When someone slapped his shoulder from behind Hayato gave a start, but he smirked when he saw that it was the Magi with a sword from yesterday.

"A lot better, actually! Thanks to that Cleric girl, both of them are good as new." he chuckled and turned to the other boy, and was about to do his usual handshake and greeting when Hazel suddenly strode up. She seemed to be completely ignoring the mage, but rather firmly informed him that she would make good on her promise. Hayato rubbed the back of his head nervously, somewhat intimidated by her forward charge.

"Well, I..." he began, although then they were joined by the blonde girl who had watched their match yesterday. She started to ask them about the missions, but then glanced around to take in the situation and made a hurried apology. Hayato waved it away with a smile.

"Oh, it's no problem. I'm actually looking for..."

Someone else addressed them, asking if they were interested in hunting the Cockatrice, and Hayato turned to see the Cleric from yesterday. On one hand, this was perfect! "She" would be a great fit for a team with more Martial than Magic classes. But on the other hand, when had he gotten so popular? Was it Hazel? Or was this just what it was normally like, being out here at the mission board? He'd barely ever come here until now.

He thought he saw and heard Joe, out there in the crowd, but it seemed the Striker was talking to someone else. Hayato didn't want to leave him out, but there were already so many others gathered up...

"Actually, I was kind of interested in the Blighted Woods." he finally spoke up. "For one thing, this'll be my first real go-around with Exbeasts and I don't want to risk it against something like the Cockatrice. Even if it's only D-Rank, it's rumored to be able to turn people to stone." He crossed his arms and looked down at the ground then, and his voice got a bit lower, more somber. "Plus, I'd kind of like to explore Excaledvol itself. Eventually I'm probably going to go...on a search...there, so I want to be prepared..."