126 Way to One's Heart 3

Silence filled Gabriel's room as Lucas went on his way to walk around inside. He was the only one moving, while Gabriel was only sitting on the bed with a stoic face.

Lucas's eyes were intrigued. Gabriel's room was simple, with only minimal decorations around. As usual, this is a room that almost everyone likes. However, what Lucas was more intrigued with were the books and plenty of scratch manuscripts, supposed to help his cultivation.

"My mother already told me that you knew about my condition, Senior Expert." A cold voice comes from Gabriel.

Lucas stopped walking and then faced him with a calm face. He then went to his side and sat on the bed as well. On the other hand, Gabriel shifted his body slightly to the side to give Lucas some space.

"Hmm... You seem to be a smart kid. However, why does it feel like you didn't like me? "

Gabriel became flustered. He had already forgotten his stoic face and blinked multiple times. He lowered his head and said, "I apologize if I looked that way. I didn't mean to offend you, Senior Expert."

Gabriel was nervous, afraid that he might offend Lucas a little, and so he ignored his stoic face and just went to apologize to him. 

But Lucas knew why Gabriel was acting like this. First, he established his aura by having a calm face, and second, he showed that he was still inferior to Lucas. In this case, Lucas will be pleased and might feel his ego filled by the superiority he felt.

"I am only kidding. Don't mind it. But first, I want to ask about your consent. Do you want to join me?"

So, this is where the talk will begin. Lucas showed his intention, and he didn't underestimate Gabriel. Even though he was only a 16-year-old, he still had Lucas's respect as if they were equals in age. 

Then, hearing that, Gabriel lowered his head. 

"May I ask why you asked me?"

"Well, it is because of your physique," Lucas said.

Seconds later, Gabriel still didn't reply, but in actuality, his voice was so low that Lucas almost didn't hear it. He looked as if he was taken aback by the fact that his physique would attract the attention of someone who was already an expert.

"I see... It was because of it..."

Lucas's curiosity was piqued. After reading his mother, Lucas wanted to learn what Gabriel's personality was. 

He recalled some of what had happened earlier. He also took into consideration what might be his reason for putting his life at stake.

"By the way, why did you join the operation earlier? Wasn't it dangerous, or were you just too courageous to face death? "

"I only wanted the village to be safe," Gabriel said, still in a low voice. 

It was as if he was trying to disconnect with Lucas. It might be because of the fact that if he joins Lucas, he has to leave the village.

"Do you love your village?" Lucas asked.

First, Lucas had speculations from what he had remembered. If Gabriel put his life at stake, then maybe it could be some patriotism. But what was really the reason why he became solemn about the topic?

Lucas had deep thoughts. Which of those had to be considered if his physique was a problem, or if he was unhappy with the fact that he had to join Lucas?

Of course, there were plenty of variables flying around in his head, but still, these two were the most prominent.

"You don't like the idea of rejecting and leaving the village, right? You are in the middle, having second thoughts." Lucas suddenly said that made Gabriel look at him with gaps in between his lips.

'How did he learn that? Was the reason his experience?' Gabriel thought as he continued to assess things.

It is promising if he joins Lucas. As it is common in the cultivation world to get scouted, he knew that rejecting one's offer would also mean offending them slightly. It was as if they were not enough to be rejected, and honestly, those were the most toxic traits in the cultivation world.

"I am afraid that it is the reason." Gabriel calmly responded.

That was it! Lucas already knew it! He has clues, and now that he had slowly made Gabriel open to him, he could ask a direct question that involves his personal interests. 

Of course, it was difficult to discern. That is why Lucas slowly started talking to him without establishing superiority. For that reason, he had established a good image of a good senior.

"You don't have to worry about it. I am not someone who would use status to control one's decisions. May I ask, what is it you are afraid of?" 

Gabriel slowly opened his lips, and unexpectedly, Lucas's readings were working. But still, there were still barriers that blocked their connection. Lucas had to make it clear that he understood him.

"I don't want to make wrong decisions that would put the village in danger."

Gabriel wanted to curse himself for what he had just said. But he felt that he had to answer Lucas's question honestly; there was as if a connection that made him comfortable with him. And still, his subconscious surfaced unwillingly because of this connection they had.

Gabriel couldn't play as he did in front of the fellow clansmen. There was something in Lucas that made him share all his worries without worrying about any of them.

"I see... I understand it too. I have done such things before, and I can understand your sentiments."

Slowly, Lucas made a decision. To make the bond between them stronger, he had to at least show some stories giving signs of their 'similarity'. It is to touch one's heart, and Gabriel isn't a hard one.

At least, even with this, he can protect his image and the peace of his mind. He wanted to make good decisions. At least now that his mind was in a mess, he needed to think properly.

"Maybe you are afraid that I might get offended, right? So, before you overthink, I will inform you that it is not like I will get you from the village. I am here to give you an offer to become part of my sect years from now. And as a sign of assurance, you can ask anything of me."

"..."

"You are still doubting me?"

"No, Senior Expert. I am only speechless. People don't normally be kind like this."

Lucas scoffed as he heard that notion. He wasn't entirely true, and sometimes being too kind at an unexpected time brings doubt. Even so, Lucas continued doing it and even sympathized with Gabriel.

His method isn't perfect, but it's basically a common thing. However, as common as it is, Lucas had some backup plans to save his plan. It's not like he goes into a war without a strategy.

"You... are such a smart kid. Indeed, but I won't listen to your suspicions. I am here to listen to your request. What's on your mind?"

Gabriel looked at him with sad eyes as he lowered his head in front of him, showing great respect.

"I hope you can help my body. I know that my mother already requested this, but I want you to help me with my cultivation. In this case, I will be a good help to my clan."

Lucas smiled at how honest Gabriel was. It appeared that they were slowly understanding each other, and so, Lucas was prepared to show his cards.

"You won't reject me the next time we see each other, right? I might get offended."

This card is an assurance card. It might have posed a threat, but Lucas's purpose was to carve his intentions into Gabriel's heart.

Gabriel, on the other hand, was silent as he nodded.

"I won't reject it if you take me away from my village. But at least, please forgive my mother." Gabriel said.

Lucas was speechless. He slowly understood what Gabriel meant by it. It was as if he had applied a coating of words to his words of fear and admiration.

"I already said that you don't have to be threatened by my power. I am willing to share it with you, so be assured that by the time I get you from your village, I might even bless your village. Not that I will promise to bring greatness to your village, but I will promise to not harm your village."

Gabriel let out a sigh of relief, and he lifted his head to face Lucas. It was for sincerity, and as he made eye contact with Lucas, he slowly closed his eyes and lowered them again.

"Thank you, Master. Please do everything in your interest. I won't question your decisions."

Now, what Lucas has to worry about is the village. Will they accept it and become proud? Or they won't accept it for it to remain the pride of their village. Gabriel was their 'genius' member, and of course, they won't hastily accept Lucas's offer.

But what if he threatens them? It is contrary to his current desires and interests. At least he wanted to keep the calm personality he has. He clearly knew his condition was worsening if he kept on changing his desires.

So, what comes next is to inform the village officials and accept their conditions. It will be a smooth deal.

"You are such a talented kid. I will surely fix this. Be sure to endure all the pain."