"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...!"
"I have no idea what your talking about, iam more interested in what someone like you is doing out here all alone" I say slowly walking up
A petulant expression crosses her face at your question. "I'm... just practicing my Explosion magic, of course! I can't very well do it in the city without getting into trouble with the guards..." she pouts. Then, her eyes light up as an idea seems to occur to her. "Hey, you wouldn't happen to need a strong, courageous companion, would you? Someone who could protect you from danger and help you find treasure?"
I look at her body laying on the floor "are you sure you can even defend yourself" I ask
Her cheeks flush crimson at your insult, but she quickly composes herself and lifts her chin defiantly. "Of course I can!" she snaps. "I'm a powerful Arch-wizard of the Crimson Magic Clan! My Explosion magic is feared throughout the land!" Before you have a chance to reply, she continues, sounding more petulant than angry, "Besides... even if I couldn't defend myself very well right now, it's not like that matters. You know why?"
She narrows her eyes expectantly, almost daring you to give the wrong answer.
"Enlighten me" I reply
She glares at you with an expression that is equal parts annoyance and pride. "Because! Explosion magic is not about raw strength or defensive capabilities! It's about using your brain to defeat your enemies!" she exclaims, raising her staff above her head dramatically. "It doesn't matter if I can't fight physically. As long as I have my trusty Explosion spell, I will always emerge victorious!"
Pausing for a moment, she wipes some sweat from her brow
"Then why are you laying face first in the dirt"
"Well..." Megumin glances down at herself sheepishly. "...I am quite exhausted from casting my daily Explosion spell. It takes a lot out of me, you see... But that's just the price I have to pay for being the best explosive mage in all the land! Ha-ha..." She pauses, tilting her head slightly and studying you again.
"If you can't move right now then what was your plan for getting out of here" I ask
Megumin rolls onto her side to look at you. "I hadn't really thought that far ahead... I suppose if I couldn't find anyone who needed my help, I would just stay here and rest for a while until I recuperated..." She frowns, mulling it over. "But since you're here..."
Her eyes brighten once more. "You know what? I have an idea! How about this: if you agree to become my new companion, I promise that I will teach you how to use Explosion magic!" She looks quite excited at the prospect. "Just imagine it - a powerful warrior like yourself, capable of unleashing destructive forces beyond your wildest dreams! Together, we can achieve greatness!"
"I think I'll pass on the magic but I can help you if you need" I say still staring at her laying on floor
A blush creeps up on her cheeks at your words and gaze. "Oh... I see..." she says hesitantly, looking away shyly for a moment before meeting your eyes again. Her expression turns pouty once more as she considers how to change your mind. "But what if there's an enemy that only Explosion magic can defeat? Don't you want to be able to protect yourself against those sorts of threats?"