Chapter 48: Getting a Teammate (1/2)
”No, you are going to hear it.” She smiled as she managed to tag Theo out, but in a more ”forceful” way.
She sat on his back and stopped him from escaping. ”Anyway, since we have limited time, I will cut to the chase. If you join my group, I will let you set the conditions of our group. You can say that I can't go near you while we are here. I believe this is what you want, right?”
”…” Theo gritted his teeth and fell silent. This news was like that of a sweet in his mouth. Alea wouldn't bother him again, meaning that his exposure wouldn't increase and he would become a public enemy. At the same time, he would get the most powerful teammate he could hope for. Even Theo, who didn't want trouble, was tempted by this offer.
Seeing a bit of hesitation remained in Theo's eyes, she released one more shoot right to his heart. ”And if you agree, I can understand your power level and give you something like a skill or weapon to train. How about it?”
Theo thought for a moment and nodded. ”I understand. But I want to set the condition first before I agree to become your partner. If I see that it's impossible, I won't accept.”
”Find.” She pouted as she released him. ”You're a hard man to get, aren't you? There are twenty minutes left, so let's make it fast.”
Theo shrugged and asked. ”Although the answer is obvious, I really want to confirm it first. Are you sure it's alright with me?”
”Yes.” She smiled. ”Besides, I believe you already know the real meaning behind this training camp, right?”
”I realized it once I heard we have free time on Sunday,” Theo admitted and explained. ”The sooner you form a group, the better. After all, you can bring your partner to hunt some monsters, allowing you to understand each other's fighting style better. In other words, your teamwork will be better than most of the guys out there.”
”Exactly. Unfortunately, I can't train with you because of what you want, but I don't want to push it either. Hence, I will be satisfied with just four Sundays. That's the only condition I want to set.”
”I don't mind as long as we can meet up in another place.” He might have said that, but inwardly, he asked himself. 'Will Master be angry if I do this? I will tell her tonight.'
”Sure.”
”As for the condition, I don't want you to get close to me during the training.”
”I understand. I won't bother you anymore as long as you agree to be my partner.”
”Alright. That's the only condition I have. Or at least for now.”
”Then, I think I will tell you the reason why I choose you over the others. Actually, I only have one reason.”
”One reason?” Theo narrowed his eyes as he was afraid she knew about his other identity.
”Yes. I may have the ability to read someone, but I don't have the confidence to make a great plan and think about the aftereffect. From what I can see, you are the calmest guy among the first-year.”
”So, you want me to plan everything for you?”
”No. I want you to stop me if I'm too reckless. I'm sure you can do that, considering how you talk to me this whole time.”
”…” Theo felt like he was trapped the moment he met this woman.
”Anyway, I will give you some benefit since I personally choose you. However, I need to see your ability first this Sunday to know what to give, alright?”
”I understand. I don't expect much from the gift anyway.” Theo shrugged.
”Fine, fine. Anyway, I will inform Major Sam about this, so he could register our names. Is that fine?”
Theo nodded and stretched his hand.
Alea shook his hand with a big smile. ”Good. I'm counting on you, Partner.”
”Likewise.” Theo let out a long sigh, knowing that he was defeated in this battle.