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[Reward being distributed — Congratulations! You have obtained the skill, Hundred Birds Paying Homage to Phoenix Spear.]
A vast amount of spear technique insights, akin to a tidal wave, surged into Bochang's mind. In that instant, his proficiency with the spear reached an unprecedented level.
Even the Vow Spear in his hand hummed audibly, feeling more intimately connected with him than ever before.
Clara sensed a sudden surge in power emanating from the man before her.
However, just as quickly, Bochang returned to his previous state, making it seem like everything that transpired was merely an illusion.
Instinctively, Clara glanced down at the statue of a minotaur in her hands.
It appeared to be carved from jade, depicting a figure with a human body and a bull's head, wielding a large axe. The entire sculpture was black, with a smooth surface reflective enough to see one's image. Every hair strand was intricately detailed, giving it a lifelike appearance, yet it seemed fragile, like a delicate artifact.
"Summoning a Minotaur Warrior? What kind of childish trick is this... I'm not falling for it." Clara shook her head inwardly, "Still, it's quite intricate. If sold, it could fetch a decent amount of money..."
As someone who was partly a scavenger, Clara assessed the value of the minotaur statue based on her experience.
Bochang interrupted, "What do you think? It's pretty impressive, isn't it?"
"It certainly is... But... why would you give this to me? And so insistently too... We hardly know each other, and I haven't done anything to help you."
Clara looked up at Bochang, feeling unsure how to respond to his unexpected kindness.
Moreover, he had just assisted her, making Clara believe she should be the one repaying him instead.
How could she accept his gift?
[Dating Options have been activated.]
[Option 1: Embrace the chance encounter; respond with: "I'd be delighted." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...]
[Option 2: With utmost seriousness, say: "Actually, here's the thing, my back is quite uncomfortable. Could you help by stepping on it? This can serve as your compensation, and if it's not enough, I can offer more." - Completion Reward: 100% increase in physique.]
«Is there even a choice needed?»
Bochang glanced at the options and immediately decided on Option 2.
With a serious expression, the black-haired youth said, "Actually, the thing is, my back feels quite uneasy. Would you mind stepping on it for me? Consider this as payment, and if it's not sufficient, I can provide more."
"Ah? That's plenty, but...are you really experiencing discomfort? Clara, how come I feel like..."
The silver-haired, red-eyed girl appeared puzzled.
Bochang hastily interrupted her.
"Oh, absolutely true, of course."
"Oh... alright then, as a return favor, I don't mind giving you a foot massage, but... this place is too dangerous. Let's wait until we're out of Rivet Town to do it."
Despite Clara's agreement, the "Dating Option" system did not provide any reward yet.
Bochang knew...
The reward would only be granted after she actually performed the foot massage.
He responded, "Deal."
"Whew... So you were here indeed! Did you run into trouble? Need our assistance?"
As soon as Bochang finished speaking, March 7th and her team arrived, alerted by the commotion.
Bochang turned around, surprised by their swift arrival, and replied, "No worries, the monster has been taken care of, and I even managed to save a young girl along the way."
"Why would there be children here... It's far too dangerous." Upon seeing Clara, March 7th placed her hands on her hips, her face expressing disbelief.
Even for professional soldiers, entering Rivet Town posed significant risks, let alone a little girl.
Especially for such a young girl.
"It's alright... Clara has Perkins and Mills to protect her; it's fine," reassured Dan Heng.
Clara waved her small hands dismissively in the air, her head nodding along, indicating there was no need to worry about her safety.
March 7th examined the surrounding automatons closely.
"Could she be connected to that robot named Svarog?" wondered March 7th. Apart from having influential connections, she couldn't fathom who else could afford such extensive robotic protection.
The pink-haired girl's guess wasn't far off.
Dan Heng said, "Many of your robots have been damaged, and the rest are also injured to varying degrees. Perhaps we should escort you out first."
"Hmm... Actually, I've found most of what I needed. Let's head back then. For the remaining journey, I might have to rely on you all." Clara nodded slightly and turned towards Bochang, "Just as well... Clara still needs to fulfill a promise."
"A promise? What promise?"
March 7th keenly sensed something amiss; her sixth sense was sounding an alarm.
Stelle's expression also turned serious.
Bochang prepared to divert the conversation.
However, Clara spoke up, "Big Brother said his back is bothering him and asked Clara to step on it."
Whether by coincidence or not, Bochang felt that she did this intentionally.
Dan Heng remained silent, caught off guard.
A sudden awkward silence fell over the group.
Bochang noticed a subtle shift in the stoic little azure dragon's gaze towards him.
March 7th's pink eyes widened, recalling how Bochang had previously given the teleportation ring to Pela. With a disapproving look, she said, "Well now, Mr. Bochang, I'd like to hear... why exactly your back is bothering you."
"Ah... It's like this, last night I... I stayed up late playing games, so..." Bochang trailed off and looked at his familiar, Sophia, hoping she would cover for him. "If you don't believe me, ask Sophia."
"Really?" March 7th smiled warmly at the small creature perched on Stelle's shoulder.
Sophia shuddered, her tiny brain, barely larger than a fingernail, began to frantically churn thoughts. After hesitating between Bochang and the pink-haired girl, she spoke with utmost sincerity.
"It's true. Last night, Master was sitting on the bed playing games, laughing all the while. His pants kept moving as he got really engrossed. When I tried to get closer to see what he was doing, he wouldn't even let me watch."
Bochang slowly typed out a question mark, feeling that his true nature might have inadvertently been exposed again.
Both March 7th and Stelle were taken aback.
The gray-haired girl, looking puzzled, asked, "Why would his pants move while playing games? Was he using one hand to play and the other to scratch an itch?"
"Stop! Stop!" March 7th's face flushed red. "Let's pause this question for now!"
"Alright, Bochang...we'll just assume you were overly exhausted last night..."
Hearing the phrase "overly exhausted" from March 7th, Bochang nearly couldn't hold back his reaction... He shot an annoyed glance at Sophia, completely puzzled as to why she felt the need to embellish the story.
Now the black-haired youth had lost all dignity.
Sophia, with her head bowed, appeared contrite while secretly engaging in beetle fighting with both hands. In reality, the corners of her lips were already curving upwards.
"Well...well, there was no need to have a kid give you a foot massage either..." March 7th twirled a strand of hair around her finger, trailing off before finishing her sentence.
Stelle raised her hand and said, "I can do it right away, if you'd like?"
Caught off guard by the interruption, March 7th remained momentarily stunned, while the gray-haired girl had already bent down to remove her shoes.