> Kira PoV

It's now two days after our meeting with the Baron. We arrive at our destination at sunset. It's a run-down rest stop on the highway leading north out of Runetap.

I don't enjoy these shady places. The beds are hard, the food is disgusting and the liquor is both of those.

Someone notices our approach and comes out to meet us.

"Heya! Are you the two members of [Black Flame]?"

A slightly overweight uncle with a thick moustache greets us with a wave. He's wearing a heavy-looking brown robe draped over black leather armor. He's using a mage staff like a walking stick.

This must be the Baron's representative mentioned in the letter.

"Yes, that's us."

I reply with a nod.

"Good! Good. Come, let's meet the others."

We follow him inside and sit down at a table in the corner.

Including Ellie and I, there's five people here in total. Well, technically, Nano is here too. But Nano isn't a person.

"Well, since we've all arrived, let's all introduce ourselves."

The jolly uncle starts us off.

"My name is Bart Abrams and I'll be your guide and medic. I will do my utmost to support you from the rear."

He bows his head in greeting and then gestures to me with his hand.

I guess I'm next huh?

"Good day, my name is Kiressara mil Quasse of [Black Flame], Rank B.

I specialize in offensive and barrier magic. I'll also be covering you from the rear, so please take care of me."

I bow my head. Next is Ellie.

"I'm Ellie, Kira's partner, also Rank B. I'll be scouting ahead, but I can fight at any range."

A bit curt, but at least she didn't say anything strange.

"Also, if any of you hurt or insult Kira, I will break your arms."

Nevermind.

At least she gave a clear warning this time. Let's consider this progress.

"HAH! I like this lassie already!"

The armored figure speaks up with a muffled voice. Since the helmet covers the face completely, it sounds distorted, like an echo.

Judging from the height, this person is probably a dwarf.

The armor itself looks peculiar. It's made out of thick, off-white metal plates that are slightly larger than my hand.

The plates are arranged almost like dragon scales, but there appear to be 3 or 4 layers. As a result, it looks bulky and awkward to move in.

"The name's Kelly Darkhand. I'm a mercenary and engineer. I'll be your vanguard for this job. Just think of me as a shield on legs!"

Kelly thumps his chest twice with a fist. Oddly enough, there's no metal scraping sounds when he moves. Even though the armor has so many moving bits.

Still, it looks quite heavy so it can probably take a lot of punishment.

"I'm Gaar of [Hidden Steel], Rank A."

The last member, a bulky cat-folk male, introduces himself.

His body is covered in black fur, with cat-like face, ears and tail. He's wearing half-plate body armor and has a huge hammer strapped to his back.

For some reason his face looks awfully smug.

"Rest assured! I will crush everything in our way with my mighty great-hammer!

Since I am obviously the most qualified, I shall be the one in charge!

Be sure to follow my lead and we will not have any problems!"

What sort of arrogance is this? Are you really an adventurer?

Is your head okay?

Ah, I really shouldn't be one to say that.

"I refuse!"

Was the reply from Ellie.

"Stop getting so cocky, Flatface!"

She stands up and points at him accusingly.

Ah no good, it's this pattern again.

"... f-f-flat?"

Gaar replies with a stupefied expression.

"Ellie, stop bullying the poor man!"

I call out to her and grab her shoulders, forcing her to sit back down.

{His face IS incredibly flat, though.}

{Maybe he dropped that hammer on it a few times?}

Nano!

Not. Helping.

I mean yes, he's an idiot and he maybe has a less-than-normal face.

But please stop Ellie from breaking his arms before we even start!

"PFfft!"

Kelly fails to stifle a laugh.

"They got you good laddie!"

He keeps banging on the table with his fist, clearly enjoying this.

"Come now, let's all take a deep breath."

Bart raises his hands in a soothing motion.

"Mister Gaar spoke out of turn, but he is not wrong. He does have a lot of experience as leader of [Hidden Steel].

However, the Baron has entrusted leadership of this mission to me. Please cooperate peacefully since this is an urgent matter. His Lordship has given his personal guarantee that each member is highly capable."

This guy is really good at mediating. He gives off an aura that makes it impossible to stay mad.

"Bart is right, we spoke harshly. Gaar, I apologize on behalf of [Black Flame]."

I bow my head slightly.

"Ah *cough* yes, it's fine if you understand."

You're the one that needs to understand though.

"Well then."

Bart claps his hands.

"Now that we're all acquainted, let's turn in for the night. The monster hole is in the hills to the northwest, several hours away by foot. We'll be leaving in the morning."

Bart stands up and everyone follows suit. He knows a lot more than he lets on. I'll ask Ellie later what she got out of his head.