The day has finally come. The day when I finally prove my worth to the world.
My name is Luna Hamon, last daughter of the prestigious Hamon family. My family has always produced exceptional magic users. And of course, I'm one of them.
I'm capable of using 6 out of 10 magic elements. Most mages only have affinity to one element.
Besides, I went to one of the most prestigious magic academies in the world and I graduated top of my promotion. During that time, I memorized more than a thousand spells, and my mana is said to be infinite.
Not to brag, but I'm also beautiful. I've been taking care of my body since I was born. My skin is as smooth as a newborn, and my hair is long and radiant. Wherever I'm going, all eyes are on me. I lost count how many men confess their feeling to me.
Yeah, I'm simply an exceptional person.
And for an exceptional person, there is an exceptional place: The Hero party.
Every 500 years, the Demon God is revived, and it leads its army against humanity. Fortunately for us, the Gods choose one person, the Hero to stand against the forces of Evil. My achievements allowed me to be recommended to such a party. Most people would dream to only glimpse at the Hero, and I will stand beside them. What an honour!
- Ms. Hamon, are you alright?
- Huh, what? Oh yes, yes! I'm fine Mr. Bryant!
- You don't have to be nervous. The members of the party are all nice people!
- I know! I just can't help it!
The man who spoke to me is Sebastian Bryant, the personal attendant for the Hero. Despite his ordinary appearance, he is a priest. And a powerful one from what I heard. It is said he is capable of saving someone an inch away from death. For this reason, he acts as a healer for the Hero party.
- Sebastian is right, Ms. Hamon! No need to be nervous!
And this woman is the Hero. I knew she had to be exceptional, but this is way beyond anything I have expected.
Tall, muscular, beautiful, she even seems to be radiating light energy. She was wearing a white shirt with a tie, and a black straight skirt which combined with her muscular body, makes her strangely cute. Just sitting next to her is unbearable. I wasn't lying when I said I was nervous. It's all because of her.
- I know! I'll try to relax! Also, please just call me Luna.
- Only if you call me Rina!
- But I can't! You're …
- Rina Marr! That's my name. Hero is just my title!
- (Just a tittle? So humble!) What about Ms. Marr?
- I'll settle for that! For now!
She smiles as she said those words. Such a beautiful smile. I can feel my heart skipping a beat. She is just too awesome. I definitely cannot call such a person just by her given name. It would be a crime only punishable by death.
- Yes! Was all I could reply.
Sebatian and the Hero came to recruit me at my house. After being officially admitted to the party, I had to return with them to their place. We have been riding a carriage for almost 2 days now.
(Funny thing, while we were in the forest, some bandit fought it would be a good idea to attack us. Needless to say, it ended badly for them)
This morning, we finally reached the town where the Hero main base is.
We arrive in front of a house in the middle of meadow, on the edge of the city.
- Welcome to your new home, Luna! The Hero said, taking my hand to help me get down of the carriage.
- Huh?
I should have been swept of my feet by her gentleman attitude, but I was too disturbed by the appearance of their house.
It was definitely a mansion, but a small one. Even smaller than my father's. Plus, there wasn't a single maid in sight to greet us. What's the meaning of this. At home, we have more than a hundred maids. And they would line up to welcome us every time we step into the house.
- Currently, half of the members are on a mission. Sebastian will guide you to your room. When you're ready, come meet us in the meeting room, I will introduce you to those who are present.
- Ah, huh … very well!
As instructed, I followed Sebastian to my room. I had to carry my own luggage since there were no one to it. Why doesn't the Hero party have maids? Could it be to prevent spies?
The inside of the mansion was even more disturbing. It was pale. No ornament, no decorations, just plain white walls. My room ended up being as disappointing as expected. A simple room, a bed, table and chair, and a drawer. This is a commoner's room. What's going on?
The Heroes are supposed to be the most prestigious people on the planet. Why are they living in such a shabby place? I mean, even my room in the academy was twice as big.
I left my luggage in front of the door and sat on the bed. It was hard. No matter how much I looked around, the room didn't change.
No this is a misunderstanding. Surely, this is a temporary residence. They are the Heroes after all. They had to move a lot. Yes, that's it. There is no way that the Hero will live in such an excuse of a mansion. I just need to be patient, once they are done with their business here, they will return to their real mansion.
I left without unpacking my luggage. I couldn't wait to hear the Hero explanation. This has to be a misunderstanding. I had trouble living in my room at the academy, there is no way I could tolerate an even smaller room.
Sebastian who was waiting outside, took me to a room where the Hero and 4 other people were siting all around a table. From its design, I could say it was a war room. It must be where they plan their operations.
- Oh, Luna! You're back. Let me introduce you!
Saying so, the Hero took me by the arm and led me to a chair on which were written ''Sorceress''. I glanced around and noticed that other chairs also had class name written on them.
- Like I was saying, this is our newest member, Luna Hamon a sorceress. She was brought to make up for our lack of magic power.
- Finally, I can take a break!
One of the members exclaimed with joy.
- Anna!
- Oh, sorry, sorry! I just got a little too excited!
- (sigh) Ok, let start with you then!
- Yes, yes! Hellooooooo!
The woman called Anna left her seat and jumped on me. I was taken aback by how easily she could get so close with a stranger.
- Nice to meet you! I'm Annabelle Solace. But you can call me Anna!
- Don't scare the newcomer, Anna! The Hero tries to pull her away.
- I'm not! She tightened her embrance. I was starting to suffocate.
- Please Anna!
- I'm just hugging her! (sigh) The Hero resigned herself.
- By the way, I'm a witch. I'll be your mentor.
How come a witch is so strong that even a Hero can't pull her away? Wait, a witch? She made a pact with a spirit in exchange for magic power. No wonder they need me to increase their magic power. Lazy people like her who prefer to take shortcuts can't possibly rival with genius hard workers like me. How did she make it to the Hero party?
- Anna, please! The others haven't introduced themselves.
- Fine, fine! She finally let go of me. But she was still holding my hand.
- My turn I suppose. I'm Bertrand, an archer and part of the rear-guard. Nice to meet you.
The next person to introduce himself was a young man. Not quite attractive, but at least he is tall and got some muscles. He said he was an archer. Not really a special class, anyone can be an archer. Why does the Hero party need such a boring class in their ranks?
- Hi, I'm Daleth, an inquisitive, part of the vanguard.
- Pardon, a what?
- Inquisitive! She giggles. I'm a scout specialized in detecting and disabling traps.
- Oh! I see.
At least this one seems interesting. The girl in herself doesn't look anything special, but her class is useful. The Heroes must raid a lot of dungeons. Having her should make the exploration easier.
After Daleth, the person behind her stood up and bow to me before speaking.
- Greetings! My name is Christa Armstrong. I am the party tank. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Now we're talking. Her way of speaking, her gestures, this is without doubt a noble. A beautiful woman (not as beautiful as the Hero), an imposing stature, even taller than the Hero, a cute dress. This one deserves being in the party. The others should learn from her and the Hero.
- A pleasure to meet you too, Lady Armstrong!
- Please, just Christa!
Oh goddess! Another beauty with a killer smile. Hold up Luna, you're supposed to be attracted to boys, remember?
- Of course, Christa!
When I agreed, her smile grew bigger and more beautiful. My heart must have skipped another beat. This can't be good on the long run. It will be dangerous to stay close to her and the Hero.
- So that's all the members present today.
The Hero word brought me back to reality. Well, not much. She was also smiling. I just jumped from one smile to another.
- Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to the rest. She continued.
Not wanting to leave that smile, I came up with an excuse to continue the meeting.
- Can you tell me a little about those who are not present, Ms. Marr?
- Of course! First, we have Christa's brother, a heavy knight …
- She has a brother?
- Yes, my older brother. His name is Roy. We fight together on the front.
This handsome lady has a brother? Good! If he is as great as his sister, he could take me away form those ladies.
- Next, we have Ines, a thief; Diego, an assassin and …
At the same moment, the door of the room opened, and a man got inside.
- Oh, Lucas! You're back early!
The guy who suddenly appeared was a plain looking person. I didn't take any interest in him, but I noticed he was wearing an apron. Is he a butler? They do have someone to take care of the place after all. Even if he is a little shabby.
- Yeah, I hurried because I wanted to be present for the newcomer! Is that her?
- Huh? Don't tell me he is in the party?
- Yes! Luna let me introduce you to Lucas Ogba, the party porter. What?
The Hero Rina Marr has recruited a sorceress and is presently introducing her to the party. Lucas, the last member, appeared.
- This guy is part of the party?
- Huh, yeah! He is the porter. The Hero answered me.
Such a shabby looking guy is a Hero? No, this is impossible! Bertrand was kind of alright; I could see the usefulness of Daleth. Even Anna, despite the fact that she is a lazy magic user, I could tolerate her. But this guy, a porter, member of the Hero party? Impossible!
- Does he have some kind of hidden power? I asked, trying to hide my surprise.
- What?
- I mean, maybe he can use light magic?
- Nope, I can't! The guy himself replied.
- Any kind of magic?
- I'm not a mage.
- Right! Maybe you're an expert swordman?
- Nope!
- You're some sort of scout like Daleth?
- Nope!
- A tank?
- Too weak to be one!
- Maybe a …
Sensing my distress, the Hero intervened.
- Luna, are you alright?
- Yeah! I'm …
- If you want to know, Lucas doesn't have any hidden ability. He is our porter. He carries our stuff during missions.
- Just that?
At my word, all of the people present burst out laughing. I was clueless to why they would be laughing at such a crucial question. The Hero party must battle the Demon God. It's not a fight which you can bring anyone.
After calming herself, the Hero replied:
- This may seem trivial to you now, but a porter is important to a party. The others cannot carry and fight with all the equipment.
- Especially the food. It eases the mind not having to keep an eye on the food. Wild animals or monsters can steal them when we are not looking. Christa added.
I was not entirely convinced, but let's assume a porter is useful to a party.
- In that case, why not hire someone competent. Not a shabby looking guy. HAMON!!!
I suddenly felt an overwhelming pressure that made me fall on my knees. The Hero's glare pierced my heart, and I quickly averted my eyes.
- Hamon, Lucas is my friend! I will not tolerate any insult directed at him! Am I clear?
- I … I
I wanted to reply, but the pressure was suffocating me. I couldn't even breath.
- Am I clear?
I had to answer. If I don't, I might die. Still no sound was coming out of my mouth. I was literally frozen in fear.
- Rina!
This Lucas guy puts his arm on her shoulder, and the pressure disappeared. I could breathe again. But my body was still scared, and I collapsed on the ground.
- You don't need to get mad. She is just a newcomer. it's not the first time. She will get over this fast enough.
- Right! Sorry Ms. Hamon! I lost my composure.
She was apologizing but I could still see the anger in her eyes. I dare not move.
- That all for today! You are dismissed. Sebastian, take Ms. Hamon to her room.
- Right away My Lady.
Sebastian helped me up and we quickly left the room. I was walking as fast as I could, trying put as much distance between me and the war room. I needed to calm my shaking body and being close to there wasn't helping.
The Hero, she looked like she is about to kill me. But why? Why was she mad at me? All I did was pointing out a fact. Is she protecting that guy?
While I was reflecting on what happened, Sebastian talked to me.
- Apologies Ms. Luna, Ms. Marr is a little overprotective when it comes to Sir Lucas.
- (No shit!)
- You see, they grew up together.
- Huh, they are childhood friends?
- Yes. And when it was revealed that she was the Hero, she had to leave him behind. But Ms. Marr wasn't about to abandon her friend. As soon as she was able, she came back and took him in.
- But that …
- I know what you're thinking. I also thought Sir Lucas wasn't needed in the party. All of the members thought so too.
- So why not do something?
- Because Sir Lucas has earned his place.
- Huh?
- Sir Lucas understood the situation. Not wanting to tarnish Ms. Marr reputation, he underwent a harsh training, developing an incredible speed and endurance.
- And what good it is if he cannot fight? Wouldn't be better to hire a warrior for this role?
- He became so proficient at his job that there would be no one who could do better.
- …
- Do not worry Ms. Luna, you will understand once you've seen him in action. For now, make yourself comfortable and try getting friendly with the others.
I hadn't noticed but we arrive in front of my room. Sebastian bowed and took his leave. I got into the room and sat on the bed. I hadn't unpacked earlier, and I currently don't feel like doing it.
The attitude of the Hero was bothering me. She got her friend into the party despite him being useless. And the others can't do anything. Sebastian said he has earned his place, but I think the Hero threatened the members into accepting him. I mean, she gave me such murderous intent when I point out that fact. I can understand wanting to protect your friend but this, this is simply nepotism. I wouldn't think the Hero was so corrupt.
No, the Hero can't be crooked. I mean she was chosen by the Gods. They wouldn't have taken a someone awful. Or maybe it's the Lucas guy. They are childhood friends. He knows her since they were kids. He must have manipulated her. Or worse, he blackmailed her.
- This asshole!
Yes, that's the only logical explanation. He must have something on her, like an embarrassing secret, and he is using it to blackmail the Hero. But worry not Ms. Marr for I am here. Yes, I know what I must do. I'm going to observe him, find out what he used to force her and expose him to everyone.
- You just wait! I'll take you down myself!
I stood up and raised my fist in the air.
- I'LL FREE THE HERO!!
I should look amazing standing in such victorious pose with the sunlight illuminating me. Too bad no one is here to see me!
I lowered my hand, feeling a little sad.
- Well, for now, let's unpack.