A broke E-rank adventurer, scraping by on low-paying gigs, stumbles into a forest encounter that changes everything. When he crosses paths with Eliza—a blindfolded, enigmatic mage with a commanding presence—he’s torn between desperation and intrigue. A sudden storm forces them into an uneasy alliance, and a secret potion becomes the key to both their fates.
Life in the Shadows: The Adventurer’s Daily Grind
Meet our hero—a man stuck in a loop of mediocrity. Three details paint his reality:
1. E-Rank Struggles: Trapped in the lowest tier of adventurers, he takes odd jobs: fetching lost trinkets, clearing minor pests, or delivering packages to distant villages. The pay? Barely enough to keep his rusty sword sharp and his stomach full.
2. Dreams of Better Days: He’s not content with scraps. Posters of legendary adventurers adorn his squalid cabin wall—reminders of a life he’s desperate to claim. “One big score,” he mutters, polishing his gear, “and I’ll leave this dump behind.”
3. The Forest as a Lifeline: Deep woods mean rare herbs, forgotten ruins, and the occasional wealthy client. But today’s job feels different: the forest feels… watched.
Into the Unknown: A Blindfolded Mage and Unspoken Tension
Deep in the woods, the adventurer’s routine shatters. Three details define his meeting with Eliza:
1. A Mysterious Figure: She stands motionless, blindfolded, her presence radiating quiet power. A faint hum of magic lingers—a contrast to the forest’s usual rustle. Her figure, framed by flowing robes, hints at curves beneath layers of cloth.
2. Failed Advances: He tries to speak, but she doesn’t react. He lunges, only to freeze mid-strike—her magic pins him in place, a playful yet menacing demonstration of control. “You’re… not like the others,” she murmurs, her voice smooth as honey.
3. A Fragile Truce: Realizing brute force won’t work, he backs down. She lowers her guard slightly, revealing a hint of curiosity. “You’re lost,” she says, almost kindly. “Or… you’re here on purpose.”
Storms and Secrets: When Fate Forces a Choice
A sudden downpour traps them under a crumbling lean-to. Three elements heighten the tension:
1. Forced Intimacy: Rain pounds the roof as they huddle together, the adventurer’s discomfort growing. Eliza’s proximity is impossible to ignore—her scent, the warmth of her arm brushing his, the way her blindfold slips slightly, revealing sharp, observant eyes.
2. The Potion’s Promise: She mentions a “secret potion” hidden in her pack—a remedy for his financial woes… or something more. “Help me reach it,” she says, “and I’ll reward you. Refuse, and the storm won’t be the only danger here.”
3. Unspoken Motivations: Is she a victim of her own power? A villain testing his worth? The adventurer can’t tell—but one thing’s clear: survival now depends on trusting (or outsmarting) the mage who holds his fate in her hands.
