It's been exactly one month since we officially started training together. Today marked the end of this transformative journey.
Though there were a lot of difficulties at the start, we still made it to the end. My plan to tame these little pups had worked well, in fact, it's going too well I felt like I held a forbidden power of personality transformation within me.
It's in no way perfect, but having the two of them being a little more considerate to other people was already a plus for me, and they somehow achieved that.
While Xain was apparent in showing it, Cedric was more subtle, like how he spent less time on his phone and listened to his teammates talk instead.
It's a shame that it ended here, but a promise was something that should be kept, so after we arrived at Team Zero's meeting room, I gathered Xain and Cedric.
"You guys must have known what day today is."
Both espers focused their attention on me as I slowly opened my mouth.
"Before that, I apologize for forcing you guys into this selfish training routine of mine. Honestly, when we first started, I wasn't sure I could keep you guys around with just my words and I was kind of desperate, so I used my authority to make you do this training together. But today is the last day. So, let's officially end our one-month training se-"
"Who told you to judge this on your own?"
"... ssion... Huh? But aren't you the one who wanted this to end the most Cedric? Here, I even got your one-week off permit."
Cedric gave me a side eye. He sighed while mumbling, "Our captain is so upright for no reason."
With my enhanced hearing, of course we both know I would hear his mumbling.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
The permit paper in my hand was snatched away by Cedric. He didn't even read it, he just tore it and threw it inside a trash can.
My heart trembled like a building being struck by an earthquake when I saw that.
'No! The hard-earned permission I had to beg Francis for is easily thrown away!'
Regardless of my inner turmoil, Cedric said with a nonchalant face.
"What I'm trying to say is, even if you don't use your authority, we will still come and train with you. So extend your gym and meditation center membership, because we will be doing this for a long time."
He smirked at the end, giving off cool badboy vibes.
I stared at his playful expression for a while then directed my gaze to Xain, he also had that same beaming smile. They seemed to have some kind of agreement on this beforehand.
It was indeed a great sign that they wanted to continue training as a group. Other than physical and mental benefits, we could also deepen our bond as a team. In any way I saw it, it's a plus. And this time they were the ones to initiate it first.
'My little pups are starting to grow up.'
From little pups that either push or avoid human relationships altogether, to little pups that took its wobbly step to reach out to others and create bonds with them. I was so proud watching them as their guardian.
I wiped my nonexistent tear and raised my gaze. My teammates looked somehow cooler and more mature now.
"You two..."
TAK!
"Ouch! Stop it Ethan!"
"Agh! What are you hitting us for?!"
"You little pups! I'm proud that you have become a more sensible person but who told you to tear the permit paper I need to beg my life for huh?! Do you know how many days I have to grovel at Francis' feet to get that, huhh?!"
I whipped out my belt and before long my two teammates were running for their lives inside the meeting room. That's what they got when they underestimated the importance of formal documents.
Today, they would feel my wrath as I ingrained this fact in their brain.
Their journey to become a responsible adult was still a long way to go.
.
.
"Here, your invitation letter."
"Music Festival invitation? Your university hold this kind of event too?"
"Yep! You see those people carrying around boards over there? They are currently building a stage in the university's yard."
When I drove Ilyas to his university, he gave me three invitation letters directed to three espers in our team. It was wrapped in a white envelope with a stamp to seal it. It felt fancy to look at.
Ilyas scratched his cheek and continued.
"I wasn't planning on inviting you guys at first because of how busy espers usually are, but my community leader insisted on at least giving it a try... I guess I easily give in under pressure, haha."
Staring at the cutesy but formal invitation letter, I knew the students here put in a lot of effort to make this festival a success. I personally didn't have anything to do so I didn't mind attending, but I need to ask the other two for it. It would be nice if we could go together, not as teammates but as friends.
"It's fine, we had 4 gates to raid on that day, so if we clear it within half an hour each we can attend before it's over."
"Really? That's great! I'll be waiting. Ah, by the way, I'm also performing to represent my class, you can anticipate it."
"Sure, I expect to hear the most outstanding performance from you."
"You bet!"
I chuckled at Ilyas' enthusiastic response, he seemed eager to show his skills.
Having something to look forward to could increase your motivation to do things better. Ilyas was already expecting our attendance so I need to finish our raid fast so we could attend.
Giving him a soft smile, I said, "I'll be looking forward to it.'