Chapter 96 Olivia's Note

 The professor's words had stung like a slap in the face, leaving her feeling frustrated.

She stormed out of the building and onto the bustling street outside, her pace quickening with each step. The throngs of people around her seemed to blur together, and she paid them no heed as she marched on toward home, the Mystic Oasis Inn.

The events of the day replayed in her mind like a broken record, each word and gesture of the professor's cutting deeper than the last.

As she approached her apartment building, her heart felt heavy with anger and sadness. She couldn't wait to escape into the comfort of her own space, away from the harsh words and judgmental stares of others.

With a deep breath, Suzuka unlocked the door to her room and stepped inside, the weight of the day still heavy on her shoulders. But as she settled into the familiar surroundings of her home, her mood began to lift.

After a long and tiring day, the hot spring bath and soft bed proved to be just what she needed to rejuvenate her body and lift her spirits. As she sank into the steaming waters of the hot spring, the tension in her muscles began to melt away, and her mind eased into a state of blissful relaxation. The warm, mineral-rich waters worked wonders on her skin, leaving it feeling silky-smooth and refreshed.

After soaking for a while, she dried off and made her way to the bedroom, where a plush, comfortable bed awaited her. The soft mattress and fluffy pillows cradled her body, offering the perfect combination of support and comfort. As she drifted off to sleep, she felt a sense of deep contentment, grateful for the rejuvenating powers of the hot spring bath and cozy bed.

As the night receded, the sun began to rise over the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant shades of orange and pink. A new day had dawned, full of promise and possibility. Today was a special day, one that promised excitement and adventure. Suzuka woke up feeling cheerful, ready to start her day. With a sense of anticipation, she decided to head to the guild to meet with her quest coordinator.

 As she entered the guild building, she was greeted by the familiar sound of Lisanna's voice engaged in conversation with David at the reception desk. Unfortunately for Suzuka, the sight of David made her cringe. She couldn't stand the thought of interacting with him today.

"Egh! David again," Suzuka thought to herself. "I don't want to have anything to do with him today."

Quickly turning to the side, Suzuka headed upstairs to the second floor. Finding an empty table, she sat down and looked down at the scene below. Suzuka was hoping to avoid any interaction with David, but her curiosity got the better of her as she watched the exchange between Lisanna and David with a hint of interest. Despite her reluctance to engage with David, Suzuka couldn't help but wonder what he was up to this time.

David stood before Lisanna, his eyes pleading with desperation. "Please, Lisanna, I need to go on this quest. I'll do anything to prove myself!" he begged pathetically. 

Lisanna sighed heavily, looking at David with a mix of annoyance and pity. "David, I've already told you for the past 20 minutes, the guild rules state that you must pay the item rental fee before going on this quest. It's not personal, it's just the way things are, now stop squirming like the pathetic worm you are and scram," she replied harshly.

"But Lisanna, I don't have enough money to pay the fee! Please, just this once, can't you make an exception for me?" David implored, his voice cracking with emotion.

Lisanna's eyes narrowed as she glared at David. "For you!? Ha! I'm sorry, but you must be jesting. I wouldn't even spit on you for free, let alone bend the rules." Lisanna said with spite in her voice. "I can't just break the rules for you. You need to learn to follow the guild's regulations like everyone else. I suggest you find a way to earn the money for the fee if you want to go on this quest," she retorted with spite.

David looked up at Lisanna with pleading eyes, his hands clasped together in front of him. "Please, Lisanna," he begged pathetically. "I know I can do this quest. Just give me a chance. I will pay the fee when I return from the quest."

Lisanna glared at him, her arms crossed in front of her chest. "I'm sorry, David, but I will not bend the rules for you," she snapped. "We have guild policies for a reason, and one of those policies is that all members must pay the rental fee for any necessary items. How many times do I have to tell you?"

David's face fell. "But I need this quest, I am in dire need of money. I don't even have enough money to eat, let alone rent the items," he pleaded. "Please, just this once, make an exception."

Lisanna shook her head. "Get lost, you sorry excuse of an adventurer, while I'm still talking nice," she said firmly. "For the last time, I can't make exceptions for one person and not for others. It's not fair to everyone else. You'll just have to wait until you can afford the rental fee like everyone else."

David hung his head in defeat, tears welling up in his eyes. "I understand, Lisanna. I'll try to earn the money somehow," he said meekly before turning and leaving the guild hall with his head bowed low.

And just to kick the dog while he's down Lisanna said while David was leaving, "I will give this quest to anyone who asks, I will not keep it just for you." She followed with a sarcastic remark and a smug smirk on her face, "Have a good day sir, please come back again. We are always happy to help adventures in our guild in the hour of need."

As soon as David walked out of the Guild, Suzuka made her way down to the first floor. Her gaze landed on Lisanna, who was standing at her reception desk, a wide grin on her face. Their eyes met, and Lisanna's eyes sparkled with excitement as she beckoned Suzuka over with an enthusiastic wave.

Suzuka felt a jolt of happiness as she approached her friend, her steps quickening with eagerness. Lisanna greeted her with open arms, pulling her into a warm embrace. "Helen, I have great news!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy.

Suzuka couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat at Lisanna's words, wondering what the news could be. She listened intently as Lisanna explained, her eyes shining with anticipation, "Helen, did you hear the news?" she exclaimed. "Thomas and his party have finally returned from their long journey!"

Suzuka's eyes widened with relief. "Really? That's such great news! I was getting so worried about them. Did they face any trouble along the way?"

Lisanna nodded. "They did face a few challenges, but nothing that they couldn't handle. Thankfully, they've all returned safe and sound."

Suzuka let out a deep sigh of relief. "That's such a weight off my mind," she said. "But what about Olivia? Did she leave any message for me?"

Lisanna's smile widened. "Actually, she did," she said, reaching into her bag to pull out a small slip of paper. "She left a note for you, and I have it right here."

Suzuka's eyes lit up with anticipation as she eagerly reached for the note. "What does it say?" she asked, her heart beating faster with excitement.

"I don't know," Lisanna said while handing her the note, "It's for your eyes only."

Suzuka took the note from Lisanna and started to read.

"Hey there, my lovely Suzuka! How are you doing, gorgeous? I hope you're feeling as amazing as you look. Since my return, my heart has been yearning to be reunited with you once again. I just had to reach out and let you know that I've safely returned from my travels, but I couldn't stop thinking about you. Though I longed to see you the moment I returned, I feared that my sudden presence would be an unwelcome intrusion. However, Lisanna kindly informed me of your current dwelling, and I am immensely grateful for this knowledge. I've been dying to hear all about your incredible adventures, and I hope you're just as excited to catch up with me as I am with you.

That's why I'm leaving this note, gorgeous. I'm hoping with all my heart that you'll show up tomorrow at the café next to the Mystic Oasis Inn. Let's make it a date, shall we? Ha ha, I couldn't resist. I know I can't wait to see you, and I hope you're still interested in meeting up. Take good care of yourself, my lovely Suzu, and remember to be there, Saturday at noon sharp. I'll be waiting for you with bated breath. All my love, Olivia."

Suzuka finished reading the letter and a feeling of joy washed over her. She folded the letter neatly and set it down on the chair beside her. A sense of contentment filled her heart, and her lips curved into a gentle smile. Lisanna, who had been sitting across from her, couldn't help but feel curious about the contents of the letter. She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement, and asked Suzuka what it was about.

"Well, what did she say?" Lisanna asked eagerly, unable to contain her curiosity. "If it's not a secret, of course."

Suzuka's smile widened as she turned to her friend. "I think Olivia asked me out on a date, we meet on Saturday," she said, her voice full of excitement.

Lisanna's eyes widened in surprise and then lit up with excitement. "Wow, that's great news! You and Olivia haven't seen each other for quite some time. Do you have any plans for the date? You have to give me all the details," she said, laughing.

Suzuka's smile grew even wider at her friend's enthusiasm. "Well, we haven't decided, I know only a meeting place," she said. "But I'm sure we'll come up with something fun to do together. I can't wait to see her again. But... my funds are dry, I would like to get some coins for our date. I need a quick quest to get some money, maybe you have something for me?"

Lisanna smiled and said, "I got you covered, It just so happens, I have a well-paying quest. It is a kill quest, but you will need to pay a rental fee, of 20 silver coins, for the item. The quest will require a compass crystal to navigate through the forest. The reward is one gold coin! Great, right?"

Suzuka smiled and laughed nervously, "He he, yeah! That is great... but... I can't pay the rental fee. I have only 4 silver coins..." 

But before Suzuka could say another word Lisanna interrupted, "Oh! Don't worry, I can look past that, don't worry about it. It's not a big deal, we can count that out of your reward money after you return." Lisanna leaned closer and followed with a whisper, "Just don't tell anybody." 

"Wow, thanks Lisanna. I really needed some good coin going my way. You really helped me out, so what are the details of the quest?"

 Lisanna started to rustle through her papers and pulls out a quest sheet with details, "Here's the official request paper, it has all the detail, but it's basically a simple kill quest, some Lizardmen started nesting not too far from town."

Suzuka took a look at the paper.

Quest details:

Title: Lizardmen Extermination

Location: Abandoned ruins of MIS's old researcher outpost in the depths of a forest. Going 3 kilometers west from Rockmine near a river.  

Description: The MIS has received reports of a dangerous Lizardmen infestation in the abandoned ruins of MIS's old researcher outpost. The Lizardmen are known to be aggressive and territorial, and they pose a significant threat to any travelers or adventurers who venture into the area. The MIS is seeking a skilled and brave team of adventurers to exterminate the Lizardmen and rid the area of their infestation.

Objective: Exterminate the Lizardmen infestation in the abandoned ruins of MIS's old researcher outpost.

Reward: 1 gold coin, as well as any treasure found in the ruins.

Additional information: The Lizardmen are formidable opponents, with sharp claws and teeth, as well as a tough scaly hide. They are skilled in close combat and can also attack from range with their powerful tails. The ruins of MIS's old researcher outpost are treacherous, caution is advised.