Chapter 155: For Oneself

Another fifteen minutes passed and she had finished spilling the beans.

In the end, all she asked was nothing but to kill her. Even Theo got a chill down his spine after seeing the aftermath, especially with how much blood spilled on the ground.

It was something he would never see even in the Skynet, where almost everything was posted there including restricted contents. It was just too brutal to see.

Theo simply made a burial ground for her and her teammate before he and Phyrill cleaned up the area. They even tossed the red soil into the hole to cover most of the problem.

While they were working on it, Phyrill asked, "So, what do you think about it? You don't need to say anything about the little gore. I just want to hear your thoughts about her confession."

Theo narrowed his eyes and said, "I don't know anything. Her story was too vague. I mean, she herself was too gullible and easily convinced. Meeting the client with a black robe and a mask? Without knowing anything about the client, she accepted it, thinking she would be able to receive the help of Alea by manipulating me. In other words, she was tricked by the client this whole time."

"Fair enough. So, what are you planning to do?" He asked with a serious expression.

"I am not sure. I believe the client used her for a reason." Theo narrowed his eyes. "It felt like the client was trying to purposely mess up… Hmm, I don't know about the nature of this incident anymore."

Phyrill shrugged. "It's indeed confusing. This is what we have been dealing with. It's a daily occurrence in my family and only those who can outwit their opponent will be the winner. That's why I'm seriously asking you to join my family since I know you will go far."

Theo shook his head. "You overestimate me. I'm just a nobody."

"Well, we will leave it at that." Phyrill shrugged. "Still, how many people actually realize you are not in the tent?"

Theo didn't want to answer and changed the topic. "Anyway, starting tomorrow, I will be more merciless to everyone in order to increase our level. We will only be chasing Elite Rank Monsters… Probably around level 120 to 150."

"Changing the topic huh." Phyrill shrugged and answered. "I know. I have been working on it. But I do think we can do more if we kill some Champion Rank monsters… I mean, you and I are still Elite Rank. All those Champion Rank monsters give a lot of EXP points."

"No. You can do it next month. I don't want to take any risk right now."

"Fair enough. But sure… It will be awkward tomorrow, especially after your outburst yesterday. I can't say I agree with you one hundred percent, but if I need to choose one side, I will choose you." Phyrill smirked.

"Whether it will be awkward or not, it will be entirely up to me." Theo smiled.

"I will be looking forward to it." Phyrill nodded, finished the job as quickly as possible, and returned

Theo also followed him, entered his tent using Blink, and changed his clothes to something new.

…

The next day.

Theo came out of the tent and looked at his teammates.

Phyrill had the best talk with Theo yesterday, so he was full of energy, ignoring the lack of sleep from yesterday. Ellen was slightly concerned about Theo and Alea's mental states since those two fought yesterday. Laust still acted as if he didn't care while Sihan maintained his silence.

When they gathered, Theo and Alea's eyes intertwined as the atmosphere became silent and heavy.

Before anyone opened their mouth, Theo pointed his spear at her neck while releasing his killing intent.

Alea was surprised by his action and looked at him with a confused expression.

Theo's tone was cold and indifferent as he said, "I don't care what you are thinking right now. If you want to think about yesterday's incident, then do it. As long as you follow my command, I won't complain."

Alea closed her eyes while biting her lips. She knew Theo was still angry due to yesterday's decision.

However, Theo continued and shocked her. "But I only need to say this one thing. I don't need someone who is weak. If you can't keep up with the mission because of those useless thoughts of yours, don't mind if I discard you.

"Simple is the last word we can use to explain our relationship. Rival, partner, teammate? I don't care. Just like you want to use me for your own purpose, I will also use you. I want to let you know the moment you are useless to me, I won't expect anything from you.

"What? You don't like me and my views? It's not my problem. If you want to try to change me, there is only one way." Theo made a twisted smile as he pointed his finger to the sky.

The group was confused by his statement and raised their heads before lowering it again.

Theo continued while clutching his hand. "Become strong enough to beat me up until I can't even disobey you. Only the strong can decide anything, including people's will, dreams, and ambitions."

Alea's body shook before letting out a long sigh. She was disappointed in himself and realized two things. Theo must hate to say this kind of thing, especially in front of everyone. He must hate her due to yesterday's events.

Yet, he decided to tell her all this.

'I would never win against him in this area… As expected of the man I've chosen. In front of him, I am just a naive girl who is proud of their fighting prowess. In that case, I will stay simple. All I need to do is get stronger… stronger to the point Theo can't do anything against me. That's what he wants… He doesn't care whether I'm his puppet, opponent, rival, or friend. What he wants is someone he can learn from to make him even stronger.

'If I back down just because of yesterday's events, he will leave me in the dust soon. This sense of urgency. I see, so this is the excitement coming from the feeling to get stronger, not for other people, but myself. Only the strong, smart, innovative, and cunning can help others in this cruel world. I can't do anything about the other three, but if it's strength, I can do it. I will get as strong as possible to the point my strength can overpower the other three. Fine by me…'

Alea closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her mind felt refreshed after sorting her thoughts. There was this goal in her mind that she wanted to do no matter what.

A smile appeared on her face. It was a different kind of smile because it could influence everyone's excitement even though she didn't say anything.

Theo couldn't help but smile as he said, "I like your current expression. Now, it's time to hunt."