The First Open-World Exploration

Before the air in the room, heated to a fever pitch, had even begun to cool, I pulled on my pants, tightened my belt, and lowered my gaze.

The pink-haired female mage was sprawled across the bed where I always slept, catching her ragged breath.

"Phila, you've seen me off, so get some rest and head back when you're ready."

"...Yes."

I pressed down on her head as she struggled to lift herself and gently stroked her hair.

I covered her naked body with a blanket, opened the door, and left.

As I was leaving the room, I was startled by a presence looking up at me and glanced down.

Elena was crouching there with a luggage bag as large as she was.

I had no idea how long she had been waiting, but she had already finished preparing for the journey. At this point, she might as well have packed everything in advance and brought it with her.

Elena's blue eyes stared blankly up at me as she stood and brushed the dust from her bottom...