The Pursuing Man, The Woman Trying to Escape

Erica found herself serving guests even on her birthday, and deeply felt skeptical about a situation where no one cared for her.

Living in her noble father's house, she was acutely aware of her unstable position, being completely ignored as an illegitimate child. At night, she lit a candle alone, making a wish and yearning for a new life.

A stranger, seemingly drunk, appeared before Erica and offered to grant her any wish.

Erica was suspicious, but the guest swore on his name and honor, confirming Erica's resolve. This guest's offer became the decisive turning point for Erica to leave the noble mansion and start a new life.

Through this proposal, Erica gained an opportunity to escape her unhappy life in the noble mansion, and nine years later, she grew with her master and began a new life as a mercenary.

While hunting Viberna, Erica encountered a mysterious male mercenary in the air.

The man got above Erica, naturally striking up a conversation and attempting to talk, which flustered Erica.

Erica, suspicious of the man's identity, attempted to attack him, but the man reacted flexibly, dodging her assault.

The mysterious man challenged Erica to a bet on who could hunt more Viberna, stimulating her competitive spirit.

Erica was greatly flustered witnessing the man's abnormal combat style, where he moved by stepping on Viberna in mid-air, and sensed that the technique reminded her of her master's past appearance.

She felt complex emotions regarding the man's extraordinary ability, realizing her own lack of effort while also solidifying her determination for new challenges.

A male protagonist of the same rank as Erica proposed that she become his partner.

Erica refused the proposal, but the man declared he would continue to follow her, showing excessive obsession. Erica was perplexed and could not understand the man's attitude.

The man brutally punished the villains who ignored and insulted Erica, expressing his rage on her behalf.

He vowed not to tolerate any insults directed at Erica and declared he would stand by her side until the end.

Erica was confused by the man's aggressive behavior and was reminded of someone else.

The man promised he would never use Aura again if Erica disliked it, trying to win her over.

However, despite Erica's rejection, the man insisted on a partnership, and immediately after their reunion, a sudden crisis struck Erica's guild.

The group that attacked the guild hurled insulting words at Erica, saying she had 'the smell of dirty blood' and was 'a disgrace to the family.' As the past contempt she experienced resurfaced, Erica's emotions intensified, but she pushed away the man's offer to help and faced them alone.

Erica's past wounds resurfaced, intensifying her emotions, and though the man tried to help, she refused assistance, choosing to fight herself.

This situation shows that Erica is still suffering from past trauma, revealing her deep inner pain.

As the guild leader's prolonged absence continued, colleagues began discussing operational issues. An opinion formed that someone should go find the guild leader immediately.

Colleagues foisted the mission onto Erica, who was to be dispatched to the Western Ruins, adding a request for her to bring back gifts.

Erica sought a final breakthrough by proposing a showdown to escape the man who persistently pursued her.

The man accepted the condition of the bet, agreeing to listen to all of Erica's words if she won, and Erica intended to use this confrontation as an opportunity to decisively shake him off.