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"If I insist on giving the teleportation ring to Pela, would it count as unintentionally choosing two options within one scenario?"
After all, compared to the previous choice,
even the reward for giving the teleportation ring to Pela is identical.
It could essentially be seen as obtaining double rewards from a single option.
"How nice if I could frequently trigger such scenarios."
Bochang knew this was wishful thinking.
The probability of ["Dating Options"] appearing remained unpredictable.
Currently, Bochang considered giving the teleportation ring to Pela and felt that drawing a random skill might not be bad, but...
As soon as he recalled that March 7th, Stelle, and even Serval were eyeing the ring,
the black-haired youth became somewhat hesitant.
"Perhaps I should give it to Gepard instead. Suddenly offering the teleportation ring to Pela seems quite inappropriate; it might inadvertently draw attention from the other girls..."
"Perhaps I should choose someone else."
"Option five."
"There's only one teleportation ring, and I intended to keep it for easy travel back to Belobog later. If you're not interested, Pela, then I'll give it to Gepard..."
As Bochang spoke, he turned his head, scanning the banquet hall. He quickly spotted Gepard peeking cautiously from behind a potted plant.
The Silvermane Guard commander was stealthily observing everyone present.
Earlier that afternoon, Gepard had officially made acquaintances with Bochang and their group, thanks to Bronya introducing them.
Of course... this young guard commander wasn't particularly friendly towards the Trailblazer squad.
Upon hearing Bochang's words,
Pela let out a silent sigh of relief as he felt the gazes of March 7th, Stelle, and Serval shift away from him.
[Rewards being distributed—Congratulations! You have obtained the item "Kafka's Underpants," authentic and unaltered. Note: This item has been stored in the system space and can be directly retrieved for use.]
The sound of the system notification startled Bochang, causing his eyebrows to slightly lift. Unable to resist, he exclaimed, "Use? How exactly does one 'use' this... System, don't add such suggestive notes, come on!"
"Gepard!" Quickly regaining his composure, Bochang greeted the dashing young guard commander, "Come here, I need to speak with you."
"Ahem..." Realizing his covert observation had been discovered, Gepard could only confidently step out from behind the bonsai tree. "Respected extraterrestrial visitor, what brings you to me?"
Bochang spread his hands and explained, "This is a teleportation ring, similar to mine. With just a drop of your blood on it, we can establish two-way teleportation between us. Additionally, you can use it for short-range teleports within ten meters at any time. Having this ring greatly enhances your safety, and I could also frequently bring Serval back to Belobog..."
Upon hearing Bochang's explanation, Gepard was taken aback.
Whether it was short-range teleportation within ten meters or long-distance two-way travel, these capabilities far exceeded Gepard's understanding.
"I cannot accept such a valuable item," the young guard commander from the Silvermane Guard shook his head, declining the offer. "Such a precious artifact should be entrusted to Miss Bronya instead."
As he spoke...
Gepard glanced toward Bronya, who was engaged in conversation nearby with others.
As the newly appointed Great Guardian, Bronya had been extremely busy. Regardless of their rank among the Architects, everyone now approached her to greet and meet her.
Apart from celebrating the success of the Trailblazer squad, another purpose of this banquet was to affirm Bronya's position as the new Great Guardian—or rather, to celebrate her ascension.
This would typically be an occasion for Cocolia to make an appearance, but she remained withdrawn and isolated. No one knew when she might recover, so they refrained from pressuring her.
"Hand it over to Bronya? Hmm... That could work."
Bochang nodded in agreement.
With his permission granted, Gepard hurriedly approached Bronya, relaying the information to her.
Meanwhile...
Bochang took the opportunity to console the girls standing nearby.
"Since there is only one teleportation ring, I thought it best to keep it here for easier returns later... Stelle, March, Serval, if I obtain more rings in the future... I'll give them to you then."
Both Stelle and March appeared visibly disappointed.
Serval remained unfazed.
Handing the teleportation ring to Bronya actually benefited her as well. If, as Bochang claimed, they could return to Belobog using the ring, all of Serval's previous concerns would dissipate like smoke.
Bronya approached promptly, noticing the gazes from the three girls, and spoke slowly.
"Bochang, I've heard about your situation. I'm genuinely pleased that you're willing to leave such a valuable item behind and visit Belobog often. However... I cannot accept such a precious ring."
"Haven't Pela and I already been helpful to you before? Compared to me, she is the most suitable recipient for this ring. Plus, given her close relationship with Serval, it would make future meetings more convenient..."
"Not only that, but as an intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards, engaging with esteemed guests falls within Pela's responsibilities."
It seemed that Bronya had indeed done her homework on the Trailblazer squad, being well-informed about various incidents among its members.
After the new Great Guardian outlined the pros and cons,
everyone's attention once again focused on Pela.
The blue-haired girl wearing round glasses didn't expect the topic to circle back and land on her unexpectedly.
Since neither Bronya nor Gepard wanted it, the black-haired youth decided to go along with their suggestion.
"Then let's entrust the teleportation ring to Pela." Bochang placed the ring into the blue-haired girl's hand, "This ring is rightfully yours as well."
Pela felt somewhat overwhelmed, becoming even more bewildered as Bochang pressed the teleportation ring into her palm.
Originally composed and intelligent, the Silvermane Guards' intelligence officer now resembled a shy young maiden.
Serval chimed in, "Pela, since Miss Bronya insists, you should accept it. We'll still have plenty of opportunities to meet and can continue holding our rock concerts as usual."
Seeing this, Pela nodded, her agitated heart swiftly calming down.
As an exceptional intelligence officer, Pela wouldn't dwell on such matters indefinitely.
"Come, let's test the power of the teleportation ring," suggested Bochang, displaying his own ring. "All you need is a single drop of blood... After that, you can use it freely."
The teleportation ring felt scorching hot in Pela's hand.
This was no ordinary trinket but rather a precious treasure. Even if Pela sold everything she owned, she couldn't afford such a formidable artifact.
Apart from offering herself in return,
Pela had no idea how to repay this immense kindness.
Is it really appropriate for me to take possession of this...?
Despite these thoughts, urged by those around her, Pela pricked her finger and placed...
a drop of blood onto the teleportation ring.