Akes let out a long breath and grew even calmer. Sure enough, once her demeanor changed, Herman's would involuntarily shift to compensate for the difference between them. Just as Ye Chuqi had said, she absolutely could not let Herman dictate the pace and rob her of control over herself.
She had done it, and she found it far easier than she had imagined.
Akes could not help smiling. "We completed missions without riding beasts before, so why do we absolutely need them this time? There's no need to be so fussy. Let's go..."
That last remark was directed at Ye Chuqi and the others. Her companions had stood behind her the entire time, and Nora had even looked deeply worried about her. These were things she had never felt before, and they warmed her heart.
"Akes, aren't you afraid we'll get there first and complete the mission, leaving you without any of the points?" Herman watched her retreating back, a hint of threat creeping into his words.
Just as he always had, he used the things she cared about and her fierce competitive streak to manipulate her thoughts and actions—she really had been a complete fool.
Akes did not turn around. She simply waved a hand, and to Herman, that carefree gesture was full of mockery.
Elmer also realized the situation had become serious. If Akes refused to take the bait, none of Herman's countless tricks would get him anywhere. "Herman, calm down."
Herman's expression was dark, nothing like his usual smarmy, joking manner. "I am calm."
"Then should we..."
"Follow them for now." He refused to believe Akes could remain this composed.
A person's temperament could not undergo such a drastic change in so little time. Even if Akes had managed to calm down, it was only a temporary