Reboot: Mechanic

In the living room at 404, a fierce staring contest had commenced, with two women both glaring at each other. 

It was close to being called a fight, except there was no actual movement and it was merely their eyes talking. 

Their eyes were fiery, almost as if they were combatting with eye power. 

"So why did someone who proclaimed to be a receptionist in Optic Mech be interested or even concerned about the monster wave?" Vanessa asked softly. 

She made sure that her tone was low and barely audible, lest someone else might have heard them. Or more specifically, Shi Tian who was currently taking a shower. 

"The same could be said for you, young miss from Chronosworth City proclaiming to be a weak individual and living under someone else's roof," Mary replied with a smile. Though the smile was more like a devilish smile. 

"I'm sorry? But when did I pretend to be a weak individual?" 

"Nathan had mentioned you being injured by the White Syndicate, but with a single glance, you are fully recovered. At your current state, you could even beat up Nathan if you wanted to. Yet you are still living here shamelessly." 

"That's a matter between me and Nathan, Mary," Vanessa smirked and said coldly. 

"And don't forget, you are here asking me to lend my Ancient Technology. Shouldn't your tone be a bit more gentle and comforting?" She added. 

Mary twitched her mouth, her hand forming a fist, seemingly trying to suppress her emotion.

Taking a deep breath, Mary grabbed a chair by the diner table, sat down, and crossed her legs. 

"Speak, what is your condition in lending your Ancient Technology," Mary asked straightforwardly. As much as she didn't like the attitude Vanessa was giving to her, she also knew Ancient Technology is as precious as one's own life. 

Thus, it was natural that it would be difficult to request something as precious as this to borrow. 

Meanwhile, Vanessa shrugged her shoulders, "To be honest, the monster wave isn't my problem at all. Ancient Technology, the more exposed it is to others, the more danger one would receive. Not to mention, why should I help you?" 

"It's definitely not your problem, but it's a problem for Nathan. And seeing your action earlier, it's clear that you are quite fond of him, albeit not at a romantic level." 

Vanessa nodded her head, not denying it at all. It was true that she didn't mind the presence of Shi Tian, given that he was vastly different from other people. 

Although Shi Tian's actions were occasionally questionable and hateful as well, she was quite appreciative of him. At the very least, he was straightforward with his demand and didn't beat around the bushes like others. 

"I might be fond of him, but that alone isn't enough to request my Ancient Technology." Vanessa then said, crossing her legs, copying Mary's action. 

It would be a lie if Mary didn't notice that small action of hers. 

'Tsk, this Nathan really knows how to make friends. Each one is unique in its own way.' She cursed silently. The friends she referred to were Krissie and Vanessa, but compared to the latter, she found the former much more amicable. 

Clicking her tongue, Mary was in a dilemma, given that she knew violence wouldn't work in this situation. 

Vanessa might have seemed relaxed, but the truth was a far cry. She was on guard the whole time and was ready to retaliate if she made any suspicious movement.

And with her knowledge of Vanessa, she was a powerful Esper Class. Just because she was injured previously didn't necessarily mean she was weak. It was simply that the enemies had ambushed her successfully. 

However, in this type of situation, Mary couldn't replicate what the enemies had done to her. 

After all, their relationship was considered neutral at the moment. She didn't want to jeopardize this relationship and create an enemy unnecessarily.

'It seems like I can only wait for Nathan to convince her. With my presence here, she's too hostile and defensive to get through.' Mary thought to herself.

Had she known that Shi Tian was held in quite a high regard by Vanessa, then she wouldn't have followed him along. Instead, she would have simply assigned this task to Shi Tian.

An awkward silence moment soon commenced between the two women, given that none of them had any other things to say to each other.

Vanessa was guaranteed to make sure Mary won't be able to get what she wanted, and Mary was sure about this fact too. Thus, the only one that could break this iceberg was Shi Tian and whether or not he could convince Vanessa. 

Time slowly passed by, and Shi Tian finally got out of the shower. 

He even went as far as saying, "I don't stink no more, right? Or else the two of you must have been pranking me." 

Mary chuckled softly, stood up from her chair, and walked around Shi Tian, even sniffing in the process. While doing so, she was making some small glances at Vanessa, seemingly checking for her reaction.

And when she didn't see her being jealous or angry at all, Mary was a bit disappointed. 

'What a shame…' Mary sighed inwardly. 

Shaking her head, Mary patted Shi Tian's shoulder and chuckled, "Yep, it seems like you have gotten rid of the stench. But your clothes here are a bit messed up. Let me help you tidy it."

With that said, Mary went behind Shi Tian, pretending to fix his clothes while whispering to him about what had occurred when he was in the shower.

"Huh? Aren't you making things difficult for me then?" Shi Tian was dumbfounded and replied in a low tone. 

"Well, there's no other better candidate than you that could have a chance to request her. Also, don't forget that you have agreed to be our decoy, so if we are ruined by the monster waves, then don't think you would be fine as well. We're in the same boat now." Mary made sure to emphasize the term 'same boat'.