“Armand. Got a guard for you.” The inn worker says with a smile, stepping aside to reveal Serah.

Armand raises an eyebrow. “She looks a little green to me. You sure you didn’t just dress a tavern maid in armor?” He says, feeling suspicious.

“I am no tavern maid, good sir! And I'll knock your teeth out if you continue to say so!” Serah says, enraged.

Armand lets out a chuckle. “Alright. She's fierce enough. I'll hire her. 150 now. 150 later. A little extra, as an apology.” He says with a smile.

“I'll see you in two days.” Serah says before letting out a huff and walking away.

…

…

Serah tried to go hunting to keep herself busy, but it seemed the other adventurers had cleaned the nearby forest out. Other than those wolves the other day, she didn’t find anything. She thought about going deeper into the forest before letting the matter go. She had a trip scheduled in a few days.

But while she was in town, she managed to purchase some camping supplies. My days of sleeping in the dirt are over! Serah thinks, satisfied.

Serah also thought of buying new gear, but she didn’t quite have the money for it. Also, her welcome equipment wasn’t too bad, and for the most part, it was in very good condition. The blacksmith even offered to buy her sword, so naturally, she selfishly kept it close after finding out it was valuable. It is kind of weird that it’s still so sharp after killing all those animals… Serah thinks, wondering if her equipment was more than she originally thought.

Eventually, it was time for the merchant caravan to head out.

...

…

Serah walks forward casually, next to a wagon, admiring the horses. I should get myself a horse. A brave and gallant steed! She thinks, pondering how to save up enough money. I wonder if there’s level-up skills that are good for making money… She thinks to herself, planning to check at her next level-up.

“Hey, new girl.” A man calls out as he approaches Serah. He had long, scruffy hair, and he wore leather armor. On his belt was a sword and on his back was a bow.

He smiles at Serah and holds out a hand. “Name’s Rhett. Thought I’d introduce myself.” He says, trying to sound friendly.

“Oh, I’m sure.” Serah says, ignoring his hand. “So how’d you end up as a caravan guard? Not smart enough to find a craft and make a decent living?” She says, slightly putting the man down. She’s been at this game for a while and if this man wanted what Serah knew he came for, he would have to work for it. I’m just too beautiful for my own good! Serah thinks with a sigh.

The man’s eyes widen in slight surprise before remembering his hand and moving it away. Rhett smiles. “No, never quite had the mind to learn a craft. But why work so hard for money when I can just take what I want?” The man says while giving Sera a meaningful look.

Sera smirks. “So you’re a bandit?” She asks, trying to sound innocent.

“Ah, ugh. No.” Rhett says, slightly flustered. “I mean, why earn with my mind when I can earn with my fist?” He says, giving it a second go.

Serah smiles, amused. He’s green. But that isn’t too bad. A little boy might be nice to pass the time. She thinks, wondering how far she was willing to take it.

“And what is it you want, exactly? Rhett, was it?” She asks ambiguously.

“I want what any man would want. And now that you’re here, I think my dreams came true.” Rhett says, getting back into the swing of things.

Serah smiles, a small blush forming on her cheeks. Not bad! She thinks, slightly impressed.

“I don’t think they came true, quite yet. But if you work hard, there could be an opportunity. Now, off you go. I tire of your company. Leave me to bask in your lingering desire.” She says, face flushed and her hand waving at her face to cool off.

The man smirks. “I’ll see you tonight.” He says before wandering off.

Oh, I really might do it. Serah thinks before an idea pops up in her mind. Maybe I can find another dude and play them against each other? That would be fun. And if I can get them both to pleasure me… Serah thinks, her eyes losing sight of the moment as a shiver runs down her spine.