The Degree
Colluding

Ray retreated as Terumi continued to crawl closer to him, trying not to get too close but Terumi was so aggressive and kept her face close.

Until the time Ray's back reaches the tree and he runs out right to run.

“Why do you care so much?” Ray did not understand, they just slightly exchanged words at the beginning and that was it.

Generally they will be like people who accidentally cross paths. There should be no conditions whatsoever that prompt Terumi to do so.

“Of course I care because ...,” Terumi looks a little blushing and very clearly trying to find excuses, “There are various reasons! Say, did he do something indecent to you?!”

In this world there are so many unexplained things like the universe and everything in it.

Yet even the entire universe can be explained scientifically but only women are the only creatures that cannot be understood in any way.

Now Ray understands why there are many men who say that women are more complicated than the puzzles of the old drama The Merchant of Venice and the riddles of ancient Sumer.

What's he planning? He's a bad liar.

Ray is convinced that Terumi has a covert intention that might destroy him.

Even so Ray did not find a reason to ask something completely unrelated.

“He did absolutely nothing because I would not have any desire for him.”

“Lying! There's no way that woman didn't do anything to you, then there's no way you're not interested in a beautiful woman like her!” Terumi continued to press on and did not receive Ray's answer.

Is it possible that he tried to spread bad gossip like a scandal for example?

If so there's more reason for Ray not saying anything. Although Ray had only ever kissed Erina, it was not wise to convey it.

“I mean it about that. Why am I bragging about him anyway?” Ray looked directly into Terumi's eyes with confidence.

It was enough to make Terumi really blush and distance herself. He held onto both of his blushing cheeks while occasionally glancing at Ray.

“If so good.” Terumi showed a relieved smile accompanied by gratitude.

Ray furrowed his brows because he did not understand Terumi's actions at all.

On the other hand Leo realized something that Ray might not realize, “It seems that you are so naive and insensitive to women, yes.” he murmured.

Leo wanted to say that when he separated he and Terumi became close but not to cultivate any feelings.

Their relationship was close enough for various thoughts, more like a friend. And during the joint assignment, Leo is almost tired of hearing Terumi keep discussing Ray even though the two have just met.

Leo had no doubt that Terumi fell in love at first sight.

Since it would be interesting to see both then I better not say anything. Leo smiled in his heart.

“Mumpung we meet again, how about partying because it has struggled so far? Besides it's a good thing to get to know each other.”

“That's a great idea! What do you think, Ray?” Terumi became very excited.

Ray himself thought that it was not a bad thing. But he was still wary of the two men.

“Sorry, I'll be passing by for now. My situation isn't really good right now. Besides I don't want that woman doing things beyond my shadow if I know you guys.”

Although both of them are suspicious but I can use them a little.

Terumi looks disappointed but what can be done, “You are right. Because we are on different sides, there is a high possibility of a dispute.”

“Yes, there is a chance the Order considers us traitors and so does Ray. Honestly I want to do something so get away from it.”

Hearing Leo's words of one purpose with him made Ray's slight hesitation disappear.

“Then what if we collude to be free from these two unions?”

Terumi and Leo looked at each other and nodded. The two decide to listen to Ray first.

“Our situation is not at all favorable in any place. Sooner or later Erina and the Order will lose patience. I'm sure you guys have imagined a situation where both sides are fighting it out.”

It was driven by the bonus task of building a large union. Ray had no idea what the top prize was that kept the two from competing for so long but it was definitely not something that could be ignored.

“I can imagine it. Even so there's nothing we can do. Even if we escape the hands of both then we will only end up being fugitives.”

As Leo says that even if Ray escapes Erina's hands she will only become a fugitive.

The situation will never improve as long as they fail to unlock the mysterious fifth task.

“For that I have one way. I'm not going to reveal it for now because the first step we need is to gather information.”

Without sufficient information, Ray would not have been able to establish his plan.

Besides Ray has a personality problem to put his trust in someone.

“So so. You want the two of us to gather information in the east while you'll take care of things that happen in the west, huh? I understand, but what things should we collect?” ask Terumi.

“Whatever it will be useful. For example, such as the environment, the number of personnel and other trivial things will also be useful. Besides, I want you to get anything related to the leader in the east. Even so do not ever ask anything about it because you could have stepped on a mine.”

Simply by observation and acting as usual would be able to avoid both of them from suspicion.

“In addition we also need to have a broad understanding of Open World. I'm sure Secret won't shut up and wait for us to solve the fifth task.”

Secret held these assignments and experiments with the aim of obtaining data on the extent of the Degree's abilities.

To that end it was impossible for them to remain silent when they knew that the participants could not open the fifth task.

There are a lot of things that are still unclear about Open World.

“I understand. Then we'll do it.”

Ray nodded and looked at the darkening sky. Although Ray was doubtful about Erina's Degree, for the time being he needed to learn it.

“Day is getting dark. We'd better get back before something troublesome happens. Then, I'll arrange the way we communicate. Meetings are not routine for security. You just have to write a letter and hide it around the river. Leave a little faint trace so I can find it.”

There are many things that Ray wants to learn about Open World but for now he needs to understand the people who dare to use it.