IN VERSION

YEAR: 2966

LOCATION: Study Hall, Beginner Region, Secondary Academic Grounds, Orion Inner Zone.

It was evening time already, they had been together for the whole day. Darey attentively listened and maintained a conversation with Theo, and by doing so got more information about him. At this point, he knew everything about his new found friend, but still... He could still not learn of his Special Ability.

"Can I ask you something?" Theo suddenly said, breaking the silence that was present as they walked together.

"Sure..." Darey said, smiling calmly.

"Why did you agree so easily... To be my friend..." Theo asked hesitantly.

"Who knows, I guess I took a liking to you, just like you took a liking to me." Darey responded with a soft smile, which made Theo blush a little.

"B-But you barely even know me... And it's not like i can be of any use to you. We're basically in the same boat." Theo said.

"And? What does that have to do with friendship?" Darey asked.

Theo looked surprised and couldn't speak.

"The truth is... I noticed you from when i got into the 6th floor and began studying. I also knew you kept glancing at my location..." Darey started.

"W-What? You knew?! Was it that obvious?" Theo said, flushed with embarrassment.

"No, it wasn't... I only noticed because i was observing you too!" Darey answered, making Theo lower his head as he blushed.

"So you see... The both of us wanted to be friends, and so we are. There's nothing else to it." Darey added.

"Yeah, I guess you're right.'' Theo said, smiling with a sense of relief.

"See? You've stopped breaking in your words and stuttering. You're speaking normally with me now. I'm happy my friend is getting so comfortable around me." Darey teased.

"W-Why would you bring t-that up now! Oooh... L-Look what you've caused now! Is your goal to embarrass me to death?" Theo stuttered, covering his blushing face to hide his embarrassment.

Darey laughed heartily, and Theo looked up and pouted at Darey, having fun at his own expense. He then started laughing too, he was having fun... With his newly found friend.

Darey smiled to himself, he had successfully won Theo over. He had debated on his method of dealing with someone like Theo, and he was right to choose the warm and friendly approach. Now there was no doubt about it, Theo would remain loyal to him, and he will quickly spread his influence entirely over him. Since Theo looked up to him, it would make it easier to use him.

Theo also had an innocence to him, and his naivete made him easy prey. As Darey looked at Theo laugh, he smiled warmly. This kid indeed had massive potential. As much potential as Kyron and Tenny, maybe more.

By using the Ability he had extracted from Kyron, he was able to measure the energy levels and potential threat posed by anyone he used the Ability on, and so he knew... That Theo would be one of his most useful allies, or one of his most dangerous enemies.

Theo's power was indeed vast, and the fact that he didn't know about it made Darey all the more wary. He then decided to just give up on using COMPLETE INVESTIGATION to figure it out, and just ask him directly.

"By the way... Can I ask a question as well?" Darey said casually.

"Sure..." Theo said, a bit curious.

"What's your Special Ability?" Darey asked straightforwardly.

Suddenly, Theo froze. He looked down as he went silent for a few seconds. Reading the room, Darey decided to let the issue go... Or not.

"Oh, it's fine if you don't want to tell me, I was just curious that's all." Darey added in, breaking the awkward silence between them.

"N-No, it's not that I don't want to tell you... It's just that..." Theo said slowly... His voice unsure.

Darey stared at at Theo, his theory was confirmed after all...

"This one..." Darey thought to himself.

"...I've been using COMPLETE INVESTIGATION on the wrong target." Darey concluded within himself.