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To Miriam, Luvi was the perfect candidate for her future company. But, being aware of his paranoid nature. She understood the way she had to approach him naturally.
Though this got harder considering that her past with this weird young man had been filled with oddities.
It was like two emotionally stunted people trying to have a conversation.
So, it would be harder for her to make Luvi join her.
Which in turn made her look for a proper opportunity.
An opportunity that came sooner than expected, with Luvi holding a sign and asking for a friend to join in the tag team hunt.
"Is the 500$ true?" Seeing that enough time has gone by, she approached Luvi and asked about the reward.
Which surprised Luvi.
If one thing Luvi was sure of, it was that none of the girls in the academy would ever dare to even talk to him. His identity as a pant shitter is too famous in the school.
'Hah… this chick truly is mental.'
But when Luvi saw the introvert lady he had been meeting coincidentally these days, he understood that something was wrong here.
'I was afraid of it… but I think I got a stalker.'
Miriam had a higher control over her power now, she had been able to meet her sister after such a long time, as well as her little niece that she hadn't seen for more than a year.
But this didn't mean she would keep her ability disabled all the time, limiting her range and focusing on Luvi, she can easily sense the inner turmoil and some disgust that Luvi felt toward her.
As for what reason, she didn't know. But for the future of her group, she needed a Luvi.
A man that does anything to achieve his goal is what she needs.
"Of course… I do some online trading and got lots of money in my pockets through it. But before that, let me ask one thing." The way Luvi said his words, it didn't look like he was desperate. His voice held force and authority that was not seen in students his age.
But the image of him holding the sign that begged for a 'friend' still broke this illusion.
"Ask away… But it's up to me whether I answer." And considering the emotions she felt from Luvi, she also understood what kind of person Luvi was looking for.
"Good, I do agree with your freedom to answer what you want and what you don't. But it would still be appropriate if you can answer it. Otherwise, there are many eyeing my 500 dollars."
That money was a lot, like really a lot for a student. But to the two with millions in their crypto wallet, it was nothing more than chump change.
But his act still needs to be kept.
"So first question. What is your rank and your awakened ability?" Employing a useless friend that would hold him back would be like chopping his own legs and then presenting himself to monsters on a silver platter.
So he needed to make sure his partner was useful. And in this school the simplest way to judge that is asking their rank as well as ability.
"White star, I can read emotions." Miriam said, not intending to explain anymore than this. But Luvi on the other hand put up his guard as he looked at Miriam.
'Hah!'
Then, his mind started to think something dirty, involving a horse, a gray old man and lots of lube.
But the face of Miriam didn't change much, though, her eyebrows did crease up in confusion.
"Ah, phew… And I thought you could read minds." Luvi said on his own, much to Miriam's confusion.
She really was confused. The most she felt from Luvi after she told her ability was the old fear of one's thought being read followed by some playful emotion.
And yes, it was a playful emotion. Miriam's senses the emotions and not the thoughts of a person.
"So am I eligible?" Miriam asked, ignoring any further thoughts of Luvi.
She thought, considering how desperate Luvi was in actuality, he would take anyone as long as they are a White star. Which she was.
Not to mention, she was the first white star student that has approached Luvi, until now.
"Truth be told, you truly are the most qualified person to become my temporary friend. But the thing is… your ability is a bit of a trash."
"...."
Hearing those words, she didn't know why. But something clicked and her eyebrows furrowed.
It would be right to say that Luvi knew how to get on the nerves of someone. And if not for her need to get closer to this man, she would not have even tried to approach this man.
But, Miriam knew the lies and facade on which this man has built his personality around.
Her ability feels more than just emotions and she is aware that the careless and foolish boy in front of her just keeps up a persona.
It was not who he truly was.
As for his reason for doing so. She didn't know, nor did she want to know.
"Says the guy who can grow his teeth longer?" Miriam asked, confused over why someone as him would have such archaic beliefs.
Isn't this the same guy that keeps complaining about discrimination?
The same guy, whose best friend is now considered the top underdog of the whole academy.
The same guy that was kicked out of his own home for being completely useless.
"I see you have done your research. But the thing is, those teeth are not that useful anyways, the strength of my fist is more pronounced than any superpower one is born with." Luvi said, white making a fisting motion.
"But in your case, your ability to read emotions is not that useful in combat. Your body might be stronger after the training. But it would still be a liability."
"And even though I might joke about many things, I still intend to get into the top 3."
Luvi said proudly.
And Miriam also found Luvi somewhat Endearing in this case. But her mood turned annoyed as she said. "So you think you are a hotshot because of those combat arts."
With a click of her finger, a small magic circle made out of blue mist formed up over her hand, which then turned into a small fireball.
"You are not the only one that has been working hard for the tournament."
Miriam was someone with a strong personality since her childhood, but due to her ability, she became an introvert hiding from the world, sending her true nature dormant for long.
But with her ability under control now, she was starting to show that she didn't like to be belittled.
And Luvi, seeing the fireball, smiled.
"Ah, its seems I was being an a*s here."
With that, Luvi accepted Miriam into his team. Or so he intended to do, until a certain someone from his past approached him with a group of her own.
"I thought it was just rumors, but you truly are begging for partners here." Rose came with her entourage. A bit annoyed at Luvi's action. "Just how far have you fallen, Luvi."
"Ah! Rose, you were here? Sadly, you were late. This missus just promised to help me in the competition." Luvi ignored her first question and with a giant smile etched on his face, he told Rose about Miriam.
A smile that died and turned serious, with his tone turning colder than Miriam ever thought possible as he said. "Well as for your question. Stop being an annoyance, move on and live your own life. There is a limit to the amount of your bullshit I can handle."
This came out of nowhere, neither Rose nor anyone around her ever expected for Luvi to act like this.
Which included Miriam, who had been eyeing Rose from the moment she came here.
The reason was simple as well.
Rose was famous and was a winning seed for the gauntlet tournament. The other fact Miriam focused on Rose was the random emotions she felt from Rose.
There was hate and disgust intertwined together while she was speaking to Luvi.
Which was to be expected with who Luvi was. But the other emotions confused her.
The third emotion was something unexpected.
It was fear.
And not the fear of someone dangerous. But this fear felt something purer.
A fear followed by the feeling of peace knowing that the person in front of her can't do anything to her.
'She is with others.'
"You bastard, what is your problem here…"
And the verbal fight between the two sides began. Though it was just Rose's friend scolding Luvi, while Luvi just gave a deep look towards Rose and then said to Miriam.
"Here is my number, contact me. I am in no mood to stay with these dogs."