A Day of Adventure - 1

It really feels like this world is progressing fast. It really does. But thats only because I arrived here without knowing everything beforehand. Brak, the actual Brak before I arrived, was fully aware of his mother's condition. I was so blinded by my own desires that I fully failed to see her condition. I knew she was sick, and those thoughts crossed my mind, but those are Brak's feelings. Not my own.

Brak walks alone on the sidewalk, trying to clear his mind, but to no avail. It's been roughly a day since the passing of Melinda. Her smile is the only thing Brak can think about. 

I wish I had gotten to know her better. Me... For Brak as well. When I saw her for the first time, I believed that I could cure her or at least pretend she wasn't as sick as I, Brak, knew she was. No... I can't question my identity. I am... Brak. These memories are ours... another world or the game world. I can't let myself drown in despair... It's not what she would want. I must live for... myself. Not just as Brak, but as someone who will survive in this world. But I won't be able to do so easily.

Brak then recalls the letter from his father. There's one phrase he recalls, saying it out loud.

"To do what my heart guides me to do."

I want to be an adventurer. It's my... Braks... Our wish. My father's wish. My mother's wish. I'm not gifted with nobility, but my father created me a weapon with his love as a way to both remember him and as a reminder that a piece of him will always stay beside me to help me fight my battles. 

Brak smiles and clenches his fists.

"Father, I love you too. Mother as well. I'll live for myself and do what I wish. To become an adventurer! To survive in this world!"

I'm not utterly hopeless. The one weapon I do have is my meta knowledge. I should be able to make a decent living as an adventurer. I'm not resorting to mercenary work, as I don't want to die. Lethe hunting is off the table until I can reach the City of Aurora. The real question is... how exactly will I reach there? 

As he is lost in thought again, Brak bumps into someone.

"Hmm. Oh, sorry. I didn't see where I was going-"

Looking at the figure, Brak realizes it's a face he knows all too well. One of the hero candidates and rivals to the main character, Soren Vail Helios. 

Soren turns and smiles at Brak, offering him his hand.

"It's nothing. Standing around on a busy sidewalk meant that someone would bump into me sooner or later."

On the outside, he is what a noble and hero should be. Charming, chivalrous, and never looking down on others. However, thats just a facade. In the game, Soren looks down on commoners. He's also a battle maniac who is always the first to jump in when there's a fight. What's he getting at by trying to help me? Still, I shouldn't question him. Actual nobles with Angelic Blades aren't to be questioned or defied. But I can't help but be suspicious.

Brak then takes Soren's hand and dusts himself off while giving him a nervous smile.

"I should be the one apologizing. I wasn't really watching where I was going... I was just lost in thought."

Brak then gets a better look at Soren.

Up close and personal, he looks way more noble than he does in the games. He's got blonde hair, red eyes, and a charming smile. On top of that, he's practically glowing. The people around us are admiring him. I should really avoid catching the attention of the game's main characters...

Soren then introduces himself.

"I am Soren Vail Helios, but you may call me Soren."

Brak then gives Soren a respectful bow.

"You can call me Brak, your grace. It's an honor to be in your presence, Lord Soren-"

Soren cuts Brak off.

"Just Soren. I was never big on formalities. You call me Soren... and I'll just call you Brak! You don't have to be so formal with me."

Brak is caught off guard by how casual Soren is being.

Yeah, something is really off here. Soren is like... more demanding and bossy. He even demands lower-order nobles to kneel before him. Best I can do is just go along with it. However, there are a few things I want to know. It wouldn't hurt to ask.

"Alright... Soren. Well, what brings you to a city of Axai?"

Soren then places his hand on the hilt of a sword.

"Rumors say that a Lethe has taken root in the city's underground passageways. No one here has the means to combat one, so a quest was issued, and I decided to take it alongside my mentor."

My suspicions were right. Now it makes sense why a noble is here in Axai and why the sewers keep backing up. I do not want to end up crossing paths with it.

"I was always told to avoid the Lethe. Since I'm just a commoner, I don't have the same weapons you nobles use."

Soren then gives a defeated sigh.

"You make it sound as if all of us are flaunting it. Friend, I would never do such a thing. I don't believe in showing one's power off just for attention. But I should get going. I can't keep my party waiting."

Soren then enters a carriage that conveniently pulled up. 

Brak waves goodbye before sighing.

Something is totally off. Soren isnt this kind of noble. If he was in character, I'd be berated by insults about how dirty I am, how I'm so shameless as to not bow and show respond, and among other things. He even looks down on less-gifted nobles. I always believe that Soren is only a hero candidate because in the game, they're desperate to find someone with potential and strength. Personality or character doesn't matter if you're capable of just commanding everyone to do what you want. 

Brak then sighs.

I should get to the guild.

* * *

Elizabeth is talking with some adventurers about some ongoing quests before she notices Brak walking into the guild. 

"Hey! Brak! Sorry, guys. This one is a little personal for me, so I'll take care of you all once I'm done."

Elizabeth then smiles warmly.

Brak notices and walks over to her. He can't help but smile a little.

She's the first person to make me genuinely happy after all this. Her kindness is genuine, unlike Soren.

"It's good to see you again, Eliza."

Elizabeth then tilts her head sideways in confusion.

"Eliza?"

Brak stammers a bit and then explains why he called her Eliza.

"It's uh... uh- A nickname! Yeah, a nickname. Y'know... like what friends give each other? Eliza is easier to say than Elizabeth."

Elizabeth thinks for a moment before nodding. She likes it!

"I like it! Hmm... It's not very fair if I'm the only one who gets a nickname. Can I call you... Bracky?"

Brak's face turns red at the mention of the name.

"B-B-Brakky?! Well... Uh... I'm not opposed to it-"

Elizabeth walks over to him. Without warning, she hugs Brak.

"It's alright, Brakky. You don't have to force yourself to smile. I know it's hard right now... Your mother passed away, and it hurt when I saw the empty look in your eyes. I'll always be here for you... not as a receptionist, but as someone you can confide in and tell your feelings to."

Brak, caught off guard by the sudden hug, begins to tear up. 

"... I want to be strong and to be an adventurer. But... I'm not sure what I should do... My dad said I should be one, but I just want to remain here and cling to my memories of my mom... What should I do? I want to be strong, but at the same time, it's hard to be strong..."

What the- Did I say all that? I thought I was strong... I guess my heart betrayed my mind. It's really hard trying to be strong.

Brak begins to cry in Elizabeth's chest. 

"There, there. You can let it all out. No person should go through this, but it happens to all of us eventually. Don't look at those memories with regret or longing, but with love and motivation to continue going..."

Elizabeth rubs her hand on the back of Brak's head.

After a few minutes, Brak regains his composure.

"Thank you... I needed that. But, back to why I came here. Are there any jobs free? I need to earn some money, and it's not my turn to do cleaning yet."

Elizabeth thinks before pulling out a piece of paper.

"One just opened up, actually! It's support for another job that is currently happening. It's a combat quest, and they need backup and support. If you take it, you won't be in any combat."

Brak thinks for a moment before nodding. 

I need to test out my new axe.

"Alright, I'll take it. Who am I supporting?"

As Elizabeth is about to speak, the client walks in. 

"There he is! The client... is Sir Soren Vail Helios!"

Brak then turns around, seeing the familiar face he never wanted to cross paths with again. 

Aw man...