Chapter 81.5 - The First Year at the Academy - Final Exams (5)
Ted and the others also identify themselves.
They would have known from their clothing that they were slum residents or refugees.
However, Elliott didn't look down on them.
They shook hands with each other.
The sight made me think.
The last time he was seriously injured in a field exercise last semester, it was in defense of another team member who had been injured earlier. And despite his near-death experience, he was undaunted in pointing his sword at the dokol, a powerful enemy. I meant what I said to Rebecca when I introduced her to him.
And with a merchant for a parent, he seems to have good judgment and calculation skills. He is supporting Lambert in the shadows, advising him on the supply and distribution of water during the late field exercises. I'm not sure why he became an adventurer, but it would be a waste to let him go here.
But before I could make a move, Elliott made his move.
He bowed to Ted and the others.
"I know this is unreasonable, but I wonder if I could join you for a while."
Ted and the others looked at each other at the sudden offer.
"Ours?"
"Yes. I don't have any companions. Nor am I strong enough to go out on my own. Even if I could register, I've always wondered what to do with my friends."
With that, Elliott bowed his head again.
First impressions were favorable.
Ted gave Gemma and Nails a look, and they both immediately shook their heads.
"All right. Nice to meet you, Elliot!"
"Thank you. Thank you all for your continued support."
Elliot took the offered hand and shook hands with Gemma and Nails too.
It seems they've already accepted him, and I don't need to interject, but let me add something.
"Just to be clear. I'm an outsider."
"Really?"
"I'm a solo adventurer. What do you do?"
Elliot shook his head with a smile.
"I won't change my mind. It's not easy to gather friends, and Lambert and the others helped me a lot during the last field exercise. We were really in trouble. Besides, I feel safe and reassured that you're Alter-sama's friend."
Ted and Gemma were embarrassed when they were told they were reassuring.
Elliot smiled, but turned his attention to Lola, "By the way.".
"Why is Lola-san here? She said she would accompany us."
I briefly explain the situation.
Elliott nodded broadly.
"That's a great idea. It's a pre-training for the request, right?"
"It's the same thing we're doing. Collecting materials for requests all the time. That's what you should think."
"Of course. Lola-san, do you have any preferences regarding the types or quantities?"
"No, as long as they're not too difficult to handle. A moderate amount is fine."
Ted and Gemma were aghast at their conversation.
Nails was the only one who noticed and was impressed with Elliott's perceptiveness.
I agreed with them.
Lola's request was easier than any other request. The format was similar to the Academy's material gathering, but without a deadline, so they could proceed at their own pace. The amount Lola was requesting wasn't large either, making it perfect for a pre-training exercise.
However, that didn't mean they could take it lightly and treat it like a friendly favor.
I had Ted and the others register as adventurers to prompt them to be prepared. Even without going through the guild, this was a formal request for adventurers.
With a clap of my hands, I interrupted the conversation that was about to start.
"It's getting late. Let's continue tomorrow."
Ted and the others had no weapons. So Lola will give them a used weapon.
Of course, it wasn't for free. I told them to treat it as an advance on the commission and deduct a small amount. Unusually, though, Lola resisted to the end.
Seemingly remembering this exchange, Lola opened her mouth.
"Are you sure you only need weapons? We have all the tools we need."
"It will be fine since I'll accompany you for a while. During that time, think about what you need, and don't need. A complete set of tools is quite expensive. Do you understand?"
"I understand!"
Ted and Gemma responded cheerfully, and Nails nodded deeply.
"Then we're breaking up. You've got all night to think about what kind of weapons you'll use."
"I'll be waiting for you in the store, gentlemen."
Ted and the others replied, "Yes, Lola-sama!" with smiles.
Lola's face turned red, and she ran away.
It seemed she realized they were relying on her too much. I didn't know if this response was appropriate.
We parted ways with Elliott and headed home.
As we made our way down the main street in the twilight, Ted and the others debated what kind of weapon to use and asked me questions again.
I look at the three as I respond.
I'm sure this would have been fun, too.
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This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺