This is a great start so far! This is my favorite story genre. The characters so far are interesting, and you've set up a really great hook for a grand adventure.
Plus I want to say, the small animations here and there really accentuate the scenes they are in. It's a little touch that adds so much to the story. I haven't seen any other indie visual novel like this use animation so it's such a treat, and really shows the care and thought that goes in.
I know work on a project like this takes a lot of time, but I still can't help but eagerly await for the next release.