Chapter 16 - Possible Helper

At the receptionist's desk of the gym, he found a familiar young girl looking at him.

The girl has flowing waist-length brown hair that had two hair ties at the two sides of her front hair. She also has bangs swept to the right almost blocking one of her eyes.

Cyril took a while to recall the name of this girl. It was not until she glared at him that he finally recognized her.

Naomi!

She's his childhood friend that he had forgotten after moving to the city! In his past life, he only returned to this town a few times and never really stayed after he decided to continue his study in the bustling city.

He then lost contact with her when he started working at several part-time jobs to survive. Anyway, he remembers that she went to study abroad to pursue her dream of becoming a surgeon after she awakened as E-Rank.

That rank is just a helper or perhaps cannon fodder in the Arcane World so she decided to stay out of it. He couldn't blame her for that.

The fatality rate of the low rank Awakened during this time is quite high… It will only lower after about three or four years when there's already a lot of affordable Artifacts that can be purchased.

"N-Naomi… It's been a while!" Cyril stuttered a bit as he greeted immediately.

"Yes. I thought that you'll no longer visit here. So… how long will you stay this time?" The young girl asked.

"Ahh… I will be staying here for three more weeks. Are you here to train your body as well?"

"Hmm? Yes, I suppose so…" She answered with a bit of hesitation.

Anyway, she brought a bag with her that probably contains a change of clothes so he didn't doubt her.

The two then decided to help each other inside the gym. Cyril realized that it was actually better to train with someone than being alone. He felt like he could increase his sets at this rate.

"Contractor… I think that you have a chance with her. I can speed things up for you. I have a hypnosis ability and I could make her fall for you in her entire life for only 6 months of your remaining life. How about it?"

As Cyril was enjoying his company with Naomi, the Demon suddenly interrupted him.

As soon as he heard Xagan's offer, he almost weakened and dropped the weights he's carrying.

"Cy… Are you alright? We can rest for a while. Don't push yourself." Naomi said as she quickly helped him add the weights on his barbel.

"Ahh… I'm alright, Naomi. Thanks!"

Because of Xagan's words, Cyril became conscious of this young and athletic girl. She has tanned skin without any blemishes and right now, her charming eyes are showing signs of worry for him. He couldn't help but gulp as he continued with his workout.

He's sure that he could even smell her attractive scent even with her sweat…

'Xagan! Is this also your doing?!' He wanted to blame the Demon for giving him these thoughts. Nevertheless, he couldn't speak with him right now and could only pretend that nothing is wrong.

In the end, Cyril had to end his training a bit earlier than scheduled.

"Cy… Are you planning to work as an Arcane Explorer?" Naomi randomly asked after getting out of the gym.

They already changed clothes and were about to go home to fill their stomach.

The young man didn't answer immediately as he looked at the young girl.

"I wanted to… Yes. Are you thinking the same thing?"

"Eh? I-I'm not sure. I wanted to become a doctor, remember? I think I still wanted to be one."

Cyril slowly nodded after hearing this. Although there will be magical potions that will be invented due to the presence of the Arcane World, the doctors of this world will still be important.

As a matter of fact, these doctors would be the ones who will study these magical ingredients and apply them to future medical practices. They would still have a big contribution in the future.

Nevertheless, he wanted to learn whether this is really what she wanted or she's just forcing herself. He recalls that she made a promise to become a doctor when she's only 7 or 8 years old. It is a decision she made when she's still young and perhaps, she could think about it again.

"Well, you will still need to graduate in the next school year so you can think about it... You have plenty of time" Cyril advised. He made a lot of regrets in his past life so he wanted his friend not to experience such regrets as well.

Surprisingly, the young girl only smiled at him before uttering a "Thank you." He almost missed those words as she said them in a low voice before she started walking in a different direction.

Anyway, they would probably see each other again since he'll be here tomorrow.

"Xagan, what did you say a while ago?"

Finally, he can speak with the demon again.

"Kekeke… There are no hidden meanings there, Contractor. I can use Hypnosis to help you with her."

The demon chuckled as he answered his question.

"Hypnosis, huh… That might be helpful in the future. But I don't think I have time to use that for that purpose." Cyril smiled wryly.

Even if he has plenty of remaining time, he wouldn't dare to use Hypnosis with such purpose.

'Though I'm not that handsome, I'm sure someone will still fall for me without hypnotism. I'm not that desperate!' The young man said as he encouraged himself.

At the very least, he's still quite thankful that he learned some other things that he could request from the Demon in the future.

'Wait… It might be useful right now. I know some evil guys that will be Awakened as A-Rank and S-Rank.' Cyril suddenly had an idea.

If he actually became Awakened as B-Rank or lower, he can consider getting help from these future criminals.

The young man grinned shamelessly while Xagan watches him with squinted eyes.