"So, got any good quest in there Isao?" Sylveria asked
Isao's brow furrowed in concentration as she counted the crisp golden coins, the pile growing steadily as she finished tallying the rewards. "Hmm, let's see..." She paused, flipping through the parchment, her eyes scanning the available quests. After a moment, she looked up, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "How about this one, Sylveria? 'Clear the Bandit Camp in Oakwood Glen.' The payout seems decent, and we'd be doing the kingdom a favor by ridding that area of ne'er-do-wells."
Sylveria raised an eyebrow, her gaze narrowing slightly. "Bandits, you say. That doesn't sound particularly challenging compared to the slimes we just defeated." Isla, who had been quietly observing the exchange, chimed in, her tone thoughtful. "Still, it's a public quest, and we could use the experience points."
"Experience points?" Sylveria asked.
"Take a look at the back of your guild card. There you can see your stats, title, and experience points. Once you reach a specific amount of exp points, your guild rank will go up a star just like how Veldina was a 5 black star adventurer." Isao said.
Intrigued, the duo examined their guild cards, their faces lighting up as they absorbed the new information. Experience points, they realized, were a measurable way to track their growth as adventurers and directly affected their guild rank. Isla’s eyes widened as she considered the implications. “So, if we keep completing quests and earning experience, we could climb the ranks and gain access to better gear, higher-paying missions, and more privileges within the guild? I thought experience points were just for buying sweets or getting bonus gold,” Isla remarked. Sylveria and Isao stared at her, dumbfounded. Isla had been the one to bring up the topic, yet she seemed to know the least about it.
Sylveria with a sigh nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's a system designed to encourage progress and development. Of course, it won't be easy, especially considering our... unusual circumstances."
Isao, ever the optimist, flashed a determined smile. "But that's exactly why we should strive for it! Imagine the adventures and opportunities that await us as we climb the ranks!"
"Okay. Then let's kill the bandits." Isla decided.
With renewed purpose, the trio set off toward Oakwood Glen, leaving the bustling city behind as they traversed the lush, rolling hills. Isao consulted her map frequently, ensuring they stayed on course for the bandit camp.
As they walked, Sylveria couldn't help but notice the differences between their adventuring style and that of typical mercenaries. "It's rather amusing, actually," she mused aloud. "Most adventurers focus solely on accumulating wealth and fame, whereas we three seem more driven by the thrill of the challenge itself."
Isla who is always aloof smiled a little. "When you have talent and training, there's no reason to settle for mediocrity. We aim to be the best, and that means continually pushing ourselves to excel." Isao nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with determination. "And who knows? Maybe our unconventional approach will lead to innovative strategies and techniques that others can learn from." A warm smile spread across Sylveria's face as nostalgic memories washed over her. "Indeed, we've retained our fundamental essences, haven't we? The camaraderie and spirit that defined us in our previous lives have endured, even as our forms and roles have changed."
Isao nodded, her eyes shining with a similar sentiment. "Despite the new challenges and environments, we've maintained the core of our bond – our unwavering support for one another and our shared desire to excel!"
Isla, listening intently, couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. "Perhaps the goddess saw fit to grant us a chance to relive and strengthen these relationships, forged through adversity and shared triumphs."
The trio fell into a comfortable silence, their thoughts drifting to the past as they strolled side by side beneath the sun-dappled canopy of trees.
"Yeah... not a chance." the trio said in unison.
"The goddess probably brought us together in this world because she couldn't grant us our inherent abilities or let us use our spirit weapons." Isao remarked. "If we had access to them, defeating the fallen hero, the evil god, and the corrupt goddess would be over in a heartbeat." Isla and Sylveria nodded in agreement. With her spirit weapon, Isla could annihilate gods with ease, while Sylveria's ice powers could instantly reduce anything to diamond dust. Meanwhile, Isao's floral swordsmanship as a Flower Maiden allowed her to summon a dimension capable of slashing through anything. Together, their abilities would have made the goddess's request trivial.
"Indeed, our capabilities in this realm pale in comparison to our former selves." Sylveria acknowledged, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "But that's precisely why we must rely on our wits, teamwork, and determination to overcome the obstacles ahead."
Isao nodded; her delicate features set in a resolute expression. "We've adapted to this new reality, embracing the opportunity to hone our skills and forge a new path together. Our spirit weapons and legendary powers may be absent, but our resolve and the strength of our friendship remain unchanged." Isla, ever the pragmatist, focused on the practicalities. "So, let's focus on mastering our current abilities and exploiting the weaknesses of our enemies."
"Honestly, I didn't realize how solid our teamwork is," Sylveria admitted. "Back in our previous world, we rarely fought as a team. Sure, we worked well together back then too, but here, we're always fighting side by side instead of going solo. It's actually pretty fun."
"It's true," Isao agreed, her fingers flexing around the hilt of her sword. "In our past lives, while we did cooperate, individual accomplishments often took precedence. Here, we've formed a cohesive unit, relying on one another's strengths to overcome challenges." Isla nodded curtly, her gaze scanning the perimeter of the camp. "And it's effective. Our combined prowess allows us to tackle situations that might prove daunting for a single adventurer."
A soft chuckle escaped Sylveria's lips. "Not to mention, working together has allowed us to develop strategies and anticipate each other's moves more efficiently."
Upon reaching the outskirts of the bandit camp, the trio, unsheathe their weapons as they surveyed the dilapidated structures before them. Sylveria's observation about their group dynamic resonated with each member, a realization born from their shared experiences.
"Isao, use your Lavender... something... to drop my open case from the sky and scatter the weapons inside it." Isla said nonchalantly, glancing away as if unsure of the name.
Isao puffed out her cheeks, pouting. "It's calledLavender Swordsmanship Style!" she corrected. With that, Isao tossed a lavender flower high above the bandit camp. Using her magic and enchanted katana, she activated a technique that swapped the flower with Isla's already open case. Isla, her keen senses alert, immediately spotted the descending package and seized the opportunity. Dashing into the heart of the bandit camp with a feral grin, she sent a powerful kick flying into the nearest brigand, sending him sprawling. With lightning-quick reflexes, she snagged a short sword from the air, her grasp as fluid as silk. The other weapons scattered about the clearing, a deadly field of weapons awaiting any unsuspecting outlaw who dared venture too close. Isla's dominion over the campsite was absolute, her fierce presence striking fear into the hearts of her foes. Meanwhile, Sylveria burst into the spacious tent that served as the bandit leader's stronghold.
"A kid!?" the bandit leader exclaimed, swinging his axe to block Sylveria's rapier. The force sent her sliding back, but she landed gracefully on her feet. "Yes, 10-year-old kids." Sylveria replied coolly, pointing at the bandit leader's arm, now encased in ice after his block. Her rapier had frozen the floor where it touched, and her icy demeanor matched her chilling power. "I'll be taking that head of yours." Sylveria said with a frosty glare before charging at him again. Within the spacious tent, the bandit leader's jaw dropped at Sylveria's declaration, his eyes wide with disbelief as he gazed upon the deadly young ice princess standing before him. "You? Impossible!" His incredulous statement earned him a stern retort from Sylveria, her rapier tip tracing a chill down his frozen arm. "Don't underestimate us based on our age. I assure you; we're more than capable of dealing with scum like you." With that, she charged once more, her elegance and ferocity in equal measure as she sought to claim the bandit chief's head.
Outside the bandit leader's tent, over 100 bandits surrounded Isla. She grinned maliciously, eager to unleash her new technique, "Arsenal Zone." Isla hurled her short sword at one bandit, then charged forward, grabbing a dagger mid-stride and attacking another. Tossing the dagger into the air, she leaped onto a tree to retrieve an axe and charge again, slicing through a bandit's neck before throwing the weapon at another target. Her movements were calculated and relentless, seamlessly using her weapons as tools for attacking, stepping, and throwing.chaos erupted as Isla's 'Arsenal Zone' unleashed hell upon the surrounding attackers. With each deft throw and agile leap, her weapons became extensions of her body, cutting down brigands with ruthless precision. The area soon resembled a gruesome slaughterhouse, crimson splatters painting the dirt as Isla continued her merciless onslaught.
Meanwhile, Isao ventured into the bandit cave to rescue the hostages. With an energetic smile, she skillfully dispatched the bandits inside, wielding her katana and wakizashi with precision and grace. Isao danced through the shadows with a playful grin. The hostages cowered behind her, their savior effortlessly dispatching the foes that dared stand in her way.
Inside the tent, Sylveria froze the bandit leader completely as he begged for mercy. With an icy glare, she swiftly sliced off his head, catching it mid-air with her hand. "Mercy? You showed none to your victims, yet you expect it from us?" With a cruel twist, Sylveria pulverized the frozen skull with her grip, her icy gaze devoid of compassion. The sound of crunching ice and bone echoed through the tent, a stark reminder of the ruthless justice meted out to those who preyed upon the innocent.
Outside, Isla's rampage showed no signs of abating. The once lush grass of the encampment was now drenched in blood, the scent of death heavy in the air. Bandits fled in terror, only to meet grisly ends as Isla's weapons claimed them with merciless efficiency.
Emerging from the ravaged tent, Sylveria was flanked by two bruised and shaken girls, the horror of their ordeal etched on their pale faces. Isla, her grisly task complete, stood amidst the crimson landscape, a detached expression masking the primal fury that drove her.
"Looks like we're both done." Sylveria remarked calmly, her voice carrying a steely edge. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned the chilling power of her ice magic, the ground rapidly transforming beneath their feet.
First, the scarlet liquid congealed into an opaque sheet, a gory barrier against the daylight. Then, in a dazzling display of white and blue, the very earth crystallized, snow-like flakes dancing in the breeze. The gruesome battlefield was transformed, its savagery hidden beneath a blanket of winter's chill.
Isao emerged from the cave, her cheerful greeting clashed with the somber atmosphere of the newly whitewashed battlefield. The freed hostages trailed behind her, wide-eyed and disbelieving at the sight of their youthful rescuers, still clad in bloodstained attire.
Sylveria's gaze flicked to Isao, noting the macabre adornments on her friend's pristine garments. "Ah, perfect timing," the Princess remarked dryly, her voice carrying a subtle edge of amusement. "Let's get these girls cleaned up before they attract any unwanted attention." She turned to the trembling pair, her icy stare softening into a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we'll make sure you're safe and sound."
The trio escorted the rescued villagers back to their small village, collected their rewards, and made their way back to the capital. They attracted plenty of attention, particularly because Isla's pure white robe was stained with fresh blood. "Maybe we should head back to the castle now?" Isao suggested, and Sylveria nodded awkwardly in agreement.
As the trio returned to the castle their blood-stained appearance drew more than a few gasps from the guards stationed at the entrance. Princess Sylveria's usually immaculate attire now bore visible cuts from traversing oakwood glen, while Isao's clothing and face were smudged with dirt from her underground rescue mission. But it was Isla who garnered the most attention, her pristine white robes now splattered with fresh, vibrant blood. The sight was jarring, to say the least, as if the very embodiment of innocence had been dragged through a butcher's field. The guards struggled to maintain their composure, choking back their shock as they eyed the trio warily.
"Well, that certainly makes for an interesting entrance," Sylveria quipped dryly, her tone attempting to mask the unease she felt at being the subject of such open scrutiny. "Sylv... I feel... sticky." Isla said with a bored expression.
"Yeah, me too. I'm covered in mud." Isao said, disgusted with herself. "Y-yeah... let's take a bath together." Sylveria suggested, noticing how much attention her friends were drawing.
Sebastian, Sylveria's personal butler, along with two maids, rushed to greet the trio but was also surprised by their appearance. Sylveria's suggestion of a communal bath was less an attempt at comfort and more a strategic move to alleviate the increasingly awkward stares from the servants. Her butler's visage, in particular, held a mix of horror and fascination, as if beholding apparitions rather than his beloved mistress and her companions.
"We need a thorough cleansing, and preferably, without an audience." Sylveria elaborated, her eyes pleading for discretion amidst the rising commotion. "Arrange for a hot bath and fresh attire, please." With that, Sebastian and the maids quickly move to tend to the Princess and her friends.
Later, the trio relaxed in the luxurious bathtub, a stark contrast to the brutality of their earlier exploits. Isla, ever aloof, sat with a rubber duck perched on her wet hair like a crown. Isao let out a satisfied sigh, the fragrant bathwater easing her tension. Sylveria, too, exhaled softly, releasing stress she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "It might be wise to show restraint when dealing with humans," Sylveria said thoughtfully, her voice calm amid the steam. "Their reactions are... different from the creatures we've faced before." Her gaze shifted to Isla and Isao, a silent recognition of their shared past and the violence they had long been accustomed to.
