MiMi Loves Fran

Tap… tap… tap

A gentle candlelight with shades of orange and red flickered across Momonga's mask as he sat surrounded by papers scattered across the table. Each one contained information about the adventurer's guild. With a weary hand, he pressed against his forehead, the weight of his worries evident in the gesture. It was clear to him that the Adventurer's Guild was beginning to draw lines from the recent massacre at the slave ring back to him.

After all, who wouldn't? Everything linked back to Momonga, his recent arrival, his strength during his entrance exam into the adventurer's guild, and even Momonga's ability to do B-Rank quests at C-Rank level. 

Momonga knew his actions were careless, especially since he didn't cover his tracks after leaving the slave-ring. He left bodies, blood, and evidence of magic usage; it is only a matter of time until the adventure's guild links it officially back to him. 

Now, that only leaves the question: what would the guild do once they figure out Momonga was the culprit?

Momonga knew he could take down D, C, and B-ranked adventurers without much trouble after spending so much time in the guild, which allowed him to associate levels with ranks. But when it came to A-ranked adventurers, he needed to be more confident. 

Momonga considered the rankings used to categorize adventurers. A D-ranked adventurer would typically be on par with a player around level 8 to 14, while a C-ranked one might compare to those between levels 15 to 25. B-ranked adventurers were generally akin to players at levels 30 to 35.

However, he knew the jump to A rank was supposedly substantial—a point made repeatedly by the vague descriptions given by those familiar with them. As per the accounts he managed to. gather, a-ranked adventurers had the might to decimate entire armies. Based on his information, Momonga speculated that positioning an A-ranked adventurer between levels 45 and 55 might be fitting.

With such thoughts occupying his mind, Momonga's tapping on the wooden table gradually subsided as Momonga's gaze drifted towards the window. Sunlight streamed through, bathing his skeletal figure in a warm embrace. During this fleeting moment of tranquility, the sound of the door handle into the room turning gently broke the silence, and the door moved open just enough for someone to enter.

Claire made her entrance, moving with a grace that captivated Momonga despite the change in her appearance. Gone was her usual attire, destroyed due to the scars of past torment and over usage. 

Now, her hair was pulled back into a ponytail with a neat white ribbon, and she wore a plain dark green tunic that fit snugly around her figure. A simple leather belt, holding a few pouches and a small dagger, encircled her waist. Her legs were covered by brown pants paired with sturdy boots, and she also now had a staff made out of maple wood with a triangle design around a red crystal in the center.

Claire eyed Momonga with impatience and curiosity, her elfin ears twitching. "Come on, how much prep do you need? I thought a top-notch guy like you could zip through all that. You promised we'd hit up the adventurer's guild hours ago!"

Momonga stood up, and in a mellow voice, he responded, "Sorry about that, Claire," he replied, giving a slight nod while heading through the doorway into the hallway. "Guess I got too wrapped up in my magic studies. Alright, let's head out."

Claire followed Momonga through the corridor, her voice full of curiosity bouncing off the wood walls. "You're always hunched over those papers and dusty old books. What's the deal? Aren't you already strong enough?"

Momonga didn't stop as he headed for the stairs to the first floor. He glanced over his shoulder and said, "It's not just about muscle, Claire. Knowing stuff is just as important. It's about being ready for whatever comes at us, not just what's staring us in the face."

Claire chased after Momonga, her voice carrying a hint of skepticism. "I get that, but do you even need to worry? I can't imagine you struggling, no matter what you face." 

With a warm chuckle, Momonga replied while descending the inn's stairs, "Maybe, but why take the chance? Besides, sometimes knowing a secret or two can be the difference between death and life."

"Guess you've got a point, but I still doubt anything could really give you trouble," Claire said, her voice trailing off as they reached the first floor. The inn was alive with the hum of conversation and the clinking of cutlery. Residents were digging into their breakfast, and conversations rang out; it was a different sight compared to the adventurer's guild drunken assailants.

A friendly voice cut through the morning chatter as they entered the bustle. "Morning, Momonga, Claire. Sleep well?" The voice belonged to a young woman behind the counter. Her long blue hair framed her face with bright eyes, and her fair skin contrasted her innkeeper's attire.

Claire's face lit up at the sight of the woman, her expression shimmering with delight. "Morning, Mimi!" she called out enthusiastically, catching the attention of a few nearby diners. Momonga, on the other hand, remained silent and unassuming.

Noticing Momonga's reserve, Mimi's curiosity was piqued as she leaned slightly over the counter. "So, what's it going to be today? Breakfast with us, or are you off on another quest to the demon's garden right away?"

"Actually, we're off to the guild today," Claire smiled. "Believe it or not, Momonga's aiming to jump up to B-rank."

Mimi's eyes widened in amazement. "B-rank? But he's only been a member briefly... Wow, just like Fran!" She shook her head, a mix of disbelief and admiration in her voice. "I wonder why the guild master's letting newcomers climb the ranks so fast."

Hearing the name 'Fran,' Momonga showed a spark of interest. "Fran?" he echoed, turning his gaze to Mimi.

The surprise was evident on Mimi's face. "You really don't know? Fran's this tiny cat girl, a real prodigy with a sword twice her size, and she's climbed the ranks super quick. Plus, she's the cutest thing," Mimi gushed as if envisioning petting Fran's fluffy ears.

"Huh, I'd like to meet her," Momonga mused, sparking a visible reaction from Claire, who looked at him with a blend of surprise and curiosity.

"You're interested in meeting someone? That's new," she said, her voice tinged with incredulity.

Momonga nodded. "If she's making strides like that in the guild, there could be something more to her. Maybe she's like me." His voice had a hint of speculation. The idea of another rapidly ascending through the ranks intrigued him; it was a rarity and worth noting in a world where the unexpected could mean another player.

"Well then, Guess what? You're in for a treat!" chirped Mimi, a playful gleam in her eyes. "I heard from some adventurers that Fran's back in town because of some guild trouble. I just can't wait to see her—I'm going to give her all my sweets!" enthused Mimi.

Claire gave Mimi a skeptical look. "You're really into her, huh? But... does Fran even know who you are?"

Those words hit Mimi like a ton of bricks. Her face fell, and she collapsed onto the countertop, a picture of utter devastation. "She doesn't... But why can't I dream about her noticing me? She's just so... so..." Mimi's voice trailed off into a wistful sigh, the image of someone whose world had just come crashing down because of unanswered admiration.

With pity and amusement, Claire responded, "You're beyond help,"

Momonga sighed, noticing how the other customers were glancing their way. It wasn't surprising; Claire and Mimi's commotion was hard to ignore.

"Alright, Claire, we've got to head to the guild," Momonga said, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

Claire glanced back at Momonga. "Already? We barely just got here," she complained, only to be met with Momonga's unwavering gaze. "Fine, fine. We're going. See you later, Mimi. Cheer up, okay?"

Mimi managed a weak wave in farewell, though her expression still looked as if her heart had shattered, an open book for the whole inn to read.

Momonga and Claire stepped out of the inn and onto the busy streets. Birds were tweeting, and a crisp breeze danced around them. Above, a clear blue sky stretched out like a vast sea. 

Without delay, Momonga headed toward the guild without a word, focusing on the task ahead. Claire quickly caught up, trailing close behind. As they weaved through the crowd, a thought crossed Momonga's mind.

I wonder if Fran is a player..?