The winds blew a fresh breeze over Loraine, her hair blowing to the side in a gracious display. Her eyes were focused, filled with the sole purpose of saving her mother at any cost, and she was going to see it through, no matter what.
'They look really prepared, fancy armor, high grade weapons….while I on the other hand….' Loraine looked down at herself, sighing as she was dressed in nothing but simple casual wear, the sight almost a mockery to her title as Seeker.
Loraine nodded solemnly as she heard Carl's call, seeing the large porter bag and equipment she was going to be carrying. She quickly hurried towards them, picking up the large bag and hoisting it over her shoulders, her hands steadily grabbing the straps as she turned to face them.
"Alright, I'm ready." Loraine spoke, her voice full of determination.
Carl grinned, a twisted smirk of malicious intent as he glanced over at Lisa, making brief eye contact, before returning his gaze back to Loraine.
"Good," Carl said, his tone a falsehood of approval as he let out a small smile. "You know the drill, we handle the fighting, and you handle the easy work."
Loraine nodded, understanding her role. She had been forced through this multiple times, she was more than experienced with what she had to do.
"Oh, and Loraine," Lisa spoke up, her eyes meeting Loraine's with a fierce glare that sent a shiver down her spine, the pressure making every muscle in her body involuntarily tense up under the immense force.
"Don't try to drag us down, okay?" Lisa asked, her tone light but threatening.
'Damn it….why does every experience with this job have to be a shitty one…' Loraine asked herself, breaking a nervous sweat. She was utterly outraged, insulted even. Of course she knew that, it's not like she could face the monsters with how she was now.
She was just going to be a spectator, watching everyone grow while she remained stagnant. Her heart clenced with that thought, but she quickly pushed it to the side, she couldn't afford to lose their agreement, no matter how bad the working environment was, she was determined to push through.
After all, it was for her mother. And now it mattered more than anything that she gets this done right.
"O-of course, I understand." Loraine said, breaking out a nervous smile as she let out a small awkward laugh.
Lisa smirked, a hand coming to cover the predatory grin etched onto her face as she let out a small, but unsettling chuckle. Her eyes twinkling with mischief, oh how good it felt to toy around with those weaker than you.
'Yes you foolish girl, obey. That's all you can do if you want to survive, you worthless piece of trash~ Hahaha!' Lisa laughed inwardly, enjoying the sight of Loraine trying to hide her fear.
"Okay, lets go. Remember to stay close and follow my orders, if all goes well, we should be in and out of the 20th floor in no time." Carl said, turning to walk towards the Tower's entrance, his armor shifting with every stride of his body.
Lisa quickly walked in line with her brother, while Loraine walked behind the pair. Her eyes were glued to the siblings expensive set of armor and weaponry, the expensive materials practically gleaming in the dim light of the setting sun, a ray of light managing to pierce her eye and causing her to squint a bit.
'If I had to guess, the armor they are wearing are probably B to A Grade, just standing near them makes me feel like an ant trying to climb a mountain. The effects of those items must be something to behold if it can grant them such formidable power.'
Loraine thought, reflecting to the times she had walked past establishment selling Seeker enhancing items, the prices of even affording D Grade weaponry being far more than what she could afford with her current "Salary".
They soon entered through the Tower's entrance, the world behind them blurring away as they found themselves on the first floor of Ospherius. The walls resembling that of a cavern, small patches of moss scattered all over the walls and ground, the place barely illuminated by glowing crystals embedded into the walls.
'This place sure does bring back memories…and not good ones either.' Loraine thought, letting out a sigh as she glanced around the room, remembering a time where she and her classmates first entered through here, their spirits brimming and full of excitement and wonder.
And out of all of em, Loraine exited the Tower being the most crushed. Her Low-Grade Talent a curse upon what was supposed to be her bright future, but that's what happens when one puts all their cards on fate, it stabs you in the back and leaves you with nothing to return to.
Carl and Lisa proceeded to walk forward, their gazes sharp and cautious as they inspected the area for any sign of monsters, finding none so far. The first few floors of the Tower of Ospherius were relatively weak, meant to serve as a beginner zone for most Seekers to build up their skill and strength before tackling higher and more difficult areas.
The treasure that could be found here wasn't anything too exciting either, mostly Low-Grade Items dropped from weak monsters that wasn't worth a whole lot. Well, at least to Cain and Lisa, but to Loraine, every little bit was valuable, trash or not.
The walk was long and silent, only periodically being disrupted by the sound of their footsteps. Until finally, the air shifted, and a low cackling sound caught the Seeker's attention.
"Heh, looks like we have our first batch of small fries ready." Lisa commented, drawing her sword from her hip, twirling the blade in her fingers with unmatched confidence and precision, the edge slicing through the wind with unmatched cutting power.
"Whatever, let's just get it over with. I don't wanna be here until midnight," Carl said, grabbing a hold of his Axe that was perched on his back, the massive two-headed weapon radiating a frightening and menacing aura.
'Well maybe we shouldn't have come out this late if we didn't want that to happen…' Loraine thought inwardly, letting out a sigh.
'Whatever, I'll just focus on securing the loot.'