Chapter IV

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The midday sun cast a bright glare across the dense forest, filtering through the leaves to illuminate the clearing where Noriyuki, the Priestess, and Prima currently fighting against a horde of orcs. The ground trembled with the force of their clashes, and the air buzzed with the sounds of battle. Noriyuki's heart raced as he stood at the forefront, Phobos spinning around him, its blades gleaming in the light.

Noriyuki moved with remarkable fluidity, effortlessly dispatching each orc that crossed his path. With a swift flick of Phobos' orbiting blades, he cut through the air, his strikes precise and unerring. Each swing was executed with a blend of speed and grace, as he navigated the battlefield with a fierce determination, leaving behind a trail of defeated foes. The orcs, lumbering and brutish, stood no chance against his skillful technique, falling before him like autumn leaves in a gust of wind.

Meanwhile, the priestess known as Ina and Noriyuki's familiar, Prima, coordinated their efforts seamlessly, working in perfect harmony to eliminate the advancing orcs. Ina's magic surged forth like a tempest, manifesting in vibrant bursts of energy that effortlessly overwhelmed the brutish foes. Each spell she cast was precise, targeting clusters of orcs and neutralizing them with breathtaking power.

Beside her, Prima, a Guardian Purple Slime, moved with astonishing agility, her fluid form darting around the battlefield with surprising speed. She deftly distracted the orcs, evading their clumsy strikes and luring them into Ina's line of fire. With each swift movement, Prima showcased her unique abilities, a brilliant dance of misdirection that left the orcs bewildered and vulnerable. Together, they formed an unstoppable duo, combining magic and movement to turn the tide of battle in their favor.

In the midst of Noriyuki's fierce clash with a horde of orcs, he cast a glance toward Ina and Prima, witnessing their seamless synergy as they worked together with astonishing brilliance. Ina's magic erupted in radiant flashes, while Prima's agile form danced around the orcs, skillfully drawing their attention away. The sight of their teamwork was impressive, a testament to their bond and shared purpose.

Yet, despite the captivating display before him, a nagging thought persisted in Noriyuki's mind. Was it truly worth the risk of allowing Ina to join their party? He understood the dangers of trusting an unknown individual, particularly someone as powerful as Ina.

The memory of the betrayal he had faced back in the capital at the hands of Myne lingered like a shadow, a constant reminder of the fragility of trust. Ever since that fateful encounter, Noriyuki had remained on high alert, his guard never fully lowered. He couldn't shake the feeling that someone capable of such magic might also harbor hidden motives. The battlefield around him blurred into a cacophony of clashing steel and roars from the orcs, yet his focus remained torn between the urgent need to survive and the doubt that gnawed at him. Would allowing Ina to join them help in his future endeavors-or will it lead to another betrayal?

The memory surged back as Noriyuki fought, taking him to that moment in the dimly lit temple, its stone walls adorned with ancient carvings and the scent of incense thick in the air. He stood across from Ina, the eerie silence of the temple amplifying the tension between them. Flickering candlelight cast long shadows over her calm, composed figure.

Ina: I want to join your party, Catalyst Hero.

The Priestess had said, her voice steady, echoing through the hollowed hall. The weight of her words seemed to hang in the air, as if the very stones of the temple were holding their breath.

He narrowed his eyes, his skepticism barely concealed.

Noriyuki: Against the Waves? I do understand that I'm in need of assistance against these Waves but what's in it for you?

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