"So, summing up, you want to form a group with me again, including your sister?" I asked, looking at Ellen.
Upon hearing my words, Ellen just nodded with a serious and firm gaze. No matter how I looked at her, she seemed completely determined. Well, to be honest, that would also be an advantage for me. From the start, I had already decided that forming groups would allow me to have more flexibility and security in the missions the system assigned.
I definitely don't want to die because I don't know how to proceed in a specific situation or due to lack of combat strength, like what happened with [Glacial Sloth]. In short, I was willing to accept more allies, as long as they were useful. Ellen and Noelle fit perfectly in that aspect.
"Of course, I see no reason to deny it. Anyway, I was already preparing to contact you" I replied as I took out my cell phone. "Let's exchange numbers; it will be more convenient this way"
After my words, I turned my gaze back to Ellen again. Her expression of total surprise surprised me. For some reason, it seemed like she didn't expect this response from me, which honestly made no sense. From the beginning, I had already made it clear that it would be useful to have both her and Noelle as companions.
"Are you sure?" Ellen asked, seeming unsure.
"Of course, why would I lie?" I replied, raising an eyebrow.
Although she still seemed a bit confused, Ellen took my number and then we exchanged messages to confirm if everything was alright. With that checked, we talked for a few more minutes about the new mission we were given. However, just like me, Ellen also had no idea what we would have to do.
Overall, the mission had a vague description. While the hunting part was easy to understand, everything else seemed quite obscure, in my opinion. What exactly would we have to hunt? In what quantity? Could we hunt prey we had faced before, or would they be different from each other? All these questions were on my mind.
"By the way, did you tell your sister about the real reason for our disappearance?"
While I was lost in thought, Ellen asked me a question. Although I didn't understand the real reason behind it, I decided to answer honestly.
"I told her the basics, although I omitted some information. I thought it would be better to let her know what happened in case I didn't come back" I replied sincerely.
Listening to my words, Ellen nodded and then seemed to get lost in thought. Although I couldn't read minds, it was obvious that she was worried about something. I wasn't a psychologist and didn't believe I could solve her problems, but at least I could listen to her.
"Ellen... did something happen to you or your sister? You seem distracted, or out of it" I asked, staring at her.
In fact, I had noticed this as soon as I arrived. Ellen seemed a bit distant, staring off into space. Initially, I thought she was just thinking about how to approach the team issue with me, but that didn't seem to be the case.
Anyway, upon hearing my words, Ellen looked up, surprised. After looking at me for a few seconds, she let out a brief sigh of relief, which honestly made me even more puzzled by her behavior, which was already quite odd.
"Sorry about that, I'm better now, thank you" Ellen replied, making me raise an eyebrow.
"Are you sure you're okay? The fact that I didn't do anything and yet you thanked me is pretty strange, you know?" I said, staring at her.
Upon hearing my words, Ellen smiled, which again made me wonder about her behavior. Compared to when I arrived, she did seem better, but strangely, I couldn't quite understand why. Did forming a group with her make her so happy? I really didn't know.
"Anyway, I need to head back home. Skipped college today to come meet you, so I need to apologize to my professors for skipping without notice" Ellen said as she hastily got up.
Then she rushed towards the exit door, but stopped just before leaving. She turned around again and looked at me. Then, waving her hands, she bid farewell. Meanwhile, I stood there trying to understand exactly what had happened. But if she was better, I guess that was a satisfactory outcome.
"She seems like quite a lively girl"
While I was distracted, a voice from behind the counter caught my attention. Looking in the direction of the voice, I saw the boss cleaning glasses. My first question was: when exactly had he arrived there? I had looked minutes ago and there was no one.
"Boss... where were you? I left a message letting you know my friend was coming, but when I arrived, you were nowhere to be found" I asked, full of doubts.
"Hahaha, I thought it best to leave you and the young lady to talk alone. I'm sure an old man like me wouldn't be much help anyway" the boss replied casually and cordially.
"So, you really are old?" I mumbled to myself.
"Did you say something?" my boss asked, smiling, although his eyes definitely didn't match the smile.
"Who, me?" I replied, looking away. "I think the boss is hearing things. Are you sure you've been sleeping well lately?"
And so ended my conversation with the boss. After that, I went back home. There was still some time before work, so I could spend it with Ruby. When I got home, I found Ruby in our room doing her homework. We greeted each other and then I went to do some college activities. Around 7 p.m., I got ready and headed to work.
I told Ruby that I would arrive early again using my tricks, and she just told me to be careful. Although I'm trying to go about my life normally, as if nothing happened, I must admit it's a bit difficult to simply forget that soon I'll have to fight for survival again. After all, if I don't do that, I'll end up being killed.