Chapter 13

I am so sorry!"

"It's fine…"

I say that with a wounded body, from scratches a few shallow bite marks and a couple of bruises all around. And Lilith, barely any injuries noticeable but some dirt staining her robe. I didn't lose to much HP and luckily I bought healing supplies, but my god is Lilith frustrating to work with…!

A few days have past since I've partnered up with Lilith. We took on a lot of beasts and monsters, however... The problem was that I had to handle almost every one of them on my own! Through them I came to be able to understand her more for me ways on how to advise her. Easily Frightened, No control, Easily distracted, clueless, It would seem that I'm tolerating her ignorance well… however I am at my breaking point. If it was any other person I would have probably snapped a lot earlier.

It's starting to get late, finally I can get this day over with!

"GROWL!"

We turn to hear a growling sound just near us and out of the forest green charges a large beast with its jaws right open.

"MOVE!"

"Kya!"

I pushed Lilith out of the way and made hasty dodge to escape its line of attack. It stopped just about a few meters away from us.

The beast had the appearance of an large with the difference protruding its jaws and paws, two pairs of large fangs and claws the size of steak knives. It was a Fang Bear, Iron C Rank on the Beast charts.

"A Fang Bear!"

This is the first one I've seen so I have no real hand experience fighting this one, though I've read that they're strength is not to be taken lightly making it's natural born weapons even more deadly. However due to its large size it can't move very quickly and must rely on ambush tactics to get the jump on its prey. Very aggressive and pretty durable to most attacks it's been reported that it usually takes a squad of 3-5 men to subdue one, even bronze ranked adventurer's have trouble taking one on by themselves.

I'd love to take it on, however this time I'm not the only one who's at stake.

"W-What should we do?!"

"Hold on, gimme a second."

I brought out one of the bolases from my backpack and preparing my arm for the throw

The bear made a straightforward charge again.

I grabbed it from the gathering point of the ropes and twirled it around above my head, after two spins I launched it towards the bear's front legs. The Bolas's ropes quickly wrapped around the bear's front legs causing it to lose balance and with its built up momentum tumble and fall forward.

"We run! C'mon!"

I grab Lilith's arm and both of us ran.

It ripped through the bolas's ropes in no time and resumed to chasing after us. It was only made of some grass and heavy stones it's not a surprise that a creature that large would break through them, but it still bought us some time to get away. After a while of running I turned back to see if it was still chasing us. It was nowhere in sight…

"I think we lost it…"

I felt a pair of eyes stalking us and in the next second a pair of huge jaws appeared wide open ready to rip me to pieces. It was the Fang Bear. I pulled Lilith's arm towards me just missing the bear's long canines. The bear skid across the ground and turned back to us with its mouth salivating.

"Tsk! I guess it has no means of stopping, we have to fight! Lilith stay behind me and start chanting while I keep it busy!"

"Y-Yes!"

I drop my pack and grabbed a rock from the ground and threw it at the bear focusing its attention on me and not on Lilith. Its head turned to me and growled in aggravation.

"That's it, right here!"

I pulled my sword out and immediately formed my stance. It then stood on its hind legs towering above me with its sights set on ripping me apart. It's sharp paw came hurling towards me. I tried to parry it, but my sword was easily pushed aside losing my balance. The other paw came to slam down, I leapt back to escape.

That was close! Damn! It's too strong for me to block or parry, all I can do is dodge and aim for its blind spots on the its hind. Another paw came swinging at me, I executed a roll and got under the bear's arm and made an upward slash to its abdomen and continued slash at it while I can.

"ROAR!"

It roared in pain and reflexively did a backhand swipe with its claw, I dodged though I didn't see the other coming the same way. I instantly placed up my sword to block the impact. The bear's claws came into contact with my sword and slapped it out of my grip like a stick along with my balance, causing me to fall over.

The bear quickly came on top of me to take advantage and raised both its paws to slam down. I rolled sideways avoiding it, picked up my sword and hopped back to make some distance.

They weren't kidding when they ranked this guy Iron Class for its strength and durability, I can barely hold myself up to its attacks. Wait where's Lilith?!

I looked back at her position worried and confused. She was standing there frozen, shaking with a wide-eyed gaze as if lost. I felt her magic levels are unstable, does that mean she can't use her magic? I'll deal with her later, right now I have to focus on the bear in front of me!

The second I said that the bear's claws came swinging at me. The bear continued to swing in all sorts of way attempting to rip me to pieces. I avoided every one of them whilst trying to damage it.

3-4 second attack intervals, 7-9 second attacks, slow, but if any one of those attacks hit me head on it'll be bad news for me! It's not backing down either even from all the attacks I've given it, at this rate I'll tire out first!

I need something to turn the tide...Wait! Lilith! If she were to fire her magic to I doubt it would be unscathced. I gotta wake her up!

The bear then roars at me with its arms wide open.

"ROOAAARRR!"

That's my chance!

I rushed towards it executing a sword technique [Spiral Slash]. My body aimed low and twisted 360 degrees while keeping my momentum and made a slash towards its legs. The Bear tried to attack me, but it was too slow and toppled over.

I quickly climbed onto its back sheathed my sword and brought out one of my makeshift knives Once I was on it I began using all my strength to hammer my my knife into the the Bear's thick hide.

"ROOAAR!

It roared in pain as I continue to pierce its back. The bear tried its best to shake me of, my body is flung around and I struggle to hold on. My hands grip tightly onto the bear's fur in my best attempts to stay on to continue stabbing it.

I can't keep this up forever!

I look towards Lilith still phase locked. This is our only opportunity if we were to make it out here alive! I need to wake her up now!

Still stabbing the bear I gave a shout towards Lilith...

"Lilith! SNAP OUT OF IT!"

"Eh?! W-What's going on?!"

"Lilith focus! Chant now! I won't be able to hold up much longer!"

She gave secure look. Her magic levels began to stabilize and her magic was beginning to gather again.

"Fire that blazes within me, become a bolt which to strike my enemy, Firebolt!"

A burst of fiery flame came flying from her direction. I stabbed the bear at its far sides to change its direction making it face the bolt just in time. The bolt made contact with the bear's front side and a blast of heat began to burn the bear's underside.

"RROOAAAARR!"

A loud roar burst from it, but even with that it still had the will to fight. According to Lilith it's just a low ranking spell but still nonetheless powerful in its own right especially with Lilith's magic instability, just what kind of durability does it even have to withstand that?!

The bear's paws then reached for me and forcefully pulled me off tossing me away from it. I rolled on the ground a couple of times but after the bear advanced forward used its head to lift me throw me with great force. The force from the bear's attack launched me to a nearby tree hitting its trunk on my back.

"Zach!"

"GAH!"

That stings… My HP is a bit over half way… still manageable for me, but my stamina isn't looking too hot, I can't put up another long fight like that. "

I breathed heavily as I watched the bear turn its sights to us salivating on the sights of a secure kill. However it turned its sights towards its next target Lilith.

It began to charge forward, Lilith stood frozen yet again. What is she doing?! Run! Cast a spell! Do anything but stay there!

Grrr….!

There's no way I would be able to cut through that bulk to do any significant damage once I get there!

Unless… I opened my stat menu in a hurry and shoved 5 attribute points into my strength stat.

I got myself back up ignoring all pain I was feeling and unsheathed my sword running towards Lilith's position. I got their before it did readying myself with Lilith behind me and pushed her aside away from my position.. The bear hastily shortening the distance, I also advanced towards it. Just a few feet away from it, the bear jumped and lunged its huge body with its weapons open.

In the last second before it's jaw's reached me I kneeled on one leg executing an overhead slash using its force and acceleration to slice through the bear's seared belly, but breaking apart a large portion of the blade. The bear's body realizing what had happened lost all sense of balance like a ragdoll lost control of its momentum. It's body rolled a few times before it came to a stop. It tried to use its strength to get back up, but the wound on its abdomen was far too great, it roared in agony as its blood and guts burst from its opening.

I slowly walked towards it, its expression scared and afraid. I felt sorry for it… it was only acting on instinct after all, but what choice did I have? I looked upon it with a saddened gaze, reared my sword and stabbed it deep into its neck.

I then turned my gaze towards the girl standing with a scared expression looking downwards. I slowly paced myself towards her. As soon as I reached her she looked at me with confused eyes to see my expression.

"Zach I… "

"Not a word not until we get back to the city."

Her expression, wide eyed momentarily and turned to shame and dipped her head down.

"Y-Yes… "

I got myself patched up with the healing supplies I brought with me, though I should go to the hospital when we get back just to be sure. I think I'm going to take a break to let these injuries heal. Other than that we weren't able to salvage much of the corpse, because neither of us had enough experience harvesting, the only thing we harvested was one of its long fangs as proof.

We got back to the guild, we were ordered to give a full report of our day and the battle with the bear. I gave most of the info in that meeting, Lilith ever since we fought the bear had a gloomy expression, probably still thinking about the whole battle. The guild recommended that I stay away from the battlefield for some time, in that time me and Lilith haven't spoke a word to each other even if we saw each other walking on the street.

I woke up one day feeling stings all over my body.

"Crap… Ouch…"

Looks like the pain is still here. I've been decommissioned for the time being because of them. Sigh… Well just because I don't have any work doesn't mean I should sit still for the rest of the day. Let's take a walk around town, sure as hell be better than staying in.

I said got some stuff and left.

I walked around watching as the townsfolk did their everyday activities, but soon found myself in front of the guild…

I guess it felt like second nature for me to come here even on a rest day… Well I'm already here, might as well take a quick look on how things are going.

I pushed open the doors and casually walked in. The eyes of many soon spotted me as I walked through, only silence greeted my presence, until…

"Haha! Look at this pisspot! Going toe to toe with a Fangbear and already comin back to work? You tired of living?"

"Seems to me you're half dead already!"

"Fuck off ya weakling!"

It was Gregory and his drunkard friends. As per usual. Ignoring their jeers I scanned the area. Hm… She's not here… Why am I thinking about her? Was I expecting her to be here? I just can't stop thinking about her with what just happened, I've only saw glimpses on her passing through the street, but whenever I did I avoided her. What's wrong with me? I'm not usually like this.

But whatever, I guess since nothing interests me I should be on my… way? I didn't notice Gregory standing right infront of me.

"Hey! You listening!?"

God what's with this man? I've got no time for you.

"Oh. I'm sorry, why don't you go piss off behind a bar somewhere."

"Insolent little! Don't think just because you are injured I won't attack you-"

He was about to finish his sentence, but in the next second another person took his place and made him fall off his feet. Everyone turned heads to the almost fainted Gregory and began laughing their asses off. His friends immediately got up to help him, but it seemed he was out cold. After that the guild went back to its original state. I immediately turned back to find a familiar face in front me.

"ZAAACH!"

It was Stella, my assigned receptionist. She exclaimed my name and in surprise and hugged me.

"S-Stella!"

My face slowly grew red as she embraced me. Onlookers were already getting giving me sharp glares. I wanted to shout "I don't know what's happening" but not before Stella began to speak.

"I haven't seen you for so long! How have you been?! I heard what happened! Are you alright?"

"I would be even more, please don't hold me so tightly. What's gotten into you?"

"I-I'm sorry! I was just a bit worried is all, you are my first real assigned adventurer and after I heard what happened I thought my heart stopped. Come, you can tell me all about what happened in the last few days."

"Haha, I'm flattered. But don't you have work to do?"

"This is technically work, after all you are my responsibility."

"Alright then. I guess I might as well."

We headed to a small table in the guild and chatted there.

"Wow, you've had quite the time while I was away, shame I couldn't have seen the girl who did this to you, otherwise she wouldn't be a problem anymore for you."

"She wasn't the one who did this, but in a way yes. But I guess we both intend to avoid each other for the time being."

I then began to rant about her for the next few minutes.

"She's so useless, I'd feel sorry for anyone else who took her as a party member…"

"If you'd like I'd be willing to talk some sense into her to make her leave. As your caretaker I can do that."

"When you see her please do."

"But is she really that bad?"

I gave a slight pause, and gave her the same response I gave to Alice when she asked.

"No… she isn't. As an adventurer maybe, but not as a person."

"Could you tell me more about that?"

"What are you? A guidance counselor?"

"As apart of my job, yes I am."

I saw glints and imaginary glasses on her eyes...

"Ugh, that's troubling. Anyway, even if you are, I'm not saying it."

"Fine, then tell me one thing you like about her. C'mon I won't say, unless its her bo-"

"Stop it with that! No its not! Why does everyone say I'm after her for that!"

I gave a frustrated noise beneath my breath and brought out my words.

Sigh… well if I were to say, the pure smile she gives off is one that perks up mine as well…"

"Oooh. Tell me more."

"Forget it, that's all you are getting out me."

"Fufu. Well if you are not willing to tell me about it, best you tell her the rest of what you really think yourself and take responsibility for her and that deal you made."

"Yeah I know. I should get going, we've chatted long enough. Thanks by the way, I needed a talk like this."

"Mm! Happy to help! See ya next time!"

We exchanged goodbyes and I soon left the guild, heading back to me inn.

When a few days past and my injuries healed with support from the guild, I was back on my feet ready to get back to work….

I left the inn as usual together with my usual gear and headed to guild as apart of my usual routine.

I was in front of the guild and walked through its doors just as I normally do. My thoughts stopped the second I saw my er… partner sitting at one of the table. She had the same face every time I would see her.

I immediately hid myself away from her sight…

Tsk! She's here… she looks as though she is waiting for something, me? This is kind of awkward...

I haven't talked to her ever since the battle, does she really feel that bad about it? Sigh… What am I going to do? It's obvious, she's talented I'm actually impressed about many things about her. But even with that she is not ready for this job. Hrrmm what should I do…

I remembered the advice from my two acquaintances. I sighed in defeat. I guess I should just give her a straight answer about our deal, for both our sakes.

I swallowed my fear and walked towards her, her face lit up for a second, but returned to its original state. When she turned back to me I was already standing in front of her. I could see her trying to hide herself from my gaze.

"I.."

But before she could speak, I took her arm and pulled her away from her seat leading her out of the guild. Her look changed from sorry to surprised in seconds.

"Z-Zach?"

"Just come with me."

I took her to a back alley away from anyone. After checking if the coast was clear I let go of her arm.

"Sorry, I can't focus on you with everyone looking at us back there."

"N-No! Its fine!"

We looked at each other for a few seconds, both of us without after a moment of silence I spoke out.

"It's about our deal…"

I was about to say something to her, but Lilith beat me to it.

"B-Before you say anything! P-Please let me speak!"

Surprised, I gave a nod to her to start. She took a deep breath and made a deep bow with her left hand positioned on her heart and poured her thoughts out.

"I-I'm sorry! I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me until this point! I know that I am weak, that I'm an idiot and that I'm just a hindrance to you, and I know that no amount of sorries can ever hope for you to ever forgive me. So before you say anything else, I want you to know that I'll improve with all I've got so that next time I can fight with you!"

I was speechless… I didn't know what to say… the only sound that came out of my mouth was…

"Pfft! Hahahaha!"

Confused Lilith had no idea what tod do next.

"W-Wha?! Why are you laughing?!"

"No, its just that, it surprised me that you were able to make a serious face for once. I couldn't help but laugh."

"Muu! Return my words back to me!"

She exclaimed to me frustrated.

"Okay, Okay, I'll stop. Now it's my turn. About our deal."

She stood holding her staff tightly to her chest and steeled herself for whatever answer I would give. I contemplated upon my decision. I gave a slight smile and said the words in my mind: Maybe, just maybe

"I cannot continue our agreement."

Her eyes downcasted themselves upon my answer, but…

"Would have been my first answer, if you hadn't said any of what you said before I spoke."

Her eyes looked up confused.

"B-But! All I've been is extra baggage! Why did you?"

"I can't deny that, but do you know what I really think? About your skill?"

"About my skill…?"

She stood silent. I took a breath before I spoke…

"As much as you would want to think that I label you as useless. I don't think you are totally useless. Even though you have your drawbacks, you're talented, strong, determined, and smart. Smarter than the rest if I must say, you were smart enough to ask for help-"

"S-Smart?! B-But, everyone else asked you for help and you rejected all of them, so why did you accept my request?"

"Let me finish."

"Sorry…"

This girl… Holding back my frustrations I continue.

"I called you smart because you understand yourself well. Most of the other newbies, I can see it. They've battled against death and nearly fell to it, but despite knowing their own limits they continue to proceed as they are with their pride waved in the air that they've survived, its disheartening. But you were smart and brave enough to ask anyway.

"But weren't there others who were the same as me? I've seen a couple begging almost the same as I did when after we first met. Why did you accept me?"

"The air around you, was different. Different in the way that you didn't want to take advantage of me, betray me, or blame me for anything I taught you if that ever happened. I couldn't trust them. From you, I didn't feel any of that. From what I've seen it's probably because of your clueless attitude that allowed me to trust you."

She stayed silent but had no idea how to respond to my comment, whether she was to respond in frustration or relief, but an expression that formed on her face was delight.

"S-So will you keep being my partner until the end of our deal?"

"If you are willing to "Give your all to improve." then, yes."

"I promise to live up to them this time!"

"I'm sure you will. However… I have to admit, you are a pain to be working with, so I expect something else."

"I-I don't really have money to give! Maybe you can deduct some from our earnings? Or maybe I can pay you some other time, or maybe I can pay with my bo-"

I quickly stopped her train of thought before mentioning that final one.

"N-No! You don't need to do any of that! As always so quick to make misunderstood decisions. And again let me finish!"

"Then, what will you have me do?"

Question marks stemming atop her head. I said with a straight face my request.

"I want you to teach me magic."

"Eh?"

Even more question marks stemmed on her head. I continued to elaborate why.

"I want to learn magic, it seems interesting most especially to advance my abilities of course."

Though the question marks didn't stop, she shook her head a few times to get back to me.

"I'm not confident, but I'll teach you what I know!"

"Thanks."

With a hesitant voice she asked...

"T-Then can we start over? With an introduction?"

"Sure, if it'll make you feel better."

She smiled and took a deep breath before speaking.

"Ahem. My name is Lilith Arde, I'm a two star fire mage from (ADD NAME OF SCHOOL) that recently just moved to this city and a newbie adventurer at Copper D rank. I'm currently adventuring for the sake of my family. I know I might not be the best, but I'll be sure to try."

There was a pause after she spoke...

"Hey, it's your turn now."

"Did you really expect me to tell you?"

Her eyes widened and her face began to flare.

"WHAT?! THAT IS NOT FAIR! I thought you said you trusted me?!"

"I trust you enough to uphold our new deal, that doesn't mean I have to tell you more about myself than you already know."

"Still you tricked me!"

"Is that so unusual? You have to learn to be a bit more secretive in this world. Well maybe you are, since I didn't really learn anything new about you."

"Y-You! Grr!"

I thought she would be frustrated… sigh… well… I took a breath.

She really is interested to know who I am, I'm sure she already knows my fake background is already getting suspicious, I can't really say anything to her that could jeopardize me and my current situation. Well, I can't really say nothing to her after her performance, so she at least deserves some merit for that. I took a breath before letting the words fly out of my mouth.

"I won't say anything about my background, but I'll at least say this though. I'm not really confident about my ability to teach you anything, but if you are willing to go that far just to be taught by me then I'll try my best to offer everything to you until our time together is up."

"Zach…"

She looked at me with soft eyes. My face began to heat up so turned away immediately.

"A-Anyway, now that we've patched things up, I'm pumped to get back to work. C'mon Lilith, don't lag behind!"

"H-Hey! We are not done with this! G-Get back here you- Muuu! Zach!"

And with that both of us became a party again, this time I'm sure things will go differently…

END OF UPDATE