Power Thief's Revenge [BL]

The training grounds of the Golden Apple were located in the middle. The building is shaped like a square with a hollow center. 

This allows for an enclosed battlefield, but with an allowance for aerial fighting. There's also a barrier to protect the building itself. So there was no need to worry about heroes accidentally destroying offices and workspaces.

It's like a giant boxing ring, now that Hermes thought about it. 

"Our medic has arrived, so we will begin." Somner said, holding a box of paper with their names in it. "There's refreshments in the corner. I suggest you guys hydrate before we start."

Hermes waved at Eirwyn immediately as he came, still limping on his cane. Though he seems to be in a slightly better condition somehow.

"Mr. Curacio!" Hermes smiled brightly at him.

Eirwyn was equally ecstatic to see him too. "Ah, Hermes. Congratulations on your promotion to the Ninth Department as an official guild member. How have you been?"

"Ah, I'm doing better than I expected, Mr. Curacio… Hehe…" Hermes said. 

Even with the constant fear of being found out for his true identity, things were working out pretty well for him. 

He got to date and sleep with a pretty S-class hero, got promoted, and now have a chance to get a higher rank once he took the RAM test.

The kind HR manager placed his hand on his shoulder like a proud mentor. "I'm pleased to hear that. Remember what I said, alright? A sudden rise can cause conflict with others, especially since everyone here is very competitive."

"Mm! I'll keep that in mind, Mr. Curacio."

"Haha, I told you to just call me Eirwyn, right? Especially when nobody could hear us."

"Hahaha! Yeah, I forgot. Thanks, Eirwyn."

Somner watched from a distance, drinking a bottle of water. After seeing the two smiling at each other and acting all chummy, he squeezed his bottle hard, causing its contents to shoot out to Fiero's face. 

"Hey!" Fiero was now soaking wet, and the Cloud Nine Squad burst into laughter.

"Hermes!" Somner called out. "Stop lollygagging, you idiot! Didn't you hear me? We're about to start!"

Hermes was still giddy from seeing the nicest person in this guild, so he did not mind Somner's scolding. "Coming, boss!''

"Best of luck." Eirwyn waved as he left. "Don't push yourself too hard, ok?"

"Yes, Eirwyn!" Hermes replied back. "I know you'll take care of us if anything happens anyway!"

"Sure will!" The man elegantly bowed, even with a cane.

Somner's jealousy flared up even more. "Hmph. Since when have you been so close to our HR head to be calling him by his first name?"

"Oh." Hermes smiled sheepishly. "We don't actually know each other that long. He just told me to call him Eirwyn. He probably does the same for everyone else because he's so nice, hehe."

Somner arched his perfectly-shaped eyebrow.

"Well, I've been calling him Mr. Curacio for years now. And he never suggested for me to call him otherwise. So I guess he has favorites, eh?"

Hermes sighed. Guess Somner really was like a feline— crazy territorial but allergic to showing affection.

He wished that Somner would just be straightforward about it. Hermes was an easy guy, since he never had experience. If someone asked him out properly, he would say 'yes' and be as loyal to them as a dog. 

Speaking of dogs, Hermes wondered how Xolo would react to Somner if he took the tsundere to his place…

Somner only dropped him off in front of his apartment last night. 

***

"Ew. You live in this place?" — That was his instant reaction upon seeing the cheap dilapidated building. 

"It's all an intern like me can afford." Hermes shrugged as he got out of the car. "You guys don't pay me so I have to make do with what I saved up during my college days. And it's running out fast already with how expensive the cost of living in the city is."

Somner shook his head disapprovingly. "Once you get your first salary, you have to move out somewhere better, ok?"

"Uh… I don't think the first would be enough." Hermes scratched his head. "I have to save up at least six months of pay in order to pay my debts."

Somner smacked his forehead. "Then just live with me then!"

Hermes frowned. "What?"

Even Somner seemed surprised by what he said. He seemed to have slowly realized how ridiculous it was, asking someone who he didn't even actually sleep with to live with him. 

"It's just because you're acting so pitiful, ok!?" Somner crossed his arms. "You keep complaining about being so poor and stuff so I'm just suggesting a solution!"

He then immediately added: "B-B-But it's not for free, ok! You have to do everything I say and work for me—"

"And be your 'Master' whenever you want me to?" Hermes already knew where this was going. 

'So basically a sex slave, but a dom sex slave. Got it.'

Somner turned completely red. "What, you think that's all I see you as!? You think I'm just some perv who'll take advantage of your status just so I can get my rocks off? I enjoyed it a lot but if you hate being my Master so much, then nevermind! Nobody's forcing you to!"

He hopped into his car and drove quickly without saying goodbye. 

***

Hermes did feel bad about that, even though his assumption was pretty valid. 

It's clear to him now that Somner doesn't just see him as a piece of meat, even though Somner was very VERY sexually attracted to him. But he was starting to understand now that Somner might actually like him, and not just for his powers. 

But he still has his doubts and insecurities, so Hermes won't immediately trust him either. 

There's a lot going on, and he can't just focus on his love life right now. He has bigger fish to fry, or he might end up being the one who gets cooked.

The first pair had been chosen now, as Somner took two pieces of paper from the box. He unfurled them and announced:

"The first battle is…"