Seven Sins System Chapter 359. Assessment

Seven Sins System Chapter 359. Assessment 

A huff of mild frustration slipped past my lips as my eyes reluctantly left the schedule and met Penelope's explanation. The prospect of having my blood drawn wasn't one that particularly enthused me. My blood had its value, and I wasn't about to hand it out like free samples at a grocery store. Random people, even if they were my colleagues, weren't getting a taste of my life essence unless they were sworn into my servitude. My pride wouldn't allow such a trivial exchange, and my status as a being of considerable stature certainly didn't encourage me to take part in what I considered a humiliating endeavor.

Shaking off the thought, I returned my attention to the schedule, a perplexed frown settling on my forehead. I couldn't help but voice my confusion, directing my inquiry at Penelope. "I thought we were slated for another hunting mission. What's with the sudden shift?"

Penelope offered a straightforward explanation. "We were planning on it, but Theo's team just got assigned a new mentor. Despite the academy touting Aria as a prodigy, they want to gauge the extent of team compatibility. Given the recent events, they're emphasizing the importance of ensuring our warriors remain warriors, not casualties. It's a precautionary measure," she clarified, her words carrying a touch of concern.

Suppressing my instinctual disdain for what I considered the academy's overly cautious approach, I forced a nod and a feigned agreement. The question "Why couldn't you let the students improve themselves with real experience?" echoed silently in my mind, but voicing such thoughts wouldn't align with my current façade as a combat doctor. In my realm, practical, hands-on experience was the backbone of training, a philosophy that produced formidable soldiers. Here, however, the mortal realm seemed to coddle its warriors, wrapping them in layers of precaution and gentle guidance that, in my view, bordered on the feeble.

"Sure, we need to handle this carefully," I responded, my tone measured and diplomatic. A curt nod accompanied my words, the outward manifestation of my compliance with Penelope's perspective. I wasn't here to challenge their methods openly, especially not when playing the role of Dr. Allen, the cooperative and understanding combat doctor.

"Yes, that's why I hope you can help us assess their compatibility, and her ability to lead that team," she reiterated, a genuine smile playing on her lips.

My own lips curled into a smirk. "You mean I will be some kind of jury?" I sought confirmation, my eyes widening with unexpected excitement.

Penelope nodded in affirmation, her gaze shifting to the schedule. "Yes. I've put it on the schedule," she confirmed, a subtle sense of satisfaction evident in her tone.

"Nice!" I couldn't help but let out an evil grin, my enthusiasm dripping from every word. However, I quickly composed myself, clearing my throat and adopting a more formal tone. "I mean, it will be an honor for me," I declared, feigning propriety. The irony of my words lingered beneath the surface, a secret amusement that only I could truly appreciate.

Yep! Puriel needed to bribe me to get my pass or I would give her a bad grade and of course, the bribe would be related to items from her realm.

Penelope acknowledged my acceptance with a nod, her expression holding a hint of satisfaction. "Great. I told Aria too that you are one of the judges," she informed me, a subtle reminder of the responsibility that now rested on my shoulders.

'It's getting better,' I mused, the sly grin of happiness still threatening to break free. The prospect of evaluating Aria fuelled my excitement. A sense of devilish anticipation grew within me.

“But that doesn't mean you can give her a subjective assessment. I know she's quite close to you, and I also noticed that you guys often exercise together every morning," Penelope interjected, her tone a cautious reminder. The subtle implication of her words didn't escape me — she was wary of any potential bias that might seep into my evaluation.

A smirk played on my lips as I acknowledged her concern with a nonchalant shrug. “Hey, I'm a professional," I retorted playfully, emphasizing the last word to add a touch of irony. After all the morning exercises were because Puriel was obsessed with me, not because I wanted to.

Her warning, however, carried a more serious undertone. “I expect an objective assessment from you. If you give her an exaggerated assessment or nonsense, I will consider your assessment not objective and invalid," she cautioned, her gaze unwavering. The weight of her words didn't escape me; my role wasn't just a farce. I needed to ensure that my evaluation held merit, regardless of my personal inclinations.

“Fair enough,” I responded, adopting a tone of mock seriousness. Inside, a sense of irony danced with amusement. The idea of objectivity in assessing a goddess' leadership skills, especially when harboring a devil within, was inherently absurd. Nonetheless, I played along, realizing that this charade offered me a unique opportunity to blend mischief with a semblance of normality in the mortal realm.

"Good," Penelope uttered, a sly smirk playing on her lips. She invaded my personal space, her movements deliberate and predatory. With a tantalizing slowness, she moved her head from bottom to top, her eyes closed as she inhaled my scent deeply. It was a move reminiscent of a predator savoring the aroma of its imminent prey. The whole act exuded an undeniable sensuality that, in any other circumstance, might have been unsettling.

As she opened her eyes, the predatory glint remained, but now it was coupled with a mischievous spark. "See you later, Dr. Allen,” she purred, the words carrying an unspoken promise of future encounters that left a lingering thrill in the air.

I couldn't help but respond with a casual, "Well, see ya," accompanied by a nonchalant smile. Somehow, over time, I had grown accustomed to the peculiar antics of Penelope and her sister, Katrina.

After that, she distanced herself from me and left.