"Once again, nice to meet you. I'm Leon Adel."
"Elsa Valentine. I can't do much beyond swinging my sword, but the front line is mine."
Elsa stood tall before me, a warrior whose burning red hair was tied back in a high ponytail. Her sharp gaze and the iron will etched into her face told of battles fought without fear. A sword and shield rested on her back, heavy but steady, and the muscles running down her arms were the kind you only gained after endless training. She carried herself with seriousness, her sense of duty almost too rigid at times, but there was no mistaking the unshakable vow in her heart—to protect her allies at any cost.
"Cain Lowell. ...Fights should be handled with efficiency."
Cain's voice was calm, clipped, and almost cold. Her silver hair fell smoothly, framing her pale face, and her blue eyes carried a quiet distance that kept others at arm's length. She wore the robe of a high-level sorcerer, its layered folds whispering with an air of intellect and power. She was someone who measured every move, every strike, calculating the best outcome. It made her reliable, but the lack of warmth in her tone sometimes made her seem merciless.
"My name is Cecilia Artois. Healing you all will be my role~desuwa."
Cecilia's words rang with a gentle lilt, her long golden hair softly curled, shimmering against the pure white robes of a priestess. Her smile never wavered, so serene that for a moment I almost believed a saint had wandered into our group.
And yet, beyond that soft presence lay a hidden strength. She wasn't the type to bend, even when cornered. Her kindness felt like a shield that wrapped us all, but there was a firmness in her eyes that promised she would not break.
"Lilis Fortuna! You can leave the purse strings to me!"
Lilis leaned forward with a grin, her short purple hair brushing her cheek as her golden eyes glinted mischievously like a cat sizing up its prey. Dressed in black leather easy for movement, daggers lined her belt, each one ready to flash at the right second.
Her slim body looked built for speed, every line of it whispering agility. Her spirit was bright and playful, never missing a chance for a joke, but beneath it she was fiercely loyal. She knew how to slip into people's trust, and her skills in gathering information or bargaining were as sharp as her blades.
"Now then... we've all talked enough to get a feel for each other," Elsa said, folding her arms across her chest. "But it's best if we confirm our strategies."
"That's easy!" Lilis laughed, rocking her chair back so far it creaked. "Elsa goes chopping in the front, Cain blasts the big magic, Cecilia heals, and I sneak around and support!"
"You really are hopeless," Cain muttered, swirling the water in her glass with a faint shake. "Try using your head for once."
"Ugh, cold! Why not keep things fun?" Lilis pouted, though her lips twitched into another grin a moment later.
"Well, well, Lilis isn't entirely wrong," Cecilia said with a soft smile, hands folded neatly in her lap. "But still, making sure each role is clearly confirmed, and finding the most effective way to fight, is important."
"Yeah... agreed." I nodded, leaning forward slightly. "We should also make sure we know each other's weak points. I'm balanced—I can cover, switch roles, adapt when needed. But that also means I don't have one overwhelming strength. That's my gap."
"My specialty is defense and swordplay. Leave any head-on clash to me," Elsa declared, unfolding her arms and puffing out her chest with quiet pride.
"I'll handle magic. But large spells take time to cast—I'll need cover then," Cain said, her blue eyes flicking over us with steady sharpness.
"My focus is healing, but I do have some offensive magic. And when needed, I can cast defensive wards to shield everyone," Cecilia added, her gentle tone carrying a firm resolve.
"My weapon is speed! Stealth, traps, scouting, and yes—the wallet, all on me!" Lilis said proudly, thumping her chest.
"...No, thieves don't handle wallets," I said, half laughing, half exasperated.
"Don't sweat the details!" Lilis waved her hand, still grinning.
And just like that, the mood softened. Tension melted away as if we had all breathed the same air at last.
"This party... maybe we really do have good chemistry." A smile tugged at my lips before I could stop it.
The very next day, we faced our first dungeon together. Dark stone walls closed around us, the chill of underground air seeping into our skin. Every drop of water echoing down the corridor made the silence sharper.
"Alright then, time to stretch our shoulders," Elsa said, raising her sword, her eyes gleaming as she peered deeper into the shadowed path.
"Heh, let's do it!" Lilis chuckled, shoulders bouncing in excitement. "The first fight of the strongest party!"
From somewhere deep ahead, the ground trembled with a rumble, and a low growl crawled through the darkness. My heart jumped, but my hands tightened on my sword hilt. All around me, my companions readied themselves, their focus drawn together.
And with that sound, the curtain rose on our very first battle.