446 Preparations at the Mountain Base, A Surprising Piece of News for Edzel and Spera (1/2)
Day 86 - 6:02 PM - Meeting Room, Cliff House, Mountian Base, Mount Malabito, General Nakar, Quezon
After the first batch, the second batch of people Mark called for entered.
Looking at their faces, they surely were confused as to why they were called here. Also, they were not the last batch, as there were still others waiting outside. It seemed that they tried asking Huey's group. However, it looked like that the first group did not answer them to keep the surprise factor. As such, they entered while trying to guess the reason.
The most confused among them, however, was Spera. She felt that she had no reason to be here at all.
When they entered, Mark signaled them to sit down. Once they all sat down, Mark started to tell them his reason for calling them.
”I know that all of you are confused. The reason I called all of you here is the current state of the Spirit Dimension. I believe that you all knew about it already.”
They all nodded to Mark's words. The base was not too large, and the population was also small. It was not hard for information to circulate around. Even Pearl, who was not present in the meeting earlier, heard the news from Edzel.
”In several days, a week at most, I will lead a team that will enter the Spirit Dimension.”
”So, are we included in that team? Is that why you called us?”
Alana raised her hand and asked.
To her question, Mark nodded.
”Of course, it is not final. I called you all to ask your opinion first. If any of you doesn't want to go, it is fine. I will not force anyone.”
After those words, Edzel raised his hand. Mark allowed him to talk.
”Boss, why is Pearl called? I don't mind if it's me, but she's still not used to these things.”
Alana and Karlene also nodded at Edzel's notion. Pearl had turned over a new leaf and was trying her best to be useful to everyone, especially Edzel. But even so, she was still not suited for dangerous journeys.
”I know that all of you are eager to know,” Mark said with a sigh. ”Sorry, but I can't tell yet. The reason is quite relevant to you, Edzel. But of course, I already said it. I won't force anything.”
Sure enough, they were disappointed to not hear the real reason. Nevertheless, Edzel fell silent in deep thought after learning that it had something to do with him.
While Edzel was in silence, Pearl's voice was heard.
”I'll go.”
Everyone could not help but turn to her. After all, her answer was unexpected.
”Are you sure about your answer?”
Mark asked.
”Yeah, you don't have to force yourself.”
Edzel told her in worry and confusion.
Pearl looked at Edzel with a sincere smile.
Hearing that, Mark nodded with a smile.
”Good. Don't worry, you won't become some useless weight. There is a log of creatures in the Spirit Dimension that can become invisible or trick the eyes of their enemies. You being around to detect the vibrations coming from them will already be a good help.”
Mark then stood up.
”Also, here.”
He put crystals in front of Alana, Pearl, and Edzel. Like Huey's group, these three also received a [Physical Crystal] each to become a Mutator.
”Mizuki is one thing, but Pearl and Edzel, you two are still not that proficient in using your abilities. I don't really want to give you two a crystal too soon. However, we don't have much time. That is why you two needed to double your practice.”
”Yes.”
”Yes, Boss.”
Pearl and Edzel accepted the crystal in front of them and replied.
Alana, on the other hand, was also happy to receive hers. She could finally become a Mutator without any risks.
”Mark, what about Spera?”
Karlene asked. She did not need a crystal since she was already a Mutator, even though she was not able to control it entirely. It was surprising, however, that Spera did not receive one.
Spera, of course, had no problems with it. And she did not really expect to get one.
Mark then replied.
”I have another plan for her. So, she will stay to speak with me alone later.”
His reply made them even more curious instead.
”So, Mizuki, Karlene, you two want to go?”
The two women looked at each other before turning to Mark with a straight nod.
”We don't really have a reason to no join.”
”Don't try to ditch me on an Isekai experience, will you?”
Karlene and Alana replied, respectively. Then, Alana followed with another question.
”Can't Hallie and Analynn come with us?”
To her question, Mark shrugged.
”Analynn is still new here. I can't make an exception for her. She's not directly under me either and is here as friends of you two. Though it doesn't really matter to me, I don't want to rift in the base because of envy. I don't think that anyone will voice it, but it will still bring an unpleasant taste to a lot of people here.”
Hearing that, the two understood. Although Edward, Emi, Terrence, and Phillip were brought here because of their deal with Mark. Analynn was brought here by Karlene's request. Her status was different, and she was not Mark's friend, either. It would not be appropriate for her to suddenly receive something while many people were waiting before her.
It was quite frustrating. However, that was the truth.
Mark then continued.