Braden paused a moment to glare up at the elf, but a leaping snake forced his attention back to his blade. As soon as his counter reached twenty--not too long thanks to the number of teammates, but still not soon enough for him--Braden pulled himself out of the fight and ran back to town, dismissing himself from the party as he went.

Ducking past the guards, Braden made his way to Aven. "I'm done," he declared, still sulking.

"You finished already? Thank you so much! You will forever be welcome here in Birth Village. I hope that will teach those snakes a lesson." A small notification appeared: [400 gold, 2 minor health potions, Scaled Tunic - level 5 Unique] "Talk to me if you wish to teleport to Twin City, the main city of Haven."

Before Braden could say yes, a shout from a short distance behind him pulled his attention. "Wait! Wait for me!"

Braden turned to see who was coming. A human girl with long, brown twin-tails was waving her arm at him. A small, black creature rested on her other shoulder--she was some sort of summoner class, apparently. She stopped right beside him, panting a little from the sprint. "Hi! I'm Marta! Can I come with you?" His expression must have betrayed his skepticism because she pressed on hurriedly. "My last group broke up after the snakes. Please? I promise I'm good, and Poca is great for support!"

"Poca?"

"Him," Marta clarified, pointing to the small creature riding her shoulder. Braden wasn't sure what kind of monster it was--it was like a teddy bear, but with enormous ears and a flat, fanged face.

Braden stared at her for another long moment, during which time she began to fidget nervously. "Fine," Braden finally agreed, sending her an invite.

"Woohoo! Thank you! I'm Marta! What's your name?" Braden raised his eyebrows, then turned away. "Oh, come on! It's nicer to introduce yourself instead of just letting me read it."

"Braden."

"Okay! That's more like-!" Braden vanished before she could finish. Marta glared at the space he had once been standing in, then spoke with Aven to follow after him.