Chapter 3 - Quest

[SYSTEM NOTICE] X

<Quest>

- Convince your friend to bring you along with her. -

- 1∆ -

{ACCEPT}

{AGREE}

"Oh, come on, the first quest in this world and I don't even have a choice?"

Although I said that, I didn't really mind it that much.

I was just about to do that without the system even telling me.

The only thing I have a problem with is... Will all of the quests be like this?

Well, let's just wait and find out.

First things first, I need to quickly think of something to convince her.

Then, after contemplating for a while, I finally got the right answer.

I've got nothing to lose anyway and if I don't leave her, I'll probably be starving to death one day.

Also, with me on the first Phase, there will be a higher chance of her accepting my request.

But, what should I tell her? That I suddenly got to the first Phase because I wanted to go with her?

Nah... Then, should I just say that?

I mean with this body's previous owners feelings, I can probably say that right?

Well, let's just get on with it.

After thinking about it, I moved out of the house and began walking.

Honestly, I don't know where she lives.... But I think this body does.

And so, after walking for a while I found myself near a house much larger and better than mine.

On the outside of the house, I found a familiar maid taking some things into a carriage.

I slowly approached the house but I was stopped by the maid.

Well, no luck in sneaking in I guess, not that I put much effort into it.

"What are you doing?"

Or so the maid said and if I remember correctly her name was,

".....Mai."

"Yes? What is it Aither? If you want to go with my lady on her journey, you will just become a burden to her."

"I know.... But what if I had the strength to accompany her?"

I replied to her and her face became somewhat slightly surprised.

At least that's what I thought her expression was behind the mask as she paused for a few seconds before replying.

".....You? Have the strength to protect her? You're not even on the.... Huh?!"

Now I'm sure she's surprised with her reaction.

"That's right I'm already at the first Phase, Mai."

"But... How? How did you manage to do it? For the past few months I have seen you I was sure you didn't have a single bit of source origin in you."

"Well, anything can happen in the power of love~"

I replied jokingly but surprisingly she snapped at my response.

"Power of love my ass! If anyone could do that many people would already be stronger than me!"

She shouted but there was no anger in her voice as if she was just spitting some facts.

Then she continued,

"Then, that can only mean one thing... You.... You have been hiding your strength?"

Huh? Hiding my strength? I haven't thought about that actually....

But, if I can get away with it, then fine I'll use that excuse.

Originally, I planned on saying that for the past few months I've been training in order to actually have the strength to be with her and just yesterday was I able to reach the first Phase.

But this works out as well, I'll just make an excuse that my parents were strong and before they died they taught me how to reach the first Phase.

"Uuuh.... Yeah, before my parents died they taught me how to reach the first level."

"That's why I've been hiding this for the past few months and also this is so that I can protect myself when I leave this shitty village."

"So can you let me in? Even if it's dangerous I can at least protect myself and maybe get muchs stronger."

Mai looked at me as silence filled the area around us for a few moments.

She just listened to my whatever lie I just made up.

"Haaa... Fine, you can go inside. Lady Anaia is in the living room waiting for you."

She finally agreed but... Waiting for me? So they pretty much expected that I'll come back.

"... You're her first friend and during these last few months... You've made her very happy. I can do at least this much."

Walking towards the house, I think I heard Mai mumbling something to herself but I was already too far to hear.

"Well, onto the next stage then."