""In that case, here you go."
The receptionist handed Rion what appeared to be a metal tablet. But the moment he touched it, he realized it felt more like glass.
"What's this?" Rion asked.
"Ah, that's a quest board," the receptionist explained. "You can use it to browse all available quests in the area. It's made from a material similar to a crystal ball, though much cheaper. We only recently started supplying these in guilds after striking a deal with the Noir Association."
"Wow, that's impressive."
Rion glanced down at the tablet and scrolled through lines of text describing different quests. Tapping on one revealed more details, even including a small map marking its location. He and Lie found a seat by the window, and as he continued searching, he spoke up.
"Now that I think about it, I never asked what you were planning to do after this."
"Oh, me?" Lie tilted her head. "Once I leave here, I'm heading west to a small port town called Waneir. That was always my intended destination—I just stopped here as a pit stop."
"Is there a reason you're going there?"
"Yes, I'm searching for a book. And I think someone in Waneir might have it."
"Oh? Do you know what kind of book?"
Lie nodded. "It's the second book in a duology by the famous mage and author, Dorothy Zapp. The first one, which I own, covers water magic, while the second focuses on electricity-based magic. Given how rare it is, I'm sure it contains valuable knowledge."
"Hmm, so you don't just collect books for the sake of it," Rion noted.
"Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. But I've been interested in electricity magic for a while now. And since I already own the first book, I might as well learn from its continuation."
Just then, Rion spotted a quest on the tablet—its location: Waneir. The job involved infiltrating an ocean cave and clearing out an egg chamber. Sounds interesting... He glanced up at Lie, who was now gazing out the window, the evening sun casting a warm glow on her face.
"Hey, Lie…"
—
"So, you want to come with me to Waneir?" Lie asked.
"If it's okay with you," Rion replied.
Lie studied him for a moment before smiling. "Well… I don't see why not. You're fun to be around."
"Really!?" Rion's eyes lit up.
"Really," she confirmed with a small laugh.
"Great!"
Rion returned the tablet to the receptionist, making sure to thank him. Then, he and Lie left the guild to grab dinner. As they ate, their conversation continued.
"But are you sure you want to come with me? By the time we get there, your quest might already be taken," Lie pointed out.
Rion scooped up a spoonful of curry and rice. "Yeah, If that happens though, I'll just find another quest when we get there."
"I see." Lie watched as he happily devoured his meal.
Once they finished dinner and returned to the inn, they exchanged goodnights before heading to their rooms.
"Good night, Rion. We'll leave tomorrow morning," Lie said.
"Sounds great! Good night, Lie."
"Oh, and Rion—make sure not to sleep in," she added playfully.
"I won't!"
With that, Rion made his way to his room, collapsing onto his bed and promptly falling asleep, eager for the next day.
(And thus Rion's adventure continues…)