Ranked.

The party strolled through a dirt pathway, guided by the ever-so-often wooden rails. Octan at the forefront alongside the new member--who had introduced herself as Kouko--to his side, Lena followed some steps behind.

It has been a day since they left the last stop, calico should be a few more hours down the path. Lena had never questioned Octan's sudden decision, nor the sudden member. Accepting with nothing more than a nod, she had become another person in her dull gray life.

However, she did find the woman repetitive. Ever since they had left the town she had never stopped mentioning the "form," and how Octan should write down her name.

"Please," She begged. "I don't want to be forced back to the town, just write my name under your party." 

Octan dismissed her demand the same as always, saying, "Once the need arises, I will."

The woman sighed, accepting his promise.

Lena questioned the desperateness of the woman, why would she risk wasting so much precious time under a random person's word? What if he never intended to name her?

Of course, Lena and Octan were never an official party to begin with, so she questioned how they had even planned to enter the camp. But, as to her usual self, she shrugged her doubts away.

"Octannn~" The woman, Kouko, exasperated. "Pleaseee~ I need a party or I won't be able to eat tonight!"

"We are a party," Octan said, moving without facing the woman, "the paper means nothing."

"Buuutttt~~" She sighed exaggeratedly, slouching forward.

Lena moved finding a strange charm in the woman's over-expressive actions.

Crossing the plains, a single tree comes into view. Standing alone among the lonely path, it shaded a traveler.

Rested with his back to the trunk, the person sat completely covered by his brown-tattered cloak. His hood raised over his head, Lena was unable to tell if it was a man or a woman.

As the party approached the tree, the person turned its head. A grunt was heard as they tumbled to their feet. To their side, a rod lay, covered by layers and layers of cloth similar to their cloak.

They lifted the rod and approached the closing party.

"Are you..." The person muffled, their words buried beneath their gasping breath, "...an adventurer?"

"Yes." Octan lied, turning to face the person.

"Woah," Kouko sounded, "What is that?" She pointed at the item in hand.

"Would you..." The person muffled, bringing the rod in hand to eye level both hands working to showcase it "...Attempt to wield this weapon?"

Octan eyed the brown garbed rod. To Lena, it seemed nothing more than clothing wrapping a long stick, yet Octan eyed it with curiosity. He narrowed his eyes, focusing on the cloth.

"Please, adventurer." They said, "This weapon, it yearns for a wielder."

Kouko whistled, "Sounds quite important,"

"I've long searched," The man said, Lena making out their decaying person, "for whom could wield it. Would you humor me, please adventurer?" The man asked, his face finally coming into view from beneath the hood. Poking out, his features were quite appalling. Eyes sunken beneath his brows, dry lips cracked and flaked, and an outgrown scraggly beard.

Octan reacted to neither, eyeing only the wrapped clothing.

Then, turned continuing down the path refusing to elaborate.

"O-Octan!" Kouko said, her head turning between the tired man and Octan's back. "Come on, just hold it for a jiffy!"

"I'm in no obligation to." Octan continued without turning.

"B-but~!" Kouko sighed, "Is he actually always like this?!" Kouko asked facing Lena who was just passing her to follow Octan.

Lena gave her a slight nod and passed her. Kouko had asked her a similar question last night so she found no reason to clarify more. 

"Sorry," Kouko said, giving the man a quick bow, then spun around scurrying to the two.

The man watched in silence, neither disappointed nor displeased. After all, He held no belief that the adventurer was able to wield the weapon. It was merely what was left of his consciousness desperately grasping at straws. He turned, laying back down beneath the shade.

He eyed the rod he had declared a weapon. Beneath the layers of cloth, he had wrapped it in. He wondered why he still ventured, if even the wielder of the One Sword failed, in what hope he held.

"Ah-! There," Kouko jumped, pointing forward. "I told you! I told you! Write it down fast!"

The village that used to go by "Calico" came to view, now a fenced camp for the adventurers.

Octan continued, refusing to humor the pouting Kouko.

"O-Octan!!! If you don't add it they won't accept me as a part of your party!!!"

"Then why don't you make one?" Octan asked.

Kouko paused. "W-wha...?"

"Why don't you make a party? I don't remember any rules existing against making your own party. Neither carving nor status matters. All you need is identification as an adventurer."

"Hey..." Kouko's expressive nature had come to a complete halt, she stood, still as a board, her voice hesitant. "...What are you implying..."

Was being in a party that important to her?, Lena thought, Did Iron Carvings really have it that hard?

Octan eyed her over his shoulder, studying her still figure. Her face twitched hesitantly, unsure whether to see the sudden remark as a laughing joke or a shocking revelation.

He faced forward, continuing to move. "I'm joking. You are of my party, don't worry. A form won't be needed, I have another identification."

"O-..Oh... Haha...Ha..." Kouko nervously laughed, following Octan.

Lena wondered what would have happened to Kouko if Octan had actually thrown her away. Would she have gone back and searched for another party? Make her party and run in alone?

She shrugged, it was something that hadn't happened, so she lost interest.

Kouko, who had been blabbering the entire path, had followed now in silence.

The party reached the fenced camp, an adventurer greeting them at the camp's entrance at the end of the path.

"Heya," The casual adventurer said, "May I see your carvings and party form?"

"U-um..." Kouko awkwardly sounded, reaching a hand into the pouch resting on her hip. She was still hesitant of Octan's words as he had yet to explain himself.

Lena simply watched a few steps back, she too had no idea of what Octan had in mind, but she believed there was no reason to doubt him. After all, she had yet to see a thing not turn his way.

Kouko brought out her carving, as she had said; it was Iron. Octan on the other hand had brought out a piece of paper from his white coat's right-pocket.

"Alrighty," The friendly adventurer nodded to Kouko, then turned to Octan. "Hm?" He outstretched a hand, taking hold of the paper.

Unfolding the paper, its corner slightly burnt, he read it with a quick scan.

"Ah!" The adventurer jumped. "I-I'm sorry! Forgive my rudeness." The adventurer bowed.

Octan raised a brow, finding the adventurer's actions excessive.

"Huh?" Kouko sounded, dumbfounded by the sudden change. "What was on there?"

"P-please come in, I will make sure the head chief hears of your arrival immediately." The adventurer stepped to the side, giving space for the party to enter.

"Hey, Octan," Kouko said, studying the suddenly respectful adventurer, "Did you threaten him?"

Octan sighed. "Raise your head, I'm no one to bow to."

"You are much too humble, Sir." The adventurer kept his head bowed.

"Hey... just how important are you, Octan...?" Kouko sounded, her words showing hesitance. Lena had sensed a hint of fear within them.

"...As much as the next person," Octan sighed, walking into the fenced camp.

Lena followed, eyeing the letter still within the bowed adventurer's grasp.

It was something she had remembered, after all, it was the very reason they were here in the first place.

"You are a Ranked Adventurer?!" Kouko exclaimed, "I... Just... What...?"

"I guess," Octan said, lying down face-first on the provided bed. They had Welcomed the party with more than open arms, providing them with a secluded tent that housed all their necessities and more.

"You... You guess?" Kouko had started to sound much different from how she had been the previous day, fear and worry in her shaking voice, "How do you forget to mention that?" Kouko turned attempting to face Lena, Who was lying face-first at another bed to the side. "Actually, why would you even let me in your party...?"

"Because you asked."

"Is that really all it takes...?" Kouko exasperated. Giving up, she strolled over to the side, taking one of the chairs. She sat, stiff as a pole.

Octan continued to lie down, enjoying the blissful haven that was a mattress.

Though he never sought it, he was not one to refuse it.

Kouko watched, feeling uncomfortable. Some might have seen it as nothing more than a joyous surprise, as joining a ranker's party promised nothing short of riches and glory. But not her; to her, it was a hurdle—one that was tough and would test her resolve.

But, she was insistent, after all that she had been through, this was not where she would stop.

Kouko stood up, sighing, and then threw herself face-first into the third and final bed, mimicking the other two party members.

The next day came, the morning had played different to how Lena was used to.

She woke up first, finding the surroundings of a much more calming atmosphere.

There was no need for her to prepare any food, as they were promised their meals from the guild. She had thought of going for laundry but had remembered she had just done it the day before as a way to prepare for the camp.

So, she lay back down and went to sleep.

Sometime later, she had woken up, Octan strolling into the tent.

He glanced at the waking Lena and then walked over to the table, where Kouko sat. Kouko raised a hand, waving at Lena. Lena nodded back to her. She was still not used to the friendliness Kouko had constantly showcased.

Lena stood yawning and then reached into her pocket, bringing out her hairband. Quickly tying her hair into its usual ponytail, she strolled over to the pair sitting opposite of each other.

Lena took the seat next to Kouko, whom sat facing Octan.

Kouko turned to Lena, nodding and greeting her with a "Morning," Kouko smiled.

"So?" Kouko faced Octan, "What were you told?"

"Other than how thankful they were I'm here?" Octan scoffed, "I swear, They might've just sacrificed a newborn if I had asked them to..."

Kouko paused, taken aback by his choice of expression.

"Calm down, I did nothing of the sort," Octan said.

"I would hope so..." Kouko sighed.

"They will stop accepting adventurers a week before the start of the expected period of the raid, which is around 2 weeks from now." Octan said, "This is to ensure that they will have enough time to plan out and account for all participating adventurers without unexpected arrivals."

"And... what about us?" Kouko asked.

"Us... huh..." Octan eyed Kouko, who smiled back at him, "They said that I would be allowed to join the battle much later, as to give a chance to the other adventurers to earn their piece."

"I see, if the rumors about you guys are true, then that is a believable compromise..." Kouko said. She had noticed that Octan cringed at the generalization she had made. "Is it not?"

"I would guess so, the ranked are such for a reason after all."

"Guessing again..." Kouko slouched forward exaggeratedly. "Hey, what's up with this guy of yours?" She turned facing Lena, "Could you tell him to start speaking clearly?"

Lena faced Octan, who replied with a raised brow. 

"Will you take part?" Lena asked.

Octan turned to face the tent's entrance.

"I was the one who told you to decide," Octan said, "And you did. I will not back away now."

Lena nodded in silence.

"The silence between you too is enviable~~" Kouko said leaning to the side, holding Lena as she rubbed her cheek on Lena's arm. "I wish I could tell someone so much without saying a word too~~"

Lena looked down at the attached puppy, finding a sense of comfort in the closeness she had portrayed. Ever since their meeting, the woman had showcased her playfulness with Lena. Whether it be by greeting Lena during the morning, or helping her and praising her cooking the night they ventured towards Calico.

She had failed to showcase her fondness, but she had felt it, somewhere deep within her yet childish heart. 

They had spent the day idly, Octan lay down on his bed, seemingly deep in thought, while Kouko spent it attempting to get close to Lena. She had taught her a thing or two about hairstyles, even taking the liberty to try out different ones on the kid, and then talked about more private topics that she had guessed Octan had never taught her about. To her surprise, Octan was much more considerate than he seemed, or rather he was much more sensitive to topics that considered health and wellness, going to the point of teaching the kid first aid.

The day came to an end, and both Lena and Kouko had retreated for the night. Octan kept awake, eyeing the oil lantern that kept burning to the side. The supposed small silent flame, a thunderous crackling within the tranquility of the night. Not even a grasshopper to be heard in the night's embrace.

Secluded away from the other adventurers, the night had embraced their little domain with all its stillness.

And yet, he was bothered. Some distance away, Octan could hear a pair of footsteps close in at the tent. He kept seated, sensing no harm in the approaching person. They moved with a certain aloofness, almost as if strolling, that expressed amiability.

The person stopped before the tent's curtain entrance, and pushed an envelope beneath, sliding it into the tent.

Octan sat eyes still on the lantern. Once he was confident the man had left, he stood going for the letter. Octan bent down and took the envelope. Going back to the seat he slid a finger through the paper, opening the envelope.

Inside, was a letter, this time the quality of the much more available common paper.

He scanned over its contents, quickly taking in its words.

Octan raised a hand to his head, ruffling his hair, the other still ahold of the paper.

"This might be a bit more troublesome than I thought..." He said, throwing it to the side, burning it as it wafted to the ground.