The Black Swan Behind (Beauty of Fire)

291 Reciprocity

Back to the present, the reality was that the four groups that had been the gold mines of the Black Hole had fallen. In other meaning, only Dragger was left.

Then why did Black Hole even act as if Dragger meant nothing to them?

Black Hole should have kept Dragger standing. If in the war Dragger was defeated, it meant that Jen Marrie Street would move into the hands of the enemy.

Pablo didn’t understand what Black Hole was planning. He could even only meet with James alone. In fact, he usually could meet all of the Black Hole core team.

James was the No.1 in the Black Hole group. However, because the group was so large, every decision-making required the approval of all members of the core team which was commonly referred to as the group council.

They really made the group into a big company.

Of all the things that were so confusing, Pablo didn’t have many options at this point.

All he had to do was win the war ahead.

**

.....

Emma knew that today was the last weekend she could enjoy casually. It was like enjoying a clear sky before a big storm came.

The news of the impending big war had been informed to all Black Swan girls. Therefore, all the members prepared themselves carefully by practicing as hard as they could.

Since it was the weekend, Emma gave training and all group activities off. She believed that the members should be able to relax their shoulders so as not to get stressed.

Emma did this based on her own experience. Ever since she was young, when she entered the school exam period, she would study like crazy. However, when it was very close to exam day, Jonas even took her on vacation for two or three days.

Jonas said that a brain that had been pressured to work hard to learn would become stressed. Therefore, the brain must be given entertainment so that it was not stressed and could work optimally.

Even though the method Jonas used may seem strange to some, it really worked for Emma.

Emma thought it might work for her The Black Swan friends as well. But if not, that was not a problem either. She just wanted to see her friends having fun to relieve stress.

The news about the war with Dragger must have at least put a little pressure on most members of The Black Swan group.

After having faced Dragger members in the mission to attack the Beast Empire’s warehouse, all of them could feel for themselves that Dragger members could not be underestimated. Dragger’s members were indeed strong. If Jita Kyoei didn’t come that time, they might end up losing.

“I know, Jonas,” Emma said with the phone pressed to her ear.

“Fine. But I’m ready to tell your papa if you need to increase your credit card limit.” Jonas said to reassure Emma.

“I’m fine, thank you,” Emma answered lightly.

“You really have a lot of friends there, don’t you? Usually, young people who have a lot of friends will often hang out,” Jonas said.

Emma furrowed her brow in confusion, “Then?”

“Do you have enough clothes? You haven’t been shopping very often.”

“Hey, I told you not to keep checking my credit card transactions. You’re kind of a stalker, you know?” Emma scolded.

“Of course, I have to keep an eye on what you’re doing there. That’s my job, young lady.” Jonas answered. “Besides, what do you keep withdrawing cash for? You’re not doing anything illegal or... taking drugs, are you?”

“No, no,” Emma shook her head quickly, “You’re digressing, Jonas. I’m going to hang up the phone,”

“Hey, hey. Wait a minute. You’re really not having it, are you?” Jonas asked, emphasizing his tone.

“Do you know me as a girl who is willing to destroy my own body with drugs? Gosh... I don’t believe this. Looks like haven’t seen my face for almost a year have made you forget who I am,” Emma said with a snort of annoyance.

“Precisely because I haven’t forgotten what you were like the last time we met, Emma. Compared to now, you sound very different. A person can change a lot in a year.” Jonas replied.

“All right, Jonas. Now tell me, what has changed about me? Is it bad or better?” Emma raised her eyebrows defiantly, though Jonas couldn’t see her.

“It-it’s getting better, actually. But, I can be worried, can’t I? I’m a human with feelings too.” Jonas said jokingly.

Emma chuckled. “I know that I’m getting mature. Admit it to the face, Jonas. Then, stop meddling in my business as you promised me!”

“It looks like the little devil will be even more annoying when she grows up. Well... I need some headache pills now.” Jonas said, instantly inviting Emma to laugh.

“That’s because you’re getting old, Jonas,” Emma said.

“Okay then. I don’t want to interrupt your date.” Jonas cleared his throat.

“What date? I’m just waiting for a friend.” Emma replied sharply.

“I believe it,” Jonas replied.

“Hey...”

“I hung up. Have a nice day, grown lady.” Jonas cut off straight before hanging up on their call.

“You annoying old man!” Emma growled as she lowered her cell phone.

“You shouldn’t be so rude to your parents.”

Emma then turned to the voice that was ringing right beside her ear. She was even more shocked when she found the man’s face was too close to hers. “I’ll kick your leg if you do this again.” She said as she stepped back and pushed him away.

“Sorry,” Levi said, stepping past the garden bench Emma was sitting on, then sitting next to her.

“I think this is the first time you’ve asked to meet first. Am I wrong?” Levi said while thinking.

Emma seemed to think. “Is it?”

Levi shrugged. “Forget it. Did something happen?”

“Instead of something happening, a better word is; something will happen.” Emma let out a long sigh.

After the emotionally draining incident that Emma and Levi had experienced, maybe it would be very strange if they met again.

Actually, Emma knew that maybe they would be awkward if they had to meet after that incident. However, Emma did not want that incident to make them stay away. She didn’t want her friendship to run aground for fear of feeling awkward.

They both promised to be just friends. Emma herself also said that they would not be able to be together as lovers. For that reason, if she avoided Levi, it would even indicate that she wasn’t sure she could keep her word.

So far, Levi had been like an advisor to Emma. The man gave her a lot of input during the time she lived in Handway City. Thanks to Levi, she could become more mature in dealing with various problems in her life.

Now, Emma felt that she needed Levi’s input regarding the war she would face. Even if Levi couldn’t help in the end, he could at least give Emma some peace of mind.

Emma knew that this time she was using Levi. However, that man also often took advantage of her, didn’t he? So, this could be considered as reciprocity. They were two troubled persons who lend each other a shoulder.

“So, it’s a problem that hasn’t happened yet? It’s great that you can already predict it,” Levi chuckled.

“Stop joking around, Levi. I really feel pressured now.” Emma rested her elbows on her thighs and used her palms to support her chin. Then, she looked at the river that was flowing in front of her.

“Then, what kind of problem is that? I’m ready to listen,” Levi said, staring at Emma who looked radiant as if she was reflecting the ripples of the water from the river in front of them.