Chapter 49 Friendly Chat

As they walked, Olivia intensively checked Suzuka out and eventually asked in a flirty manner," Say, what such a gorgeous, as you, doing in this forest? Are you an adventurer or some lost beauty? Hmmm..."

Suzuka didn't pick up on Olivia's flirt, she just thought Olivia was being nice to her. "It is a long and complicated story actually, but in short, I am not an adventurer, I was kidnapped but my kidnappers got killed by a monster, I escaped and found shelter at Bill, that minotaur you met. So here I am." Suzuka tried to explain as short as she could.

"Oh my, what an adventure, hmmm..." Olivia's gaze was scanning Suzuka's body, "I see why someone would want to kidnap you," she slowly licked her lips and continue speaking, "I would like to kidnap you for myself, mmmm..." Olivia said with a smile, while intensively looking at Suzuka.

"Wait, what?" Suzuka got confused for a second.

"Oh, shut up, Olivia!" Shara interrupted her flirting while continuing to talk, "Suzuka, don't listen to her nonsense, she's always like this when she sees a new girl."

In a flirting manner, Olivia asked, "Ara... ara? What's this? Is Shara getting jealous of a new girl? Hmmm..."

"What? You and your nonsense! I don't know what you're talking about." Shara tried to avoid the question. But Olivia was in her mood and wanted to mess with the two girls.

She attempted to secretly embrace Suzuka from behind, in an effort to provoke Shara further. However, Suzuka's instincts kicked in and she immediately grasped Olivia's hand, applying firm pressure. Olivia's facial expression changed to serious right away, one squeeze was all it took for her to realize, Suzuka was not to be underestimated and was a skilled warrior, not a lost beauty.

Not only she felt strength in Suzuka's grip but also her stealthy approach was stopped. For a split second Olivia noticed Suzuka's bloodlust seep through as she grabbed her arm. Olivia faced many foes and monsters alike but was never spoked as in that split second.

With a calm and serious expression, Olivia fixed her gaze directly on Suzuka's eyes and spoke in a measured tone, "Hooo... you're strong... you're not just a lost lamb in the forest... aren't you?"

"As I said, I can handle myself in a fight," Suzuka answered.

Olivia slowly asked Suzuka with a calm voice, "I am sorry beautiful but could you let go of my arm? Before you brake it."

"Oh! Yes, sorry, I was still holding, here you go," Suzuka said as she apologized to Olivia and let her hand go. 

"Holding, ehhh... It felt like a vice was griping my arm... and you call that holding? Hmmm..." Olivia thought to herself as she returned back into the formation.   

As Olivia's mood and tone shifted, everyone at the party became serious. Olivia may not have been the leader of the group, but she was the most skilled fighter among them and they all knew that if she looked serious at Suzuka it means she is someone not to be messed with. 

Thomas noticed that Suzuka wasn't an ordinary person as soon as he saw her with Bill the minotaur. He could tell that she was different and that she had a certain air of mystery and strength about her. As they walked, he observed her closely, noting her every move and every word.

When he saw Olivia's reaction to Suzuka, he knew that his initial assessment was correct. He could see that Olivia was taken aback by Suzuka, her expression and body language showing her surprise and caution.

Thomas realized that Suzuka was someone to be cautious around. He could sense a certain danger in her, and he knew that she was not someone to underestimate. He made a mental note to keep an eye on her, and to make sure that his party was always ready for any potential danger that she may pose.

Right after Olivia returned to her formation, Thomas said, "Listen, everyone! Keep chatting to a minimum. We are closing in on the road, we are in razor rabbits territory now. I don't want our voices to attract them to us. We don't need to pick a fight with them if not necessary. Is that clear?" 

Everyone nodded and said, "Yes, boss."

After these words, everyone's attention was focused on their's surroundings. Suzuka took this opportunity to get a closer look at Thomas's party members. The first one she looked at was Thomas, he is a large man, standing around 6 feet tall, with broad shoulders and a muscular build. He has short, dark hair and a thick beard, and his face is weathered from years of adventure and battle. He has blue eyes and a stern expression, but there is a hint of kindness and wisdom in his gaze.

Thomas wears full-plate armor made of polished steel. The armor is adorned with intricate designs and symbols that indicate his rank and achievements. He carries a large shield made of steel and has the same symbols and designs as his armor. He also carries a broadsword, which is well-maintained and sharpened.

He carries a backpack, which contains his supplies and provisions for the journey. He has a compact tent and a tarp for camping, and a few potions for emergencies. He also carries a small compass and a map, which he consults often to ensure that they are on the right path.

After Thomas, Suzuka looked at Shara, she is a woman of average height, with long dark hair that falls in loose waves around her shoulders. Her skin is tanned, and her eyes are brown. She has a lean, athletic build.

She wears hard leather armor that is designed to provide protection while still allowing her to move freely. The armor is made up of multiple layers of leather, reinforced with small metal plates in strategic areas. She also wears a leather belt around her waist, from which hangs a small bag containing her tools. She also carries her camping gear.

She carries two long daggers made of dark metal. They have a curved shape that makes them perfect for slicing and cutting. She also wears a pair of boots that are made of soft leather, allowing her to move quietly.

Shara looks like a fierce rogue, ready for any challenge, her leather armor and weapons reflect her agile and stealthy approach to combat. 

The next one was Olivia, she is a bit taller than Suzuka, an athletic woman with long dark hair and bright green eyes. She has a strong and toned physique, with muscles that are well-defined but not overly bulky. She looks attractive, with a striking and confident appearance.

She wears a set of dark leather armor that is well-crafted and polished, with intricate designs etched into the metal. The armor is designed to be comfortable and easy to move in, and it allows her to perform acrobatic maneuvers without any hindrance.

The leather portion of her armor is made of high-quality leather, which is soft and supple, allowing her to move freely and comfortably. The plate portion of her armor is made of steel, which is designed to protect her vital organs and provide maximum protection. The combination of the two materials provides her with an excellent balance of flexibility and defense. She also wears a long cape with a hood, which is great for moving on rainy days. 

She carries two swords on her hips, they look expensive and fancy, which are polished and well-maintained, reflecting her skill and dedication to her craft. She also carries a small backpack on her back, probably her camping gear.  

Olivia's gear is designed for both mobility and protection, and she carries herself with confidence and readiness. She is a skilled warrior and her gear reflects her profession.

As Suzuka continued to study her, Olivia felt her gaze and turned her head to meet it. She could see the curious look in Suzuka's eyes and knew that she was trying to understand her. Instead of feeling uncomfortable, Olivia felt a sense of playfulness and decided to break the ice. She smiled at Suzuka and playfully waved her hand as if to say "I see you, and I'm not afraid."

Suzuka, caught off guard by Olivia's friendly gesture, smiled back and felt a bit more relaxed. She was curious about Olivia and wanted to get to know her better. Suzuka was glad that Olivia was trying to break the ice and make her feel more comfortable.

Suzuka waved back at Olivia and took a quick peek at John walking behind her. He is a tall, lean man with short dark hair and brown eyes. He has a rugged and weathered appearance, with light stubble on his chin and a scar above his left eyebrow. He carries himself with a sense of confidence and purpose, and he is always alert and aware of his surroundings.

John notices Suzuka'a gaze but pays it no mind.

John wears a set of hard leather armor, reinforced with metal plates on the chest and shoulders. The armor is designed to provide protection while still allowing him freedom of movement. He wears a quiver on his back filled with arrows and a short sword on his hip. He carries a good-looking bow in his hand, it's a longbow made of yew wood, well-crafted and well-maintained with beautiful carvings etched on it.

 He also has a fancy crossbow on his back. He wears a pair of sturdy leather boots that reach his calf, with a set of knee pads for added protection. He also has a hooded cloak that he uses to conceal himself when needed. He is always prepared for any situation, his gear is well-maintained, and always ready for action.

Right after John, she looked at Michael, he is a tall and broad-shouldered man, with short, brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He has a strong jawline and dark eyes. He has a scar above his right eyebrow. He is muscular and has a well-defined physique.

Michael wears reinforced leather armor, designed to provide maximum protection without sacrificing mobility. The armor is made up of multiple layers of leather, reinforced with steel plates at key points, such as the chest, shoulders, and arms. 

He carries a large wooden shield on his back. On his hip, he carries a short sword that is made of steel and has a sharp edge. The hilt of the sword is made of dark wood and it's decorated with golden engravings. He also has a pair of leather boots and gloves, which are designed to protect his feet and hands while allowing him to grip his weapons and shield securely.

As Suzuka looked at the fancy gear the other adventurers were carrying, she took a quick look at herself and her own equipment. Suzuka's leather armor was scuffed, scratched, and had several tears in it, and the stitching was coming undone in several places. It looked as if it had been through many battles and had seen better days. But it was still functional and providing some protection.

Her short sword was also in poor condition, its edge was nicked and chipped, and it had several deep scratches on the blade. The hilt was wrapped in worn leather, and it was clear that it had been used extensively. The sword was in need of sharpening and repair, but despite its rough appearance, it was still a usable weapon.