Chapter 9: Mysterious Ally

Going back to the inn, straight to my room. I laid down on my bed, putting my arm in my head and covering my eyes.

I clutched my fist, regretting and thinking about the error that occurred. Even though I have the power, I'm still lacking experience.

I thought over my mistake over and over again. I felt regret and sadness over the mistake I made. I slowly closed my eyes and fell asleep.

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I woke up, and I could see the glow of light coming through my window. I still can't get over my mistake from last night. I got up from my bed and just stared at the walls.

I let out a sigh.

"No use crying over spilled milk," I muttered to myself.

I got out of bed and packed my stuff. Another day, another quest. I'll keep doing those quests in the morning and hunting in the evening. I want my rank to increase as soon as possible.

On my way to the guild hall, I noticed a poster on one of the bulletin boards.

'Wanted: The mysterious creep on a cloak wondering in the night'

I looked at the poster with mean eyes; it seems like I made another mistake last night other than letting the werewolf get away.

The bulletin board has an alley on its right side. As I paid attention to the dark alley, I noticed a dark figure sitting on one of the walls.

I walked towards it slowly so it wouldn't seem like a treat. The dark figure seems to belong to a young girl covered in a ragged cloth. I went closer to her and looked at her face.

The young girl noticed me, but she didn't give any reaction. Her face is dirty, and her hair is messy. Her clothes have a lot of holes in them, and her feet are also covered in dirt.

"Food," the young girl quietly said.

I stared at the girl for a while and realized something. Hearing the girl's words, I put out a piece of bread from my backpack and gave it to her.

She quickly took the bread from my hands, eating it quickly. Her way of eating reminded me of a squirrel. The bread didn't even last five seconds; it disappeared like magic.

"If you go with me, I can give you more food."

The girl was surprised at my question; looking at her body, it seems like we're the same age. Wait... Aren't I giving off an aura of creep?! Realizing my actions, I quickly waved my hand and apologized.

"Ah, no, it's not like that! It seems weird that I suddenly want to help you, isn't it?! Well, I just thought I had the means to help, so why not? I don't have any ill intentions towards you; I just want to help, really." I explained with embarrassment written all over my face.

The girl laughed at my reaction.

"Thank you for your kindness; if it's alright with you, I'll take you up on your offer." She replied to me with a genuine smile.

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Being true to my words, I took her to the nearest diner somewhere in the city. I told her not to hesitate and to order what she wanted. She took my words to her advantage and ordered all the food on the menu.

The food came at a fast pace, and while she's eating, I initiate a conversation with her.

"What were you doing in that dark alley?" I asked.

She stopped chewing at her food and gave me a long stare. The food was all over the table. I looked at it, and one thing came to mind. 'How can such a beautiful girl be so messy with her food? '.

She wiped her mouth with a tissue and started talking.

"I was being chased," she said.

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She told me her story from the beginning: her hometown got attacked by thieves. The people in their village were taken as prisoners and were taken for slavery. On their way, someone attacked the thieves and helped them run away.

However, the remaining thieves followed them. Her people pushed her on a cliff, and she fell on a river. Somehow making her escape successful.

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I listened to her story carefully and quietly. From what I heard, I'm very sure. She's lying. She hid a lot of things from that story alone. She left out the very first thing I noticed when I approached her.

Therefore, I concluded that I couldn't trust her.

"What's your name?" I asked.

She hesitated for a bit, thinking carefully about whether she could trust me.

"Neerial, Neerial Ocsanod," she replied.

"Then, Neerial, will you come with me and join me on my adventures?" I asked.

She was stunned at my invitation. Doubting herself and asking if she heard me correctly.

"Yes, I'm an adventurer, and I want you to accompany me on my quests," I assured her.

Slowly putting down the food she's holding, she puts her hands together, hiding her mouth. She looks at me with happiness and blushes red at her cheeks.

"I'll... I'll be glad to," she replied.

"I see."

I stood up from my chair.

"If you'll excuse me a bit,"

I excused myself and went to the comfort room. I sat down and covered my face with two hands.

'CUTE!!! WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?! SHE'S SO CUTE!! ISN'T THAT REACTION A BIT OVERACTING?! SHE'S SO CUTE!!'

I didn't actually say my thoughts; I just sat on the floor and yelled these words in my mind.

However, I still don't trust her. I can't help but feel guilty; she seems pleased with my offer, and here I am just thinking about how she'll be convenient for me as an ally.

Don't get me wrong; I'm looking for comrades. Strong, both physically and mentally.

With fierce eyes in my eyes, I remember what I saw earlier.

Her level is 129.

When you reach a level of 100, you can see the number of people who're below your level.

The Goblin King's situation is different. In dungeons, you mostly see the level of the monsters, even if they're greatly above your level.

But the outside world is different; people usually hide their level from other people to ensure their safety. Neerial is not an exemption. I saw her level because I went close to her and got a close look at her.

The reason I invited her was for me to know why her level is above the hundreds.

I finished sorting out my thoughts and made my way back to the table. There was Neerial with a satisfactory look on her face. The plates are all empty, and all of the food is gone. Not minding it at all, I approached her.

"Let's get you registered at the guild," I said.

"Wait a minute, mister." She held my arm, stopping me.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Name; you haven't told me your name yet."

Oh yeah, I actually forgot to introduce myself. How rude of me. I put my hand on my chest and smiled at her.

"Christ, Christ Skylar. Nice to meet you."

"Then, my life now belongs to you, Mr. Christ," Neerial, with her innocent smile, said.

Another arrow of guilt stroked me deep inside my chest. I turned around, feeling awful that I hadn't even told her my real name.

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"Neerial Ocsanod, welcome to the guild!" Reni, clapping her hands, congratulated Neerial.

"Thank you, Reni," Neerial said with a smile on her face.

I'm beside Neerial, watching her with a smile on my face. Gaining an ally gives me comfort. As I look at her, I suddenly remember my allies from the class gifting ceremony.

"Neerial."

"Hmm?"

I gave her a pat on the head.

"I swear I'll protect you."

Neerial with a blank look on her face, wondering my intentions, just gave me the word "sure."

She doesn't need to know. I still don't trust her, but I won't let her die. I'm not going to repeat that tragedy ever again.