Chapter 99 - Hard Decisions

"HAHAHAHA!"

Yskaen burst into laughter, astonishing Ellena. His laughter made her speechless, confused as to what was funny in her statement.

"Why are you laughing?" she asked.

"Well, it's funny because what you said is true. And no matter how much I put an effort into my ability, you still don't seem to lie."

Ellena didn't respond immediately. She just remained in her thoughts, unbothered by Yskaen's mischievousness.

Aaron, who was watching, just scoffed at how stupid this encounter was. This appears to be a question, but it is actually an invitation to make a friend... Or how it appears. Funny it seems, Aaron didn't bother with it anymore.

"I see... So, you really have some confidence. I'm curious, but it would be unprofessional of me to seek your personal information through my ability. You're clear." Yskaen said, then stood up and returned to his table.

"That's all? May I ask why your questions are all so simple?" Ellena asked in curiosity.

"It's because despite how you try to hide your face, I know you came from trusted families in this dukedom. You're from Lumbert, right? And looking at your eyes, you came from your grandmother's faction."

"Faction?" Ellena eventually raised her eyebrow in confusion. Even though it was explanatory, she was still curious as to why Yskaen seemed to know something.

"You don't know? The Lumbert Family is secretly halved into factions. The other one is your grandfather's faction."

It wasn't that big in reality as Ellena already knew there was a gap in her family, but it didn't appear in her mind that factions might be existing inside.

"I don't know but I can feel it. Actually, I'm currently... no never mind." she took a halt in her words, thinking that she had almost spilled information.

"It's okay. Then, how about joining the executive rankers? In this way, that organization targeting you will think twice before attacking you again." Yskaen said.

Ellena didn't respond, thought of something to say as this might be an opportunity. Aaron also noticed that Ellena was thinking of exploiting Yskaen's words.

"Why? Do you trust me? Or was it because you know my Grandma?" Ellena asked.

"I know her. But we don't have that strong of a relationship actually."

"So... what makes you think that I'll join the executive rankers?" Ellena asked with suspicion.

Yskaen smiled then leaned his jaw on his two linked knuckles. "Because you are talented." he nonchalantly said, filled with confidence in his words.

Ellena saw the opportunity she was searching for. Secretly gleaming, she spoke. "Then, how about instead of letting me join the executive and be actively associated with the guild... Give me the privilege of raising my rank quickly. In that way, I don't need to join the executives, right? And will still reach the objective."

Yskaen was shocked for a moment. Then, he came back to composure with a soft chuckle to release.

"I see... You're quite smart and not too generous," he remarked.

Aaron was also surprised even though he was anticipating it. Ellena's idea was beneficial and would boost their plan. If Ellena raised her rank quickly, she could exploit the privilege to gain points anywhere she goes.

"If you're really concerned about my safety, why don't you agree with it?"

Yskaen laughed softly again. "Okay. I get it. I will let you increase your rank. But in exchange -!"

Before he could continue, Ellen cut him.

"There's no need for that. That will be your compensation. Your security system was atrocious."

"Ukh. I can't deny that, but someone died because of you."

"It's because of your security." Ellena cut him again, making him surrender in defeat.

"I see... That's what you like. I can't deny your words. So, what rank do you want to be?"

"I don't want to skip ranks in a simple way. Instead, I want to show it to the public." Ellena said, dumbfounding Yskaen.

"Why do you want to go that way?"

"It's because I want to show everyone what I am. I want to be known."

Yskaen shook his head in a scowl. "So, it was fame?"

Ellena nodded and followed with words. "Although I want to have fame, I want it to be with my own efforts and not fake. It's needed."

Yskaen sighed after hearing it. He still can't understand her. Even though he's using his rune, he still can't fathom Ellena's mind.

Aaron was proud, thinking that Ellena had finally grasped his plan.

Was it because of the 2 days spent inside the ship that she finally realized things? Even though Aaron's plan wasn't the best, Ellena understood it was necessary.

However, even though she's taking the path Aaron presented, she insists on keeping her morals. Even if it's also naïve.

'I want to make a utopia for those who are weak, but I can't do it if I don't have power. So, instead of doing it in a normal way, I will take Aaron's suggestion of scaring adventurers and other people by using my privilege and prowess. What happened two days ago was just a sign that this world doesn't need those scums.' Ellena thought to herself.

"What do you want?" Yskaen inquired, irritated by his helplessness in Ellena's exploits.

"I want a friendly fight. And that fight will be an official test for me. I want to raise my rank to White Gold." Ellena bluntly said.

Yskaen sighed again, couldn't believe that he would be stressed by a small girl in front of him.

"Okay. Who do you want to fight?" he asked.

"I don't know. Maybe you have someone in your mind?"

"Sighs... Then, I will have Verxal," he mumbled, but that was audible on Ellena's side.

"Verxal?" he unconsciously said.

"Hm? Do you know him? He lately succeeded in capturing an S-rank variant, so he must be really famous now."

"Then why Verxal?" Ellena asked.

"It's because you want to be White Gold. Since he's platinum, you must at least survive a 5-minute fight with him. It will save both our worries." Yskaen replied with a slightly forced smile.

"I... see..."

This seems to be a fast development for Aaron, but he should not be confused or surprised by it. Ellena is starting to be independent and mature enough to make hard decisions.

"What's wrong?" Yskaen asked in curiosity.

"Nothing. I want to be sure that I can raise my rank. I'll also choose Verxal."

As agitated as she seems, inside her thoughts, she doesn't know Verxal's capabilities.