Without You, The Beginning of Magic {Magical AU}

Chapter 9: Betrayal (Part 4)

We looked back as a man about five ten ran up to us, "Excuse me!" I looked up to see him have black hair with studded leather armor carrying a shortsword, "I overheard you talking about needing another member for your squad? I'm a swordsman specializing in the wind sword. I'm a newly appointed gold adventurer, Rin Minori." I looked at Ethan as he stared for a moment before motioning for him to follow us, "Let's all talk in the room." I glanced at Mikeal then Gengi before holding Gengi in my left hand and holding my katana in my right at the ready.

I flinched as he chuckled and he arrived, "No need to be so on guard Ms. Iris... I understand, but I hope you'll see that there's no need for that until we get to the campsite." I sighed shakily as Mikeal rubbed my back and we walked into one of the guild's rooms you can rent. I looked up to see a five eight man with long brown hair wrapped in a bun. He was extremely buff and smoking a cigarette playing cards with a female. She was around six foot with a slim figure. She had flowing deep green hair that reached her waist and she was snaking. They were both wearing leather armor.

They got up as he directed us over. "Caleb, this is Ms. Iris, Mikeal, and Mr. Minori." He offered his hand to Mikeal first, "Nice to meet you, Mikeal. It's nice to meet you, Iris. You as well Minori." I shook his hand and nodded. Next was the woman. "I'm Yary Lea. Nice to meet you." She shook mine first, but as I took it, a wave of mana flowed through me. I jumped back and held my katana at the ready. Mikeal, seeing me like that almost immediately did the same, but aimed his crossbow at her.

The three stood bewildered, but Lea, Ethan, and Caleb sighed as I asked, "Why did you inspect me with your mana?" Lea rubbed the back of her neck, "I wanted to check your properties and body condition..." She bowed deeply, "I apologize." I straightened up, but kept it at the ready if they came closer, "I have no property. I use pure mana manipulation. Mikeal keeps me healthy and fit for battle... If you want my trust, let me do the same. People of your level will know if I do it, so I didn't..." They sat down as Caleb nodded, "If that makes you more comfortable."

I closed my eyes for a moment before opening them again and staring at Caleb. He shivered at my glowing eyes. Water and wind. He's cautious, but calm. I shifted my gaze to Ethan. Earth and... I blinked surprised, "Lightning?..." He sat down and huffed, "You can see even that?" I looked at an anxious Lea. My eyes widened slightly then to the side before moving to sit down next to them, so Mikeal followed. A demon, huh? I wonder how much of a threat she is. Dark magic and summoning. No property.

Mikeal stood behind me as Minori joined them. "So... How long have you guys known each other?" She smiled softly in relief, "Since children. We grew up here and know the area. We want to defend our home." They all flinched as I asked, "So... You're fine with being friends with a demon? I've never come across one before, but... Dark magic and summoning is quite the combo... How're you supporting?" They looked between each other before she nodded and stood up. Gengi. He nodded and got onto the table to sit in front of me just in case.

I blinked surprised as her green hair turned a dark red and her eyes glowed yellow. She curtsied, "I'm Lea, a regular demon of the northern territory... I lost my way when I was younger and ran into these two... They became my family and have taken care of me." I smiled softly and got up. Those two grew on guard, but I simply looked in her eyes, "... They're golden... A lighter shade than his, but... Beautiful." She blushed a bright purple and grew panicky. I giggled, "They're a lot like my fiances!" I took out my necklace and showed her the picture of Law.

She looked at it then me, "Golden eyes are a sign of extreme purpose. Mine are murky yellow, as are the rest of demons... It's a mockery to show we'll never reach greatness." I cocked a brow, "I doubt that. I think it's more of a different purpose than a mockery, but it's up to you to decide what." It glowed golden as I smiled at the picture with a light blush, "Law will be the savior... He's my support for when I become the greatest battle mage savior... He swore he would always love and protect me... I'm getting strong enough to make that possible. I'm entering the academy in three years. After graduating from the academy, Law and I will adventure the world as the saviors..."