15 A Mutual Agreemen (2/2)

But…at the last moment, Aaron decided to keep the reason under wraps, as it didn't concern the one in front of him.

”I'm only doing this for you on a whim, and because I need someone to help me with the ways of the world when I Ascend the Path to the Stars. I need to get to the top of it.”

If it was a random Tera in the forest, Aaron would have just made an effort to help it before going on his way if it was too dangerous.

But this was someone of his own species, who could think like him. So, Aaron felt a need to be straightforward if he was going to spend some time with this man.

Over the years, he had realized that he hated Teras which engaged in deceitful actions such as feigning weakness. Although such Teras were few, they did exist.

He valued a straightforward fight the most, where the loser could attempt to flee if there was no chance at victory.

He and Woof always adopted that thinking in their life, too.

Although complex things intrigued him, he liked to keep stuff simple and direct.

Meanwhile, Edmond had completely wiped away his thoughts from before and was just now closing his jaw that had fallen again. Setting aside the tall claim about Ascending to the top which he chose not to comment about, he realized that this was just a partnership for mutual benefit.

Hell, he was even the one benefiting most.

This was definitely an excellent opportunity that he had no intention of missing.

Thinking like so, he stretched out his hand and said, ”I'm fine with all of it. Let's start over, then. I'm Edmond.”

Nodding, with a smile, Aaron walked over and shook his hand, which resulted in a scream that woke up the Hamlet dwellers in three houses around them.

Understanding that the Chief hadn't been kidding when he said that he shouldn't shake Aaron's hand if he didn't want his to be bandaged for a week, Edmond left the room and went back to his own, massaging the swollen fingers and cursing due to the pain, all while looking forward to tomorrow and feeling very thankful that he had chosen to follow his gut and speak, instead of accepting death and feeling cheeky which would have led him to become that Tera's chewtoy.

...

The next morning, Aaron woke up refreshed.

The bed was softer than 99% of the places he usually slept in in the forest. Also, there was no leaking water, loud roars or crawling insects to disturb his sleep/

”Owoow woof.”

Seeing him wake up, Woof stood up and made a sound.

That meant that it had to relieve itself.

Such moments were some of the most dangerous. Hence, one of them always watched the surroundings when the other went about their business.

Usually, they would try to find a nearby stream or river so that they could also wash themselves.

So, Aaron yawned and walked out of the door, but he was surprised when he saw Edmond waiting for him.

In his hand was some sort of branch.

Seeing Aaron, he smiled and said, ”Good morning! Time for me to keep my end of our bargain. This…is a branch of the Sweetmint Tree, which you will be using a toothbrush. Time to get rid of those yellow teeth.”