Chapter 97 - A Proposition

Two days ago, Janet brought a member of the Refiner's Association regarding the Metadome that would be granted to Aldrin.

Curious that he had to be sought for as simple as handing out the specs of his standard model Metadome, Janet was surprised upon reading a part of the clause regarding that on Aldrin's contract. "Have I been duped by that old man and Aldrin?"

That's the first doubt that sprouted in her mind. She was certain that it's her doing that Aldrin signed on to the Association. However, upon knowing that his contract involved him getting two free additional modules, Janet racked her brains and eventually confronted Aldrin.

With her usual high and mighty attitude as his 'elder sister', she had him spit out if he tricked her or not.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, elder sister. But it's true. The Association's offer was more generous than the other four. When you found me, I was already deliberating whether to take it. It's not tricking you if you yourself offered to clear the favor, right?" Aldrin answered with a wide grin on his lips.

Annoyed, Janet put him under her pressure. However, after thinking about it, it was truly her who got so full of herself. "Good. Good, little brother. You're making this elder sister of yours proud. Grow up soon so it won't be bullying if I beat you up!"

Now back to the present, Aldrin and Janet stood side by side as they watched the other four excitedly operate their Metadomes.

"Why have you stopped? Are you that bored with your special Metadome? Do you want me to pull out the modules first? That way, you'll be the same as them." Janet pointed at the kneeling Metadome behind Aldrin. He had just jumped out of it after testing it for a few minutes.

It's the standard model just like the other four but after having it painted in ash-black color while equipped with a one-handed sword, a blaster and a jet engine on its legs. The weapon was something included with the package, much like how the others got their own weapons equipped; For Caroline, a shield. For Frederic, spiked gloves. For Irina, a pair of curved blades. And for Clark, a spear.

As for the blaster or specifically a Material Blaster and the jet-engine or a Maneuver Assistance, they're the two modules he picked.

The others already ordered new modules to be installed in their Metadomes in preparation for tomorrow. They had the money for it, after all.

"You must be joking, elder sist—Instructor. I just want to get a better view of their skills. Tomorrow, you'll send us inside a Rift. I want to grasp the capabilities of their Metadomes, that way, I will have an idea how to lead them." Aldrin answered. Although that's only half the truth.

"Is that really it? Or are you trying to be considerate of them? Your progress is unprecedented. You might truly have a chance to outdo that Primary City boy."

"Perhaps, that's a part of it. But elder sister, can you come to my room later? I have something to confess." Aldrin changed the subject along with his voice turning serious.

He might've decided to take it as a challenge. However, just in case he failed, he had to at least share what he knew with someone else.

Nonetheless, he's not someone who'd just run to his death. That's why he decided to prepare to catch Carlos.

"Confess? What the hell?! Aren't you dating that girl? And what about Renissa?"

Totally misunderstanding the meaning of his words, Janet took a step back away from him and rubbed her shoulders as if she got the chills from what he said.

Seeing that, Aldrin's face didn't even falter and just answered him just as calmly but still with the hint of seriousness he showed.

"That's not the only meaning of confession, elder sister. And you're aware of the nature of my relationship with Irina."

"Tsk. As I thought, I don't particularly like you. Ever since you showed up in the Association, that always calm demeanor you have is too irritating. Why do you always look like you have everything in order?"

"Oh! Thank you very much."

"That's not a compliment, you idiot! Anyway, whatever it is you're going to confess, it better be worth my time."

"It sure will. It's something big, look forward to it, elder sister." Ending it at that, Aldrin put on a smile as he stepped away and turned his focus back on the other four.

He was already aware that Carlos would also come with them to the maintained-type Dimensional Rift. The middle-aged man who was the trigger to the Southern District disaster would be able to get away after that trip.

Inside that Dimension, Aldrin chose to enact his plan to catch him by defeating him.

As to how he would do that, Aldrin hinged it upon the result of his dive into the Small Insect Colony later. If it didn't go as well as he planned, that's where Janet would come in.

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After a week of lessons that involved them getting beaten up by the guest Energy Refiners or even by Janet herself, the rest of the bunch naturally found it liberating to have been granted their own Metadomes.

The hard work they put in for training themselves in it would finally be put to use and sure enough, the things they learned were instantly being applied as they showed off their techniques while also showcasing their completed Concepts.

It's the 10th day ever since the start of the camp and the former newbies had long been shaped into becoming a full-fledged Energy Refiner.

Apart from Aldrin, Frederic had also started showing signs that he's about to breakthrough from being an early to middle Stage 1.

Irina somewhat stagnated because of how she always clung to Aldrin. And the same could be said for Clark, he kept on glancing over the girl.

As for Caroline, she's steadily improving.

"Frederic and Irina. Go and spar against each other! Then Clark and Caroline. Try to break each other's defenses! Don't hold back. Compared to the Training Metadomes, as long as your Metadomes aren't scrapped, it can still be repaired."

Their instructor, Janet commanded while watching from below with her arms crossed. Her long red hair fluttered behind her as she keenly watched them.

On her side, Aldrin was standing by, still watching and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of her group mates.

He had a preview of how strong the creatures inside that Rift were. Furthermore, they had also been provided with information accumulated by the Fortress regarding it. Despite years of existing, the truth of the matter was that they had yet to explore the whole Dimension completely.

Even with Metadomes to assist them, there are just too many creatures inside the Dimension.

And from the IDLE Database's scan, Aldrin was aware that there's something called the Fragment Core. Although it was stated that he could conquer the Dimension if he retrieved that, there's no precedence to that.

He's still as blind to the true nature of the Rifts and the Dimensions where different creatures lived.

After around two hours, the four from his group stopped their sparring session where no clear winner was determined.

According to his analysis, Frederic might be the second strongest among their group but Irina's Concept could lull his rampaging strength.

The girl had perfected the utilization of her Concept that's called as simple as Brain Freeze. It sounded like what one would experience if they suddenly drank or ate something extremely cold but it's different. Her Concept was just the literal meaning of it, it could freeze her target's thought process. The effectiveness depends on one's mental strength so it's not that great to use against those who always had a clear head but for Frederic who's a battle maniac, it's highly effective.

As for Frederic, his Concept, Steel Arms was also in its literal meaning. When he used it on his Metadome, the Metadome's hardness and durability would be enhanced. Irina's curved blades could only leave dents to it.

Being the two Attack-types of their group, if they could complement each other's abilities then they'd be somewhat invincible.

Then there's Clark and Caroline. Caroline could be the main tank, using a gaming term. Her shield and her Concept allowed her to endure a lot of direct hits. Clark couldn't take the same role. He has his spear and he's quick in his foot even when using a Metadome. He's the one most suitable to roam around for scouting or kiting. He could also become a great aid when they're surrounded.

After taking note of all of that, Aldrin then took note of his own role. The Support.

"Elder sister, I have a proposition."

"What?"

"Let me spar with all four of them. All at once."

"… You. Have you gone crazy?"

"I'm entirely sane. I just want to try something." Aldrin scanned his gaze and sure enough, his group mates heard that. He intentionally made his voice louder after all.

Frederic's grin and excitement instantly reappeared as if his current exhaustion suddenly vanished. Irina who's actually planning to cling to him bit her lips before determination appeared in her eyes. Clark annoyedly clicked his tongue. And Caroline, she's the only one worried about Aldrin. Nonetheless, knowing that he intentionally let them hear that, she also couldn't just stand back and take it lying down.

In essence, Aldrin's words sounded like he's looking down at them and he's entirely confident that he could take them all at once.