Daniel, after swallowing the last bite of his breakfast, straightened up solemnly, as if he were about to give a speech of utmost importance.
— Elise, he declared gravely, it's time to address the most crucial topic of our mission: my equipment.
Elise, who was calmly putting away the dishes, raised an eyebrow.
— Your… equipment?
— Exactly! he continued emphatically. We don't go on an S-Rank quest dressed like a tired tourist. I need a worthy armor, a weapon that sparkles, and why not a cape flowing in the wind. In short… the appearance of a true protagonist!
Inside, Lysandra's clear and mocking voice echoed immediately.
— Listen to this mountain of pride! You want her to dress you like a king when you're not even her knight yet. Maybe you also intend to demand she polishes your boots?
Daniel gritted his teeth inwardly, trying to ignore the goddess. But Elise sighed.
— You always exaggerate. I'm not going to turn you into a showcase for armor.
— But really, protested Daniel, it's not an exaggeration! Think of everything I've already done for you. If I remember correctly… Who let you crash in his bed last night, huh?
At these words, Elise, who had been calm until now, nearly dropped the spoon she was holding. Her cheeks immediately flushed red.
— D-… don't remind me of that! she fumed. And… it wasn't your decision, okay? It was… it was a special situation!
Daniel drew a satisfied smile, proud of his effect.
— So, you admit that you owe me a favor. Therefore, a little shiny armor wouldn't be too much, right?
Lysandra laughed in her mind.
— You're incredible. Even on the brink of a potentially deadly mission, you turn everything into a market negotiation. You should open a charm shop rather than pretend to be a hero.
Elise, annoyed but unable to directly counter Daniel's arrogance, turned her back, crossing her arms.
— You really are… unbearable. But I'll see what I can find.
Daniel, satisfied, raised his arms to the sky as if he had won a decisive victory.
— Perfect! Thus is born the legend of the hero and his sacred equipment!
---
Daniel stood up and took a few hurried steps around the room, observing each shelf like a general inspecting his troops.
— Very well, he said, if I'm to shine in this quest, I need something that commands respect… and slightly intimidates the enemy.
Lysandra, in his mind, immediately snickered:
— Are you talking about impressing the enemies or just impressing yourself? I remind you, you're the main hero, not a store mannequin.
Daniel pretended not to hear her, but a mischievous smile betrayed that he was following every word.
Elise sighed and went to open an ancient armor chest, revealing finely crafted pieces, shining under the room's light.
— Very well, she murmured, you'll have this… but don't think it will make you invincible.
Daniel stepped forward, examining each piece, his eyes gleaming with excitement and strategic calculations.
— Hmm… perfect, these gauntlets! And this sword… it looks like it could cut through destiny itself!
Lysandra laughed:
— Stop fantasizing. It's not an anime, you know. But continue, I want to see how far your ego can go.
Elise couldn't help but smile at Daniel's childlike enthusiasm.
— Very well, she said, I will equip you. But remember: you're still human, even with this.
Daniel nodded solemnly, like a knight ready to embark on an adventure.
— I know, but it will be… more worthy of a hero!
As Elise began adjusting the armor on Daniel, Lysandra in his mind couldn't help commenting:
— Look at him… so proud, so serious. He's almost cute in his arrogance.
Daniel, while putting on the last piece, turned to Elise with a theatrical air.
— Thank you for this. Now, I can tell everyone I'm ready to face anything… even the fiercest demons, or the sneakiest angels.
Elise shook her head, both amused and slightly exasperated.
— Very well, hero. But don't come complaining if you get surprised by something you didn't expect.
Daniel smiled, raising his sword in a heroic gesture, while inside, Lysandra hummed ironically:
— There's our hero… always ready to save the world… and get excited over every little adventure.
Daniel straightened up, adjusting the last pieces of his armor, and the morning light glided over the polished metal, making him shine almost like a legendary hero. He took a small tour of the room, savoring the feeling of power each gauntlet and bracer gave him.
— Well, he murmured to himself, the armor is perfect… now, it's time to move on. First step: the guild. We need to make sure this mission is really worth it.
Lysandra, in his mind, snickered as usual:
— Are you sure you want to check your information before rushing into danger? Well, I guess that's… typical of you.
— Shut up, Daniel replied, smiling despite himself, I know what I'm doing.
Elise, following behind him, shook her head with a smile, amused by the mix of confidence and lightness in his voice.
— Very well, hero, but don't expect everything to be as simple as you think.
Daniel nodded, letting his gaze sweep over the busy streets of the city. Merchants hustled, children ran laughing, and adventurers were already preparing for their own missions. Yet, amid this bustling life, he had a clear objective.
— We're going to the guild, he said with a determined voice, it's time to confirm this mission and know exactly what we have to do.
Lysandra murmured in his mind, with a teasing tone:
— I bet you'll end up dreaming of heroic battles before even stepping through the door.
Daniel smiled, nodded, and began to walk, his heavy steps echoing on the street's cobblestones. Elise followed, carefully observing each movement, ready to intervene if necessary, but letting Daniel keep his theatrical posture of an invincible hero.
As they approached the guild, the large stone building stood before them, imposing and ancient, with banners fluttering in the wind. The city noises seemed to fade as they crossed the massive doors. Inside, it smelled of old wood and leather from the stored armors, mixed with the subtle scent of parchments.
Daniel already knew that the person giving them the mission would be the receptionist. He stepped forward confidently, ready to obtain the information regarding the S-Rank mission.
The receptionist looked up from her parchments, her gaze immediately resting on Elise and Daniel.
— Ah, you've finally arrived, she said. The mission you're about to undertake is ranked S. The precise details will be communicated to you, but know that you must be prepared for any eventuality.
Daniel listened attentively, his thoughts already spinning on possible strategies. Lysandra whispered in his ear:
— I see your mind is already racing. Be ready, but try not to get caught off guard before it even begins.
Elise, silent, nodded gently, letting Daniel focus on the crucial information, while keeping an eye on his reactions, ready to intervene if necessary.
— Very well, Daniel finally said, clenching his fists, S-rank mission or not, we're going, and we'll show what we're capable of.