Dark asked curiously, "What's wrong with him, Demi?" Charlotte shook her head slightly. "Maybe he's under a bit too much pressure."
Dark thought about Victor's situation and nodded in agreement. "Maybe."
Sometimes, shouldering the expectations of so many people was an incredibly difficult thing.
Fortunately, his own pressure came from within.
No one had placed excessive expectations on him.
With that thought,
he turned and walked deeper into the passage. But he didn't return to the competitors' lounge; instead, he turned into another passage leading to the Ring Belt.
Once they were somewhere no one could see them, he said to Bastemon, "Thanks for all your effort today."
But Bastemon didn't respond.
Dark instinctively turned to look. A trace of musk suddenly reached his nose. Before he could turn halfway around, he felt a faint tickle on his neck—the sensation of hair brushing against his skin.
A pair of slender arms took the opportunity to wrap around his neck.
A warm breath, fragrant as orchids, blew into his other ear, making him slightly uncomfortable.
"Quit fooling around."
Dark said helplessly.
That was why, ever since he had crafted [Fusion], he had summoned [Bastemon] only a handful of times.
She was just too troublesome!
"Meow—"
Bastemon naturally wasn't going to be deterred by such a soft-spoken command.
Dark reached out and grabbed one of her tails, then firmly stroked down to its tip!
Like a cat grabbed by the scruff, Bastemon instantly went limp.
Dark casually tossed her aside, acting very much like someone who'd gotten what he wanted and refused to take responsibility.
He straightened his collar and said smugly, "I'm heading out. Remember not to give yourself away."
"All right."
Bastemon followed close behind him, like a wronged little wife.
By the time the sunlight fell on them, they