32 How is this a skill?

Theo cleared his throat, straightened his back. "There was a good reason for that, so please don't be alarmed." He tried his best to keep his voice level. But unfortunately, it wasn't working.

And he himself was aware of that.

"And what would that reason be?" Sharon crossed her arms and stood straight too. Her glare was strictly focused on Theo.

Theo tried to chuckle but at this point, nothing would have worked and he knew that. "So, I wanted to head over to the hall for a walk but I didn't realize, I was this weak. I tried to walk around and well, you know the rest." Theo really, really hoped Sharon didn't push this further.

A small icon flashed in the corner of Theo's vision, but he just ignored it, after all, he couldn't do anything about it.

But unfortunately, Sharon had seen everything. "I see. Makes sense." But this didn't interest her as much. After all, what her crew did in their free time and what sort of fetishes they had, was totally up to them and definitely not her concern.

Theo was relieved, very relieved. He stumbled to his bed: pretending all the way. "Why are you here?" He took his seat.

But something felt different. It was almost as though there was a familiar scent in the air. And the scent was coming from Theo.

"Well, congratulations on completing your first mission. You're the only one who completed their mission without losing any assets. Though you did almost lose your R.I, since it's not alive it isn't counted as the loss of an asset."

But it was strange, why would the captain herself come to congratulate him for something like this? And he knew, he was supposed to find a gem reserve. "I don't understand. I was already inflicted with the poison, so I'm not sure if I'd found the gem reserve, but- more importantly, why are you here?"

Theodore was being awfully daring in his speech and he himself was aware of that fact. But strangely, he didn't feel that afraid. It was a strange feeling, like something within him had changed.

Confidence?

And something really had changed, the scent in the air was proof of that.

Sharon smiled, strangely, her body felt a bit hot and she couldn't pinpoint the reason. Maybe a fever? "Well, I just came here to inform you something. Trust your friends wisely." She turned around and was about to leave. "Also, you have a mail from your mother. Please invest in warpnet so we don't have to go through this again."

But just for that? Something really was strange. And why was she suddenly in a hurry to leave?

Theo didn't know much but this was his chance. Without even thinking of anything else he stood up. "Stop."

'What's happening?'

By the time Sharon turned around, Theo was already behind her, on his knees. He gently picked up one of Sharon's hands: Sharon let him. "Would you go out with me for a dinner?" He kissed her hand. This was the common courtesy of men asking women out on planet Aura. But it sufficed to say Theo was pushing it and he didn't even know why or what was happening anymore. But now his chance came. He gave her hand, or her fingers, a lick.

"WHooH." Sharon chuckled and swiftly pulled her hand back. "Don't you think that's a bit too much?" She picked Theo up, tilted him like a girl, and kissed him vigorously. Sharon's tongue won without a doubt. "You're not my type." She giggled and let him fall to the floor.

She left. She walked a bit funny, something definitely wasn't right here.

Theo's heart was beating close to the manufacturer's limit. It threatened to go beyond.

'What just happened?'

And more importantly, why'd he do this? It was almost as though he didn't have control over his body?

He didn't know. But he did hear a voice.

[Quest completed! Exp gained 1000!]

[Lv up!]

[Bonus Exp gained 445]

[Bonus Exp gained 895]

Theo immediately felt a surge in power and his body become revitalized. But in the corner of his eye, was a small icon- shaped like an eye. It became visible from the moment Sharon had entered. But now it was greyed out. And it had a small (0) near it.

'Was that a skill?'

Theo checked his body and all his supposed injuries were now gone and he was fully healed.

'What is this?'

There was no answer.

***

Sharon Barslain was hot. Her whole body burned and she had to do something: now.

This wasn't typical heat and she knew that. 'But why him?' She breathed hard, walked carefully, and entered her room. After all, she hated weak men. So why indeed.

Finally!

Her hands reached places on their own and her mind calmed down a bit, as she gently lay down on her bed. 'So, he does have it?' Her expression was somewhere between pleasure and discomfort. 'Exactly, as planned huh?' She sighed. Her hands just weren't enough.

She needed more.

But unfortunately, she had to enjoy herself alone at this hour. She did have toys though.

***

Whoa!

Voli rolled on her bed and almost fell down.

She was so occupied with thoughts, that for a moment she forgot she actually had the bed hover a bit higher than necessary.

But her mind was made up.

'I'll confront him this time!'

It'd been a long while after her proposal but John never said a word.

At first, she was nervous but now she didn't care. She just wanted an answer. Otherwise, she'd never be able to move on.

If it was a no, she'd be sad but, she couldn't continuously worry like this either. It wasn't good for her health and she knew that. That's why she had to do something and she was going to do just that.