"So, do you think he's telling the truth?" Selina asked Frederick, her slightly shaking hands betraying her true emotions, cancelling out the calm in her voice.
"I think you already know the answer to that question." Frederick answered her whilst gulping down a glass of cold orange juice. Natural fruit juice always seemed to calm him down when he was anxious. But today it seemed as though this beverage had lost its effectiveness. His brain just kept playing the conversation they had with the Silver Wolves team over and over again, with no signs of stopping. His mind was a complete mess.
"What do you think we should do?" Frederick asked, eager to hear Selina's thoughts.
"I want to join him." Hardly had Frederick posed his question, did its reply find its way to the Student Council President.
Frederick turned to look at Selina. He had known her long enough to know what her current gaze meant. That determination on her pretty face meant she had already made her decision, one that she wasn't going to change. Frederick sighed meekly, a somber look on his face as he recalled Mane's last words before he left.
"Remember though, that choosing this path would mean going against enemies far stronger than we are now. The Dark Kingdom is merely the first step, and the simplest one at that. Unfortunately, I can't give you all day to decide. But I will give you privacy to discuss amongst yourselves. Please do call us when you reach a consensus. We will be waiting outside."
This was the reason for Frederick's hesitation. He was a smart boy, smarter than Selina. He wasn't sure she had really understood Mane's last words. Anyone else listening to Mane would assume that he was referring to the enemies they would make while exploring the realms. However, Frederick knew better. When Mane had spoken about the dangers they were going to face, there was a serious and somber look on his face. It was clear he had an idea of who these enemies were.
But the offer was still a lucrative one nonetheless. Frederick was an intelligent child. And like every intelligent child out there, he was filled with curiosity. Being told that there were countless other worlds out there led to an itch that could only be scratched by exploring these realms. He was also unwilling to be a mere grain of sand in the grand scheme of things. Knowing that the path of wielding was far longer and broader than he thought, there was no way he would be satisfied with having such limited strength. And he was certain Selina felt the same.
Until now she had been regarded as a genius, recognised by the powerhouses of this planet as a prodigy. She was a B-grade wielder at the top of the pecking order even amongst experienced hunters. No matter how modest she may be, she still had the pride of a virtuoso deep within her bones. Finding out she was far weaker than not one, not two, but four kids younger than her- and by a wide margin too- was difficult to swallow. The competitive spirit that had lay dormant for so long had been awakened. He was certain whatever the dangers that lay ahead were not enough to deter his friend from seeking for the peak.
Frederick raised his head and stared at the ceiling, his eyes unfocused as he mumbled softly, "Whether or not it is the right decision can only be determined by the outcome. Besides, I hate to live with regrets and I'm confident that rejecting this offer would be the biggest regret of my life."
Selina's eyes sparkled at Frederick's words, a smile had returned to her face and her hands shook with an even greater intensity. Only this time it wasn't due to the anxiety, but excitement.
"I'll go call them back in." Looking at Selina's excited figure rushing towards the door, all Frederick could think to himself was, "I hope this isn't going to be a regrettable decision instead."
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"So do you think they'll join us?" Jake asked Abe, his eyes full of curiosity and innocence that it was difficult to associate him with the out of control figure a few minutes ago.
Looking at Jake's eyes, Abe felt very conflicted. He then tuned his head to look at John, who had a similar look of innocence on his face. He was just as old as these two, but he never felt that way. He felt he was too mature for his age and a bit out of place sometimes. He then cast his eyes to Mane's figure, and felt his restless emotions settle. Now that was someone very much like him. Just as mature and intelligent. At least with Mane around, he didn't feel so lost.
"They will", Abe's answer to the question spoken with such confidence the twins wondered why.
"Why?" John asked.
"They are regarded as geniuses, and geniuses have ambitions. No prodigy doesn't feel the drive to improve themselves, to get better than the masses. If they really are true to themselves, they would consent. Besides, Mane seems pretty sure they will."
The twins nodded their heads in such a coordinated manner that it seemed choreographed. They turned their eyes towards their captain and close friend, Mane.
Mane had his eyes closed as he leaned against the wall, a ball of water suspended over his open palm. The water seemed to have a mind of its own, slowly circling the space above Mane's palm. Occasionally, Mane would flick his wrist as though tossing a ball into the air, and the ball of water would fly up and descend in response.
"I still don't know how you do that. Even with awakened bloodlines, that level of skill and control is simply unreal." Mane smiled at Abe's words, his eyes still closed.
"There are many things you still don't know yet Abe. I will tell you everything in due time. Besides, it seems we are wanted." The water ball evaporated at an unbelievable speed with the door to the room they stood before opening when the last drop disappeared, almost as if on cue. Selina's bright face greeted them.
"So?" Mane still had his eyes closed, clearly in no rush to enter the room. At least, without receiving a reply.
"We will join you." Selina's voice was filled with eagerness as she opened the door widely to let them in.
Mane opened his eyes and took large strides into the room, the rest of the Silver Wolves team behind him.
"Good. Then we have much to discuss."