Ignoring the glances she received, Nadia walked back to the corner she had been resting in prior to the chaos. She was still contemplating what Roxy said earlier, reflecting on it and trying to grasp some insight into Hilda’s scheme.
But the longer she thought about it, the more she thought. Why was she caring so much about this? About what Hilda was up to? Was it a matter of worry? Caution? Or even curiosity? This question fascinated her in a way, but at the same time bothered her.
’... It feels weird...’
Despite the name of her Gift being ’Truth Finder’, it felt extremely jarring for her that she was unable to find the truth behind Hilda’s action.
When she eventually reached the corner, where Seraphine should still be, she found the girl seated on top of a wooden crate, chatting earnestly with a handsome young man. It was Callum.
Callum, who was also seated on a crate, caught a glimpse of Nadia out of the corner of his eye. He then waved for her to come join them, which Seraphine quickly did when she also noticed the Heroine.
"Nadia, come sit with us!"
Nadia nodded curtly and did just that.
Deciding to sit on the ground, she looked up at them and asked:
"Were you guys here the entire time?"
"Yep!" Seraphine instantly responded.
Apparently, when chaos erupted, Seraphine had immediately found cover behind the crate she was sitting on — too afraid to join the conflict.
As for Callum, after he followed Ross out of the workshop, he immediately spotted Seraphine and decided to hide with her as well.
Nadia nodded slightly, understanding their response to the situation. She didn’t know the full extent of what Callum was capable of, but she already did on Seraphine. Because of that, she appreciated that they hid rather than getting involved.
’Though... it wasn’t like the other group was going to kill anyone.’ But she did wonder how Hilda would’ve reacted to a situation like this, considering the woman’s... expectations and standards.
’She’d probably wouldn’t do anything, since she isn’t obligated to.’ Nadia could definitely see that happening.
"Listen up, everyone!"
While amidst her thoughts, she heard Ross’ voice reverberate from the centre of the warehouse. She lifted her head and found him standing alongside Roxy. It appeared that he was going to make some sort of announcement.
"Since late evening is growing closer, we’ll be accommodating Roxy’s group for the remainder of the exam. In other words, we’ll be partnering up with them again."
His announcement, of course, did spark controversy amongst the members of his group.
"What?! You want us to partner up with them again!? Why!"
"Yeah! They’re the ones that booted us out last time, why in the Hell should we accommodate them!?"
"Let’s kick them out like they did to us! Let them fend for themselves against the Predicaments!"
It was obvious that they still hadn’t forgotten how they were kicked out by Roxy. This caused the people in Roxy’s group to grow deeply unnerved, uncomfortable with the treatment — though they didn’t regret it.
But that immediately changed when the tamed Predicaments roared, their shrill and alien voices causing everyone to grow quiet from fear. When that happened, Ross snorted and stated firmly:
"We will be accommodating them, but they won’t be staying here without labour. Soon, they will be helping you all with fortifying the warehouse. So, you all better re-acquaintance yourselves with them or else."
He then glanced at Roxy, as if to ask if she wanted to add anything, and watched as she shook her head.
"That’s end of discussion. So, enjoy your break for an hour and be prepared for more work."
After gesturing for Roxy and Beatrice to follow him, he walked away.
Nadia hummed as she watched him presumably make his way back to the workshop and couldn’t help but analyse the fierce bruises on his face. Something she had only just noticed now.
’When did he get them? During the chaos?’ The Heroine shook her head. ’No... I doubt anyone in the warehouse, besides me and possibly Roxy could land that sort of damage on him.’
Obviously, she could rule herself out, considering she never fought with him. As for Roxy... it was obvious it wasn’t her with what just occurred. ’So, he must’ve gotten it recently... like, last night...’
The only possible suspect was Hilda.
Nadia internally facepalmed. ’No wonder she asked why I didn’t stay to watch...’
It was clear that the two had gotten into a fight, where Ross had obviously lost horribly.
’Maybe I should’ve stayed to watch, just to analyse how she fights...’ Nadia ruminated thoughtfully before shaking her head. ’No... if I did, that’ll mean I would have to watch someone get one-sidedly humiliated. And I don’t want to sit through that...
’Whatever, it’s not like I won’t have more chances in the future to watch how she fights.’
She then turned back to the two sitting on top of crates and found them climbing down to sit on the ground with her. Nadia quickly raised an eyebrow at this and asked:
"What are you two doing?"
"It feels unfair that you’re the only one sitting on the floor, so we decided to join you," Callum replied, which Seraphine strongly agreed with — having too much respect for Nadia.
"You both don’t have to do that... I’m the one who chose to sit on the floor," Nadia stated, though she soon cracked a small smile. "But sure. I’m not against it."
Once she watched them get settled on the ground, she turned to Seraphine. "I said I was going to teach you Imbuement earlier, didn’t I? Let’s start now."
"E-eh, already?" Seraphine recoiled in surprise. She then began glancing around. "Let me just find something to practice on first!"
When she left, Nadia turned to Callum. "I remember that... you can use Imbuement. Would you like to help me teach her? Will you be going to help Ross?"
Callum hummed slightly, pondering the options given to him. He then thought back to the night he and Seraphine were attacked and shivered. At that, he made his decision.
"Although I do like making and putting things together... I think helping Seraphine out would be a better use of my time..." Callum chuckled nervously, which Nadia quickly deduced as to why.
They shared wry words with one another until Seraphine got back. And when she did, the teaching began.
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