章 20: Red-Haired Girl

The day after conquering the [Abandoned Fortress] and obtaining the [Guardian's Legacy Sword].

Having reached level 24 and acquired a new weapon, I was now pondering which dungeon to tackle next.

There was a dungeon within reach from the Sylphide territory that held a magic skill I desperately wanted. However, there was one significant problem.

"With my current abilities, I can't even challenge it..."

That dungeon required not only the [Magic Crest] but also a specific type of skill bearer to enter. I didn't possess that skill yet and had no means of acquiring it.

"For now, I should focus on gathering other skills."

With that thought, I headed to the guild to sell the magic stones I had obtained over the past few days of adventuring.

While standing in line at the reception, I heard a voice from beside me.

"I see... So, there's no party I can join right now."

It was a soft, slightly sorrowful voice of a girl. I glanced sideways to see a cute girl with shoulder-length red hair, looking troubled. She held a staff, suggesting she was a magic or healing crest bearer.

The receptionist spoke apologetically.

"I'm sorry. Even though you're level 20, with only Magic Missile as your spell, it's hard to find a party that will accept you..."

(Hmm, I see.)

The situation became a bit clearer. She probably had the [Magic Crest] and was given [Magic Missile] as her initial skill.

Although [Magic Missile] had high power, it was inefficient and difficult for beginners to manage. It made sense that no parties were recruiting her if that was her only skill.

But then, a question arose.

(Huh? She only has one spell? What about her growth skill?)

Growth skills were abilities acquired as one's level increased and were not available to those with the [Crest of Null]. They were usually highly versatile, especially for low-level adventurers. Someone with the [Magic Crest] should have obtained their first growth skill by level 20. It was odd that she only had [Magic Missile].

The answer to my question came with the girl's next words.

"Well, it can't be helped. Even though I got the new [Sacred Enchant], it just consumes a lot of MP to add a holy attribute without increasing power... Having someone like that in a party would just be a burden."

She laughed sadly, but her words made me freeze.

(Sacred Enchant...!?)

It wasn't a mistake. That was the very skill I was seeking. Normally, it could only be obtained at the Grant Point of the Inheritance Shrine, a dungeon recommended for levels over 100.

To think someone at such a low level possessed it...

(I can't miss this chance!)

Almost reflexively, I jumped out of line and rushed to the girl.

"Hey, you there!"

"Eh? M-me?"

The girl tilted her head in confusion. I spoke to her with determination.

"Please! Will you come to a dungeon with me!?"

"...Huh?"

The red-haired girl, not understanding, let out a baffled noise. After a moment of silence, she suddenly exclaimed, "Eeeeh!?"

And thus, this was the beginning of my encounter with her—Shuna.

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