Ace's Share

The moment Delores let go of Ace's arms so he could catch the rifle, he took full advantage of the opening. Without missing a beat, he subtly retrieved his smartphone, finally getting the chance to say what Delores had been preventing him from saying.

"You can keep the core. I want five Sky-tier innate curse tools in exchange for my share." 

Ace's smartphone's mechanical voice relayed his demand as he locked eyes with Elinor's father. Then, glancing sideways at a visibly stunned Delores, he quickly typed another message.

"Delores, stop spacing out and wasting time. Take me down there before it's too late."

Elinor's father wasn't amused. Not one bit. But he was taken aback by Ace's sheer audacity. Where did this kid's confidence come from? And why was Delores, of all people, treating him with such care and friendliness? As if he was her child.