At this moment, fewer and fewer people remained in the establishment.
After all, happy times are always short-lived!
Amidst the laughter and cheer, the Loki Familia also departed.
On the other hand, while Ais was very curious about the relationship between the two, she ultimately had no opportunity to speak with Ling Xuan.
As the crowd thinned, Ling Xuan's gaze settled on a young woman.
She possessed a slender frame that seemed as if it would break with a touch, and pointed ears.
She had a pair of captivating sky-blue eyes.
Ling Xuan naturally recognized her true identity.
Ryuu Lion.
A staff member at the tavern "The Benevolent Mistress," with yellow-green hair and blue eyes.
She was once a renowned Lv. 4 adventurer, formerly belonging to the "Astraea Familia."
Information about Ryuu Lion also surfaced in his mind.
As Astraea was the goddess of justice, her Familia favored fairness and justice, which led to them being disliked by many adventurers. They were later framed, leading to the Familia's downfall.
Ryuu sought Astraea's departure for revenge, eventually succeeding in her vengeance but suffering severe injuries. She was discovered by Siire Floor, who took her in to heal, and she eventually came to work at the tavern "The Benevolent Mistress."
"Ling Xuan!"
Ryuu greeted him formally.
Having witnessed everything that just transpired, Ryuu Lion believed that Ling Xuan and Xier were a couple.
After some thought, out of affection for someone Xier cared about, Ryuu finally spoke up.
"Um... Ling Xuan just became an adventurer not long ago, right?"
Ling Xuan was slightly taken aback by her words, then nodded.
"Perhaps I'm being nosy, but having been an adventurer myself, I can offer you some advice—you could form a party. A group of individuals whose strengths complement each other can overcome opponents.
Adventurers in Orario repeatedly use this method to hone their skills."
Hearing this, Ling Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly.
Form a party?
That was indeed excellent advice...
Ling Xuan already had an idea of who he wanted for his team members.
And the first member... would naturally be the elf lady before him.
She was once a member of the Astraea Familia, a super rookie as famous as Ais.
Five years ago, the Familia was framed, leading to the demise of its members. To avenge her Familia members, she became ruthless, ending up on the Guild's blacklist. She went into hiding, disliking any mention of her past.
She had already reached Lv. 4 at that time and had not updated her stats since, but her strength and technique were considered the peak of Lv. 4.
Such an existence would be perfect as his teammate!
"A party... is indeed good advice, but Miss Ryuu used to be an adventurer, right?"
Hearing this, Ryuu was slightly taken aback.
"...Yes. I used to call myself an adventurer. Why do you ask?"
"I would like to invite Miss Ryuu to join my party."
????
Hearing this, Ryuu was slightly stunned.
She had absolutely not expected him to make such a request...
After a moment of distraction, Ryuu suddenly looked up, her sky-blue eyes fixed on Ling Xuan.
"Are you... sure you want to invite me to join your party? Even knowing about my past?"
Ryuu said this, but Ling Xuan offered no reply, though the expression in his eyes spoke volumes.
Seeing this, Ryuu looked towards Xier, as if asking something.
Xier nodded.
Under Xier's gaze, Ryuu's voice sounded again.
"My name is on the Guild's list of dangerous individuals."
Hearing this, Ling Xuan's face showed no sign of surprise.
"And?"
Ryuu's eyes widened immediately, seeing that he didn't show any fear because of this.
"Aren't you afraid? My status as an adventurer has long been revoked... and for a while, I was a wanted criminal."
"I have nothing to be afraid of, do I? After all, Miss Ryuu has no reason to harm me, and there must be a reason why you did those things, right?"
Hearing these words, a complex expression appeared on Ryuu's face.
"The faction I belonged to was called the [Astraea Familia]... under the goddess Astraea, who presides over justice and order, I was somewhat well-known at the time.
Our [Familia] not only explored the Dungeon but also took responsibility for cracking down on those who disrupted the City's peace. Therefore, many people were opposed to us."
Ryuu recounted her past story with a complex expression.
If it were anyone else, she certainly wouldn't have said this.
But since he was Miss Xier's partner (as she believed), he was someone she could trust.
"One day, a [Familia] hostile to us set a trap in the Dungeon and framed us, and all the members except me perished... I couldn't even retrieve their bodies. At that time, I could only bury my companions' belongings on this 18th Floor."
Then, she embarked on a fierce revenge alone.
After revealing everything about herself, Ryuu Lion said softly.
"...I'm sorry, I made you listen to something that would dirty your ears. But after knowing everything about me, you should probably give up the idea of having me join your party, right?"
Ryuu Lion said this, a bitter smile on her face.
However...
"No, Miss Ryuu, although I may not be able to compare to your former companions, I still want to become your new companion, your new friend.
I wonder if you would be willing to join my party."
As he said this, Ling Xuan extended his hand.
Seeing this, her sky-blue eyes widened.
She was instantly speechless, and finally...
"Really... there's nothing I can do about you..."
As she spoke, the line of her lips softened slightly.
He had said so much, it would be impolite to refuse now...
Ryuu thought so.
But oh well, if she joined, she could also protect Miss Xier's partner in the Dungeon.
Looking at his outstretched hand, Ryuu hesitated for a moment.
Then she took it.
It was strange, perhaps because she was an elf, she "only allows those she acknowledges to touch her skin."
And Ling Xuan had clearly gained the recognition of this elf lady, becoming the third person who could hold Ryuu's hand without it being pulled away.
"In the days to come, please take care of me!"
..