Chapter 73: Some People Like to Meddle
Evelyn's POV
Conrad leaned in close, keeping his voice low so only I could hear. "Wish you were here under better circumstances. If you need anything, just ask." The knowing look in his eyes told me he understood what had happened in Polaris City. Maybe he even knew the details.
"Everyone!" he called out, straightening up. "Evelyn is our newest member. This week, Taric and I will help her get familiar with everything before she joins regular training."
"Yes, sir!" the group responded in unison.
The morning sun was just starting to paint the horizon gold as we jogged around the perimeter twice. After weeks in a hospital bed, my lungs burned, but I kept my expression neutral. No way was I giving Seraphina ammunition after her earlier comments.
When we split into groups, Taric and Conrad kept me with them. Conrad studied me with a professional eye before speaking.
"Let me assess your recovery first," he said. "A month without proper training affects muscle condition. We need to control the pace - don't give me that look," he added when I couldn't hide my disappointment. "This is just assessment. After, I'll tell you what you can do at full power and what needs gradual progression. No point risking injury for pride. If old wounds worsen, you'll lose eligibility completely."
I nodded. His reasoning made sense, but I was sick of being limited and protected. I just wanted to train normally again.
"We'll start with arm blocks, controls, and escapes, then leg techniques, and finish with full-body combat," he instructed.
For three hours, Conrad pushed my limits. He was right - I'd lost muscle mass and flexibility, but my muscle memory remained intact, allowing me to complete most movements, just less smoothly than before.
During the final sparring session, I'd been holding out for about five minutes when Conrad finally let me use full power as he tried to throw me. Taric had told me to maintain position until the whistle, no matter how long it took.
When it finally sounded, Conrad straightened up, looking pleased. "Impressive. Some areas need work, but far beyond what I expected. One more session like this, and you'll be ready to officially join a group." He gave my shoulder a friendly pat.
"Thanks," I said, gulping down water. "Is there any way to speed up recovery? I hate having my training interrupted."
Seraphina materialized beside us, uninvited. "She has too many deficiencies. I assessed her obstacle course performance this morning, and she barely finished. Are we sure she belongs here?"
Conrad frowned. "Why would you reassess her? Her results are already on file, and I didn't assign that task."
"No Sentinel witnessed her test," Seraphina argued. "How can I verify these aren't fake records? Usually, the floor supervisor conducts assessment with the entire camp watching."
"So you chose to test me at five AM with nobody watching?" I couldn't help asking. Conrad raised an eyebrow, watching our exchange.
"Is that true?" he asked her.
"She hasn't completed all required elements," Seraphina defended. "I was just filling this gap. She's too young, lacks experience, and can't handle the intensity. She's on my floor, and I don't want a liability on my team."
Conrad made a low sound in his chest, clearly annoyed at having his authority questioned. His eyes briefly unfocused, like he was using the mind link.
"Gather around!" Taric's voice echoed across the field. Everyone immediately headed his way.
"Apparently, some people like to meddle and question decisions from above," Taric said, "The information you get is for completing your mission and becoming warriors the Alpha King can rely on. You're not entitled to know everything, and you don't always see the full picture."
He scanned the group, his gaze burning. "At any given time, a third of you will have different orders from the others. Don't try to be clever - follow your instructions. If anyone's so eager to manage others' business, they're welcome to pack up and leave. Continue to the next round. Evelyn, stay with me since you already did the obstacle test this morning."
Murmurs spread across the training field as I caught up with Taric.
"I'll redo the test if needed," I told him quietly. "I don't want special treatment. That seems to be what people think - "
"You don't need to prove anything to anyone," Taric's tone was surprisingly gentle. "Newcomers always draw attention, but in a few weeks, you'll just be another team member."
"Please let me join team training," I insisted. "I need to learn to trust these people, even the hostile ones. And they need to learn to work with me. It's not about proving anything - integration is the only path to acceptance."
After studying me silently, Taric nodded. "If you insist." He changed direction. "We're doing team cooperation exercises today, focusing on canyon traversal."
"Alone or with a group?"
"With members from your floor - both male and female. It's a large team project simulating rapid movement through dangerous terrain. These emergency situations are becoming more common." He paused. "Yes, floor supervisors are in charge."
Just perfect.
At the gathering point, Seraphina and others were already waiting. In daylight, I could see the training setup clearly - a narrow canyon between two elevated areas, filled with obstacles. Safety gear was arranged at the entrance: ropes, pulleys, and protective equipment.
"Hey, newbie, over here!" A tall guy next to Mark waved at me.
"Put her last so she doesn't slow everyone down," Seraphina ordered without looking at me.
The man snorted. "First, we never put newcomers at the end until we understand their abilities. Second, this one showed impressive agility during selection trials and should be up front. You weren't there, so you can't judge. We need to break the record today - I'm sick of being seconds behind Henry's team."
He was clearly the male floor supervisor, or Seraphina wouldn't tolerate his directness.
"Whatever," she rolled her eyes. "When she makes us fail, don't blame me."
"I'm Leo," he said, smiling kindly. "Everyone calls me Hunter. Our job is to cross this canyon as quickly as possible. Feel free to suggest ideas, but first watch and learn."
"Got it." I focused on the task, no longer worried about Seraphina's attitude. She'd eventually realize we had to work together, but right now, in front of everyone, she just wanted to show her authority. Watching her issue commands with confidence and organization, I could see why she had this position - professionally, at least, she knew what she was doing.
We approached the canyon and checked our equipment. A swift stream ran through the middle, with a safety net positioned above. Steel cables stretched across - our crossing path. Everyone received safety ropes and pulleys to attach to the cables.
After watching for a moment, I turned to Hunter. "In real situations, with injured people or kids, they couldn't cross alone. They'd need Sentinels to escort them. Someone my size might need more strength when crossing solo, slowing things down. For civilians, especially with potential threats behind them, it would be even harder."