465 Bonding? (2/2)

”We are indeed following a specialized route. Don't worry, the array isn't damages or whatnot, it's merely disabled. From what I heard, its being upgraded in order to be more effective against foreign invaders. It'll take anywhere from months to years I think before it's erected once more. Don't concern yourself about such things. When time comes, you'll eventually encounter them anyway.”

Raven nodded once more and returned his attention back to the screen depicting Celestine's massacre. The atmosphere around them turned silent as they both watched. Eventually, Henry opened his mouth and asked:

”I'm rather curious...” He said, causing Raven to look at him. ”Why didn't you join the tournament and the little contest just now?”

'Ah, so that's why he's here.' Raven inwardly chuckled, although he had some suspicions earlier, Henry's words just now confirmed everything.

”Eh, well…there's no merit point rewards.” Raven answered while scratching his head, ”I don't feel motivated without merit point rewards so I didn't participate.”

”Ah, so you're one of them…” Henry whispered gently while placing a bland expression on his face.

Raven heard his remark but decided to act as if he didn't. Well, it's more like he couldn't care less about his Senior Brother's opinion of him.

”You know, I actually created that sort of game in order for you to bond with your fellow disciples.” Henry admitted.

'Ew.' Raven spat mentally.

”Just so you know, you twelve will form a single unit. I can't tell you much but you'll eventually had to work with them more often than you think.” Henry added.

'Gross.' Raven spat mentally again.

”So I was thinking that it'll be better if you guys experience some form of friendly competition. Maybe that way, you'll eventually develop a closer friendship.” Henry sagely added.

'Is that how it works?' Raven sarcastically asked inwardly.

”Uh, my bad. I didn't know that was your intentions.” Raven half-heartedly replied. If he's being honest, he's not looking forward to it but what can he do if that's according to the rules?

”It's fine. You had no idea anyway.” Henry smiled kindly to him, ”Either way, amongst all new recruits, it's only you who I haven't seen in action just yet.”

”Huh? Weren't you and the two elders watching how the exams went?” Raven frowned as he asked this question.

”We are, but that's that. Seeing it person is completely different.” Henry stated, but Raven could tell that he's lying.

He could tell that Henry was at least half-serious when he said that he's curious about Raven's combat prowess. However, Raven could tell that he has other purpose. He refused to believe that Henry was that interested about someone's power due to his title as a War God. Sure, he might be curious but that's all, Raven's certain that anyone at Henry's caliber would go to such length in order to satisfy their curiosity over some petty reasons.

”Well, I'm not really that impressive Senior Brother. I still have a long way to go. I would just embarrass myself in front of everyone.” Raven made some random excuses in order to reply to Henry but in all honesty, he couldn't care less whether Henry realizes this or not.

”Don't sell yourself short. Have some confidence.” Henry kindly smiled, although his encouragement was very half-hearted. ”Well, this clones will be dispersing. Carry on with whatever you wanted to do, just be careful to not go to the restricted areas.”

”Understood. Thank you Senior Brother.” Raven clasped his hands towards Henry as the clone dispersed into nothing.

Raven placed his attention back at the light screen but he wasn't really paying attention to it. Instead, he was scanning the area within his spying range in order to check if there are someone spying on him.

After finding out that there was none, Raven sighed but remained vigilant. He eventually finished watching Celestine's cleansing and saw that the light screen was displaying another individual.

Raven eventually lost interest so he decided to move away from the screen of light proceeded to read some book titles and occasionally unfurl some scrolls.

Some managed to pique his interest, he took some with him and read them on the nearest table. This was how Raven spent his time as the rest of his fellow disciples tussled with some re-animated Space Beasts.