Chapter 7
Maybe it was the environment of war that they and their previous generation grew up in, witnessing the loss of their loved ones, that they were like this, but for once, he could not relate to them.
He was a person who never experienced such cruel hardships, so he never blamed them. But still, he could not leave her alone.
His mind told him it was not his business, and he agreed; he was not going to go out of his way to correct every action of theirs.
That would be too hypocritical of him to impose his beliefs onto others.
But Nadia was someone who he needed to grow strong, if possible, stronger than she was in the novel.
So, he would try a little to not completely ignore her now that his system has bound to her character.
He was not so selfish to freeload off her. He had his own principles as a man.
But for now, he should entertain her a little before sending her back.
He had an idea as to what to do...
"How about I tell you a story?"
"Story?" She was curious. What story was he talking about, she doubted there was something that could interest her.
His lips curled into a smile.
"While I may look like this, I am quite smart, you know. Even the teachers praise me... Anyways, I have a few stories that might interest you."
Oliver knew that although the world was as developed as his but the media and entertainment sectors were underdeveloped due to the wars and demons.
It was like 10-15 years lacking behind his previous world.
Without wasting time, he picked up a few popular children's stories; there were many. One was about a hungry caterpillar as it becomes a butterfly after many hardships, one was about a clever mouse who saves a ship from sinking, another was about a bear who lived on a snow mountain.
Nadia, who was initially not believing that he was good enough to entertain her, was fully immersed since his first story.
Oliver also knew this; she was a kid, and all the stories he had selected were very popular among children.
After an hour or so of continuous stories, he started to get a little worried.
If someone came to check up on Nadia and saw her absent from her courtyard, it would stir a storm in the clan, so he quickly wrapped up everything.
Nadia was still in a daze when she heard him say it was finished for today.
Unintentionally, she uttered, "So soon..."
But the next moment, she realized her mistake and blushed again. She quickly got up from the grass she was seated on and dusted her clothes.
"T-Then I will leave. A-And don't sneak in my courtyard next time!"
She loudly said to cover her embarrassment and left, leaving Oliver alone.
Oliver's lips twitched as he heard her arrogant tone. Who was the one that just said it was finished so soon...
"Hah, she is still a kid. Don't feel angry."
He had gained a lot from the day, and now all he had to do was just wait in his room and wait for results.
Nadia quickly returned to her courtyard and shut herself in her room.
Her face was red, and she was panting a little; she dashed straight to her room.
'What have I done today!? Why did I act so weird in front of him?'
She walked back and forth in her room, tugging at her short hair in frustration.
She felt she had acted too shamelessly today.
She was the pride of her clan, and she lost her composure so badly today.
She even cried in front of someone!
Too much! This was too much for her to bear.
She wanted to dig a hole and hide in it.
'Wait. Why am I being so conscious?'
A sudden thought came to her mind. Practically, he was a stranger to her, and there was a chance that they would never meet again.
So it should be alright, right?
And if he dares to expose her, there was no proof on him plus no one would believe his words.
She was the pride of her clan after all.
But still... a trace of unwillingness flashed through her eyes.
She was not willing to lose so much face in front of him.
She was a prideful and strong woman while he was a weak man.
She had to settle this matter somehow.
And to do that...
'I must meet him again and settle scores!'
She nodded at her intelligent decision; naturally, this was the optimal situation according to her.
Composing herself once again, she threw the weapon she was carrying to the side and crashed into her futon.
She felt extra tired today and needed some good rest.
Oliver resumed his daily routine; there was not much response from the system afterwards, which meant that Nadia had yet to reach a milestone in her training.
His studies kept getting harder and harder as the tutors were impressed by his scholarly aptitude.
In the next half-year, he managed to earn the title of the smartest youth of the clan.
Even though the difficulty level was increased, to him, it was all child's play.
He was not only taught the basic subjects but also knowledge about the world, demons, and clans, which he pretty much knew already.
He knew that he had shown some value to the clan, and he won't be abandoned now. He had pretty much secured himself a place for the time being...
And soon, he received the first-ever system notification of the reward.
[Ding! Target has awakened one of the 4 mythical eyes after undergoing rigorous training. The Abyss eyes]
[Ding! Obtaining 10x benefits. The Cosmic Void Gaze has been obtained!]
[Eyes will be awakened in the host...]
Oliver was just lazing around in his courtyard when he received the notification. It was just too sudden; barefooted, he ran to his hidden spot in case of something unexpected happening.
And just as he arrived in his hideout, a bone-crunching pain suddenly boomed through his head.
"Aagh-!"