The Moonlight Swordsman

Lucas, Harry, and Alisha stood motionless, allowing Aizel to speak. They lacked the courage to even look Leah in the eyes while Aizel chatted away as if he were talking to an old friend or something.

"So, what is this time, more monkey hunting or something?" Aizel enquired.

"No, what we're going to do is different and you won't even get paid by hunter's organization or from my family, but don't worry, I'll pay you guys personally," Leah said while Aizel looked at her with interest.

"Two months ago, a nearby village chief requested assistance because they were dealing with bandits. They required assistance from our town, but our town's noble families desired to occupy that village land. They didn't even respond to the request for assistance or send anyone."

"So I'm guessing your family and other families thought they could raid the village or after it was destroyed, so they could easily occupy land instead of fighting bandits straightaway," Aizel spoke while listening to Leah.

"Correct. So we're going to help the villagers." The team looked at Leah in disbelief as she spoke.

"Sorry for interrupting, Miss Leah, but how can we save the entire village with just the five of us? We don't even know how many bandits are present, let alone if any mages are among them." Harry spoke while Lucas and Alisha nodded in agreement.

"Will your family bring backup?" Alisha inquired, hoping for a little assistance in making this mission a success.

"No, it's just the five of us; my family has no idea what I'm going to do."

"Why are you worried? We have Aizel with us. We will be enough for them, while you will save the villagers." As the trio stared in confusion at Aizel, Leah spoke confidently.

From the glare, Leah deduced something and asked, "Don't tell me they don't even know how strong you are."

Aizel didn't know how to answer her. He just showed a weak smile on his face.

Leah laughed briefly before confirming whether or not they would work with her.

"Let me ask you something; why are you helping them?" Aizel inquired because he was curious about her intentions.

"I don't need a reason to save them; I'm not like my family, who only sees the benefits. I have my own ambitions and goals. Whether you help me or not, I'm going to go try to save as many as I can." Leah said it with a serious look on her face.

Aizel understood that there was some deep meaning behind those words, which he couldn't understand.

"And finally, do we have to kill the bandits?" He asked the main question he had. Even though he killed Larisa in self-defense, he needed to speak with Dr. Shelly to feel at least better.

Despite the fact that this world is very different and has different rules, he is still not a fan of killing. He wanted to avoid killing someone for as long as possible.

"You are really a strange guy," Leah said while understanding something from his expression.

"You decide what you want to do, but you won't get in my way," Leah said while Aizel nodded in agreement.

"So, guys, I'm going to assist Leah. You should make your own decision about whether or not to join." Aizel said, looking towards the trio.

"How much are you willing to pay if we decide to assist you?" While Harry and Alisha waited for an answer, Lucas wanted to know.

"Each person receives 20 gold coins. Money will not be an issue." While winking at them, Leah said.

"I don't know about either of them, but I am in," Harry said, with his eyes sparkling, when he heard the reward.

"Well, I guess we're all in this together." Alisha agreed, as did Lucas.

"Well then, let's kick some ass," Leah said as she whistled loudly when a luxurious royal carriage came in their direction.

"Perks of being noble," Aizel spoke, while Leah chuckled at that remark.

As they entered the carriage, everyone sat quietly in their seats as the carriage began to move in the direction of the village.

"So, Aizel, where do you come from? I know you're not from around here." Leah inquired, breaking the silence.

"Hmm, from the Kingdom of Felgura." Aizel lied calmly as Leah's eyes sparkled, while Alisha also paid attention to that. (Central Kingdom- Felgura Kingdom)

"I've heard there are many institutes and academies for magic," Leah said while expecting some stories from Aizel.

"Huh, the thing is, I was trained by my master, so I don't know much about it, and as for traveling, this is the first time I have traveled alone and so far."

Leah sighed as she looked dejected. She wanted to know more about the different places and the central kingdom.

"You're very fortunate to be alone; you can go wherever you want," Leah spoke while staring at the sky.

"Hmm, what does she know? How does it feel to be alone? She is lucky to have a family at least." Aizel thought in his mind.