Otherworld Avatar

That sounded dramatic, but Lily still didn't quite understand where the problem was for her. She could see how it would be unfortunate for Mia to have to spend her unique buff on someone she didn't want to, but that didn't explain why she was acting like she made some horrible decision.

"A permanent buff doesn't sound bad to me," Lily said, but Mia shook her head in response. "That's not all. There is a major downside to connecting two souls. They have to stay in close physical proximity to each other, or they will develop a sickness that affects the body they are in," Mia explained."In other words, we have to stay close to each other or we will get sick and die. Any separation longer than a few hours a day leads to general weakness, and anything longer than a day can lead to death. "

She spoke slowly, trying and failing to keep her voice from shaking.

"The caster is affected more harshly, because it's their soul which makes the connection, so unless there is a big difference in level, they die first, freeing the other person. "

"I see, you are worried that I will be mad that you forced this condition on me?" Lily asked, finally realizing what the problem was. She saw how this could be an issue, but weirdly enough, the thought of having to spend more time with Mia excited, rather than concerned her. She was starting to like the emerald-eyed girl more and more, her embarrassment at the situation making her look even cuter.

"Yeah, and it's not just that. The goddess might punish me for interfering with her work. And I am level one, just like you. So if you decide to leave me behind, I will die," Mia said, and Lily could hear the fear behind her words. She finally turned around and looked Lily in the eyes:

"Please don't leave me to die, I want to live!"

Tears welled in her eyes as she begged, and Lily could feel her trembling next to her. She grabbed Mia in another hug that felt divine, and spoke softly in her ear:

"Why would I do that, don't be silly. I didn't even want to kill that thug back there, but I lost control when he hurt you. So I would never hurt a pretty girl like you, especially not after you saved me. Please don't be afraid of that. As for Dahlia, I will put in a good word for you, and I am sure she will understand you had no choice. "

"I am very glad to hear that, for a moment I was terrified you were some monster sent out to punish us for our sins. Still, there is another problem. Someone out there wanted to kidnap me, likely so they could force me to bond with someone for buffs. I doubt they will stop after you foiled their attempt, and I've made you into a target. If they want to do that, and sell me to the highest bidder, they will have to kill you first to break the bond," Mia said, hugging Lily back. She held the other girl tightly, not wanting to leave the safety of her embrace.

Lily considered what Mia just said, but she didn't think it would be a huge deal. She was gonna have to fight to save the world anyway, she just now had someone else to fight for.

"That's not so bad. I was afraid that I would be alone in whatever quest the goddess gave me, but at least now, I know that I will have someone along," she pulled away a little, coming face to face with Mia and asked: "That is, if you want to save the world with me?"

Mia's eyes lit up when she heard the question, and for the first time that night there was no fear in her voice as she spoke:

"Yes, yes I do. I've always wanted to be an adventurer like my father. I just never found a party I could trust, so instead, I read all the stories of the heroes of old who performed great deeds in the name of the gods. "

She could not keep excitement out of her voice, and she stood up slowly, still unsure on her feet. She managed to keep her balance, standing in front of Lily who was still on the ground, confused. Mia turned to face her, and bowed deeply as she spoke:

"It would be an honor to be a part of such a story. "

This time, it was Lily who felt her cheeks heat up in embarrassment as she stood up. "Don't celebrate just yet. I am not some legendary hero but a total novice who was literally born today. I will need a lot of help if I am to succeed," she said solemnly. "Well you can count on me," Mia said with a look of determination. She straightened her back and puffed her chest out, trying to look serious, but in Lily's mind that made the shott girl even more adorable looking.

Lily wiped away the dirt from her armor, and seeing how tired Mia was, despite her best efforts to hide it, she said:

"It's late, you should get some sleep. I am not sure how the potion I gave you works, but you've been through a lot and should get some rest before we set out tomorrow. I will stand on watch tonight. "

"Aren't you tired too? You had a big fight, and traveling through the woods must not have been easy, " Mia answered. "We should alternate on guard. "

"I am fine, mostly. I was tired back when the fight ended, but I feel better now. Must be the new body, " Lily said. She grabbed Mia around the waist and helped her inside the carriage.

"If you are sure, then okay, " Mia acquiesced, and the truth was that she felt very tired. The potion gave her an initial burst of energy, but it was wearing off, and she still felt jolts of pain in her limbs from time to time.

"Oh, before I forget, what should I do with the knocked out thug? I have no idea when she could wake up, " Lily said as she entered inside.

"Looks to me like you knocked her out, giving her the unconscious status effect. At her level, she isn't waking up for twelve hours, at least. I assume you don't want to kill her, so you should probably tie her up with the bindings they used on me, and leave her some food," Mia suggested, and Lily agreed. She didn't want to kill another person on her first day here, and leaving the thug in the forest to escape once she woke up felt like not harsh enough of a punishment, but she wasn't gonna drag her into the carriage and take her to the authorities. People would ask questions along the way, and she felt she suspected that not everyone would believe her story as easily as Mia did. Leaving her alive where she could see Tommy would also be a warning for whoever sent them in the first place, and might deter another attack.

Mia sat down on the bench opposite where she had been bound, but before she could lay down Lily spoke out:

"Wait, let me make it more comfortable for you. "

She pulled out a woolen jumper and a towel and folded them on the bench to make a makeshift pillow.

"It's no proper pillow, but it beats lying on a wooden bench," Lily said with a smile.

"You are a very kind person. When I get home I will make sure to repay you," Mia promised as she laid down. She was about to say something else, but before she could, Lily placed her cloak over her, and exited the carriage.

I can see why she was picked to be an Avatar. She really is great. Never once did she think about blackmailing me with the fact that I would die if she just walked away. Then again, she doesn't really know who my father is, and how rich we are. Instead, she wants me to be in her party as she saves the world. Today went from the worst day of my life since my mother left, to the best one, all thanks to her. "

She closed her eyes, and quickly fell asleep, her head filled with thoughts of the amazing girl she just met, and the adventures they would have together.