"So... we started by straying off the dirt path..." Saki started from the beginning. Her voice was a bit shy and shaky at first, but as she continued, her voice grew more confident and enthusiastic. Shizuku listened intently, wanting to hear every detail, her gaze never leaving Saki's as she lay out their time in the forest.
Later, Saki finishes, ending at the part before the mysterious cave. "Cutting through slime takes a lot of strength indeed..." Shizuku commented. "But to think you were able to do it, you really are something" She added, causing Saki to blush. "And on top of that, you got a new skill! That must have felt very good" She rubs her chin as she gazes on Saki. "You continue to amaze me, Miss Nisshin. A female adventurer that wields a sword and not white magic" She made a humming noise as if thinking of something.
"And also, I noticed how awkward you got when you were telling me about Lady Abigail healing you... Is there something you're not telling me? I don't like missing out on details, you know?" Her tone was playful, but the desire to know every detail was evident. Saki looked at Abigail with unease, then turned back to Shizuku. "Well, um... It's just that, when she healed me... the health I recovered was over a thousand" She muttered and Shizuku nodded with a hum.
"An incredible healing spell indeed" Shizuku turned her gaze to Abigail, who was staring intently with a small smile. As if acknowledging something, she quickly turns her gaze back to Saki. "I understand now... So..." She quickly changed the topic and clapped her hands softly. "So your rank is a village militia now! I can officially instate you as the village's protector if you'd like!" She teased. Saki could just match her same enthusiastic smile and reply nothing. Abigail glanced at her and giggled quietly as she saw her eye twitching in annoyance.
"Well?" Shizuku waited for her to answer, driving her teasing further and forcing Saki to answer. With a shaky voice, Saki replied. "N-no thank you...". Shizuku pushed further, wearing a big smile and even more enthusiasm. "Eh? I didn't quite hear you!" She said. Saki felt more annoyed but kept it hidden behind a smile. Abigail watches the two with joy. "I...I said no thank you" Saki replied again.
Shizuku tilts her head to point an ear and puts a hand behind it. "What? You said thank you?" Then faced her and clapped lightly. "No problem! I will send a letter to Cassery about your official designation". Hearing the words 'Cassery', 'official', and 'designation' sent some panic in Saki's chest, and quickly turned into more annoyance. Her smile finally breaks and grits her teeth in annoyance. Abigail was quick to catch this and burst into chuckles.
It was then Shizuku waved her hand dismissively. "I'm only kidding!" She then fixed her posture on the sofa. Her demeanor changed back into a composed posture and speaks with a matching tone. "So... what is your current plan, Miss Nisshin?" She asked, making Saki think. "My plan... um..." She pondered for a while, and while she was at it, Shizuku spoke to ask. "I suppose you're planning on visiting Saintsville, right? It will be quite a travel... When are you planning to do that, if I may ask?"
She eagerly waits for Saki to answer. "Um... soon, I guess?" Saki answered vaguely. "I'm aware that you're going to Saintsville soon, Miss Nisshin. Are you unsure when exactly?" Shizuku chuckled a bit at her answer. Saki scratches her head as she nods, berating herself internally for her uncertain answer. "Yes, I'm unsure... Stagecoach fees are a bit expensive, and we don't own any horses. My father is earning up money for me". Shizuku hums in acknowledgment.
"I'm sure money won't be a problem at all!" She said with a bit of a spirit. Saki gave her a curious gaze. "Wh-what do you mean?" She asked but Shizuku didn't answer that question and talked about something else. "I want you to talk to me about traveling to Saintsville before you plan to go, okay?". Saki nods to her in confusion. "Uh, yeah... Okay..." She timidly replied.
Clarice appeared again from the house, now wearing light leather armor and a sheath. Shizuku glanced over at her and then looked back at Abigail. "You can accompany Clarice if wish" She asked. Their gaze shifts to Clarice, who looks ready for battle. "Absolutely" Abigail agreed and stood up with Saki. "Wonderful! Take care!" Shizuku waves goodbye. On their way outside, the three of them bows at the chief before closing the door.
As they stood outside, Clarice made a sigh then faced them and said. "Hey... I know you wanted to come along, but you can leave this matter to me". The two exchanged curious glances, their eyes fixed on her. "I mean no offense, lady Abigail, but I can handle this alone. This is also a duty as the village chief's daughter, so I wouldn't like to take up your time for something that isn't your business anymore" Clarice's gaze had a slightly apologetic edge in them. Abigail quickly raised a hand and waved dismissively.
"It's fine, it's fine... You're always a stickler in your duties, Clarice" She said with a smile. Clarice bows her head slightly. "Yes, I wish to be as professional as my parents" As she bowed, Abigail replied. "That's good. I think you're professional enough" Abigail's words caused Clarice to give an appreciative smile. "Thank you. If it comes from you, my lady. I will take pride in it". Abigail smiles back at her words. Clarice adjusts her sheath and looks at the two.
"Well, I should leave now. I hope you two ladies have a wonderful day..." She bows one more time before walking away towards the forest. They watched her disappear in the distance. "A fine lady, she is" Abigail commented. "You can see the elegance of the Casserian blood in her" She smiled at Saki as she said that. "Yeah... Casserians sure appear and behave so nice" Saki replied as she stared at Clarice's silver hair disappearing into the forest.
Abigail then faced Saki, her arms open. "Well... We were quickly relieved of our duties! What do you wish to do?" She asked. it was apparent that Abigail wished to be with Saki for the day but had no specific plans. Saki thoughts of something first. "Well, we should take a walk. Pretty sure we can think of something on the way" With that said, Saki strolled with Abigail around the village.
However, their stroll was cut short by a distressed yelling coming from the forest, it was the voice of a young man. "Help, help! Kanna is being swarmed by bug monsters!" Every villager immediately ceases their activities to turn their attention to the source of the voice. "Bug monsters? We need to go!" Abigail hurries towards the forest and Saki quickly chases after her.
As they neared the forest, they saw the man, and suddenly numerous bugs appeared behind him, making him back away towards the village. "Hey, careful!" Abigail calls out as she shoots fire projectiles toward the approaching bugs, eliminating them. Saki quickly positioned herself in front of the man. "Abigail! Take him away from here!" She yelled as she stood before the bugs that were approaching the man.
"I... I can handle myself! I will help warn the others!" The man stood up and ran to the houses. Having the man safely run away, Saki slowly backs away as the bugs crawl towards her. Abigail watches the situation from behind, backing away as well. Suddenly, someone called out from behind. "Saki!" It was Saki's father. They looked behind them and suddenly a sheath came flying towards Saki.
"Whoops...!" Saki caught the sheath and looked at her father. "Thanks, Father! You were just in time!" She grinned at him, who immediately ran back to their house. "I know a trouble when I hear it!" His voice disappeared into the distance. Saki quickly straps her sheath and pulls out her sword. "Now here's a battle for you!" She said as she initiated a battle with the bugs.
Looking closer now, the bugs appear to be large beetles, their wings patterned with different colors. Their mandibles were large and intimidating. Saki knew how normal bugs like beetles appear, so seeing them as large as cattle brought a chill to her spine. "Well, here goes nothing! Haah...!" She moved first, swinging against Bug A. It made no effort to dodge and took damage, letting out a brief cry. 'Bug A takes 10 damage'.
Saki readies her sword in defense. Bug B dashes forward and aims to bite Saki's arm. "Ow...!" Saki was bit in her right arm, taking 15 damage. The bug quickly backed away to its spot as soon as it dealt damage. "Ow, ow...!" Saki let out a grunt but remained vigilant. "Damn you!" In retaliation, Saki swings at Bug B. 'Bug B takes 12 damage'. Upon hitting the bug, Saki backs away to her spot.
"It's a good thing they don't heal... Stupid slimes..." Saki frowns as she recalls the slimes regenerating their health after she hits them. Seeing the bugs remain with the damage that she dealt with made her feel satisfaction.
As she stands guard, Bug A jumps in and bites into Saki's left arm. "Ow, ow!" Saki lets out a cry as the bug pulls away and rips her skin, taking 17 damage. Taking bites from both arms, it became difficult for her to carry her sword. Her arms continue to shiver as she fights the pain. "Um... Abigail? Can you heal me please?" She asks. Abigail's healing is enormous and would instantly heal any wounds. When she heard Abigail approaching behind, she felt relieved.
"Okay, here!" Abigail momentarily joins in the battle and slaps herbs into Saki's mouth. "Hmph?!" Saki's body tensed up. The smack was loud as her skin was slapped. 'Herb was forced into Saki's mouth!' 'Saki recovers 50 hp!'. The effect was immediate, her wounds were gone and she felt normal again. As soon as the healing settled down, she quickly darts towards Abigail. "Hey! What was that?!" She yelled.
"I healed you" Abigail shrugs as she speaks. "Where's your healing spell?!" Saki stomps as she rubs her face, still feeling the slap. "Focus on the battle ahead!" Abigail feigns command as she points at the bugs still facing Saki.
With a sharp grunt, Saki faced the bugs again, resuming the battle. "Hyah!" She swings her sword at Bug A and hits. 'Bug A takes 11 damage!'. The bug stumbles backward as it takes the damage. "Hah! Take that!" Saki grinned proudly as she saw the bug get disoriented by her strike. She then prepares for the next attack. Bug B lunges again and bit her arm. 'Saki takes 15 damage!'. Blood splatters on the ground as the bug flies back while still biting into her arm.
"Grr..." Saki grunts as she fights the pain again. "I will finish you!" She yells as she swings at Bug A. Once her strike hits, Bug A lets out a dying cry and flips on its back. 'Bug A has been defeated!'. Saki grins and turns to Bug B. She raised her sword to attack. "Haah...!" Her strike hits Bug B, dealing 15 damage. The bug stumbles back as her strikes drive it to critical health.
"You're done!" Saki doesn't let Bug B recover and swings her sword at it to deliver a final blow. 'Critical Hit!' 'Bug B takes 20 damage!' 'Bug B has been defeated!' The bug flies a few feet away as it gets hit by Saki's sword. 'Saki has defeated the bugs!' 'Saki earned 50 exp!'
"Yeah! Take that!" Saki yells in triumph as she defeats the two bugs. "Fifty exp, huh? I wonder what rank would I rise up to next?" Before she could think deeper, more bugs appeared from the forest, causing her to take up a fighting stance again.