Eina only remembered Hestia saying Arthas had high magical aptitude, suitable for a mage.
She hadn't cared much then; high aptitude didn't guarantee magical ability. Without magical comprehension, high aptitude was meaningless.
High magical aptitude also meant a difficult early game. Adventurers with high strength aptitude had an easier start.
"You… mastered magic? How?"
Eina stared at Arthas, puzzled. He hadn't fought, yet he'd mastered magic?
Adventurers grew through combat; it was strange to grow stronger without fighting.
"I seem to have been underestimated. I just don't encounter monsters." Arthas shrugged, looking helpless.
As he spoke, the room's temperature returned to normal.
Realizing she was still in his arms, Eina blushed and pushed him away.
"I know you can use magic. Let go."
After Arthas released her, Eina sat up, clearing her throat and adopting a serious expression.
"Mages face mana depletion early on. As a novice, you can't handle intense combat; mana depletion is dangerous. So, weapons are necessary, but why a longsword?"
Eina couldn't understand his choice. Staves, rapiers, or daggers would have been better. But he chose a longsword.
Eina examined Arthas, missing nothing. Arthas felt strange under her scrutiny.
Eina wasn't flirting.
She was checking his equipment… but she didn't find anything.
"Why no armor?"
"I don't need it."
Arthas shook his head; Eina was slightly annoyed.
"Armor can save your life. I know armor is strange for a mage, but you're carrying a longsword, so armor isn't out of the question."
Knowing Arthas couldn't afford expensive mage equipment, and it was overkill for the lower floors, Eina suggested armor.
It would be heavy, but suitable.
"Unnecessary. And I'm short on money. Hiring a support member is better than buying armor."
"Fine, if you insist."
Eina sighed; she was used to Arthas rejecting her suggestions.
But a good support member was more useful than armor. If the support member drew aggro, Arthas could attack freely.
"Thank you for your concern, Miss Eina. I might complete your month-old task tomorrow."
Arthas smiled.
"I doubt you'll stay on goblin floors."
Eina looked unconvinced, stopping Arthas as he turned to leave.
"Wait, take this."
Arthas turned; she handed him a slender bracer.
It extended from wrist to elbow, offering shield-like protection. It was crafted metal, the same emerald green as Eina's eyes.
"A reward for completing your task early. Use it well."
"Is this alright?"
"What? You don't like gifts from girls?"
"No… it's inappropriate if others find out."
Arthas chuckled, putting it on.
"It's just us."
Eina mumbled, looking like a petulant child. She looked at Arthas seriously.
"I want you to take it, not for me, but for yourself."
"Adventurers die unexpectedly. No matter how strong, they can die suddenly, like Gods on a whim. I've seen too many adventurers vanish."
"I'm a useless advisor, unable to help you. This is my small contribution."
Eina smiled, watching Arthas intently.
"I thought… Miss Eina would hate me."
Meeting her sincere gaze, Arthas said playfully.
"Eh!"
Eina blushed, stammering.
"Al… although you're annoying sometimes, like ignoring my advice, doing dangerous things…"
"But… I'm your advisor. I wouldn't hate you."
Embarrassed, she lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze.
"But… do you hate me? This nagging advisor?"
"No… I know you care."
Arthas smiled, standing up.
"And I'm honored to receive such treatment."
"I… I care for all adventurers!"
She shouted shyly as Arthas left.
"Such a fool."
Watching him go, Eina muttered.
"Please… stay safe. Don't take unnecessary risks, Arthas."
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