"How strange, how strange..."
Zhong Yi stared in disbelief at the details on the party panel.
His bond level with Zoe had been rising ever since they left the base.
They hadn't done anything, so why did it keep going up?
Puzzled, Zhong Yi looked back at Zoe, who trailed a short distance behind him with her head lowered.
He thought he caught a glimpse of her lips curling into a furtive smile.
"A date... a date..."
"Miss Zoe, are you happy?"
Zhong Yi rubbed his chin and asked curiously.
He tried to work out what was causing Zoe's bond level to rise.
"Hmph! Why would I be happy spending time with small fry like you?"
Zoe shook her head at once, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"Small fry... Am I really that weak...?"
Zhong Yi's mouth twitched. He wasn't pleased with the label.
Whatever might be true in other Illusion Realms, he was at least a fairly well-known fighter in Palworld's arena.
"Hmph, of course! If you weren't so pitifully weak, I'd never have been kind enough to come out with you."
"From your tone, Miss Zoe, it sounds as if you dislike me?"
"I hate you most of all."
The answer hit Zhong Yi hard.
He couldn't understand it. He was strong enough in Palworld and rather dashing too, so why did Zoe keep putting him down?
"Damn it. I'd be better off with a Palworld creature..."
In a huff, Zhong Yi recalled Zoe and brought out a Frostallion instead.
Ever since Li Moran had captured the extraordinary Frostallion carrying a fortuitous opportunity, the others they encountered were no longer unbeatable. By now, everyone had one.
With Frostallion in the party, fighting was easier, and Zhong Yi didn't have to put up with any nagging. His mood