Chapter 193: Exchange!
After hearing his reasons, Alicia couldn't help but roll her eyes. "If you don't want it. Then just exchange your rewards with me."
Since Luis showed his lack of interest in that skill, Alicia didn't feel any entanglement anymore and stated her desire. "I want that Flying (S) skill."
Luis faced her and nodded. "Sure, but let's wait for your reward to be delivered first. If the skill you get doesn't interest me. Then I might have to say no."
Even if he wanted to just give this skill book to her. He knew Alicia wouldn't appreciate his behavior of using material things to please her. Which is why his answer was blunt. Disregard of feelings.
Alicia understood his intentions and smiled in satisfaction because of his answer. "I'm fine with that."
Just after she said that. Lily's voice sounded.
{Sister Alicia, the academy staff is standing in front of your flat, ringing the doorbell.}
"I see. Thanks for telling me, Lily." Alicia showed a sweet smile.
{Hehe~ No problemo!} Lily was happy to be praised by her sweet Sister Alicia.
Alicia turned to Luis. "I'll go receive the delivery."
---
The academy staff, who was ringing the doorbell of Alicia's flat, was just about to leave thinking that the student wasn't inside. Right then, Alicia came out of Luis' flat and approached him.
"Student Alicia Raven, your delivery."
Alicia just gave a small nod and, taking the parcel from his hands, she went back to Luis' flat.
'She went inside the flat of the top student of the first year. Does that mean the rumor about them being in a relationship is true?' He felt gossipy, but was aware that it wasn't his place to speak. 'I bet my female colleagues would be very interested in these spicy talks about students.'
---
After Alicia returned to Luis' flat. She unboxed the parcel and found that her first two rewards were the same as Luis'. As for the last one, it was also a S-Rank Skill Book just like Luis'. Albeit a different one.
"It's a Telepathy skill." When Alicia said that, she also observed the changes in Luis' expression.
Telepathy (S): A skill that transcends verbal communication, enabling an instantaneous and silent exchange of thoughts, emotions, and intentions.
Applied diplomatically, it fosters nuanced negotiations; strategically, it enables seamless coordination. In times of crisis, it becomes a powerful tool for empathetic support. This skill redefines human connection, making the mind's silent language a potent force for cooperation.
This skill requires high mental strength from the user to be applied effectively.
For Luis, who practices Ancient Spiritual Meditation and has a Mental Fortitude (A) skill, there's no lack of mental strength.
"Alicia, let's exchange the skill books," Luis said with a gentle smile, hiding his greed. His attention was fixed upon the black skill book Alicia was holding.
"Do you want this Telepathy Skill so much?" Alicia asked with a teasing smile. Inwardly, she was glad that Luis was interested in the skill book she received. Otherwise, she would have felt bad taking the Flying skill from him in exchange for some useless skill.
"It's not like I have any other option." Luis shrugged. "This skill is much better than using the Flying skill, which I probably won't use much in the future."
Alicia snorted seeing his antics. "Stop pretending. The look in your eyes says that you can't wait to learn Telepathy."
Luis was surprised, not expecting Alicia to see through him. Especially when he is using his 'Performer Talent'. However, since she already knew, he didn't hide anymore and answered bluntly.
"Okay, fine! So, what if I'm interested? I wanted to have late-night talks with you telepathically. Is that something wrong?!"
A crimson blush appeared on Alicia's face when she heard his reason for desiring that skill.
"Hmph, keep thinking such nonsense. Who wants to talk to you?" Alicia let out a soft snort. "Since you want this skill, just take it and give me the Flying skill."
She exchanged Luis' blue skill book for her black skill book. Then, not wasting any time, she injected her mana into it. Luis did the same, as both the skill books flashed with blue and black lights, then disintegrated into thin air.
Alicia closed her eyes, as she could feel the skill she had learned just now. She channelled her mana, and a few seconds later. Her feet left the ground, and she started floating in the air.
"I'm flying..." she mumbled, then a bright excited smile appeared on her face, and she shouted. "Wow! I'm FLYING!"
{I can see your sexy underneath.}
Alicia blushed and lowered her hands to hide it. Only to realize that she was wearing a full-body training suit. So Luis must have lied.
"You!" She was about to get angry. When she heard his voice once again.
{It seems the skill works perfectly.}
"Wait, you were talking with me using the Telepathy Skill?!"
{Of course.}
Alicia confirmed that Luis didn't move his lips, and it was indeed the effect of his skill.
"It sounded so real. No different from how you usually speak." If she hadn't seen him not moving lips. She wouldn't have felt the difference.
{Try talking with me through your mind.}
{Is this how it works?}
{Yes, perfect! Now you can share your thoughts with me without being shy.}
Alicia deadpanned. Luis chuckled seeing her reaction and spoke.
"Lily, open up my status for me."
{Here you go, Master!}
The familiar hologram screen popped up.
***
[Name]: Luis Suarez
[Race]: Human
[Age]: 16
[Rank]: Order rank (D)
[Affinity]: Lightning (Hidden: Space)
[Talent Awakened]: Sharpshooter (S), Technician (A), Performer (S)
[Hidden Talent]: Illusionist (S), Sorcerer (S), Martial Arts (S)
[Physique]: None
[Bloodline]: Unawakened
[Titles]: Challenger
[Active Skills]: Telepathy (S)
[Passive Skills]: Perception (Growth Type), Mental Fortitude (A), Enhanced Recovery (D), Enhanced Instinct (C)
[Techniques]: Elementary Martial Arts, Henry's Breathing Method (Intermediate ), Ancient Spiritual Meditation Method (Elementary )
[Mana Core]: Rank C
***
"Hm? You divided the skills into the categories of active and passive."
{Yes, for Master's convenience.}
"Good Job!"