Then, after all that, she said,
"Joel, you're too weak to face my sister. She may kill you and use your bones for her potions."
Her words echoed in Joel's mind.
I'm weak… I know… I couldn't protect him…
Then she extended her hand toward him.
"Do you want to become stronger?" she asked.
Suddenly, the wind began to blow heavily. A frightening aura spread around them, making the air feel heavier with every second.
I can't refuse… I need to become stronger… I need to find someone who can help me…
Joel took a step forward.
Then another.
With each step he made toward Eliane, the wind grew stronger, pushing against him violently.
Soon, it became so strong that it pushed him back several meters.
But Eliane reached out and grabbed his hand.
"I love your determination," she said with a faint smile.
He is quite interesting for a kid… Even I can feel something. Maybe that's why I like children so much. I should motivate him more.
Suddenly—
The mountain disappeared from their sight, as if it had never existed.
Joel's eyes widened.
Eliane smiled, satisfied.
"Yes, Joel… all of this was a test. You've proven your worth and your determination."
She turned slightly.
"Now, let's return to the city. We have another mission to prepare for."
Joel carried Eliane on his back as they headed toward the city.
Along the way, Eliane explained the situation.
"The city is in trouble," she said. "Rumors of sorcery and black magic are spreading. People are afraid."
Joel clenched his fists.
"Lyra is behind all of this… isn't she?" he asked.
Eliane nodded.
"Yes. She is gathering power to cast a dangerous spell. We must stop her before it's too late."
Joel's expression hardened.
"I'm ready, Eliane. I will stop her."
Eliane smiled faintly.
So naive…
Joel… I actually invented that story to motivate you. Sorry, Lyra… but it worked.
After that, they returned to the city.
Joel went back to the tavern and entered his rented room. Exhausted, he lay down and quickly fell asleep.
Suddenly—
He woke up.
A silhouette stood in the darkness.
"Hmm… what's that?" he whispered.
He slowly sat up.
"It's time," Eliane's voice said calmly.
After that, they ate and headed toward the Adventurers' Guild.
As they entered the guild hall—
Silence.
A heavy, unnatural silence filled the room.
Someone whispered,
"Isn't that… Eliane? The Terror…?"
The adventurers froze.
Joel and Eliane walked forward calmly.
Eliane approached the secretary.
"Give me an A-rank quest," she said.
The secretary immediately began searching.
Eliane was an S-rank—the highest rank.
E, D, C, B, A… then S.
The strongest.
Suddenly, a huge man stepped forward.
He had rage in his eyes.
"It can't be," he said. "She looks too young. It's been fifty years…"
He stepped closer.
"Hey… are you really an S-rank adventurer?"
Eliane slowly turned her head.
But she didn't look at him.
The man frowned.
"You're not answering me?"
Still—silence.
His anger exploded.
He reached out to grab her—
But in the next instant—
Eliane tapped his head with a single finger.
BOOM.
The man was sent flying out of the building like a projectile.
The impact echoed outside.
Eliane spoke calmly.
"It's me."
Joel stood there, stunned.
Just one finger…
Eliane took the quest and turned to leave.
The entire hall remained silent.
Outside—
The man lay on the ground.
Moments later, he stood up and returned inside.
People began whispering and laughing.
"A finger was enough to put him down."
"Not even a punch… just a finger."
The man clenched his teeth.
He sat down, trembling with anger.
The voices around him grew louder.
Mocking.
Laughing.
Suddenly—
He slammed his fist onto a table.
CRACK.
The table shattered.
Those bastards… they will pay for this humiliation…
Why am I so weak…?
He left the guild, his mind burning with rage.
In the forest—
He stopped.
A strange voice echoed around him.
Come to me…
Come to me…
I can give you what you desire most…
The man's breathing grew heavier.
He slowly walked forward.
Then—
He saw it.
A black object, radiating dark energy.
His eyes widened.
They slowly turned red.
His hand trembled as he reached for it.
"Yes…" he whispered.
"Give me that power…"
The darkness spread into his body.
His armor darkened.
His aura changed.
Something inside him… broke.
He slowly lifted his head.
His red eyes glowed with madness.
"You will all…"
He smiled.
"DIE!!"