2: Serena & Her Encounters

-Today (0 Years ago)-

Serena has grown a lot in the past 6 years, while she's not "tall", she reached the average height of a woman, and Her hair reached went down to below her shoulders. Needless to say, she had became a very attractive woman and that was something most of the salvagers in the guild agreed about. After all, female salvagers are a rarity and some of the guys did their best to hit on her, but all of them failed with varying reactions from Serena depending on what they did. You can imagine if someone broke a few of the rules of the salvager code from her, they would never hear the end of it. But back to the task at hand, we catch with Serena who just finished getting her pay from her last salvage task.

Serena: Hmm, not a bad payout but I still feel like I could've gotten more. After all, I got less than the art commission I did earlier. Oh well…

Pupunin: Ah there is Serena.

Serena: Hi Pupunin, it's been a while.

Pupunin: Serena seems to be in high spirits today.

Serena: Probably. Anyway, did you need something from me? Is it another job?

Pupunin: Serena used to live in Fonsett Village in Leftheria correct?

Serena: Yes, why do you ask?

Pupunin: Chairman Bana has a request directly for you.

Serena: The Chairman himself wants me specifically?!

Serena heads to Bana's office feeling a sense of both curiosity and dread since she hoped she wasn't in trouble. She couldn't help but notice the other women being dressed in a very skimpy way. Well she didn't have to think about that as Bana gave her more details.

Bana: Me hears from Pupunin that lady friend here is quite renowned. In that case I have a task for Serena.

Serena: A job straight from the Chairman himself?!

Bana: Reward is 100,000 gold.

Serena: Really?! A hundred-thousand?!

Bana: Lady friend hear correctly, but that's just the advance. Another 100,000 provided upon clearing the job.

Serena could feel her heart racing at the thought of that amount of money.

Serena: 200,000 gold?! That's more than I make in about 9 months, and this is only 1 job?! What moron would refuse this?!

Serena: Consider this job done! I, Serena Celeste will ensure this task is done skillfully and efficiently! I look forward to working with you! *Laughs*

Bana: You agree without hearing details?

Serena: Oops, excuse me. What kind of job is it?

Bana: You sure that you have skills for this?

Serena: There's absolutely no way I'm letting this slip through my fingers! Of course I do! I'll be fine!

With that Bana summons the crew that requested the job in the first place. Two sets of drivers, and a man with white hair and a mask.

Serena: Drivers and Blades?! I've seen some before but not this close before. Wow, they look so strong.

Jin: We need to haul something up. It's quite massive and very deep. Think you can help us out with that?

Serena: Sure, I do enjoy a challenge.

Jin says nothing from this which causes Serena to smile awkwardly.

Bana: Friends here were very picky. They wanted a team of Leftherians. When Bana heard that, Bana thought Serena would be a perfect choice.

Serena: *Giggles* Well you thought correctly, I hope I don't disappoint you.

Nia: *Chuckles* Really this girl? The one that's acting like a 14 year old kid.

Serena: What the hell?! At least unlike you I actually look like I'm 18.

Nia: And just what the… *clears throat* …At least I'm not about to have an accident over a measly 100,000 gold.

Serena: Why you actual little…

Dromarch steps in between them causing Serena to stagger a bit.

Dromarch: Lady Serena was it? I employ you to forgive my lady's choice of words.

Nia: Dromarch! What have I told you about speaking…

Malos: Drop it Nia. Though I do see your point. In any case … it should be easy enough to check…

Without any warning Malos attacks Serena, but thanks to her keen reflexes she was able to backflip out of the way. With no time to think Serena takes out her 2 swords and attacks back with an X-shaped attack, to which Malos blocks.

Serena: *Angry* Kinda rude don't you think?!

Malos: Well Well…

Nia: Malos, what's the point of beating up the woman out of nowhere?

Malos: You said it yourself didn't you? What if the girl's not up for it?

Nia: I said nothing of the sort!

Malos: You were thinking about it, right? Well now we know. You're not half bad, but you don't look like a driver. Where did you learn those arts?

Serena: Gramps showed and told me some things. Plus I guess I learned from seeing some battles for myself.

Malos looks impressed at Serena and keeps talking.

Malos: You've got yourself some skill and potential, I'll give you that. You better work hard then lady.

With that everyone disperses and time passes. We see Serena on top of the ship looking out for things.

Serena: Hmm, what is that over there? It looks like some kinda ship.

Nia: It's way too cold up here.

Serena: Oh it's you.

Nia: I have a name you know, and it's Nia.

Serena: Alright then Nia, do you need something?

Nia: I'm just here to tell you that they started boozin' down there. You should join them.

Serena: *Groan* Nah I'm good, I've done it before and needless to say didn't go well.

Nia: Well that's something we can agree on, no point in getting a headache.

Serena: Well then, it's good that you're not a salvager.

Nia: How come?

Serena: "Swim like fish and drink like one too" That's one of the rules of the Salvager code, and I tend to avoid it.

Nia: *Groan* I can see why that sounds bloody terrible. Definitely not changing careers anytime soon.

Serena: I bet you drivers earn more anyway so I say that's a smart choice.

Nia: Serena, that was your name right?

Serena: Mhm.

Nia: Why are you a salvager anyway?

Serena: 3 reasons actually: to support myself and others, Try something I haven't done before, and you see that over there?

Nia: The World Tree?

Serena: I've always wondered if Elysium actually exists. Something tells me that there's something up that tree and maybe it holds the solution for the dying titan issue the world is going through now.

Nia: *Laughing* Elysium, that myth in those story books.

Serena: If it's a "myth" then why is that tree there? Is it really that hard to believe?

Nia: C'mon though…

Serena: There would be no more need for war and senseless killing for land that will vanish over time. A place where everyone can live in peace, harmony, and have security. Shouldn't that be worth believing in?

Nia: Believe what you want to believe. But wow, everyone huh?

Serena: Hm?

Nia: I've always thought humans were selfish by nature. But you seem different.

Serena: Different?

Nia: Serena, d'you have parents?

Serena: No. My mother dropped me off in a village before she died. At least that's what Gramps said.

Nia: Gramps? Oh you mean the one that taught you those arts. Speaking of which, I'm surprised you're not a driver.

Serena: Me … a driver? To tell the truth I've never thought of it. But I definitely wouldn't pass the chance if I could. The thought of being able to protect the stuff I love with a partner? That sounds awesome.

Nia: Sounds like to me you well put together women.

Serena: Hmm?

Nia: What I'm saying is that you sound like a good person overall. Perhaps me and you aren't so different.