Chapter Closed? (1/2)

The night passed and the next day arrived….

”Let's divide in teams of two...our objective is to search for missing teammates, searching for a base at a good altitude and to gain additional points by killing beasts while we are at it…” Axel listed out their goals for the day.

Even though this place was good and didn't have many Blood Eating Bats, Max and Axel still weren't sure about making a base here.

If Orca's plan to cause chaos on the last day succeeded, then it would be difficult to protect oneself in this area. So, they had decided to stick with the original plan to look for a base at high altitude...

Max looked at Axel who walked up to him and seemingly had another plan.

”You are not coming with me? What are you planning?” Max asked as he looked at Axel.

”I will go out and scout out the area for today's operation with Ocien..we must get all the benefits. I will make that witch pay the cost for looking down on us…”  Axel said with an evil grin.

Max shook his head.

Lear and Mark went off their way and Axel left as well.

Max was about to go on his way as well and Lisa's voice entered his ears.

”Wait!”

Max turned around to see Lisa dragging Aria along with her.

Lisa was supposed to stay there with Twice and Juju to look after Venice who had yet to wake up.

As for Aria, Max didn't know what she had planned.

”Take her with you…” Lisa said as she looked at Aria.

”N-No..I will be fine on my own…'' Aria said as she avoided Max's eyes.

Max felt something was off but didn't pay much attention to it. He thought she was just being strong headed like always and didn't want to be a burden on them.

”You are going to find your teammates… why not tag along with him...it will be easier and much safe with him by your side…” Lisa said with a stern voice.

Max didn't mind it. He wouldn't be actively seeking her teammates. But if someone came into his sight, then he would just let her know.

After a bit of back and forth, Aria reluctantly tagged along with Max.

The duo went along the path, slaughtering a bunch of low level beasts with ease.

Max deliberately chose a difficult path and let Aria into fights to help her adjust to her newfound strength after breakthrough.

”Is something wrong?”

Max asked as he looked at her. He clearly saw that she seemed a bit down and was sneaking glances at him.

”Uhmn..no….” Aria appeared flustered as if she had been caught doing something wrong.

She felt frustrated for some reason. 'I can't let this continue….I have to be decisive..'

Aria took in a deep breath and calmed down before resolutely facing Max.

Max was taken back by the look in her eyes and involuntarily took a step back having a bad feeling about it.

”Is there someone you like?'' Aria looked Max into his eyes.

Max was shocked at first and then sighed inwardly.

'So, it finally came to this..' Max would have liked to say no. But, he lied and nodded his head.

”Yes, I have a girlfriend…”

Well, he was partially correct. He had a girlfriend at least, love was another thing....

Max looked at Aria, the fact that she didn't directly confess was a sign that she might not be fully into him or that her love was just at the budding stage. If he stopped it now, it would be better for her…..