And so, Rose is officially eleven years old now. I always thought we are four years apart but as it turns out, it was only three. I guess it is time for her to join a guild. I did promised her about it and she delivered on her part. Truth be told, she is what you would call a genius. Capable of doing almost anything albeit not perfect, but still capable of doing it. Not to mention her stats are off the charts. You thought the three our us have good stats? Wait till you see hers.
We had our breakfast before we headed out. I did my very best to cook a delicious meal for her and it turns out, it was.. pretty good. Rose praised the taste of the breakfast I cooked. Saying it was actually good in terms of taste compared to the bland ones from all my previous attempts. Although, she did highlight that it was just "Good, not great. And nowhere delicious yet". I guess skill stats do affect your daily abilities. Or perhaps practice makes perfect. I am so close to unlocking the first hidden spell now. Just a few more.
I brought Rose to the main townhouse to get her stats checked before getting recommending for a guild. As we were walking, I noticed Rose had gained some height now. She also doesn't look frail anymore as it seems she has gained some weight. I would have been worried if she remained her frail petite self. No, I am not saying she is fat now. If you seen her previously, you would be thinking the same.
"Onii-chan, why are you walking behind me?" she asked me.
"Hmm? I was just thinking to myself that you have gained height recently and no longer looked petite. You might be hitting puberty soon too," I said. She placed her hand on her mouth and smirked.
"Onii-chan, are you perhaps getting interested in your little sister? Heh heh~" she said with a cheeky smile.
Bonk!
I hit her gently on her head.
"Get moving, young lady," I said.
We reached the townhouse. It looked exactly like it was three years ago. Certainly brought back memories of when the three of us started out together. I find it strange that within these three years I have not seen Lily even once. Where exactly did she go? How is it possible that we did not stumble upon each other at all? Is she no longer in the city and moved somewhere else now?
The very thought is killing me. How did I even get so obsessed in her? I mean, she certainly left an impression on me but how did it turned into this?
"Onii-chan? Let's go in." said Rose.
I slapped my cheeks with both of my hands. My face cheeks mind you, not the other one. I headed in with Rose. To my surprise, it was quite empty. Maybe because it was still early and not many new adventurers are early birds. A few receptionists were waving at us. I let Rose decide on which she preferred. Turns out, she chose the same receptionists as ours. What are the odds.
"Good day, how may I serve you?" said the receptionist. What happened to the previous greeting? Damn.
"I'm here for a guild recommendation," said Rose.
"My, aren't you adorable. Are you sure you are eleven? I'm just kidding. Let me brief you on what services we are providing you," said the receptionist.
It was the same briefing she had given us when I first came here. She has probably memorised it by now. What I am more curious about is Rose's stats. The receptionist handed the scroll to Rose and waited for her to blow. I held my breath for the results.
Rose quickly rolled back the scroll preventing me from seeing it. Hey what?
"Rose? Why did you roll back your scroll? How are you going to know the results?" I asked her.
"I already know my stats. No need for me to see it," she said.
"Do you mind if I see it then?" I asked her.
"W..why would you want to see mine? There's nothing special about it," said Rose.
I squinted at her. Something is awfully suspicious here.
"Rose?~ You saw mine before right? Can you let me see yours then?" I asked her politely.
She fidgeted but gave in. She unrolled the scroll to see the results for herself. Then she pulled down the scroll where I can only see her eyes. She squinted at me.
"Fine. But don't laugh okay? Mine is not as great as yours," she said.
Why is she comparing with mine? I am three years older than her.
"I won't, don't worry," I said to her.
She passed me her scroll. My mouth flung wide open. Here are her stats.
Rose Starr
Strength - 18
Skill - 25
Agility - 20
Constitution - 15
Her stats were way higher than mine when I was her age! And what is with her skill stats? It was even higher than Lily's. Not to mention she can wield the Hand of Lightning God by now. I rolled back her scroll and sighed. Rose looked worried by my reaction. She must have thought I was disappointed. I gestured her to come closer. I placed both of my knuckles at the side of her head and pushed them together while twisting it around. She struggled and kept saying "I give up, I give up!".
"You little twerp, how dare you acted like a sweet innocent child earlier," I said to her.
"Huh? What are you saying?" she asked me.
I passed the scroll to the receptionist which she opened and read. It took her a few seconds before it registered in her mind. She then let out a loud "Ehhhhhh?!" and started riffling her book. I can see that she is surprised by Rose's stats. All her primary stats are way above the level of an eleven year old. I wonder if she will be recommended into the Elemental Guild instead.
"Um.. what I can recommend you is the Elemental Guild. But seeing as your other stats are quite high, you are technically allowed to join any of the other four guilds should you wish. Do you have a preference in mind?" asked the receptionist.
"I want to join the Light Guild. Please give me the recommendation for that guild," said Rose while she bowed to the receptionist.
"Are you sure? The Elemental Guild does not willingly allow anyone to join. You have a good opportunity here with our recommendation should you wish," said the receptionist. I can see why she insist. If you been to the Elemental Guild, you would be set for life. The elves know how to appreciate their members well.
"I am sure. I only want to join the Light Guild, otherwise I won't be joining any," said Rose. Wow, she is determined I can tell you that.
The receptionist hesitated by eventually gave in. Hm, is the Elemental Guild giving the townhouse some special treatment or something? Perhaps there is some form of incentives for the townhouse whenever any members joins that Guild. Well, I leave the decision with Rose. It is up to her which guild she wishes to join. And after this, she will have a whole new private life to herself.
After receiving back the scroll, we headed to the Light Guild. Rose is using the rapier now as she is strong enough to wield it. I'll only be escorting her until the Light Guild and I'll be returning home. I doubt I'll be able to see Rose in her initiation test.
Upon reaching the Light Guild, Rose knocked on the main door. I'm glad the building is quite similar to the Dark Guild. The size and design is similar while giving of the guild's vibe. At least I don't feel inferior joining the Dark Guild after seeing the Light Guild's building. Unlike the Elemental Guild which gives off the rich man's vibe.
A lady called us to "Come in" to which we obliged. A beautiful lady dressed in white stood at the reception counter which we approached. She is beautiful indeed but there is no "doki doki" feeling for me, unlike the... Ahh damn it, this pretty much confirms my fetish for female elves. There's no denying it now. Sigh.
"Good morning, how may I serve you?" said the receptionist.
"I wish to join your guild," said Rose as she handed the scroll to the receptionist to which she read.
"O.. oh my, are you certain you wish to join us? You can join pretty much any other guild should you wish," said the receptionist. Now that is odd. Shouldn't guilds be rushing to grab all the geniuses into their clutches? Or perhaps they are understanding enough to give adventurers a chance to change their mind.
"Yes I am certain. Seeing as the Light Guild is the only guild that can buff their allies, I wish to join this guild," said Rose as she bowed.
The receptionist smiled and agreed to proceed with the paperwork for Rose. She asked us to sit down while she does the necessary process needed before the test. I told her that I will be heading out as I won't be able to see Rose in her test. I will only come back later to check on Rose.
"You're Zen, right? I believe the guildmaster is interested in meeting you. Would you indulge in his request and wait for a while?" said the receptionist.
Huh? The Paladin Lord wishes to meet me? Colour me surprised. What did I do to gain his attention? Perhaps I have some fame between guilds that I am not aware of? Now this is getting interesting.
"Alright, I'll wait," I said.
She then proceeded to process Rose's application while we waited at the reception area. Rose sat at my side. I can see that her hands are shaking. I gave her a little pat on the head.
"You must be nervous, aren't you? There there" I said while continued to pet her.
"I'm actually excited. This is the first step for me to be able to follow you on quests," she said. She is like an overprotective clingy sister. I hope she does not turn into some Yandere in the future when I actually start dating some other girl.
"Hold up! Isn't mommy either Lily or Rose? Are there some other woman in this story that is potentially my mother?" yelled Daisy.
"O.. of course. I assure you that your dad is not some playboy. Mommy is definitely either Rose or Lily okay? Don't get mad now," I said to her.
Glad she decided to calm down after hearing what I said. I guess I should start cutting out parts involving other women if I wish to live to tell the entirety of this story.
The receptionist came back and delivered some good news. She said that Rose is to proceed to the open arena for her test while I can watch her. That sounds good to me but shouldn't they worry if I happened to shout some hints to her while she is being tested?
Turns out my worries were mistaken. I was led by a guild member and ended up in an enclosed area with glass overlooking the arena. There is only me and the Paladin Lord here. I hope the conversation won't be awkward. Or is he plotting to kill me instead? Seeing as I am from the rival guild, he might have thought this would be a good opportunity to get rid of me without the other guild knowing. And perhaps he will blame it on some misfortune that I met which caused me my death. Damn it, I was a fool to be led by the carrot here. I won't go down without a fight I assure you.
"So you are Zen. You really looked like your father. Although I was certain..." said the guildmaster. He trailed off at the end. What is it that he wanted to say?
"H.. huh?" was all I could muttered out. I was caught off guard by his sudden remarks.
"I met your father before and fought together in the Demon War. I can certainly see his features in you," he said.
"From what I hear, you are quite remarkable. Never have I heard the Dark Lord praising an individual so much. Not to mention you are indeed his son. Have no fear, both the Dark Lord and I will never spill your family name. Your father was a hero to all of us. But the Queen made him a heretical figure and decimated the entirety of his family name. We still do not know why the Queen acted this way," he continued.
The Paladin Lord looks like in his eighties. Seems like perhaps he did met my father before. Since Kirin won't be talking much about my father, perhaps I can get more information from him.
"If possible, I would like to know about my father and perhaps my mother too. I barely know about them aside from the stories that my grandfather told me," I said to him.
"Of course, it's the least I can do for the son of a war hero. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Come here," he gestured me to come closer.
"Is that your lover down there?" he asked.
"No, she was a girl that I rescued from a horrible caretaker. I treat her as my little sister," I said to him.
"I see. Well you are not blood related so anything can happen. She will be a beauty when she gets older. You might get jealous eventually. Hmm hmm," he said while making a small laugh.
What is he insinuating? That I would eventually see Rose as a lover? I don't see that happening as I don't feel any attraction to her. If anything, I think I see Lily as a potential more. But damn it, I seriously need to get over her. For all I know, she might be dating some other elven male now. Stop getting so hung up on her.
"I don't see that happening. To me, all I see is my little sister and nothing more. Although I will protect her as an older brother should," I said to him.
"Hmm, give it time. Let's see what your little sister is made of," he said and lifted up a small glass window.
"Will the contestants come into the arena?" shouted the Paladin Lord.
I can see Rose coming to the arena from the right. Oh, it looks like she has changed to a training outfit. She is also holding a wooden sword too. Let's see who is her opponent then. Woah, what the? That guy looks huge. Are they expecting her to spar with such a huge dude? Not to mention for the first contestant too?? I pray that she will be fine. Oh lord above, please take care of her.
I heard the word "Begin" from the Paladin Lord and watched Rose. Not a second later, the match was over. Rose was victorious while the huge dude was lying on the ground. The Paladin Lord glanced at me while squinting.
"I see you taught her well. But let's make things more interesting shall we? From what I heard, you fought a Shadow Knight and almost won. I wonder if your sister capable of doing the same?" he made an evil smirked at the end.
"Um, sir? I don't think that is necessary," I said to him.
"Henry, head to the stage. Feel free to use spells too," said the Paladin Lord.
Hey wait, are you crazy? That would give Rose the disadvantage. Not to mention the guy looks like Superman too!
"Excuse me sir, is that necessary? I won't just stand here idly and see my little sister getting hurt for no reason," I said to the Paladin Lord bluntly. I will not sit by and watch him entertain himself while Rose is sparring with someone the same rank as me.
"The Dark Lord did the same to you but did you rejected his proposal? You saw her stats right? You think your little sister is weak as you saved her from her caretaker. But I can very much assure you, that your little sister will be the one that will be protecting you in the future," he said while looking at Rose.
"Begin!" shouted the Paladin Lord.
Rose made a ready stance. She knows her opponent is strong hence she should not rush in blindly. Her opponent began chanting and used a spell. "Accelerate" he shouted. A spell that doubles your speed. Will Rose be able to see him quick enough to block his attacks?
***
Rose's perspective
Since when was Onii-chan so chummy with the guildmaster? He is even looking at me from above. Geez, I don't like that he is always looking down on me. I will show him what I am capable of today.
The guildmaster called some Henry to the stage. This person is strong. Very strong. And handsome too. I believe he should be at least at the rank of Templar. Same rank as Onii-chan. Maybe I can finally test to see how strong I am and whether am I strong enough to be following onii-chan in future quests. Alright, enough self talk. Time to focus on this Henry.
Seems like he is chanting a spell. I should get ready. The guildmaster said he is allowed to use any spells which means I would be at a disadvantage here. I need to be careful and only attack when there is an opening. Henry chanted "Accelerate" and got ready. I should be ready for his attack.
Huh? He is gone just when I blinked? Don't panic, don't panic. Breathe, breathe.. remember what onii-chan teach you. Your opponent will always aim for your vitals. There!
clank!
I blocked his attack. This guy was aiming for my collar bone. That would have hurt if it hits me even though it is just a wooden sword. He leaped back and rushed in for another attack. Look at his smug face, he thinks he can defeat me since I barely managed to block his previous attack. I'll show him what I am capable of.
Onii-chan's speed is much faster than you. Even running on the snow he was capable of such high speed that my eyes could not even follow. I will parry your next attack. Just you wait.
clank clank clank!
He is pressing his attack on me. Aiming for all my vitals with his speed. But I can see now. I can see his movements. I might have unlocked some eye power although I am certain that is not the case. I am gaining combat experience here. Fighting an opponent stronger than me is forcing my body to react faster and stronger. I just need to hang on. Continue to block his attacks first. Wait for an opportunity.
There! His movement has slowed down! Probably his "Accelerate" speed has ended. Now is my chance to attack him. Aim for his side!
clank!
He blocked it! Damn it, I was not fast enough. He's giving me that handsome smug face again! Why you.. I'll show you. Eat my leg sweep!
He fell to the ground. Now's my chance. I'm tempted to beat him up but I should not. Otherwise Onii-chan might be terrified of me later seeing me getting so violent. I'll just point my wooden sword at his face.
"Surrender!" I shouted at him.
***
"Now you see what I mean? People might call you a genius. But your little sister? She is a prodigy. This is the first time I ever saw a human with such stats at her age. Not to mention performing a leg sweep to ensure victory. She is ferocious, I can tell you that. Her tenacity to win is strong. Which is what makes her dangerous. Keep that in mind when you train with her in the future," said the Paladin Lord to me.
I was speechless. Rose actually won against her opponent. Although I was certain that her opponent was not going all out on her but she reacted quickly enough to caught her opponent off guard. Rose is strong, definitely strong.
"Alright I have made my decision! Rose Starr, I give you permission to join our guild. Proceed up here and we will talk more," shouted the Paladin Lord.
"I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I tell the story with the presence of your little sister? I believe she should know about your history at the very least," said the Paladin Lord to me.
"I am fine with it. Rose would eventually know about my origins. Let's wait for her to get here first," I said to him.
Rose arrived while wearing her normal clothing. I went up to her, placed my hand on her left shoulder and gave her the thumbs up. She gave an awkward smile at me.
"Now then, the both of you, please take a seat," said the Paladin Lord.
"Guildmaster, with all sincere respect, I have only one request when I join the Light Guild," Rose bowed as she said that.
"Ho, and what would that request be, young lady?" said the Paladin Lord.
"For all the future quests that involve party members, I wish to have specifically have Onii-chan in the group," said Rose.
And so, Rose is officially eleven years old now. I always thought we are four years apart but as it turns out, it was only three. I guess it is time for her to join a guild. I did promised her about it and she delivered on her part. Truth be told, she is what you would call a genius. Capable of doing almost anything albeit not perfect, but still capable of doing it. Not to mention her stats are off the charts. You thought the three our us have good stats? Wait till you see hers.
We had our breakfast before we headed out. I did my very best to cook a delicious meal for her and it turns out, it was.. pretty good. Rose praised the taste of the breakfast I cooked. Saying it was actually good in terms of taste compared to the bland ones from all my previous attempts. Although, she did highlight that it was just "Good, not great. And nowhere delicious yet". I guess skill stats do affect your daily abilities. Or perhaps practice makes perfect. I am so close to unlocking the first hidden spell now. Just a few more.
I brought Rose to the main townhouse to get her stats checked before getting recommending for a guild. As we were walking, I noticed Rose had gained some height now. She also doesn't look frail anymore as it seems she has gained some weight. I would have been worried if she remained her frail petite self. No, I am not saying she is fat now. If you seen her previously, you would be thinking the same.
"Onii-chan, why are you walking behind me?" she asked me.
"Hmm? I was just thinking to myself that you have gained height recently and no longer looked petite. You might be hitting puberty soon too," I said. She placed her hand on her mouth and smirked.
"Onii-chan, are you perhaps getting interested in your little sister? Heh heh~" she said with a cheeky smile.
Bonk!
I hit her gently on her head.
"Get moving, young lady," I said.
We reached the townhouse. It looked exactly like it was three years ago. Certainly brought back memories of when the three of us started out together. I find it strange that within these three years I have not seen Lily even once. Where exactly did she go? How is it possible that we did not stumble upon each other at all? Is she no longer in the city and moved somewhere else now?
The very thought is killing me. How did I even get so obsessed in her? I mean, she certainly left an impression on me but how did it turned into this?
"Onii-chan? Let's go in." said Rose.
I slapped my cheeks with both of my hands. My face cheeks mind you, not the other one. I headed in with Rose. To my surprise, it was quite empty. Maybe because it was still early and not many new adventurers are early birds. A few receptionists were waving at us. I let Rose decide on which she preferred. Turns out, she chose the same receptionists as ours. What are the odds.
"Good day, how may I serve you?" said the receptionist. What happened to the previous greeting? Damn.
"I'm here for a guild recommendation," said Rose.
"My, aren't you adorable. Are you sure you are eleven? I'm just kidding. Let me brief you on what services we are providing you," said the receptionist.
It was the same briefing she had given us when I first came here. She has probably memorised it by now. What I am more curious about is Rose's stats. The receptionist handed the scroll to Rose and waited for her to blow. I held my breath for the results.
Rose quickly rolled back the scroll preventing me from seeing it. Hey what?
"Rose? Why did you roll back your scroll? How are you going to know the results?" I asked her.
"I already know my stats. No need for me to see it," she said.
"Do you mind if I see it then?" I asked her.
"W..why would you want to see mine? There's nothing special about it," said Rose.
I squinted at her. Something is awfully suspicious here.
"Rose?~ You saw mine before right? Can you let me see yours then?" I asked her politely.
She fidgeted but gave in. She unrolled the scroll to see the results for herself. Then she pulled down the scroll where I can only see her eyes. She squinted at me.
"Fine. But don't laugh okay? Mine is not as great as yours," she said.
Why is she comparing with mine? I am three years older than her.
"I won't, don't worry," I said to her.
She passed me her scroll. My mouth flung wide open. Here are her stats.
Rose Starr
Strength - 18
Skill - 25
Agility - 20
Constitution - 15
Her stats were way higher than mine when I was her age! And what is with her skill stats? It was even higher than Lily's. Not to mention she can wield the Hand of Lightning God by now. I rolled back her scroll and sighed. Rose looked worried by my reaction. She must have thought I was disappointed. I gestured her to come closer. I placed both of my knuckles at the side of her head and pushed them together while twisting it around. She struggled and kept saying "I give up, I give up!".
"You little twerp, how dare you acted like a sweet innocent child earlier," I said to her.
"Huh? What are you saying?" she asked me.
I passed the scroll to the receptionist which she opened and read. It took her a few seconds before it registered in her mind. She then let out a loud "Ehhhhhh?!" and started riffling her book. I can see that she is surprised by Rose's stats. All her primary stats are way above the level of an eleven year old. I wonder if she will be recommended into the Elemental Guild instead.
"Um.. what I can recommend you is the Elemental Guild. But seeing as your other stats are quite high, you are technically allowed to join any of the other four guilds should you wish. Do you have a preference in mind?" asked the receptionist.
"I want to join the Light Guild. Please give me the recommendation for that guild," said Rose while she bowed to the receptionist.
"Are you sure? The Elemental Guild does not willingly allow anyone to join. You have a good opportunity here with our recommendation should you wish," said the receptionist. I can see why she insist. If you been to the Elemental Guild, you would be set for life. The elves know how to appreciate their members well.
"I am sure. I only want to join the Light Guild, otherwise I won't be joining any," said Rose. Wow, she is determined I can tell you that.
The receptionist hesitated by eventually gave in. Hm, is the Elemental Guild giving the townhouse some special treatment or something? Perhaps there is some form of incentives for the townhouse whenever any members joins that Guild. Well, I leave the decision with Rose. It is up to her which guild she wishes to join. And after this, she will have a whole new private life to herself.
After receiving back the scroll, we headed to the Light Guild. Rose is using the rapier now as she is strong enough to wield it. I'll only be escorting her until the Light Guild and I'll be returning home. I doubt I'll be able to see Rose in her initiation test.
Upon reaching the Light Guild, Rose knocked on the main door. I'm glad the building is quite similar to the Dark Guild. The size and design is similar while giving of the guild's vibe. At least I don't feel inferior joining the Dark Guild after seeing the Light Guild's building. Unlike the Elemental Guild which gives off the rich man's vibe.
A lady called us to "Come in" to which we obliged. A beautiful lady dressed in white stood at the reception counter which we approached. She is beautiful indeed but there is no "doki doki" feeling for me, unlike the... Ahh damn it, this pretty much confirms my fetish for female elves. There's no denying it now. Sigh.
"Good morning, how may I serve you?" said the receptionist.
"I wish to join your guild," said Rose as she handed the scroll to the receptionist to which she read.
"O.. oh my, are you certain you wish to join us? You can join pretty much any other guild should you wish," said the receptionist. Now that is odd. Shouldn't guilds be rushing to grab all the geniuses into their clutches? Or perhaps they are understanding enough to give adventurers a chance to change their mind.
"Yes I am certain. Seeing as the Light Guild is the only guild that can buff their allies, I wish to join this guild," said Rose as she bowed.
The receptionist smiled and agreed to proceed with the paperwork for Rose. She asked us to sit down while she does the necessary process needed before the test. I told her that I will be heading out as I won't be able to see Rose in her test. I will only come back later to check on Rose.
"You're Zen, right? I believe the guildmaster is interested in meeting you. Would you indulge in his request and wait for a while?" said the receptionist.
Huh? The Paladin Lord wishes to meet me? Colour me surprised. What did I do to gain his attention? Perhaps I have some fame between guilds that I am not aware of? Now this is getting interesting.
"Alright, I'll wait," I said.
She then proceeded to process Rose's application while we waited at the reception area. Rose sat at my side. I can see that her hands are shaking. I gave her a little pat on the head.
"You must be nervous, aren't you? There there" I said while continued to pet her.
"I'm actually excited. This is the first step for me to be able to follow you on quests," she said. She is like an overprotective clingy sister. I hope she does not turn into some Yandere in the future when I actually start dating some other girl.
"Hold up! Isn't mommy either Lily or Rose? Are there some other woman in this story that is potentially my mother?" yelled Daisy.
"O.. of course. I assure you that your dad is not some playboy. Mommy is definitely either Rose or Lily okay? Don't get mad now," I said to her.
Glad she decided to calm down after hearing what I said. I guess I should start cutting out parts involving other women if I wish to live to tell the entirety of this story.
The receptionist came back and delivered some good news. She said that Rose is to proceed to the open arena for her test while I can watch her. That sounds good to me but shouldn't they worry if I happened to shout some hints to her while she is being tested?
Turns out my worries were mistaken. I was led by a guild member and ended up in an enclosed area with glass overlooking the arena. There is only me and the Paladin Lord here. I hope the conversation won't be awkward. Or is he plotting to kill me instead? Seeing as I am from the rival guild, he might have thought this would be a good opportunity to get rid of me without the other guild knowing. And perhaps he will blame it on some misfortune that I met which caused me my death. Damn it, I was a fool to be led by the carrot here. I won't go down without a fight I assure you.
"So you are Zen. You really looked like your father. Although I was certain..." said the guildmaster. He trailed off at the end. What is it that he wanted to say?
"H.. huh?" was all I could muttered out. I was caught off guard by his sudden remarks.
"I met your father before and fought together in the Demon War. I can certainly see his features in you," he said.
"From what I hear, you are quite remarkable. Never have I heard the Dark Lord praising an individual so much. Not to mention you are indeed his son. Have no fear, both the Dark Lord and I will never spill your family name. Your father was a hero to all of us. But the Queen made him a heretical figure and decimated the entirety of his family name. We still do not know why the Queen acted this way," he continued.
The Paladin Lord looks like in his eighties. Seems like perhaps he did met my father before. Since Kirin won't be talking much about my father, perhaps I can get more information from him.
"If possible, I would like to know about my father and perhaps my mother too. I barely know about them aside from the stories that my grandfather told me," I said to him.
"Of course, it's the least I can do for the son of a war hero. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Come here," he gestured me to come closer.
"Is that your lover down there?" he asked.
"No, she was a girl that I rescued from a horrible caretaker. I treat her as my little sister," I said to him.
"I see. Well you are not blood related so anything can happen. She will be a beauty when she gets older. You might get jealous eventually. Hmm hmm," he said while making a small laugh.
What is he insinuating? That I would eventually see Rose as a lover? I don't see that happening as I don't feel any attraction to her. If anything, I think I see Lily as a potential more. But damn it, I seriously need to get over her. For all I know, she might be dating some other elven male now. Stop getting so hung up on her.
"I don't see that happening. To me, all I see is my little sister and nothing more. Although I will protect her as an older brother should," I said to him.
"Hmm, give it time. Let's see what your little sister is made of," he said and lifted up a small glass window.
"Will the contestants come into the arena?" shouted the Paladin Lord.
I can see Rose coming to the arena from the right. Oh, it looks like she has changed to a training outfit. She is also holding a wooden sword too. Let's see who is her opponent then. Woah, what the? That guy looks huge. Are they expecting her to spar with such a huge dude? Not to mention for the first contestant too?? I pray that she will be fine. Oh lord above, please take care of her.
I heard the word "Begin" from the Paladin Lord and watched Rose. Not a second later, the match was over. Rose was victorious while the huge dude was lying on the ground. The Paladin Lord glanced at me while squinting.
"I see you taught her well. But let's make things more interesting shall we? From what I heard, you fought a Shadow Knight and almost won. I wonder if your sister capable of doing the same?" he made an evil smirked at the end.
"Um, sir? I don't think that is necessary," I said to him.
"Henry, head to the stage. Feel free to use spells too," said the Paladin Lord.
Hey wait, are you crazy? That would give Rose the disadvantage. Not to mention the guy looks like Superman too!
"Excuse me sir, is that necessary? I won't just stand here idly and see my little sister getting hurt for no reason," I said to the Paladin Lord bluntly. I will not sit by and watch him entertain himself while Rose is sparring with someone the same rank as me.
"The Dark Lord did the same to you but did you rejected his proposal? You saw her stats right? You think your little sister is weak as you saved her from her caretaker. But I can very much assure you, that your little sister will be the one that will be protecting you in the future," he said while looking at Rose.
"Begin!" shouted the Paladin Lord.
Rose made a ready stance. She knows her opponent is strong hence she should not rush in blindly. Her opponent began chanting and used a spell. "Accelerate" he shouted. A spell that doubles your speed. Will Rose be able to see him quick enough to block his attacks?
***
Rose's perspective
Since when was Onii-chan so chummy with the guildmaster? He is even looking at me from above. Geez, I don't like that he is always looking down on me. I will show him what I am capable of today.
The guildmaster called some Henry to the stage. This person is strong. Very strong. And handsome too. I believe he should be at least at the rank of Templar. Same rank as Onii-chan. Maybe I can finally test to see how strong I am and whether am I strong enough to be following onii-chan in future quests. Alright, enough self talk. Time to focus on this Henry.
Seems like he is chanting a spell. I should get ready. The guildmaster said he is allowed to use any spells which means I would be at a disadvantage here. I need to be careful and only attack when there is an opening. Henry chanted "Accelerate" and got ready. I should be ready for his attack.
Huh? He is gone just when I blinked? Don't panic, don't panic. Breathe, breathe.. remember what onii-chan teach you. Your opponent will always aim for your vitals. There!
clank!
I blocked his attack. This guy was aiming for my collar bone. That would have hurt if it hits me even though it is just a wooden sword. He leaped back and rushed in for another attack. Look at his smug face, he thinks he can defeat me since I barely managed to block his previous attack. I'll show him what I am capable of.
Onii-chan's speed is much faster than you. Even running on the snow he was capable of such high speed that my eyes could not even follow. I will parry your next attack. Just you wait.
clank clank clank!
He is pressing his attack on me. Aiming for all my vitals with his speed. But I can see now. I can see his movements. I might have unlocked some eye power although I am certain that is not the case. I am gaining combat experience here. Fighting an opponent stronger than me is forcing my body to react faster and stronger. I just need to hang on. Continue to block his attacks first. Wait for an opportunity.
There! His movement has slowed down! Probably his "Accelerate" speed has ended. Now is my chance to attack him. Aim for his side!
clank!
He blocked it! Damn it, I was not fast enough. He's giving me that handsome smug face again! Why you.. I'll show you. Eat my leg sweep!
He fell to the ground. Now's my chance. I'm tempted to beat him up but I should not. Otherwise Onii-chan might be terrified of me later seeing me getting so violent. I'll just point my wooden sword at his face.
"Surrender!" I shouted at him.
***
"Now you see what I mean? People might call you a genius. But your little sister? She is a prodigy. This is the first time I ever saw a human with such stats at her age. Not to mention performing a leg sweep to ensure victory. She is ferocious, I can tell you that. Her tenacity to win is strong. Which is what makes her dangerous. Keep that in mind when you train with her in the future," said the Paladin Lord to me.
I was speechless. Rose actually won against her opponent. Although I was certain that her opponent was not going all out on her but she reacted quickly enough to caught her opponent off guard. Rose is strong, definitely strong.
"Alright I have made my decision! Rose Starr, I give you permission to join our guild. Proceed up here and we will talk more," shouted the Paladin Lord.
"I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I tell the story with the presence of your little sister? I believe she should know about your history at the very least," said the Paladin Lord to me.
"I am fine with it. Rose would eventually know about my origins. Let's wait for her to get here first," I said to him.
Rose arrived while wearing her normal clothing. I went up to her, placed my hand on her left shoulder and gave her the thumbs up. She gave an awkward smile at me.
"Now then, the both of you, please take a seat," said the Paladin Lord.
"Guildmaster, with all sincere respect, I have only one request when I join the Light Guild," Rose bowed as she said that.
"Ho, and what would that request be, young lady?" said the Paladin Lord.
"For all the future quests that involve party members, I wish to have specifically have Onii-chan in the group," said Rose.
