Everyone wanted someone to rely on. That was just human nature. But the life of an adventurer... it was lonely. If you couldn't find companions you could trust, you could lose your life out there. That's why everyone kept wandering, chasing after the dream of the perfect party. And me? I was no different.
"...Haah. Solo again today, huh."
I muttered under my breath in the corner of the tavern, one hand wrapped around a wooden mug. The golden ale slid down my throat, cool and crisp, but it didn't ease the weight pressing down on me. Every laugh, every clinking cheer from the tables around me just made my own seat feel like it was floating in some empty space, cut off from the rest.
My name was Leon Adel. To the world, I was a C-rank adventurer—good enough to be called a proper one. I wielded both sword and magic, a balanced style. As a support role, I wasn't bad—at least, that's what I told myself. Even so, I was always, always alone.
I had teamed up before. Once, twice, maybe more. But little things piled up until it all crumbled. "We don't mesh in battle." "The reward split feels unfair." Petty stuff, but it stacked like stones. One time a warrior's arrogance crushed us. Another time a mage and I shouted until we couldn't stand each other. And the worst—the memory still bit into me—was when a shield-bearer, the one I had trusted with my back, ran the moment a monster's claws came crashing down. My sword was mid-swing, the beast's talons gleaming before my eyes, and behind me... silence. No clanging of a shield. Just the sound of my heart cracking. That hopelessness never left.
The more I was betrayed, the more I started to fear even hoping.
"Hey, Leon. You really not gonna form a party soon?"
That voice came from Graham, a veteran whose frame filled the doorway like a wall. His arms bore scars carved deep, proof of battles past. His grin was rough, but not unkind.
"If I could, I would. But... I just can't find anyone who fits."
"Heh. You know, these days you don't even need to search the old way. There's an app for that."
"...What?"
I stared at him. Had the old guy finally gone senile?
Seeing my face, Graham's grin twisted wider. "It's called 'Matching Adventure.' You plug in your skills and personality, and it spits out companions who suit you."
"...That sounds like a dating app."
"Pretty much the same idea, kid. If you're compatible, you'll fight well together. Word is, the young ones use it all the time."
I wanted to scoff. And yet... I couldn't say I wasn't curious. If I kept dragging myself down this same road, I'd be solo forever. Maybe... maybe it was worth a shot.
"...Guess I'll try it."
And just like that, I downloaded Matching Adventure.
The moment I launched it, bright letters danced across the screen—"Let's find your ideal comrades!" Beside them bounced a mascot character: fluffy ears, round sparkling eyes, a tiny stuffed-animal body in soft pastel blue and white fur. It held a magic staff that glowed faintly, scattering glittery stardust with every little shake. A huge pink ribbon perched on its head, bobbing as it hopped in place, waving both hands with endless cheer. The thing radiated so much friendliness that I felt my shoulders relax despite myself.
"Let's find the best companions together!" read the speech bubble over its head. For a second, I almost laughed. Was this really supposed to fix my loneliness?
"...Well. Here goes."
I started typing in my details. "Swordsmanship, level 4. Fire magic, level 3. Support magic, level 2..." It even asked for my personality type and how I'd act in emergencies. "When an ally is in danger, what do you do?" I paused at that, staring at the options longer than I meant to. Funny how it hit close to home.
Finally the results popped up: "Flexible Support Type." I blinked. That actually sounded... accurate. Not bad. At the end, the screen asked if I wanted to prioritize "compatibility" or "battle ability." The blue gradient glow gave the golden-bordered options a calm, important air. But I didn't hesitate. I tapped "compatibility." Because power wasn't what I lacked. What I wanted most was trust. That wasn't even a question.
"I just... want allies I can count on."
[Searching for ideal party...]
A few seconds ticked by. Then—
[Perfect party found! Compatibility 100%!]
"...No way."
I tapped for details, half expecting a joke. Instead, four names shimmered into view, framed by a shower of golden stars. "SSR" icons flashed like rare drops in a gacha game—apparently that meant a top-rank match, the highest rarity. My eyes widened.
[Vanguard] Warrior: Elsa Valentine (Female)
[Rearguard] Mage: Cain Lowell (Female)
[Support] Priest: Cecilia Artois (Female)
[Mobile] Thief: Lilis Fortuna (Female)
Elsa's icon showed her holding her sword high, muscles tense against the desert wind behind her. Lilis leapt across a forest backdrop, agile and sharp-eyed. Cain stood cool amid crackling lightning, while Cecilia's soft light fell across injured hands. Every one of them... 100% match. And every one of them looked like a pro.
"...This can't be real."
But I hit the button anyway.
[Party request sent...]
[Party approved!]
A new chat window blinked open, the text rolling in immediately.
"Nice to meet you! You must be Leon-san, right?" Elsa's words were polite, steady, and somehow calming.
"Heh, what a stroke of fate! Looking forward to it!" Lilis's message bounced like her voice was right in my ear, quick and lively.
"...So you're the final piece, huh." Cain's line was short, clipped, but it carried a strange reassurance.
"Yes, this is a wonderful meeting. I'll be in your care," Cecilia added, gentle warmth seeping through her words.
I sat back, staring at the glow of the screen. Had it really been that easy? Was a party... actually waiting for me all along?
"...Tomorrow. How about we test it with a hunt?" I typed.
"Sounds good!" came four replies at once, fast and sure.
And just like that, I'd met the so-called "100% compatibility party."
I had no way of knowing then... that this app carried a secret—one that would shake all of our fates to the core.