Chapter 216: Silver Wolf - Don't Come Near Me!

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[Option Two: Deliberately challenge Kafka by shouting, "No power in your voice, can't hear you at all! Not even remotely! Start over!!!" — Completion Reward: Mental Energy increase by 100%.]

[Option Three: Urging Blade and Silver Wolf, say, "It's your turn now, hurry up... I'm pressed for time." — Completion Reward: Obtain Skill 'In a Rush', allowing to pause time within a 30-meter radius around oneself for 3 seconds.]

Seeing these three options appear, Bochang once again found himself faced with a difficult choice.

Honestly...

All of these rewards were quite enticing.

Doubling his physique, doubling his mental energy, or gaining time manipulation abilities.

Bochang glanced between Option One and Two before ultimately rejecting both. His relationship with Kafka was currently rather delicate.

They weren't exactly friends,

Nor could they be considered enemies.

Whether it was pointing out Kafka's perverted behavior of exposing her chest or intentionally challenging him,

Bochang didn't want any of those options.

It would be best to avoid falling out with the Stellaron Hunters if possible. After all, their support was still crucial for Stelle's growth.

With the system, Bochang could rapidly enhance himself, but when it came to helping others improve, he felt utterly clueless...

As the protagonist, Stelle couldn't remain hindered indefinitely; she needed to stand on her own eventually. Moreover, Kafka's apology seemed genuine enough, so Bochang decided not to dwell on the incident further.

"Looks like I'm left with only the third option? It seems tempting at first glance, but compared to doubling mental energy and physique, three seconds of time stop feels lacking—especially considering the thirty-meter range limitation."

"But...I don't have any other choices right now."

Having made his decision, Bochang glanced at Blade and Silver Wolf. "Your turns next, hurry up...I'm pressed for time."

The gagged hacker girl merely rolled her eyes.

Even if Silver Wolf wanted to speak, he couldn't manage it.

With arms crossed, Blade looked away. Despite the distance, Bochang could sense his mixed emotions—this guy wore his feelings openly on his face, making them all too easy to read.

In response to this situation,

Kafka raised his head, placing one hand on his hip and gazing at Blade, asking, "Bladie?"

Having been hit twice by Dragon Blast earlier, Blade sustained notable injuries. His clothes were somewhat disheveled, but fortunately, only minor tears marred his attire.

Bochang's plain bathrobe, after intense action, was almost entirely burned away below the waist, leaving just scraps of fabric covering his hips like an ultra-short skirt. The upper half of his robe also bore inexplicable holes of varying sizes.

If not for the flaming cloak enveloping him,

Bochang would likely have suffered complete wardrobe malfunction.

Prompted by Kafka, Blade rested his forehead in one hand and reluctantly muttered, "Sorry..."

The Laughing Little Black Dragon spoke rapidly, unable to muster his usual grin now.

As a notorious fugitive traversing the galaxy, being forced to apologize humbly to a mere child left Blade without any levity.

This dismissive attitude irked Kafka somewhat.

"Bladie, when apologizing, show some sincerity. Include their name, slow down, and speak louder."

"Bochang... I'm sorry."

Reluctantly, Blade added another line, this time delivering it with more conviction.

Bochang thought to himself, "This guy... he actually listens to Kafka so attentively? I assumed he had a rebellious nature, unwilling to submit to anyone."

It was a misunderstanding.

Bochang hadn't known Blade before these encounters; his perception of Blade's character was based solely on their two meetings.

Initially, Blade appeared quite arrogant, and his occasional demonic laughter during battles made a lasting impression.

This led Bochang to form an incorrect judgment about Blade.

His gaze shifted away from Blade.

Bochang glanced at Silver Wolf, who was still caught by his grip, and noticed her eyes fixed on him intently.

Realizing something, he used his Invisible Hand to remove the goggles from Silver Wolf's head.

Then, he released the black-purple hand covering her mouth.

Silver Wolf's apology sounded genuine, reminiscent of Kafka's tone but with less warmth.

[Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill: I'm in a Hurry.]

Bochang didn't dwell on it; after all, there would be ample time to properly educate Silver Wolf later. With that thought, he looked down at the Stellaron Hunters below and stated his third demand.

"Thirdly, and most importantly, do not interfere between me and Stelle, nor should you cause any further trouble for me. Otherwise... even if Aeon stands behind you, I will not back down."

Kafka's expression subtly shifted. To her, Stelle felt like her own child. Bochang suddenly demanding to take Stelle away reminded Kafka of someone trying to whisk off her daughter with ulterior motives.

If Bochang were more devoted, it might have been simpler. Unfortunately, he was quite the flirtatious type, having already caught the attention of both March 7th and Serval.

Kafka found herself at a loss for words regarding Bochang's fate. Even Elio couldn't fully predict it, only offering vague scenarios. Each time Bochang became involved in a mission, the number of unpredictable variables multiplied exponentially compared to previous tasks.

Silver Wolf seemed unconvinced, retorting, "Your request sounds rather peculiar... Before joining Astral Express, Stelle was also part of the Stellaron Hunters. How could we just stand by and let you take her?"

"Since when did I say I want to 'take' Stelle?" Bochang countered, then extended his hand, clarifying, "To make things simple, right now, Stelle and I share a perfectly normal romantic relationship."

Bochang wasn't lying. This had been established even before reaching Luofu Immortal Continent.

Initially, Bochang had suggested they should be a couple.

Instead of disputing it, Stelle asked what couples typically do together.

Unfortunately, before Bochang could impart any lessons, March 7th promptly intervened with its chaos.

Upon hearing the words "couple relationship," Kafka's heart trembled slightly. It was a feeling difficult to describe.

"If only I knew earlier... I should have taken Bochang away back then; leaving him at the Herta Space Station was my biggest mistake..."

Kafka and the Silver Wolf group were here on this mission precisely to clean up past errors.

Bochang continued, "Even if everything Kafka said is true, Stelle may have the blood of the Stellaron Hunters flowing within her, but she has now joined Astral Express and is no longer part of the Stellaron Hunters."

"You have no right to interfere with Stelle's personal choices, correct?"

Just as Bochang finished speaking,

Kafka interrupted, "You don't need to say more; I understand. Regarding personal matters between men and women, the Stellaron Hunters have no interest in getting involved. However... when it comes to Stelle's future development direction, it must be guided by us."

"From now on, Silver Wolf will handle communication with you. She'll inform you what issues require your intervention and which ones do not."

"I hope you adhere to the terms of our deal." Kafka turned around. "Bladie and I will take our leave now. Bochang, please handle the remaining matters with Silver Wolf."

A shimmering barrier appeared nearby as Kafka departed, taking Blade with her.

They vanished from this space.

Bochang dissipated the flames surrounding his body.

Then, using the Invisible Hand, he gently lowered Silver Wolf to the ground.

"Now it's just the two of us."

Bochang turned, offering Silver Wolf an innocent smile.

The bound hacker girl paled in fear, shrieking hoarsely, "Don't come near me!"