( Back at the dorm )
Asiva opened the metal shutter between her and Max's room, peeking at a grinning Max who was shirtless and soundly asleep on the bed.
" You know, I can make out from your breathing pattern whether or not you are really asleep ". Asiva said to Max
" Guilty " Max replied as he opened his eyes and looked at the peeking Asiva.
" You know, your eyes are beautiful" Max complimented Asiva who snorted in response.
" You're a flirt, you know Max, and apparently very popular amongst the beast girls ". Asiva reprimanded as Max winced in embarrassment.
Asiva did eventually find out about Max's fling with the cat girl because it was popular gossip in the university and had been teasing Max non-stop about it for the past 2 months.
She was angry at first, but looking at how focused and hardworking Max had been ever since that incident Asiva decided to not be angry and tease him about it instead because that's what a dutiful friend would do.
In Max's defense it meant nothing to him and was just a quickie, however, Asiva hated these sorts of quick relationships the most.
Had Max developed playboy-like tendencies and hooked up with women left and right, Asiva would have scolded him or might even have parted ways with him because she did not wish to be around people who had no goals or focus.
However, Max was sincere in his training the last 2 months, not even sparing a glance at any women, and even Asiva was impressed with his commitment, which is why as a dutiful friend she did her best in teasing Max about the embarrassing incident a few months ago.
" Of Course, I'm popular Siv, my bedding skills are legendary," Max said with a charming grin on his face.
" Oh please, Shut-up before I punch you in the face ". Asiva said, her right eye fluttering in anger as she tried to digest Max's blatant shamelessness.
She and Max had grown much closer over the past few months and had a much better understanding of each other now. Their Teamwork in the woods had become flawless and they trusted each other with their backs.
While they still held some secrets from each other, they shared their goals and ambitions with each other and helped motivate each other to get there.
Two new members had also joined the group, which were Sebastian and the elven Archer that Asiva had defeated in the first sparring called ' Anna ' and the four of them were a nice tight unit.
Max and Sebastian seemed to have a budding friendship because they trained together all the time, while Asiva and Anna were close to each other as they were both princesses and pursued the same sort of education in the academy.
While the four of them went from dorms to university and back together and were on speaking terms with each other. Asiva only had blind faith in Max while she was vigilant of the other two.
For Max, only Asiva knew his real identity, and while he was not averse to revealing his real identity to Sebastian or Anna he just did not feel like he needed to tell them anything, as for now they only knew him as ' Ravan '.
" So Max, when will you tier up? You know you are losing a lot of valuable exp by being stuck at tier 0 every day.. ". Asiva asked Max, sounding a bit worried
" I don't know Asiva, my constitution and agility stats just won't maximize and I won't do it before I hit my ceiling ". Max replied, sounding a bit frustrated himself.
*Bzzzz* *Bzzzz* *Bzzz*
Max looked around before finding his universal phone, shocked to see that his brother was calling.
" Excuse me, Brother is calling ". Max said as Asiva raised an eyebrow but gave him privacy, closing down the metal shutter.
Max: Hello?
Rudra: Hmm, how are you?
Max: I'm good brother, How is everyone at home?
Rudra: You might know the answer to that if you visited home once in a while or at least called.
Max: I-i I'm sorry
Rudra: What is your schedule next week?
Max: I have to train and study, brother
Rudra: There was a tournament back on Earth, the prize was gold or one wish to be granted. In the under-19 category, the champion that won has used his wish and expressed his willingness to challenge you to a fight.
You can decline, but if you can manage some time, Come over for one Sunday, spend the morning with family, fight in the evening and leave.
Max: Do I have to do this?
Rudra: No, it's your choice
Max : *exhales sharply*, I'll be there brother, and I'll win for sure.
Rudra: ..... Ok
Rudra disconnected the call, with a wide grin on his face as he stroked the smooth fur of his pet nine-tailed beast named ' Furball '.
He had enjoyed the confidence in Max's voice and his arrogance in declaring that he would win.
This was exactly the kind of confidence Rudra wanted in his brother and it was what assured him that Max was undoubtedly doing well.
**********
( Meanwhile Max )
" Asiva, I'm heading out to the woods, I need to get more merit points, I guess there will be no sleep for me these next few days ". Max declared
" Okay, I'm coming with you ". Asiva said, quickly starting to gear up as she prepared to accompany Max in the hunt.
Max felt extremely warm in his heart when she did this.
It was moments like this that made him value Asiva highly because she did not question him as to why he was going out in the woods at night, or what his brother told him over the call that will lead to him losing sleep for the next few days.
Her only response was, ' Okay I'm coming ', which was her way of showing that okay, whatever you're going through, I'm going to be with you, and Max appreciated it greatly.
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/// Bonus chapter for hitting the PS target, good job everyone ///