Chapter 45: Balance

"So what is this formal event for," asked Adam as the elevator descended.

"Ah, it's just an auction that will have a lot of people going to it, and my father wants me to go to keep up appearances and meet others that could benefit me in the future" answered Cole uncaringly.

From Cole's description, it was the worst kind of event possible that would be full of arrogant and rich people that would get on Adam's nerves and look down on him because of the way he dressed.

He was beginning to regret agreeing to go with Cole.

"Don't worry, it won't be long and no one would dare to look down on you if you are under my protection" reassured Cole gloatingly, seeing the sullen state Adam had fallen into.

Adam had no money to spend in the auction and wasn't anybody of high status or popularity, so had no reason to be at the auction.

One thing that Adam was curious about, was Cole's true identity that we was unsure of.

He knew that Cole's father was a busy business man, but had never seen Cole flaunt much wealth, although he had not cared much about money in their younger days, implying he may have had access to a lot of wealth if he pleased.

[System, how do I look at his status] asked Adam within his mind.

{The system only shows the status of any beings that are hostile and hold malicious intent towards the host within the area, and will not show the status of everybody} answered the system.

[So, is there no way for me to be able to see his status] asked Adam, knowing the limitless capabilities of the system.

{There is a way, but..} stated the system, before pausing.

[But what] screamed Adam within his mind.

{It will cost you 100,000 system points to unlock the status peering feature} announced the system.

Hearing the cost, Adam was shocked and couldn't help but become frustrated about how large the price was.

Meanwhile, Cole was watching Adam and was baffled by his sudden changes in expression.

"Are you okay Adam. Is it that time of the month" asked Cole mockingly as he burst out into laughter.

"Haha, very funny" stated Adam sarcastically.

DING

The elevator finally descended to the ground floor and as Adam left with Cole they received respectful yet confused and curious glances from the workers in the building.

"Just who are you," mumbled Adam curiously.

"I am Cole during the day but at night I am a superhero that defeats crime and..." narrated Cole jestingly, before being stopped by Adam.

"Shut up" interrupted Adam, infatuated in figuring out who Cole really was.

[It seems possible that Cole is from the Maxwell Family, but I felt no strength from him while hugging him and my instincts tell me he isn't a cultivator. Also, his surname isn't Maxwell and from what I know is Summers, so who could he be] wondered Adam within his mind as he followed Cole to his car.

"So, what is going to be sold at this auction," asked Adam curiously, after entering Cole's car.

"Diamonds, treasures, antiques, all kinds of weird and valuable stuff that people like, but nothing that I want" answered Cole as he started the engine of his luxurious car.

Sitting in the car Adam, heard the robotic voice of the system, that he didn't want to hear again.

{While on the topic of prices increasing, when the host reached LVL 11 the host would have surpassed the first stage of the Mortal rank. After every stage surpassed, the price of summoning using the Collector Skil also increases by a single MP and so does the price of sustaining your summons} informed him the system.

Adam had become even more agitated with the system's timing and continuous revealing of bad news and was in a stroppy mood.

{And the host's reward for the achievement still hasn't been opened} reminded the system.

"Fuck off" screamed Adam within his mind, annoyed at the system.

Instantly Adam's mood changed again and the system seemed to be toying with him as Cole watched his friend constantly changing moods.

"Are you sure you are okay" asked Cole, this time more seriously.

"Yes don't worry Cole" reassured Adam.

Adam's hunter's mind had become much more relaxed, but now Adam was feeling just how much needed it and how useful the effects were, not only in battle but also in everyday life.

He wasn't able to keep his composure and stay calm, while conversing with the system and answering questions, letting on too much to his friends with his expressions and emotions, which he didn't want to do.

He didn't want his friends to understand and read his emotions and find out about the system, as it made him feel vulnerable and also got them involved in his pursuit of strength and the dangers that came with it.

Adam didn't want to ask the system for help on how to make the Hunter's mind have more influence over him, as it had been annoying, so attempted to do so without the system's help.

Surprisingly he had succeeded merely by intending for it to occur, as he felt the emotionless and unaffected state of his mind begin to return and he felt his thoughts were clearer and flowed quicker.

[This is how it should be and I will keep it like this] stated Adam to himself, feeling the security of having the Hunter's mind activated.

Cole while driving was closely observing Adam's continuous changes in emotions and couldn't help but be amused and curious.

"Don't worry bro, if you want to confess to Sarah I will help you" teased Cole, lightening the mood.

"Shut up and focus on driving" refuted Adam.

Adam was finding the balance of his own influence and the hunter's mind's influence that were both essential in life, but needed to be balanced or he wouldn't be able to live normally and be calm and cautious.

While Adam was finding his balance and analysing more of his weaknesses, Cole continued driving towards their destination.