Temporarily postponing his quest selection, Shye dragged Seira into an empty corner, prompting eyes to turn their way as their guildmates' imaginations went wild.
Shye and Seira weren't in any relationship of that sort though.
They resembled more of a boss and subordinate dynamic at the moment, given Seira's willingness to agree to Shye's terms to be accepted into his party.
Although slightly nervous, Seira's eyes remained determined.
It seems that beneath her jolly disposition lies a desperate young woman with a thorny problem.
Well, at least for now, Shye didn't give a single damn about her problem.
"I'm not gonna ask you about your reasons, however, I want you to know that it would be very dangerous to join me. For instance, the quest I'm looking for right now is of (B-) rank." Shye whispered, his face—dead serious.
Naturally, such a ridiculous statement dumbfounded Seira.
A gold-ranked adventurer taking on a (B-) quest?
Normally, one would be labeled crazy, however, after watching how easily Shye dismantled a rookie who would probably give her some trouble should the two of them fight, Seira couldn't help but think that maybe Shye could do it.
Promptly after though, the questions that truly mattered popped up in her mind.
'Can I do it? Will I survive if I go with him?'
Her heart momentarily gripped by fear and reality, Seira clenched her fists tighter.
"I see...even so, I still want to try...I really need to rise the ranks quickly..." Seira replied, her eyes ablaze with determination.
Seeing her resolve, Shye was moved.
"Fine, you better listen to me at all times, otherwise, you have to deal with the consequences of your actions by yourself. Also, whatever happens, stays a secret between the two of us, understood? You'll have to swear on a memory crystal for this one. If you can't agree to my conditions then I'm afraid we can't form a party anymore."
Seira wasn't that stupid.
She knows that Shye likely has some secrets he needs to keep.
However, she couldn't care less about his secrets, all she cared about was promotion to the main branch.
Previously, she had no clue how to accomplish that goal within two and a half years.
However, now she at least has a chance, and she's determined not to squander it, even if it means losing a few friends in exchange for obtaining the trust of a new, much more talented one.
She knows she isn't as talented as Shye but she's at least confident in her skills.
He must have some kind of plan.
Forcing a stiff smile to emerge on her face, Seira backed Shye's claims up.
"Y-Yes, Aya, w-we will s-succeed on this quest so don't worry!"
Hearing Seira's words, Aya couldn't help but sigh.
She already did her part.
All she could do now was hope that these two likable individuals wouldn't perish.
"The quest is now registered under your names, Sir Crowley and Miss Ramah. I wish you luck." Aya said, slightly dejected as she bowed toward Shye and Seira.
"Thank you, Miss Aya."
After politely reciprocating Aya's sincere bow Shye and Seira left the branch headquarters.
Stepping out of the establishment, the two moon's subtle silver glow caressed their eyelids.
It was already nighttime, however, Bwenja Advanced Adventurer Zone wasn't that far.
To maximize efficiency, the two-man, gold-platinum party headed straight towards the zone's lobby which was around four hours away.
This time, Seira didn't dare complain and she wasn't in the mood to talk as she was still worried about her upcoming fate.
She didn't want to die.
Due to her unusual silence, the two-man party enjoyed a serene night walk, basking in the moon's gentle light as they sauntered along the dimly lit pathway towards the Bwenja Advanced Adventurer Zone's lobby where the two of them would sleep.
It was only around 7 in the evening.
Shye estimated that they would arrive at the zone's lobby at exactly 11 PM so there was still ample time for them to sleep.
Only, he didn't expect that their serene amble would be disturbed as grating chuckles sounded from the shadows.
Shye quickly looked around.
Promptly after, his countenance darkened as he realized the situation they were in.
The specific area they were in was simply perfect for assassinations.
Once the surrounding laughter died down, around ten figures emerged from the shadows, prompting Shye to narrow his eyes into slits as he recognized who the leader of the assassination squad was.
"Heh, Mason, you still haven't learned your lesson? Your brain sure is small."