Chapter 138: Chapter 138: System's Entanglement

"Alright," Elio began, his voice steady despite the nervous flutter in his stomach, "what did you want to talk about?"

Aria stepped forward, her red salamander pulsing with an intense glow on her shoulder. "Von Elio, we've heard whispers about your initiative to elevate women beyond level 1. We're eager to learn more."

Lila, the shyest of the group, added softly, her eyes downcast, "It's just... many of us come from desperately poor families. We need the extra mana to support our loved ones, but the idea of leveling up is... terrifying."

Elio nodded, his expression softening with understanding. "I can imagine your concerns. But I assure you, the new system is incredibly safe. According to Lucien's data, the success rate is remarkably high..."

Mei inched closer to Elio, her amber eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made him want to step back. "But, Von Elio," she purred, "what if something goes wrong? What if we're not strong enough?"

Elio, acutely aware of Mei's proximity, took a small step backward. "That's precisely why we've implemented extra training. We ensure everyone is fully prepared before attempting to level up."

Valeria, seizing the opportunity created by Elio's retreat, smoothly positioned herself at his side. "And what does this training entail? Is it very... intense?"

Her tone suggested she was thinking of a very different kind of intensity than Elio had in mind.

"Well," Elio began, struggling to keep his voice steady, "it includes precision practice with daggers, physical exercises, invocation training, spear..."

"Physical exercises?" Aria interjected, sidling up to Elio's other side. Her voice dropped to a sultry whisper. "That sounds... intriguing. Perhaps you could demonstrate some for us?"

Elio swallowed hard, suddenly feeling cornered. Ember, sensing his discomfort, puffed up on his shoulder. "Uh, well, normally that's handled by the instructors..."

"But you're the leader," Mei insisted, placing a hand on his arm. The touch sent an unexpected jolt through him. "Surely you know all the exercises intimately."

"Yes," Lila chimed in, her earlier shyness seemingly forgotten as she too drew closer. "We'd feel so much more confident if you showed us personally."

Elio's eyes darted around, seeking an escape. His gaze locked with Zara's in the distance, her expression... concern and something that looked suspiciously like... jealousy?

"I, uh..." Elio cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "I really think it would be better if you spoke with the instructors. They have far more experience in..."

"Oh, come now, Von Elio," Valeria purred, her breath warm against his ear. "Don't you want to help us personally? After all, this was your initiative."

Elio felt heat rising to his cheeks. Ember, picking up on his distress, let out a small warning flame.

"Look," he said finally, mustering a firmer tone, "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I think you're misinterpreting the situation. The training is serious and professional. There's nothing... personal about it."

The four girls exchanged glances, clearly disappointed by his resistance.

"I suppose that's... acceptable," Aria conceded reluctantly. "But the risk... If we were to die, what happens to our families? We desperately need the extra mana, but..."

Elio nodded, sensing they were finally getting to the heart of the matter. "I understand. That's why we're implementing support programs for families in need. You don't have to put yourselves in danger to help your loved ones if you don't like to fight monsters..."

"Von Elio, there's something else I want to tell you."

Her friends looked at her with surprise and something that seemed like... anticipation?

"I... I like you," Lila blurted out suddenly. "Not just as a leader. I like you as a person. And I was wondering if... if maybe you'd like to go out with me sometime."

Elio's jaw dropped, completely blindsided. He glanced at the other girls, who seemed to be holding their breath, waiting for his response.

"I do... uh..." Elio stammered, his mind blank. His eyes involuntarily drifted to where Zara stood, watching the scene with an unreadable expression.

"I'm... Before I... I'll think about it," he finally said, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. He immediately regretted it, knowing it sounded more like a "maybe" than the "no" he really meant to say.

Lila smiled shyly, taking his response as something positive. Her friends exchanged knowing looks.

"Well," Aria said, breaking the awkward silence that had fallen, "I suppose we should go. You have a lot to think about..."

Elio nodded, grateful for the exit. "Yes, thank you for... uh... your interest... I'll keep you in mind..."

As the girls walked away, Elio buried his face in his hands, feeling completely overwhelmed. How had he gone from a simple conversation about work to a romantic declaration?

When he returned to his group, everyone was looking at him with curiosity and amusement. Everyone except Zara, who seemed to be trying very hard not to show any emotion.

"Well?" Kriz asked, unable to contain his curiosity. "Did you score four new girlfriends or what?"

Elio shot him an exasperated look. "No, Kriz. They were just... interested in working for the city."

"Uh-huh," Kriz said, clearly unconvinced.

"Kriz, leave him alone," Zara interjected, her voice tense. "If Elio says they only talked about work, then that's what happened."

Elio gave her a grateful look, but couldn't help noticing the rigidity in her posture.

"Well," Lena said, intervening, "I think we all need a break from the high emotions. How about we get back to those moving plans?"

As the group returned to discussing logistics, Elio couldn't help but notice the glances Zara kept throwing his way when she thought he wasn't looking. There was something in those looks, something that made his heart beat a little faster.

Kriz, always ready to have the last word, leaned in towards Elio and whispered, "You know, for someone who can face monsters and overthrow tyrants, you're surprisingly bad at matters of the heart."

Elio gave him a playful shove, but couldn't help thinking that maybe, just maybe, Kriz was right.

With a small smile, he promised himself that once things calmed down a bit, he'd have a much-needed conversation with Zara. But for now, there was a city to run and a potentially deadly risk to survive...