The Degree
Arthur's Deal

“Equivalence, yes? If so I can't refuse it. So, what do you want from me to be able to pose a threat to expose my Degree?” Erina smiled cynically and looked at Arthur with surprise.

Arthur also made the same face as her. From the beginning he had been aiming for this so that he could not hide his emotions when everything went according to his wishes.

In the first place the Order did not think that Erina was the type of person who would not betray like the Order. Arthur originally chose the Order to be made a companion but his current condition is not possible.

“This is not important. I only ask for your neutrality if something happens. Sooner or later I will do something, maybe it will be a big thing, maybe not. That's when I'll borrow you to not side with any side.”

Erina did not immediately agree or give any answers. He was suspicious about what Arthur meant because it was as if the man was trying to send an implied message that there would be a bigger case than this.

“Let me ask you one thing.”

“Please.” Arthur showed no sign of rejection, he expected it and could guess two to three questions that Erina would ask.

Arthur must have prepared the answers to every question he could answer. Although in some places he has doubts but for now it is not appropriate for him to show it.

“What is the advantage for you if something you are worried about happens if only I choose to remain neutral?”

“I don't need to have another burden on my hands. So far from what I calculated makes you an enemy or makes trouble with you more harm to me.”

Arthur already knew what kind of degree Erina had and as he understood it, dealing with it would be a complicated matter. With such an ability it was impossible for one to intend to make enmity with him.

If it was Arthur, he would prefer to stay away from him and act without trying to ignite the fire.

Erina slightly nodded as she understood Arthur's intentions. Suppose something big happens right after the Open World is destroyed, then even Arthur will not be able to overcome Erina. Making sure it stays in a neutral position is a brilliant move.

“Then why did you choose to make a deal instead of threatening me with things like revealing my Degree. Even now you can kill me considering my condition is more vulnerable than usual.”

Erina was so sure she wouldn't be able to hold Arthur back if he started acting. Even if he was healthy, the odds of winning against Arthur one-on-one were no greater.

However, this beginner is very famous because he is by far the most striking. Just like Ray, Arthur was never seen using his Degree but until now he could survive no matter what the situation was.

Arthur closed his eyes before replying, “You know that I can't do it. Since getting into this place my destination is one thing; let's end this game.”

Arthur has a strong idealism of truth and justice. After all, the idealism is also useless because in this place every task is very demanding sacrifice. All Arthur can do is maintain values that can be maintained.

“Even if the situation is urgent I won't do that to you. From the beginning I never wanted to be your enemy and intended to maintain this good relationship.” Arthur opened his eyes and smiled faintly, “If I had a plan to make you an enemy then this conversation would never have happened.”

Erina realizes that her intention to investigate Arthur has been revealed. He felt a little embarrassed as his trap questions were known and ended up smiling wryly.

Suppose Arthur really wants to find trouble with him in the future, then Arthur will never come up with the idea of negotiation in the first place.

“I can understand why you don't want to make enmity with me. But I'm curious about what kind of future you predict will happen until you make steps like this?”

Arthur was a little silent, he did not make a quick answer like before as if he was remembering something.

He looked at his empty hand but as if he was grasping something invisible and fragile. His gaze looked sad, as if he had the greatest regret of his life.

“I'm afraid this game will step towards more sacrifices in the future. Be it Secret, Rebellion, or any other mysterious group moving in the shadows. All of these things are definitely bad signs that sooner or later everything will clash at the same time.”

“Where did that conclusion come from? It could be that one or two of those groups would be destroyed in Secret tasks, right?” erina asked as she tried to read Arthur.

“On one occasion I got a bonus assignment whose main prize was to ask Secret.” one thing

Erina was a little surprised when she heard that Arthur had such a rare opportunity. So far Secret has only invited people with certain talents to get permission to ask one thing. Even among the first generation, as far as Erina was concerned, only the Order got the chance.

“I asked how the end of all these experiments. You know what the answer is?” Arthur smiled wryly and looked resigned, “When all the trials are over, then all this will be over. Secret is going to collapse. Serum D will be marketed to many people but may not. Only the survivors of the last hell have the right to determine it.”

Both Erina and Arthur did not understand the meaning at all but readily came to the conclusion that there would be at least a larger process of elimination leaving a handful of people alone.

Erina was convinced that Arthur wouldn't lie about it because it didn't do her any good. But all of these things are hard to believe. Erina massaged her painful forehead before going to the last question.

“...”

For the first time Arthur was silent for so long as if he had forgotten how to speak. Erina furrowed her brows as she felt displeased by her silent reaction.

“What's up? Say it clearly.”

Despite the reprimand, Arthur did not speak. Actually he was thinking about saying it or not because everything might be more complicated.

In the end, Arthur gave up and chose to reveal it at this stage.

“... to be honest, yes. When I saved him from Rebellion and back then, I was being confused by your Degree and Order. Back then, Mona came up with a certain idea. In short, he can know other people's degrees. And from him I know yours and also the Order.” Arthur showed a strong look. “Mona is a trump card that I will defend to death to solve this madness.”

Erina never thought that there was a person with such a degree. Once again Erina marveled at how special the second generation was.

“I've expected it because you defend that woman strongly. So from the beginning you already know that the Order has a degree of physical improvement and not try to antagonize it as you do me now?” Erina smiled boldly.

He confidently managed to guess Arthur's intention but in fact he was misunderstood by his own thinking.

“Ordo may be dangerous because he can increase his physical strength. Regardless of him being a slacker, that guy would be terrible when it became serious but that doesn't mean I'm wary of him. Ten people like the Order are easier to deal with than one like you.”

The Order does have abilities that could harm her but Erina has real powers that she cannot resist.

Hearing Arthur's reason made Erina very unhappy.

...****************...

Name: Order of Maguire.

Age 26.

Origin: Australia.

Degree: Physical Enhancement.

Its power will be able to improve the performance of the body faster and increase the strength possessed to a certain stage. The user could not increase his strength by tens of times as it would damage the body and cause death.

A twofold increase in strength would mean taking the ration of physical strength for two days and using it at one time. One powerful kick would be the same as two kicks of the same force moving at the same time. The fatal weakness is; when an increase of two or more times occurs, the strength in the future will be lost because it is used on that day.

...****************...

Note Author; the;

A little explanation about the Degree of Order.

In short, it's like you're taking all the energy you have tomorrow to use it today.

Parable: You hit the wood once and make it crack. But if you use the increase twice, it means that you give one punch which is equivalent to two blows.

Well, I'm sure without this explanation you've understood it clearly.

In addition, this is what made the Order a slacker and a sleepyhead at the beginning I introduced this character to you.

Thor what about Erina, Arthur and Ray? What about Mona?

Calm. One by one will be revealed when the time comes.

At this stage it is not yet time to reveal Degree Ray, but for other figures it may be near time to reveal it.