I Became the Cute One in the Troubleshooter Squad-Chapter 133: The Incident on the Luxury Airship (1)

The candidates responded enthusiastically to the shocking announcement that all the facilities on the airship were free. They certainly hadn’t expected to enjoy such luxury while taking the Fixer exam.

The next task could be worried about later. For now, it was better to rejoice in what was being given to them in this moment.

While the White Team candidates were showing somewhat confused reactions, soon the Red and Blue Team candidates also entered the airship.

"Tch... That guy's still alive..." "Where did that guy go? I need to get back at him for betraying me..." "That traitor! He's running away and passed the exam!"

Naturally, the candidates began glaring at each other with hostility. After all, they had just betrayed and fought each other before, so it was inevitable to feel uncomfortable when meeting like this suddenly.

Left unchecked, there was a high likelihood of a fierce confrontation. But the examiners, as if used to such situations, casually approached Tempest.

"Tempest, the Red Team has arrived." "The Blue Team has arrived." "Ah, good. Good work. It's almost time to go home. I'll make sure to speak with the Association about this. ...Hey, kids. Keep it down. Do you plan on fighting here? Well, fighting is good for your health, but remember, the one who causes the damage has to pay for the repairs, right?"

By the way, the cost of repairing the airship, with its specialized repair personnel, was incredibly expensive, right? Tempest casually spoke, as though it were a boring story.

Though his words were somewhat nonchalant, the intent behind them was strong. The candidates, who had been baring their teeth at each other, cleared their throats and lowered their heads.

No matter how angry they got, none of them would be willing to forfeit and pay for the repairs. After all, it would only be to their detriment to act out with someone as powerful as Tempest right in front of them.

As the heated atmosphere among the candidates gradually cooled, Tempest looked around them and added one final remark.

"Alright. If there's anything scheduled, I'll notify you through your watches. Until then, take a good rest. Just remember, if you forcibly remove your watch, there will be severe penalties. Understood?"

And that was the end! Tempest finished his words and swiftly turned his back, leaving the area. The examiners followed behind, giving a polite nod as they moved away.

The candidates, who were left behind in the lobby, exchanged cautious glances with each other. Some of them dispersed for rest, others for food, and some for entertainment.

Among the candidates disappearing into the lobby, someone pushed through the crowd and called out to me with a cheerful voice.

"Ah, Yuria!"

"...!"

The voice belonged to none other than Alice. Had this task not been too difficult for her? Her face was filled with joy at meeting me, and there was no visible exhaustion.

But just as she was energetically running toward me, her steps abruptly stopped. It was probably because a strange woman had attached herself right next to me.

"Um... who...?"

Naturally, the woman in question was none other than Vespera. She was someone who found me strangely likable the moment she saw my face. Unless I pushed her away, she was bound to accompany me.

So, the two women faced each other and exchanged glances. Then Vespera, as if finally remembering, lightly licked her lips and spoke.

"You... you're the one who was with the kid during the first task. Hmph, magical energy..."

She carefully examined Alice from top to bottom. And it seemed she had found something of interest, as she licked her lips again.

Now, it seemed she had no intention of hiding her identity anymore. She looked like a true villain. Alice, giving off an air of suspicion, warily asked, her tone cautious.

"Eh... what... what is your relationship with Yuria...?" "What do you mean, what relationship? Well... I like her, so I’m accompanying her. So, are you perhaps her guardian, since you're so nosy?" "S-something like that... We’ve known each other since before the exam." "Ah, I see, but somehow... Hmph, maybe it's better to hold back on saying too much?"

Crack. A ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) spark seemed to fly from the gaze exchanged between Alice and Vespera. It was strange. They were meeting for the first time, but it seemed like they already disliked each other.

Naturally, this was problematic. Vespera was a dangerous bomb, one that even Tempest had to be cautious around. Even though Alice was relatively skilled, she would be nothing more than a firefly in front of the sun when it came to Vespera.

While I didn’t expect them to become close, it would be ideal if they could just be civil with each other. If Alice somehow irked Vespera and something bad happened...

No, that must never happen. So, if it were to happen, then...

"Uh, huh? Yuria?" "Oh my." "...!"

I looked at both Alice and Vespera, then took Vespera’s hand and moved forward. With my other hand, I grabbed Alice's hand and... forced them to hold hands.

Naturally, both were flustered at suddenly holding hands during their little power struggle. I ignored their reactions, focused on holding their hands, and embraced them both.

Of course, this was all part of a plan. If Vespera’s goal was really the World Tree seed, I believed she wouldn’t cause trouble before we reached the Sky Garden.

And since Alice was someone who couldn’t easily hate others, I was confident she wouldn’t cause trouble either. This was the only way to break the awkward atmosphere.

"Heh, heh... such a cute idea. Ah, isn't it just adorable?" "Of course. Yuria is the cutest in the world. You have quite a good eye."

It seemed that my strategy was successful in lightening the mood. The two of them gave a light laugh, shrugging their shoulders, seemingly in disbelief.

"By the way, Yuria, huh? I didn’t know that. It really suits you." "..." "By the way, did you help Yuria during the third task? How did that...?" "Well, a little. Actually, I received help too. I almost had to sleep outside in this cold."

The effect of my peacekeeping operation seemed successful. Alice and Vespera began chatting, with me as the topic of conversation.

Of course, considering one of them was a serious criminal, I didn’t expect them to become friends. But after this exam, our paths would likely never cross again. I didn’t need to worry too much about it.

"Well, that's fine. What’s your name?" "Me? I'm Alice." "Alright. I’m Vespera. Want to tag along for a bit? I’m curious about this kid."

"Really? Is that okay with you, Yuria?" "...!"

Honestly, being alone with Vespera was extremely uncomfortable for me. But if Alice stayed by my side, it would give me some comfort.

Since I knew her goal, she wouldn’t be causing trouble for a while. So, accompanying her for a while shouldn't cause too many problems.

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However, as the situation was slowly resolving, a rather troublesome email was delivered to my watch.

[ Candidate Yuria, please come to Room 101 in Zone A within 30 minutes. If you are late or fail to show up, it may result in a significant disadvantage to your exam results. ]

Could it be that this was the interview before the 4th task? I looked at Alice and Vespera around me and hesitated for a moment.

Should I leave these two behind and go? The feeling that something strange might happen made my head spin.