When Theo returned to the other side, he felt as if he was being watched.
'Hmm…' Theo narrowed his eyes and looked around, not finding anyone that looked at him.
He never felt this feeling when he was in Italy.
Even after looking around, the feeling didn't stop.
'What is this?' Theo became a bit worried and stepped into a crowded area, thinking whoever did this wouldn't do anything in front of so many people at the very least. As long as he was aware of his surroundings, no one should be able to launch a sneak attack.
As soon as he reached the desired area, Theo called Bernard's private number.
"You have come back? What is it?"
"Yes. I feel like I'm being watched…" Theo blurted his feelings without hesitation. He wanted to alarm the people who watched him, but the latter seemed to be greater than he originally thought.
The feeling didn't vanish. Instead, it intensified as if telling him, 'I'm here, watching you.'
"Do you remember what happened a few months ago?"
"You mean my fight?"
"Yeah. Anyway, many people are trying to figure out your identity right now. They are even using the beggars…"
"Beggars…" Theo muttered in a low voice while looking around. He realized there were at least four people begging for money. Although there was no Magic Power coming out of their bodies, Theo could feel there was something special about them.
"If you can feel them, it means they're letting you see them. If they're hiding from you, you won't be able to differentiate them."
"For real?" Theo narrowed his eyes, never expecting to find something like this in the US.
"Yeah. Just do whatever you want as long as you don't use anything that will give your information. The first rule of the beggars is that they won't harm anyone. All they want to do is information."
"You know them?"
"I think I have told you that the beggars hold the biggest information network in the US, no?"
"I think I've heard of it…"
"Anyway, unlike the military or big influences' information network, the beggar's network is unique. They're leaning toward using people instead of technology… Well, they still use technology, but yeah… you know what I mean. Their information network might not spread to other countries, but they have a solid network here."
"So, can I just ignore this feeling? Will they continue following me?"
"If you return to your home, they won't be able to sneak in. That's why I'm creating a neighborhood for my people."
"I see. Who wants to know me?"
"Well, this is not a secret, so I guess I can tell you now." Bernard paused for a moment and said, "There are many parties interested in you because you're an S Rank Talent who is stronger than Mark. But no one has made a big move for the time being… They're biding their time until the beggars confirm your identity."
"For what?"
"Have you heard about Asda's Younger Generation List?"
"Yes." Theo nodded. He wanted to say, 'Maya mentioned it somewhere,' but the beggar would know he had some connections with Maya. It would become easier for them to figure out his identity.
"In that case, it's easier for me to explain. Mark is ranked 6th on that list. Since you can overpower him, you might make it to that list."
"Do you think I would care about this list?"
"Nope. But it doesn't change the fact that someone will put your name on that list. I'm afraid… the one who is using the beggars right now is…"
"The one responsible for that list." Theo's expression turned serious. "Can't you stop him?"
"I wanted to do that, but I would be scrutinized. As you know, they have their own pride to get into that list, and the organizer is also a neutral party. If I stop them, those prideful pieces of shit will cry to their parents."
"I see. Your Star Group won't be in a good position as well."
"Correct."
"I can only endure it then…" Theo sighed before asking, "So, can I safely assume you're the cause of all this?"
"Me? It's you. If you didn't brutally beat him, you wouldn't get any attention…"
"Then, isn't it Mark's fault? It seems I need to beat him up again…" Theo snorted.
"Come on. I already played into your hands back then… Can't you stop this already?"
"I'm just joking… Though, I have a request."
"Hmm? A request… Personal or business?"
"Personal."
"Do you want to meet now? I should have some free time three hours from now. While waiting, you can use the company staff to exchange your loot with Star Points."
"Good enough." Theo nodded.
"I'll call someone to pick you up. Wait there."
"By the way, what will happen if I enter this Asda List?"
"I think you already know what will happen… You will be famous. For now, it's going to be easy to protect you since the Star Group is behind you. But I'm sure people will challenge you if there's an opportunity."
"Such as…" Theo narrowed his eyes, knowing troubles would come his way soon.
"Many things. I'll let you know about it when you get here."
"That many?"
"No. But they're too special to inform you through the call."
"I see." Theo thought for a moment. Although he was quite curious about the people in the Asda List, he remembered Maya was 3rd on that list because of her huge potential.
If he and Maya met, it would be easy for her to recognize his skill. After all, he had seen him fight for months when they hunted together.
"Anyway, everything will be an opportunity for you. So, I don't think you will refuse even if I don't give you a mission." Bernard sighed. "Do you have anything you want to ask? I want to finish my work."
"One last thing. Am I required to accept the fight for the sake of the Star Group?"
"Not really. The Star Group is colossal. No need to prove that. But if you don't accept the fight, people will think you're easy to bully… They might send people to challenge you or harass you. I know you won't care, but it's kinda annoying. Personally, you're free to beat them up like Mark… Just don't cripple them or kill them. It'll be hard for me to protect you later."
"Some broken bones are enough to scare most people, right?"
"Half dead. Give them a trauma.. Hahaha."