Chapter 201 She is not that kind of person
Elbert drove back alone, smirking in satisfaction.
Trinity was alluring and dangerous; the kind of woman who could make a man lose his head. However, he knew better than to fall for her act. She was playing a role, an international agent on a mission.
Robert said, "Elbert, are you daft? That woman is a goddess! Beautiful, wealthy, and she can handle herself. Marry her already! Besides, you're missing the bigger picture here. Dark night, wind in your hair, alcohol flowing, handsome man, beautiful woman... it's practically a recipe for exploring those primal urges!"
Elbert snorted. "You're talking nonsense, Robert. Trinity isn't like that. It was a test, and you wouldn't understand. Human interaction isn't exactly your area of expertise."
A notification popped up on his Gemini app.
[Sender: Nora]
'This woman...' He shook his head, smiling.
The message contained a picture. Trinity, clad in a black silk camisole that left little to the imagination. She was perched seductively on a bed, nibbling on her lower lip.
The caption read: [Hey handsome, what do you think of my new nightgown?]
Elbert's eyebrows shot up. Bold move.
Robert spoke up, "35% chest exposure, 80% waist, 75% legs... Elbert, explain this 'human nature' you speak of."
"Robert," Elbert growled, his face flushing, "turn that off. Some things are not meant for your eyes."
Soon, another picture arrived. This time, she was wearing a sheer red negligee.
Robert commented again, "I don't get it. It's just a female body. Why is your heart rate accelerating? You're a new human, for crying out loud!"
"Robert, please stop talking and focus your drive. I need some peace and quiet."
By the time they reached Lab Graveyard, Elbert had dozens of unread messages from Trinity. He ignored them all.
The sound of crashing metal and grunts snapped him out of his thoughts. Thankfully, they were in a deserted area; otherwise, someone would be calling the authorities about the noise violation.
Summer, clad in black sportswear, and Quentin, his metal arm gleaming, were locked in a fierce battle, their movements a blur of speed and power.
"I'd been gone for four hours, and they're still at it?" Elbert sighed.
When he left the car, the two broke apart. Summer, his usual stoic expression replaced with exhilaration, grinned at Elbert.
"Bro, this guy's a beast! You sure know how to pick 'em. I call dibs on the next round!"
Quentin propped his baseball bat on the ground, panting. "This lad is tough, Paul Three, but I'm tougher. Give me three days, and I'll take him down!"
"Then I'll be waiting," Summer retorted, his eyes gleaming with competitive fire.
Elbert had Quentin figured out. He was a good kid; passionate, with strong justice and an even stronger competitive streak. Definitely friend material.
"How about some refreshments first?" Elbert suggested, walking past them. "Water? Food?"
"Thanks, Paul Three," Quentin replied, "but I'm good. Got my trusty tent right here." He hefted his baseball bat and turned back to Summer. "Round two?"
Later that night, Elbert sat in his lab, sleepless. The sounds of battle raging outside were impossible to ignore. He resorted to watching the spectacle through his surveillance system.
Robert said, "Quentin's ability is fascinating. His rate of improvement is off the charts."
Elbert nodded. Summer, with his A7-level strength augmented by his cybernetic arm, was practically a B+ level combatant. However, he was still no match for Quentin, who seemed to evolve with every passing moment.
Robert continued, "I've dubbed his ability 'Absolute Hit.' It's a form of heightened consciousness, allowing him to strike any target with pinpoint accuracy, as long as there's no interference. This heightened perception also allows him to adapt and improve his combat skills at an alarming rate."
"So, he's worth cultivating?" Elbert mused.
Robert replied, "Most definitely."
"He'll have his work cut out for him if he wants to beat Summer," Elbert said, slowly smiling. "Summer might not have any special abilities, but his willpower and stamina are superhuman."
Robert said, "Speaking of stamina, are you sure you don't want to see Trinity's new photos?"
"No," Elbert said firmly, despite the blush creeping up his neck.
The next morning, Elbert woke to a flood of emails from George, the Northern Sea Pavilion envoy. The man had been busy, spreading the word of Paul Five far and wide. Robert had compiled all the information into a digestible format; a map of Veridiania.
But this wasn't just any map.
It depicted the Northern Sea Pavilion's spread, a sprawling network spanning thirteen cities, like a spider web slowly enveloping the entire region. Main branches, dozens of offshoots, infiltrating every level of society in every industry imaginable. Moreover, it was growing stronger by the day.
Elbert had to hand it to them; they were well on their way to becoming a force to be reckoned with. The Divine Network, indeed.
Of course, Elbert had Robert monitoring their every move. He was happy to let them grow, but only under his watchful eye. Any sign of reckless ambition or threat to the kingdom Steven had built for him, would be met with swift and decisive action.
The sounds of fighting outside ceased abruptly. Elbert stepped out of the lab to find Quentin setting up a small tent, nursing a bruised face and gnawing on a piece of dry bread. Summer leaned against a tree, his mechanical arm coated in dust, watching silently.
In the distance, Leonard and a squad of SWAT officers arrived, cleaning up the aftermath of last night's assassin encounter. Coco, Elbert's loyal canine companion, trotted over, a large bundle strapped to its back.
"Here, Summer," Elbert said, opening the bundle to reveal roasted chicken and beef. "You must be famished."
"Thanks, bro," Summer said, grabbing a drumstick.
Quentin eyed the food longingly.
"Care for some, Mr. Athlete?" Elbert offered.
"No!" Quentin declared, puffing out his chest. "I will defeat you all! And I won't be swayed by your… your… delicious-smelling distractions!"
Elbert chuckled.
Suddenly, a group of SWAT officers surrounded Quentin, their weapons drawn.
"Hold it right there!"
Quentin froze, mid-bite.
Leonard walked up to Elbert, a thermos in his hand. "You've been busy. Six cards in one night?" He gestured toward Quentin. "And why is this one still breathing?"
Elbert grinned. "Officer Reed, you're looking at a valuable asset. A killer of killers."
Leonard raised an eyebrow.
Elbert explained Quentin's… eccentricities. Leonard listened, his expression unreadable.
"So, the old man took down six assassins last night?" Quentin piped up.
"Four, to be precise," Elbert corrected. "You and Summer took care of the other two."
"What?!" Quentin exclaimed, his jaw dropping. "This is unacceptable! The score gap is widening!" He turned to Summer. "Our nightly duels are still on! But during the day, I'm hunting assassins!"
"You'll be lucky to walk after tonight," Summer retorted. "And you're delusional if you think you can take on him."
Quentin looked at Elbert. "Just you wait, Paul Three. Once I've dealt with these assassins, you're next!" He then calmly resumed his position within the circle of armed officers and continued munching on his bread.
Leonard burst out laughing.
"He's not bad," Elbert said, lowering his voice. "B+ modified human. I could probably convince him to join your SWAT team."
Leonard's eyes lit up. "Seriously?"
"When have I ever let you down?"
"Never," Leonard admitted. He paused, then added, "So, about my case… and Trinity… when am I going to meet this mystery woman?"
Elbert's face flushed at the mention of the woman in red. "You'll have to take that up with Paul Two. I'm… busy." He turned to leave.
"Why is your face red?" Leonard called after him.
"You're seeing things," Elbert mumbled, climbing into his car.
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