(From MC's perspective)
Tier-7 Baguva City,
Seeing the concerned face of both elders. I began to explain. "Elder, I broke through successfully. But I don't want anyone to know my cultivation level."
Hearing that, a quick glint flash into Elder Thornton's eyes. He recalled past events. Zack doesn't want anyone to know about his cultivation base before.
But here in this city, he was exposed by his friend Compton. Now he understands what Zack is worried about. Compton has easily seen through his cultivation base.
If it were the enemy, then Zack's life will be endangered. After gaining some clarity on this matter, he turned toward his friend.
"Compton," he said.
On the other hand, Ricardo Compton misunderstood everything. He assumed Zack failed to reach Trainee Warrior, that's why he doesn't want anyone to know his current level.
He didn't mind Zack's overreaction. Rather his mind is filled with images of teammates. All are at Peak-level Trainer Warrior. And Zack is one level behind them.
He never really revealed much about Zack. But if they came to know Zack's strength. There will be a strong protest. Especially, Erik won't remain silent. Earlier, Erik requested to allow his relative to take part in their exploration work.
But he denied his request because of Thornton. If that guy knows he will convince others not to allow Zack in their team. He has a strong headache thinking about it. The only solution to this situation is to lie to them.
Retracting his thought he glanced at Zack and Thornton, seconds ago he heard their conversation. A quick gleam flashed in his eyes as he recalled Zack's request.
He remembers he has a protective necklace inside the vault. But it can only prevent probing from others up to a certain level. If his memory serves him right, then the necklace blocks the probing from Peak-level Super Elite Warrior.
He had stored it inside his vault. Because it was useless to him after he became an elite warrior. Super Elite Warrior can be counted in fingers. There are not many in Tier-7 cities.
But it can be helpful for Zack Lockwood. It can save his life from enemies. On top of it, it will also help to keep the lie from exposing in front of his members.
After realizing this usefulness, his tensed eyebrows eased. Then looking at Zack, Compton said, "Brat, I don't know what happened?"
"Normally, any average warrior can increase his base by several levels with red heart peach."
"But, you are different," Compton added further.
SIGH
After letting out a small sigh, he replied, "I have something similar to your pendant. But it's more advanced."
"Ha...Ha...Ha...," Elder Thornton burst into joyful laughter.
"Phew," I breathed in relief. Elder Compton's words made my worries disappear completely. I'm surprised by Elder Compton's change of heart.
From his earlier expression, I thought he would try to know, what had happened. But fortunately, everything went well for me.
Then three of us walked back to the villa. We sat on the couch after arriving in the living room.
"Okay, I'll go and get the necklace for you," After saying that he walked away from the place.
Seeing that, I nodded at him.
When Elder Compton disappeared from our sight. I heard Elder Thornton's words.
"Did you refine all the energy from Red Heart Peach?" Elder Thornton asked. He still remembers his confident face of Compton.
Compton was so sure that Zack will reach Trainee Warrior. So what went wrong?
I had black lines on my forehead. Even Elder Compton didn't ask me anything. Then why is he so interested in it?
"Cough"
"Elder doesn't ask me about it," I said with a cough.
Elder Thornton shook his head in denial. Then he didn't ask anything. Both then waited for Compton to arrive.
10 minutes later,
I saw Elder Compton walk into the living area with a small metal box in his hands. After sitting in the seat, he then placed the metal box on the table.
He then slowly removed the cover and took out the necklace from it. This is not a typical necklace. Because it's a ring-type necklace. If the warrior wants, he can remove the ring and wear it on his finger.
Compton feels it's would be best for Zack to wear it as a ring, to avoid the events of snatching in future. Then he handed the silver ring to Zack.
Seeing Elder Compton's actions, I didn't disturb him. After taking the ring, I wore it on my fingers.
"Don't worry, this ring may look ordinary but it is working," Elder Compton said.
Hearing that, I nodded. Only after wearing the ring, I can feel somewhat relaxed. I observed Elder Thornton, he remained silent.
Just as I thought the situation is getting boring.
Beep!
Elder Compton received the notification. "He is here, " after seeing that he quickly rose from the seat and walked up to the door.
His words caught me off guard.
"Get ready and you are going to meet the exploration team, "Elder Thornton said with a smile.
Hearing that, my eyes gleamed with expectation. I hope the new team members won't be rude. From Elder Compton's words, I know the exploration team members are seniors and are quite older than me.
The next second, I heard footsteps coming in our direction. I saw Elder Compton walking toward us. But my gaze set on the middle-aged man beside him. The middle-aged man has a heavily built physique.
My expression tightened instantly as I felt the oppressive pressure from the middle-aged man. Even Elder Thornton didn't have such an oppressive aura.
The middle-aged man appears to be 50 years old. He has short brown hair and brown eyes.
He is slightly taller than Elder Compton. He has a medium tan skin tone. Looking at his bulging muscles, I have a vague feeling about his element.
On the other hand, Erik Lloyd is speaking with Leader Compton. Suddenly, he noticed the appearance of two new people in the living area.
Erik quickly thought of something and realised these people might be related to their leader. Then his gaze immediately fell on the young-looking kid.
A cold glint flashed into his eyes as he realised this kid might be the new addition to their team. " is he the one?" He asked.
Compton wrinkled his eyebrows. He had not expected him to arrive so soon. Fortunately, the ring was worn by Zack. There is nothing to worry about anymore.
"Ha...Ha...Ha..."
"Erik, let me introduce my friend to you." He said with a laugh. Then he began to introduce Elder Thornton.
After doing that, he looked at Zack and answered, "Yeah, he is the one."
"Zack Lockwood"
Erik Lloyd remained silent for a moment. He began to observe the young man named Zack in front of him. He began to probe without asking anything.
It was totally rude. Elder Compton and Elder Thornton quickly realised what Erik was up to. But both didn't raise any voice against it.
Elder Thornton laughed inside, "I have to say, Zack acted swiftly this time."
On the other hand, Elder Compton felt glad that he had this treasure. Otherwise, he won't know how to convince this guy.
Erik Lloyd wrinkled his eyebrows in confusion. Because when he tried to probe, he felt a huge wall blocking his sense.
"Damn it,"
"Hey, brat, what is your cultivation base?" Erik Lloyd asked in a threatening tone.
Hearing that, my face instantly turned dark. I thought Elder Compton's team members are humble and nice.
But this guy is pissing me off. Before I could answer him, I heard Elder Compton's voice.
"Early Trainee Warrior"
"Zack is Early Trainee Warrior, so can you stop acting rude right now," After saying that Compton placed his hands on Erik's shoulder.
Erik's expression has changed drastically. Because he felt Elite level pressure from Leader Compton.
Compton is using his hand to suppress Erik completely. These two were related to Leader Compton.
If he doesn't stop his actions right now, then he will be humiliated by leader Compton. He looked at the brat in front of him with a cold gaze.
He agrees that this is not the right moment to act. He will get plenty of chances in Trunulesia Forest.
The next second, he changed his attitude.
"Ha...Ha...Ha...."
"Leader, I'm just joking right now"
"I wanted to see whether Zack is courageous or not," Erik Lloyd said with a laugh.
After saying that he revealed a wide smile on his face. His demeanour changed compared to a few seconds ago.
Seeing that, Compton retracted his hands from Erik's shoulder.
He knows Erik's attitude. Erik is not okay with his response. He will surely cause some problems in the Trunulesia forest. Compton decided to remind Zack about it later.
"You are an Early Trainee Warrior at a young age"
"Which Tier-7 city are you from?"
Erik Lloyd asked back-to-back questions. Which immediately raised the dissatisfaction of everyone. Elder Thornton wants to smack this fellow.
He doesn't know whether Erik is deliberately making things difficult for Zack.