"She's been able to achieve a lot by collecting scraps, while also working as a regular factory worker." I said, attempting to convince the Outers of my opinion.
'This is just a guess, but the reason she didn't ascend to a higher position is most likely because she was hiding her skills, and she was slacking off in her main duties.'
Ana's focus must have been constantly divided between work and her personal 'activities', yet she balanced both pretty well. That was plenty impressive.
"She also has a motive. Besides, you guys are understaffed. It wouldn't hurt to have an extra hand on deck."
"But she's just a child. We're not desperate enough to start involving kids." Stefan suddenly burst out.
His face appeared very concerned, and I could tell that he was worried about Ana.
"The Outgroup faces death in every mission. It's never a piece of cake. We're not going to endanger a child just so—"
"I… I… I'm sixteen, for crying out loud!" Ana's voice suddenly peaked above Stefan's, causing everyone to let out shocked gasps.
Their jaws dropped, and their faces were very comedic to watch. Even Stefan, who had been advocating for her safety, froze in place.
"F-for real?" He muttered, still unable to recover from his shock.
"Yes! And by your own standards, aren't you pretty young too? You don't look any older than me."
Stefan would be the same age as Ana, if I wasn't mistaken. In essence, if Stefan could join the Outgroup as a legal adult… so could Ana.
"Hold on, didn't Stefan join since Ainzlark's collapse?" I asked, a little confused.
"No. He only recently joined when he became an adult. Before then, he was training and practising his Magic." Neron answered.
"Ah, I see. But what of Ciel? Isn't she a—"
"You know very well that Lady Ciel is an exception." Neron snapped, falling for my bait. After his response, he realized how I was pulling his legs, and we both smiled.
"In any case, the decision is up to you. Is that fine, Stefan?" I glanced at the slightly blushing boy.
Ana was also looking at him, so he must have felt a little embarrassed.
"Y-yeah, it's fine. I apologize for making assumptions about your age. That was very presumptuous of me."
I wouldn't exactly fault Stefan for arriving at that conclusion. I mean… anyone would pretty much think the same thing if they looked at Ana. Still, it was pretty cool how he apologized politely.
"It's fine. I get that a lot, so I'm not bothered. Thanks for worrying about me, though." Ana gave Stefan a bright smile, to which he responded with a hard blush.
I kinda felt happy for the boy. Now he had someone his age to whom he could talk to.
"Well, this decision is a very important one. We'd like to have some privacy to decide." Even though Neron was the leader, it seemed he ran a democratic administration.
This would make the process slower, compared to autocracy, but I could understand the appeal. Everyone trusted Neron's decisions, and he trusted them as well.
'It's not that bad.' I smiled, wondering if I could have found better ways to lead my team—whether against the Demons or the Nether Cult.
"We'll be going to the other room to discuss. Make yourselves comfortable here in the meantime."
"Fair enough." I smiled, watching as the Outers exited the lounge to go into the Strategy Room, most likely.
I still had my Automatons on them, and I could most likely eavesdrop on their conversation. But why bother? It didn't really matter.
'I also trust Neron's decisions.'
*
*
*
After what seemed like barely five minutes, the group returned.
'That's fast.' I thought to myself.
Perhaps the Strategy Room had a greater Time Magic ratio than the other rooms. Or maybe they were quick in making their decision. Either way, I wanted to hear the verdict.
"We've decided that I will take her under my wing. Ana is very good with crafting devices, correct?" Neron glanced at her, causing both her and me to nod.
"We badly need technical support on the team. Currently, I'm the only one with that level of skill. Beruel knows a bit, but his speciality is Magic. It's a bit too much designing equipment and managing resources alone."
Ah, I see. Just how hard was Neron pushing himself every day?
Not only was he the leader, but he was also their mechanic and developer. He was the strategist as well, and he even engaged in combat with the rest of the team.
'He's spreading himself too thin. I'm sure this will be affecting some of his research and designs.'
It was one more reason why the team needed Ana.
"If you're interested, we can learn from each other and grow. Since you must have some ideas I do not possess, and vice versa, we can grow together and make sure that the world benefits as well. What do you say?"
Ana must have been completely caught off-guard by Neron's words because she suddenly froze. Before long, her body trembled, and tears began to fall from her eyes. Her wide eyes glistened like the sun shining on the surface of the sea, and her cheeks took on a light shade of pink.
It was both a marvellous and emotional sight.
"I… I wouldn't want it any other way." She sniffled, trying her best to compose herself into forming a smile. "Thank you for the opportunity."
Neron smiled and nodded at her. Not long after, though, he cast his gaze upon me.
"Jared, we also had a discussion about you."
I expected that to have happened eventually. It was a good thing he was getting to the point instead of beating around the bush.
"First, though, I would like to ask you what you plan on doing now. Based on your reply, I'll consider what to say next."
My lips curled up to form a grin before I finally revealed my intentions.
"I will simply do whatever I can to help this world, while also striving to return home. That is my goal."
Neron nodded slightly, his smile unchanging. "That's good enough for me."
The Outers also nodded, smiling in their respective ways. Even this world's Karlia, who seemed to hate me the most, wasn't scowling or staring daggers at me.
That was a good thing, right?
"We would like to invite you to join us as an Outer. What do you say?" Neron spoke, stretching his hand towards me for a handshake.
"Our world really needs you. Will you help us?"
*
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[A/N]
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