Chapter Text
The first time that Harol had requested to follow Sophie and her gang outside of the town to go gathering he had told her that he wanted to go just so he could test out his guns on some monsters. Sophie believed him, of course, but that wasn’t actually the whole truth. He knew that she was starting to really improve both as a fighter and an alchemist. That still couldn’t stop him from thinking about her as the young girl who used to be so terrified of punis and mess up almost every alchemy recipe she tried. It was hard to believe that she had improved so greatly in such a short amount of time. So he couldn’t help but be worried after hearing about the more challenging monsters she’s begun to battle. So he decided to see her in action to relieve his worries and remind himself that she has truly grown.
Once they arrived at the mountain boundary Sophie said, “Alright everyone! I want to be able to make uni bags, apcol, and some simple sweets. So, we are searching mainly for crystal shards, and fairy poison grass.” and everyone immediately scattered about the area looking for any of the materials that could be around. Harol was a bit thrown off seeing everyone know the system except for him. He immediately felt out of place and wanted to turn around and head back to Kirchen Bell.
Just as his feet started to turn towards the exit, he felt a hand wrap around his arm and pull him the other way. He looked to see who was pulling him away from his escape to see Sophie there taking him towards one of the boulders. “Harol, I’m pretty certain that there’s some night crystal under here but I’m struggling to find them. Would you please help me?”
He sighed dramatically, gave her a barely visible smile, and reached under the boulder to grab the crystals for her. He’d never admit it but he was actually quite impressed to see Sophie in action, taking the lead of the expedition. As Harol continued his search for materials he gave that concept some more thought and realized another way she’s become an impressive leader. When Harol met up with Monika, Oskar, and Julio after asking Sophie to tag along she effortlessly brought him into the group and made a spot for him. He wordlessly thanked her in his head and continued to wander the area.
He was picking up some fairy poison grass when a scream echoed off the mountainous walls. Both Julio and he whipped around to see that Monika and Sophie had gotten cornered by an enemy bird. Both him and Julio immediately dashed over to them to join the fight. Julio ran in front of the girls and immediately launched his default attack with Harol following behind with his Quick Throw attack. As Monika was attacking, Harol turned around to check on how Sophie was doing.
“Are you all good? Did it hit you?”
“Yeah, I’m ok! You guys both arrived quick enough before it could get any real attack out.” Sophie responded as she reached into her bag to pull out an uni bag, and threw it at the monster.
Next came the monster’s attack and Harol just hoped that it wouldn’t go after Sophie. As selfish as it was, he was a little bit grateful that it launched its attack at Julio. Harol knew that he would be able to easily tank that hit.
They all set off their next round of attacks and noticed that they had successfully gotten the monster’s health a third of the way down. Luckily enough they now had fully maxed out their chain link and would be able to wipe the bird out next round. But now they have to be ready for the monster’s next attack.
“Please be careful everyone! This upcoming attack is going to be some type of powerful special move!” Sophie shouted out to her other teammates. They all responded back and braced for the possible impact.
The team watched as the bird began to soar up high into the air before reaching, they guessed, the ideal height. As the bird had stopped flying upwards and just stayed hovering in that singular spot. No one really knew what to expect but no one was given the chance to take any time to figure out an answer as the bird tucked in its wings and started to set up a corkscrew maneuver as it bulleted itself toward the group. The monster’s attack was in motion and no one could stop it. The only thing to be done was watch in horror as the attack honed in on Sophie and began to drill away at her health.
It was a critical hit. Taking away a majority of Sophie’s health, causing Harol to panic.
He frantically searched his clothes to find any items that could help Sophie. Sadly, as he had just joined the team, Sophie had yet to give him anything.
Julio set off Reinforce so he could try and help protect Sophie from the worst-case scenario, Harol hit the monster with his Quick Throw once again, and Monika attacked using Light Edge to lower the enemy’s attack power however much she could. Sophie focused on herself as she used a healing item to gain back some of her health. The chain link attack triggered immediately after and they all went into action. Monika was the lead for this and was able to successfully defeat the monster with her own unique special attack.
Without question, the bird was successfully defeated and the battle won. As Oskar went to collect the items from the dropped chest, Harol went over to Sophie. Her health had risen from barely anything to now a quarter full but she was still in danger.
“Come on, we gotta get you back to your atelier. I can’t have you collapsing on me during my first venture out with you.”
“But… the materials... “ Sophie mumbled out, “We need so I can… make items... for you.”
“I’m sure you have enough. Now come on, we’re leaving.” Harol went to wrap his arm around her waist trying hard to ignore the slight trembling in his hands. He secured her arm around his neck, and cautiously stood up. He was able to easily support her weight as she leaned into him, clearly exhausted.