Without You, The Beginning of Magic {Magical AU}

Chapter 10: Situation (Part 4)

Something felt different about the town when we arrived, it seemed cleaner and safer for some reason. Mikeal took my hand as we followed Caleb into the guild house. I looked at the receptionist and saw it was the same one. She waved, "What can I do for you?" Before Caleb could say anything I got in front, "The guild master... We need to speak with him, it's urgent." She sighed, "We can't allow just anyone to see him. I'm sorry, Even adamantine adventurers have a difficult time meeting him." She shivered at my glare, "I don't care. If there's an adamantine adventurer here, then ask him to come here. This is a ma-"

I looked up as a man in full plate armor walked up, "My name's Lial. What's the matter little one?" I huffed softly, "I'm Iris, this is my squad. Caleb-san is the captain." Caleb shook his head as his eyebrows knitted, "No... I came here to resign and relinquish my right as captain to Ms. Iris here." I looked at him shocked, "But I'm still a go-" He smiled softly, "What did you come here to do... Do you think that defeating a hag is easy? You came here to turn in the core and rank up."

I saw the gazes of everyone, so I took a step back as Lial burst out laughing, "A teenage platinum captain?!" I looked to the side, but he pointed, "How about joining my squad instead? If you're a platinum adventurer at your age then that means you're highly skilled." We looked behind as someone yelled, "Or a fake! She's just a kid! She probably had someone carry her through it and was pa-" I glared, "Don't you dare finish that sentence. Ethan died for it and we all almost died. If it weren't for everyone, then that bitch would've killed us."

I yelled as I teared up, "Don't you dare belittle his death or I s-" Caleb stood in front as I turned away and grit my teeth as Mikeal put his hand on my shoulder. "She is indeed a teenager, but her skill in leadership and her strength are not just for show. In that battle when I was devastated by my friend's death as Lea was about to face the same fate, she saved Lea and took control of the situation. She's inexperienced in many things, but seeing death, losing a comrade, and killing... She has experienced it all. Don't belittle her because of her age."

Lial nodded, "Then... How about you join me and I'll teach you everything I know? I swear on my pride as a knight adventurer." I looked at Minori and Mikeal, "... I don't like being restricted... I came here to get stronger... I want to become the savior. I don't care how ridiculous people think it is, but... I will become the savior. I won't lose anymore comrades. I won't let these damn demon beasts destroy my country. I won't let anyone think that there's hopelessness in this world... After completing the academy, my fiance and I will travel the world to save everyone we see... Help them and guide them..." I looked at Lial and smiled, "It's not a dream... It's my reality and I refuse to back down. I will do it or die trying."

Lial offered his hand, "Then... Ms future savior Iris... I will teach you all I know and let you train to your heart's content, including fighting... As long as you're safe about it and don't push yourself." I looked at Mikeal and Minori before they nodded, so I shook his hand, "Then Lial-san, as long as I fight and train with my friends and family beside me... I'll help you defeat the demon beasts with all I have." He shook it, "It's a deal."

We looked up the stairs as a man wearing a dark blue shirt, black pants, and a white coat walked down the stairs. He wore glasses and had medium length wavy white hair with a scimitar on his hip. I glared as the adventurers stood up and saluted, but I yelled, "Silvers Rayleigh, why the hell are you here?!" I got glares, but he laughed, "Now now Iris. Don't be too mad. I didn't hide it on purpose. I was just doing my job." I glared deeper as he walked in front of me, "Your uncle told me to help you if you needed it. I worry about you..." He stroked my hair, "... I'm proud of my disciple for making it this far." I puffed my cheek and looked away, "You mean babysit. How can I grow stronger if you babysit me?" He chuckled and pointed upstairs, "I won't. I promise. Now, let's go talk about what you needed to report."

I huffed and pointed to Lial, "Lial-san, Mikeal, Caleb-san, Lea-san, and Minori need to come too... If Lial-san is going to take me with him, then he needs to know too." Rayleigh glanced at them before he wrapped his arm around me laughing. "You got some good companions.~" I flushed brighter and looked away, "Sh-shut up! Mikeal is my blood brother and Minori is my friend! Lial-san will become my friend eventually because I want him as one!" Rayleigh laughed as they followed.