As for Xiao Nao, she was a simple and innocent girl. She seemed aloof, yet deeply wished for others' recognition. What El-Elf conveyed to her was: We need you. You are not alone.
Having the two of them join the military was the first step in changing them. Compared to El-Elf's invitation, an invitation from Xiao Ran—the leader of New Jior and the man who had saved them—would make them feel far more valued.
It had to be said that El-Elf had indeed thoroughly investigated the information on every student in the academy. To have gained such a clear understanding of their circumstances through investigation in such a short time was truly impressive.
Although Xiao Ran did not know why El-Elf had done this, he still nodded and went along with his intentions. He first comforted the two of them, explaining that encountering danger was not their fault. If not for them, he would not have discovered that there was an invisible ship there, and so on. Then he invited them to join the military, granting them official positions. In peacetime, they would be under El-Elf's command; in wartime, they would be directly commanded by him.
Xiao Ran's tone was far gentler than El-Elf's calm, detached manner. After hearing him out, Yang Benren and Xiao Nao felt somewhat relieved of their guilt. Their attitude toward Xiao Ran was also far better than their attitude toward El-Elf, and their hearts were filled with gratitude toward him. Xiao Ran saving them alone was enough to make them grateful.
Only after the two had relaxed and left did Xiao Ran turn to stare at El-Elf. "What exactly are you trying to do?"
"Help you eliminate your worries." El-Elf looked at Xiao Ran as well. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "You