Chapter 46 Ultimatum
Everyone was stunned by Bella's confession that Mary's condition was far worse than they had imagined. Nami, in particular, felt increasingly guilty for what she had done. She was certain she hadn't used her powers at all when trying to stop Mariah. She was therefore confused as to how Mariah's injuries could have gotten so severe.
"Her injuries are so severe that she's in danger of being unable to continue her military training as a Yeager, even though Mary firmly believed her abilities could help save humanity," Colin said. Like Bella, he was also deeply worried and angry about what had happened to Bella.
"You say helping save humanity? How can someone who nearly took the lives of two of her comrades be trusted to save humanity? Don't make me laugh!" Lea said angrily. She had no sympathy whatsoever for Mariah's severe injuries. For her, it was retribution for the crimes she had committed.
"What are you saying? Do you know how bad her injuries are...?" Bella shouted angrily. She couldn't take Lea's words at face value.
"Who cares about her injuries? You were there when she tried to strangle Sydney and me until we nearly suffocated, weren't you? You didn't even try to stop her! You were smiling and enjoying the show, weren't you?" Lea was getting angrier. Since high school, Mariah had been bullying ordinary people who didn't have special abilities like her. She even engaged in such bad bullying with George that several students and three teachers resigned because they couldn't stand up to the powerful influence of George and Mariah's parents.
"Tch, there's no point in arguing like this. Do you think you're in kindergarten where problems will be solved by crying hysterically? You're in a place where you'll be groomed to be hunters of large, ferocious monsters. If you whine while fighting each other, you'd better get out of here immediately, because you'll just become a tasty morsel for these bloodthirsty monsters." George said as he left.
Although Nami, Lea, and Sydney didn't like George's presence, they had to accept his words. They weren't in kindergarten right now, where they could whine and complain when attacked. They were in a place where they had to be ready to sacrifice their lives to eradicate monsters and save humanity.
"But George, what about Mary? Don't you want to see how she's doing in the hospital? She'd be so happy if you came."
"I have a girlfriend now, so I don't have time to care about other girls. Nami, what are you doing? Come with me!"
"What? Why should I come with you? Who are you?"
"I'm your girlfriend, aren't I? Don't pretend you forgot! Come on...!" George started to raise his voice. He was so arrogant that he thought he could always make others submit.
"N-Nami, are you really dating him?" Sydney asked in disbelief.
"Of course not! How could I date someone like him!" Nami denied it. It was clear she would never be attracted to arrogant, bullying men like George and Prince Jacob. To her, these two men were the two most impossible people to like.
But for now, she had no choice. She knew George was quite strong, and his ability to create ice and freeze nearby objects was not to be underestimated.
"Okay, I'll follow him. You guys go back to class first. I'll catch up later!" she said, taking quick steps after George.
"Hurry up!"
"Why are you getting mad at me? Where are we going?"
"Shut up and just follow me!"
As Nami and George grew farther away, Lea, Sydney, Bella, Colin, and Morgan remained where they were, still staring at their retreating backs.
"George is really too much!" Morgan blurted out. She, who had been silent until now, only spoke up and complained once George was gone. It wasn't without reason; George wasn't someone she could challenge.
Colin clenched his fists, looking furious, but he couldn't let his anger out.
"Syd, let's go!" Lea said as she prepared to leave. She didn't want to worry about Mariah's condition, and she didn't want to know the extent of her injuries.
Sydney smiled sadly, but she didn't know if she'd managed to say anything that would make Sydney feel better. She was new to this, but she hoped Sydney would understand her point.
"I guess you're right, I'm overthinking Ethan. But come to think of it, we're half-siblings. That means it's impossible for us to be in a relationship, considering his mother and my father are married."
"So half-siblings aren't allowed to have romantic relationships?"
"Normally not, because people would think it's forbidden. But no matter what, I really like Ethan, and I want him to understand my feelings."
"He already understands your feelings, you know that, right?"
Someone suddenly joined their conversation, and when they turned around, Lea was standing five steps behind them. Lea was staring at them with an annoyed expression, as if she felt left alone.
"Lea?" Nami and Sydney called out simultaneously. Lea took three steps, her arms crossed over her chest, still keeping a distance from Nami.
"Why did you run away so quietly, Syd?"
"I didn't run away, I just wanted to find Nami!"