"Darker than black, darker than darkness, combine with my intense crimson. May a destructive force flood my torrent of power, a destructive force like no other!" Megumin lifts her staff high into the sky before shouting: "EXPLOSION!!" A massive pillar of crimson light pierces through the clouds, releasing an enormous quantity of mana. The gigantic blast can be seen from miles away, leaving an enormous crater in the plains. "How... amazing..." she manages to say before collapsing to the ground from mana exhaustion, satisfied with her daily Explosion spell. Unable to move a muscle, she lies on her back, basking in the sun, before finally noticing your presence. "Eek... don't tell me you've come from Axel! Is this not far enough from the city limits for my Explosion practice? A great Arch-wizard like me shouldn't be subjected to such an annoying hike...!"

"Wh-what do you mean? This is where I always practice! It's the perfect spot, with no one around to disturb my daily Explosion casting!" she protests weakly, trying to sit up a little. "Aaargh... You know how hard it is for an Arch-wizard like me to keep her powers in check without proper daily practice..."

Huh? What do you mean? I'm perfectly fine like this! It's just my daily Explosion casting that leaves me exhausted, no big deal... Besides, I'm used to it by now! Being an Arch-wizard isn't all fun and games, you know...

"Wait! Don't leave me here all alone!" Megumin cries out weakly, struggling to sit up straighter as she tries to keep you in sight. "I-if you really want to help me... Maybe I could think of a way for us both to get something out of it...?" Her eyes flicker with an idea, though she's not entirely sure how plausible it is. "T-that is, if you don't mind helping someone who mostly just wants to cast Explosion all day..."

She smiles gratefully and leans against you as you pick her up, relaxing a bit now that she knows she won't be left behind. "Thank you... I promise to find some way to repay you for your kindness..." She trails off, thinking hard about what exactly she could offer someone like you who seems to already have quite a lot of resources. "Well, in the meantime, how about this: next time I cast Explosion, I'll show it to you so you can see how awesome it is up close and personal?" Her eyes sparkle with determination as she suggests this unorthodox offer.

She gasps, a mixture of horror and delight spreading across her features at the idea. "O-of course! I would never do such a thing!" she exclaims hastily, trying to recover from the implied impropriety. "You have my word as an Arch-wizard and a lady that our little arrangement will remain between us." Her eyes drift shut, unable to keep them open against the warmth of the sun on her face as you carry her back towards Axel, her trust in you growing with each step.

For some reason, though she's exhausted and sore from using up so much mana earlier, this feeling of camaraderie only makes her smile wider. She has hope now that perhaps there is someone out there who can understand and appreciate Explosion as much as she does. And even if it means keeping a secret... Well, secrets are important for great Arch-wizards like

As you carry her back to the city, Megumin dozes off contentedly. Her dreams are filled with bright lights and explosions, each more powerful than the last. In this happy state, she doesn't notice the guards who glare at her as they pass through the gates of Axel. Nor does she hear the whispers from citizens about what might have transpired between them earlier. All she can focus on is the hope that this mysterious figure will indeed help her get closer to mastering Explosion... and perhaps even share in some of its awesome power along the way.

Still fast asleep despite the movement and your voice, her expression is peaceful yet determined. Even in slumber, there's an aura of determination about her that suggests she won't be easily deterred from her goal of becoming an Explosion master. Eventually, she stirs slightly, her eyelids fluttering open as she tries to focus on your face.

"Hm? W-what happened?" she mumbles groggily, a warm blush spreading across her cheeks as she realizes where she is and what might have transpired. "Oh, you carried me back! Thank you so much..." Her words trail off as she takes stock of the situation, debating whether or not to reveal more about their earlier arrangement.

"You're welcome... But uh, it's getting late. Maybe we should get going soon?" she says tentatively, not quite sure how to broach the subject of their earlier agreement without revealing too much. "And umm... I should probably find somewhere else to practice Explosion tomorrow. Not that you have anything better to do or anything," she quickly adds, a small laugh escaping her throat.

Her gaze drifts upwards at your reaction, hoping you won't take offense at her words. She can't quite hide the hope in her eyes that maybe, just maybe, you'll understand and continue to help her on this journey...

"Oh... Yes, that's right..." She mumbles to herself as she blushes deeper at your touch. "I live in the Guild of Magic... It's a bit far from here, but I could always go back there and rest for now." At least there she won't have to worry about anyone bothering her while she recuperates from using up all her mana earlier.

Her gaze flickers back up to you, wondering what your next move might be. Should she invite you to the guild, or would that be too presumptuous? Or should she just go alone and hope for your continued assistance in secret...? "Umm... Do you have anywhere else you'd like to go first?" she asks hesitantly, not wanting to impose if you had other plans.

"Oh, um... sure!" Megumin replies with a smile, her heart lifting at the thought of being treated to a meal. "That'd be great! I haven't had much to eat in ages..." She gives you a grateful look as she thinks about how lucky she is to have stumbled upon someone like you who seems so willing to help and protect her, even if it's just for the moment.

With renewed vigor and determination, she climbs onto your back once more, nestling herself against you as best she can while trying not to seem too clingy or forward. Despite her exhaustion, she feels a strange sense of energy coursing through her veins now that there's the promise of food and companionship just around the corner. "So... where should we eat?" She asks, her voice bright and curious as you lead her through the streets of Axel in search of sustenance and

She thinks for a moment, her nose twitching as she sniffs the air in search of delicious aromas. "Hmm... I think there's a really good soup place just around the corner. It's a bit expensive, but they have the most amazing beef noodles! Plus, it always warms you up on cold days like these..."

She looks over at you with a hopeful expression, hoping you'll agree to try it out. The thought of having someone special to share her favorite meal with makes her heart flutter just a little bit. "Do you think you'd like that place? I could show you the way if you'd like..."

As they approach the soup house, its tantalizing scents growing stronger with each step, she can hardly contain her excitement. Maybe this will be the beginning of many delicious meals together...

"Oh, this place! It's one of my favorites too!" she exclaims excitedly as they reach the soup house. She glances around to make sure you can afford it before leading you inside. The warmth from the fireplace immediately envelopes them, driving away any lingering chill from the wind.

Their table is soon surrounded by steaming bowls of beef noodle soup, fragrant herbs floating atop rich broths that tempt their noses and mouths alike. "This is the best part," she whispers conspiratorially, dipping a spoon into one of the bowls to sample its flavor before deciding it's ready for consumption.

With great care, she takes a sip of her soup, savoring each delicious mouthful as if it were a rare treat. Her eyes close in bliss as she enjoys the warmth spreading through