Chapter 578 - Izroths Reward, High Alert! (1/2)

In truth, Izroth knew that Zanna was not a malicious person at heart. He was merely curious as to how she casually resisted not only his Soul Pressure but also Niflheim's Demoralized Spirit. Was her willpower really that strong? Or, could it be that she possessed a unique skill that allowed her to disregard them?

Although Izroth's last question was a legitimate one, his previous harsh behavior towards Zanna was to find an answer to this question. After all, with her personality, there was no chance she would just come out and say it willingly.

Nevertheless, regardless of how they crossed paths due to a misunderstanding, they were still on the same side of the war. Not to mention, it may have taken some coercing, but they did help Izroth out—and he always repaid kindness tenfold.

'I was going to wait until we reach the camp, but I suppose I can move it a bit ahead of schedule.'

With that thought, Izroth gathered everyone from Zanna's squad together. Even Zanna reluctantly walked over to join them.

The atmosphere was somewhat heavy as they wondered why Izroth suddenly a.s.sembled them. Could it be that he wanted to confront them about the messages they sent him?

”You can all relax. The reason I've gathered you all is to give you a small token of thanks as a show of grat.i.tude—a reward of sorts. I, Izroth, always repay the kindness of others.” Izroth stated as he accessed his inventory and removed a small bag.

”Reward?” The players from Zanna's squad were caught off guard as their nervousness quickly turned to confusion.

”I wanted to wait until we reached the camp, but there's longer any need. Also, there's no guarantee that it will be peaceful upon our arrival,” Izroth explained as he set his gaze on Zanna.

He then continued, ”Come—since you're the leader, I will leave the method of distribution up to you.”

Zanna had a cautious expression on her face as she slowly approached and said, ”You—why are you being so nice all of a sudden? You aren't trying to trick us, right? You aren't planning to take me into the sky again and let me go once I accept it?”

”Do I have a reason to trick you?” Izroth replied.

”Promise? You won't take me to the sky again?” Zanna asked as she pouted sadly and held her hands out to accept the small bag.

”You have my word,” Izroth answered as he inwardly shook his head and dropped the bag into Zanna's hands.

”...” A few moments went by as Zanna's pout slowly transformed into a smirk before becoming a full-on smug grin.

”My, my~ Since you've promised, then you gotta keep your word. You finally realized that you have to treat a cla.s.sy lady like me with some respect and shower me with gifts~ Yeah, yeah, it's gotta be like this, ya know? You aren't so bad, after all. Hehehe, hey, how about becoming my follower? You want to, right?” Zanna said with a smug look on her face. In the blink of an eye, she had already reverted to her previous behavior!

”Lead-” Hawk called out but was promptly ignored.

”It's not every day I personally ask someone to become my follower. But, I'm making a special exception just for you. Oh, and I guess your friend can join too since I'm feeling generous today.” Zanna stated with a haughty aura.

”Leader-”

”I know you feel honored, right? Right? To follow this cla.s.sy lady is a privilege! ...I mean, I'm thankful and all for the reward... b-but it's not like I asked you for it or anything! And-!”

”Leader!” Hawk shouted.

”What?! Can't you see I'm in the middle of a conversation?!” Zanna said as she glared at Hawk.

”It's just that, they already left,” Hawk stated with a weak smile.

”Eh? Left? What are you- Ah!” Zanna turned around only to see that Izroth and Niflheim were nowhere to be found!

”Rude! Stupid! Dummy! How could he leave while I'm talking to him!”

”But, leader, they left right after handing you the bag...” One of the other members of Zanna's squad commented.

”...” Zanna looked down, and by the time she held her head up again, her cheeks had turned bright red and puffed up. This whole time, she had been talking to herself while everyone sat back and watched!

”Waaaaaah! Stupid! Tyrant! Didn't you ask us to be your guide?! Dummy! Bully! I won't let you get away so easily after bullying me! You hear me?! Waaaaah!” Zanna burst out crying.

...

Several minutes later, Zanna calmed down as her cries turned to light sniffles.