Leo's offer of breakfast seemed nice, but imagining another social meal was not. You hated the idea of the other crew members looking at you. Their eyes attempting to read your every expression and their minds examining your every word. None of that seemed settling.

You: No, thank you. Maybe Lunch?

Leo: Yeah, sure.

Leo: I'll be the chef then too, so you have a great meal to look forward to.

You smiled at him as he approached the door.

Just as he was reaching for the doorknob, he turned back.

Leo: If you ever need--want someone to talk to, you can talk to me. You don't have to be alone.

You: Thank you, but I actually just need to clear my mind. I usually use yoga to do so, but the situation I'm in will probably take a few hours to clear my head.



Leo: Alright then.

He left, shutting the door softly behind him. You listened to his footsteps as he walked away.

You lied down on the ground, pretending to know how to do yoga. Honestly, the only way you could figure how to 

You lied on the ground and closed your eyes, trying to locate Leo by listening to his footsteps. You imagined the turns he made, the door he opened. You blindly watched him until he seemed gone.

While moving your hands, you felt something on a finger. Lifting your hand, you noticed the ring on it. When Hunter had put it on your hand, you didn't mention you would prefer it on a different finger. You thought it would be rude to interrupt him while he gifted you a precious ring. You figured you would simply relocate the ring when he was gone.

The first time you tried to slip off the ring, it didn't budge. It seemed to not be able to get past the knuckle.

The second time, you sat up and firmly gripped the ring and pulled. Despite your grunting and pain, the ring remained on your finger.

Some guy: You called?

Looking up, you realized Hunter stood above you. He squatted to your level on the ground and smiled.

You couldn't think of how to explain you didn't actually mean to call me. Additionally, all you could think of was questions of how he appeared so quickly...and quietly. But, one of Leader's rules was not to ask questions. You didn't care about the rule. You were just tired of Hunter constantly telling you about it.

Hunter: Did I shock you? I should've warned you. You are probably surprised by my sudden presence.

You still didn't speak.

Hunter then examined your body language for a sign of your thoughts. When he noticed your fist wrapped around the ring on your finger, he frowned.

Hunter: (sigh) I am sorry you had to find out this way. I knew if I told you the ring's locking feature, you would feel like a slave. I thought if you didn't know that, you would feel like you wore the ring because you wanted to. I didn't want you to feel forced.

You looked down at the ring.

You: The ring is capable of many things, I'm sure.

Hunter: Unfortunately, I am not authorized to give you the details. Just know the ring is a symbol of your commitment to us. If you were to attempt to remove the ring in the future, it would be regared as an attempt at betrayal. Then you will be taken....

Hunter stopped himself as though what came next was too horrible to say.

You: Well, it's a good thing I wasn't trying to take it off. I was actually trying to summon you, but I forgot how, so I ended up doing weird stuff in an attempt.

Hunter: Oh, really? Well, you don't have to put so much effort into it. Next time, just rub the sides. So, what is the reason for summoning me?

Choice Time:

Chapter 79: I missed you.

Chapter 80: You know how you said I can trust you? Well, I am tired of this mission and I don't want to continue manipulating these people.