"You were suggesting I stick with you during the main competition." Abigail reminded him.
"Yes, of course. So, what do you say? While I'm not entirely sure of the contents, there should be at least one event where we are all put in one place."
Abigail would be lying if she refused the offer. Dealing with students at the same mana level with her was already too much and could only go far due to Alex's protection.
So, there was no reason to reject his offer. It may appear as if she was riding on the cocktail of a stronger student, but no one went far by simply relying on themselves. Besides, she wasn't the one making the offer.
Abigail had a pondering look on her face for a few seconds, looking as if she was considering all aspects of his suggestion, but in reality, she had already accepted.
Now, the only problem was, 'What about the rest of the events? A one-on-one match-up would be the end of me. Then again, by then I should amass some points that should be enough to push me to a higher class and receive more resources.'
There were only benefits for her and nothing in it for Alex. This got her thinking why exactly he was doing what he was doing. Naturally, she understood Alex saying her efforts woke him up from his budding arrogance, but that was a weak excuse.
'Or am I the one thinking too much….' She thought and then looked at Julia who remained with closed eyes and her head lying on Alex's shoulder.
"I agree with your suggestion, but…" She finally spoke after a few seconds, her gaze returning to Alex waiting for her to continue her statement.
"I see no benefit you get from doing all this. I'm really confused. Why?" She honestly asked the question that needed to be asked.
Ethan watched in silence as he too had similar thoughts. There was no reason for Alex to go that far. Honestly, it would have been easier if he had an ulterior motive, like having a romantic interest in her.
By all accounts, Abigail was a beauty, but not so much as head-turning as Julia. And with their relationship status basically confirmed, it was clear that Alex had no such intention, so why?
Alex gave a small smile before replying, "I understand your concerns, but there is no ulterior motive behind my actions. We came out of the sieving stage together, so it's only natural we continue the streak, no?"
"So, what you're saying is, you feel responsible for bringing me this far?" she inquired, throwing subtlety out the window.
"That's another way of putting it if you will." Alex shrugged in acceptance. Even so, Abigail was not convinced. There was no reason for Alex to feel responsible for her.
"Think nothing of the reason behind his actions. Some people are just born differently and are genuine in their desire to help any way they can." Ross injected when he noticed how Abigail was having a hard time accepting his reason.
She looked over to Ethan who was just as new to this bunch as her and noticed how he gave her a subtle nod.
"Fine." She finally gave up with a sigh of resignation. There was indeed no reason for wanting to find out his reasons even though Alex had already made it clear.
"Excellent." Alex nodded once she resigned questioning his motives. This was an aspect of his personality he could not help. He genuinely appreciated the ingenuity of Abigail in the sieving event and if she was as fortunate as the other students in higher classes, she would have done even better.
"Ethan, stay in touch and once we're done with this event, we can have our sparring match."
"Don't forget me. I'm in." Ross expressed his interest in fighting with Etha as well. If Alex was impressed with the guy's combat prowess enough to have another bout with him, he would definitely be in it as well.
Julia, well, she was lost in wonderland at the moment as nothing that was going on concerned her one bit.
"Then it's settled."
After taking care of the main issues, they decided to stay longer to enjoy their snacks and get to know more about themselves.
Sometime later, evening was upon them, and they had to leave.
"Okay then, see you guys later." Abigail bid farewell to the trio and left with Ethan. With the remaining trio, Ross glanced at the two love birds still glued to each other. They had already gathered attention from everyone they came across.
From the patrons in the shop, the city dwellers and students who recognized them. Of course, those who knew of them thought nothing of it.
"I'll be returning first. Make sure you guys return as soon as possible." Ross had the mind to give them their space as it was obvious they needed it.
"Of course." Alex accepted his goodwill and watched as Ross headed to the Teleportation Hubs. Julia was still in her own little world and Alex doubted if she paid attention to whatever happened after his confession.
'I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case,' he thought in silence as his gaze remained on the angelic beauty by his side.
"We're alone now, what do you want to do?" He asked her once they were all alone.
"Mm?" Julia came out of her dream world when she heard Alex.
"You've been lost in wonderland for some time now, were you even listening to what we discussed back at the cafeteria?"
"What did you expect when you made me the happiest girl on the planet? I don't care about anything right now. Being by your side like this is more than enough." She replied with her dazzling smile that won him over the second time he met her on the Orbital Ring of Mars.
Alex felt his heart skip a beat when she heard her reply. In all honesty, Alex was still surprised this was happening. He was feeling all sweet inside, and it was only because he needed to project a serious front before their guest that he wasn't jumping around.
"Then let's just enjoy the city scenery and then return." He suggested and Julia agreed, "Yes."