The Degree
Erina's Residence

After walking for a few minutes Ray arrived at Erina's residence.

Who would have guessed that his residence was so similar to a small palace?

The courtyard is quite wide and around the castle there is a fortress that covers it.

Ray did not understand whether he built it himself according to his taste or it had been since the beginning like that apparently.

Even so Ray did not want to ask him unnecessary things.

“Welcome to my palace. How's looks? Isn't it very beautiful?” Erina smiled happily as if waiting for a compliment from Ray.

Ray himself did not care much about it and his indifference made Erina puff her cheeks.

No matter how sweet a woman is, Ray will never be fooled by a beauty. If he is that weak then until now it is not appropriate for him to live.

As Ray nonchalantly followed Mein and Erina, he was surprised that there were many fellow participants in his castle. Those people strangely lined up while bowing respectfully.

It seems embarrassing because in the modern era there are still people who like the unique formalities of British nobility in the past.

Again Ray did not want to comment on anything about the place. But there are certainly some interesting things to talk about.

“It seems they are very submissive to you. It was surprising and scary when thinking how great your Degree is to be able to subdue many people.”

“Maybe they are submissive to my incredible beauty, right? To be honest in this place there is no one prettier than me. Mein was below me while no one else was driving.”

Whether it was mere arrogance or what, yet Ray could not refute it because he had yet to see who was above Erina.

There is Terumi. If it was about the face he would be at the top but his body assets would not compensate Erina.

I'm not sure that capitalizing on beauty can conquer everyone to women. Her thought.

The world is only fair to beautiful and handsome people, the reality is indisputable.

Ray kept his thoughts on Erina for now and increased his vigilance.

“You don't have to be that wary. I promise not to tell anyone to hurt you. Besides I wouldn't want to hurt that beautiful face.”

“Although so does not mean I should not be wary of anything. I don't want to choose regret for reducing vigilance.”

Ray has a principle that he won't regret any of his choices. And because he doesn't want to regret, he won't do things that make him regret.

People who regret their decisions are more likely to fail in the future.

Ray is not a failure and will not want to be a failure.

“Fu fu, you are indeed an interesting person. We have one other resemblance apparently.” Erina started giggling cheerfully, “You know? I also did not lower my alertness at all usually. But only to you I can't show it.”

“I don't know it's a good or bad thing.”

Inside the castle is very magnificent with various paintings that of course Ray does not understand.

The floor is decorated with a beautiful red carpet and sturdy pillars support the castle to stay upright.

Ray was amazed that there were still people who built complicated places such as castles which cost a lot.

Erina immediately led him to a room that had a square table for two people. The surprising part was that the chair had just been provided by Mein with incredible speed and prowess.

“It was surprising because there was someone who wanted to be a waiter even though this place demanded we complete all the tasks.”

Ray had absolutely no idea about Open World and why Erina could be so relaxed. In addition, all those who have lived for a long time also live without burden.

It was almost as if they did not find any dangerous tasks to deal with.

Erina refuses to answer Ray before the food arrives. Mein brought a piece of steak meat for both and an expensive-looking wine.

“Let's talk while eating. I know you've suffered for the last four tasks.”

Erina greeted him kindly but Ray did not respond immediately. Then Mein came carrying a knife and fork for herself.

“Sorry for my sassness.” Mein cuts off Ray's piece of meat and puts it in his mouth.

Seeing him chew and swallow without problems was enough to convince Ray that his food was not poisoned.

“You're too alert, my dear. No one is foolish enough to poison another when his Degree is unknown at all.”

“Why don't you try it? Who knows you'll find out what degree I have.”

“That's a good way but I can't do it because you are my weakness.”

Ray had no idea what Erina was saying. Either he's really in love at first sight or just trying to flatter Ray for a cause.

This is the first meat since I entered this place. All this time I only bought cheap food packages.

Ray needs protein to restore his body condition.

He was still unsure about whether the meat was safe to eat.

“You should eat, baby. I don't know if you've used your Degree or not. But you need to know that using the Degree requires a lot of energy.”

“What do you mean?” Ray stopped his hand and looked seriously at Erina.

“Just think about it, are you sure we use the Degree without ever losing anything in return? It's just speculation. To use the Degree requires stamina that is not small and may also require a little blood every use.”

Sacrificing blood and stamina if you want to use the Degree. Ray understands that everything has its own source of energy but he does not understand why blood is a source of energy for the Degree.

Although Erina said it on the basis of mere speculation but there must be an event that made her able to draw the conclusion.

“I've seen someone really get dry for constantly using his Degree. My conclusion comes from there. After all, even so there seems to be something else that becomes a source of energy Degree.”

Erina ate a meal and a glass of wine that had been prepared so gracefully. Ray did it because he had ensured his safety.

Sweet savory meat immediately flooded his tongue. In this world eating good food is the happiness one can achieve.

“There are many things about Degree, Secret and everything related to him is still a mystery. Even those of us who are from the first generation cannot reveal more about him.”

That meant Secret was actually able to hide a lot of things staying in the shadows.

Ray wanted to ask something else and discuss it seriously, but for now the priority was to understand the current situation.

“I've been curious since coming to this Open World. In addition to the atmosphere being so peaceful, people were seen without the burden of duty. It is as if the task no longer exists. Then ... I don't understand you mean put some people who have the intention to kill me.”