CHAPTER 59: CH 59: A DIFERENT PARTNER

The strange but awkward silence that filled the area caused everyone to awkwardly look at each other, wondering what they should do next. Finally, Dani decided that this was a waste of time and stepped forward.

"Alright, I think this silence speaks volumes about how awkward the situation is. I think we should call it a day and head back. Speaking of heading back, can I crash with you both today? I can share the room with Cane."

Dani offered and Ai glared softly at him. She was trying to tell him something with her stare, but Dani pretended he did not see her.

Cane was the one who sighed and decided to tell Dani why this was not a good idea currently.

Sigh

"As much as he did want Dani to come and stay with him and Ai, he didn’t think that would be possible. He was already sharing a room with Ai at the inn."

Cane told Dani and his friend’s eyes widened as he looked at Cane and then Ai and then back again. Confusion swirled in his eyes for a second before they cleared and he placed his hand on Cane’s shoulder.

Cane wanted to take a step back and pull himself away from that touch. But there was nowhere for him to go but back.

"Look, I get it man. I understand that you have needs and Ai looks like a good person to let your desires out on. But man, you should be a little careful or you might break her. Anyway, enjoy your time with her..."

It took a few seconds for Cane to get what Dani was telling him, but once he did, his eyes widened and a barely concealed blush appeared on his face.

That made Cane’s face redden even more and he defended himself even harder.

"Don’t think that he was joking. He was telling the truth here. He decided to share a room with Ai for financial reasons and nothing else.’

Cane gave a clarification. But the more he spoke, the more pitiful the glance cast at him got. In the end, Dani even clasped his hands around Cane’s shoulder and gave him a truly pitiful look.

"To think that times are this tight for you. I truly feel sorry for you here."

Dani told Cane before he pulled back in time from getting attacked by Cane. He let out a sigh as Cane fumed and had to be calmed down by Ai.

’Ah, young love. They are so cute. It’s just too bad that Cane won’t be able to persuade this love of his since Ai is an NPC. Should he set Cane up with someone else?’

Dani asked himself, but then decided not to do that. Cane was capable enough to find a girl on his own. And if not, then it was not Dani’s fault but Cane’s own wish to be alone.

"Anyway, we should head back now. Dani, did you get a partner for the mage championship? Do you want him to be your partner?"

Cane asked, and Dani paused to think before he turned toward Ai.

"I want Ai to be my partner...before you attack me, it’s not for the reason you are thinking of. I want her to be my partner because she has a high attack base, unlike you. Besides, didn’t you get an invitation from Lee Heera? You should be her partner instead."

Dani reasoned as he stepped back to avoid any trouble that could be caused by Cane’s anger.

Cane paused to hear what Dani had to say, and he hated to admit that it made sense in his mind. But that did not mean he wanted to show that on his face.

Seeing that he had Cane’s attention, Dani decided to continue to speak.

"Lee Heera is currently being funded by the game association and has much more resources. She also talked about how she wanted to take you as her partner, so you should use her as much as you can. He can take Ai as his partner to the central server to make sure they all make it there."

Dani’s reason was solid, but it still left a bitter taste in Cane’s mouth. He would rather not have Dani and Ai be partners if he could help it.

’But it is more important to see what Ai thinks than what he thinks. Does she even want to go to the central server?’

Cane sighed and turned to look at Ai for answers. Ai had been quiet all this time, so she felt a little startled when Cane suddenly turned toward her.

"Ai, what do you want to do? Do you want to head to the central server?"

Cane half wished that she said no while also wishing that she said yes so that he could take her with him.

It was all up to Ai now and Ai paused to think what she should do now. But Ai had already made up her mind.

To return to her home and to report what was happening in here, she needed to head to the central region. She had been subtly searching how to reach the central server and now she finally had a chance.

Most of her consciousness felt sour about this. She did not want to get external help. Especially from someone who was almost her love rival at this point.

It left a bitter taste in her mouth just thinking about it.

’But her mission comes first. She needed to put away personal feelings and focus on her mission. She needed to head home as fast as she could.’

So even when Ai knew that she should not put her trust in a stranger, she decided to take this chance.

"I don’t mind being the partner. I am curious about the central server as well."

Her words made Cane pause while Dani gave Cane a look of superiority.

"You see Cane. She wants to come with me. You are worrying needlessly here."

Cane just sighed but did not argue any further. He had understood that arguing was of no use here.