Chapter 766: Before the Next Journey, A Problem with Speras [Warp Portal] (1/2)
Day 162 - 1:21 PM - Kitchen, Cliff House, Mountain Base, General Nakar, Province of Quezon
The next day, Mark used the morning and did another survey outside the barrier. As for the afternoon, he planned to do a few more checks around the base about what else they needed to do and the state of new structures they were currently building. Then, he would prepare since he was going to New Infanta Settlement with Major Bautista, Karlene, and Karla.
This time, he was only going with a few people. Radiation was still a problem outside, and it would be hard to protect too many people from it at the same time.
At this moment, Mark sat in front of the dining table, spending time with everyone as they had just finished lunch.
Since managing the base and thinking about improvements was far too stressful, it was a good time for Mark to relax with his daughters and Odelina's children, playing a multiplayer game on their phones. Although, unlike the previous times, another two extras were playing together with them. Of course, it was Emika and Mikio, burrowing phones from Mark to join in.
Amihan was also around, sitting on Miracle's shoulder, watching her play.
Elise was also present. It had been this way since they returned.
It was pretty noisy, but it was relaxing and fun. Mark preferred this kind of environment instead of going around talking to people and checking for problems.
At this time, Spera passed by, taking the empty dishes off the dining table.
”Spera, wait for a second.”
Mark put down his phone and called for her.
”What is it? Need something?”
Spera asked, confused. Both she and Mark were awkward people in terms of talking. Even if she was now living in his house, helping with chores, and now being one of Odelina's apprentices, they barely talk about personal things. Most of the time that Mark would talk to her was when he needed her to do something. In the least, he was not ordering her like a servant. It was more like a younger sister like Mei wanted. Of course, she was not too childish to seek attention from Mark, unlike someone.
”Have you tried opening a portal in the past few days?”
Mark asked.
Spera paused, thinking when was the last time.
”The last time is when we returned from Pennsylvania. I haven't really tried opening another one since there is no need to.”
Mark shrugged. He should have told her to constantly practice since this place was not the Auraboros anymore. Back there, she always had to conserve her powers since it was the only thing she had and was needed there from her.
”Can you try opening a small one? I just want to confirm something.”
Confused, Spera placed the stack of dishes back on the table.
”Where to?”
Spera asked.
”Anywhere as long as it's outside the base. Wait, try one in New Infanta.”
Mark replied.
It should be a piece of cake for Spera. Without any other question, she tried to open a fist-sized portal between her two hands.
But then...
”Huh?”
Spera was confused.
There was a fist-sized hole that indicated that the portal was created. However, it was pitch black. It was not connecting to the place Spera intended to and could not be opened.
Spera thought that she made a mistake and concentrated deeper. However, the longer she tried to open the portal, the paler her face got. It was not because her magical energy was being drained drastically. She was increasingly getting nervous because her [Warp Portal], her only value, was failing.
”I knew it...”
Mark nodded with a sigh after seeing what happened.
And then...
”No... Why is it not working?!”
Spera began to panic. Her emotions were still uncontrollable. Fear and frustration were apparent on her face as tears fell from her eyes.
”...”
Mark turned to Spera, almost cursing.
Spera continuously tried to force open a portal. The color drained from her face as both panic and exhaustion of her energy began to kick in.
”Spera, stop!”
Mark yelled, but Spera was not listening. She was having a panic attack. He immediately stood up and rushed to her, grabbing her hands and stopping her from exerting her powers further.
It was like when Spera woke up with Mark taking her psychic ability away. An outburst of anxiety, thinking that she was nothing of value without it.
”No... No... I'm useless without it...”
Spera struggled.
”We'll dammit.”
Mark groaned as his right hand glowed. He then grabbed her head, making her calm down. Unfortunately, the sudden outburst after a long while took quite a toll on her mind, and she fainted.
”What happened?”
Due to the noise, Mei, Odelina, and Hannah, who were in the kitchen, rushed into the dining room. Only to see Mark holding onto the unconscious Spera.
At the table, the children watched everything. Siegfried, Odette, and Mikio seemed concerned. Iola and Abbygale were the same but looked calmer. Miracle was more curious than concerned as she did not understand what was happening. Amihan and Elise were staying quiet, but both of them were also worried. Lastly, Emika...
”Smelly Uncle made her cry!”
Emika yelled out loud.
Mark could only glare at the troublemaker, making her sit back on her chair quietly.
”Gege?”
Mei approached Spera and checked her with concern. She was like a younger sister to her, after all.
”Well, it's kinda my fault,” Mark admitted. ”Let's bring her to her room first.”
Mark and Mei brought Spera to her bedroom, leaving the others to their businesses. He then told Mei what happened.
”She can't open a portal?”
Mei asked in surprise.
”It's not that she can't open one. It's just not connecting to the place she intended,” Mark replied. ”I should have explained things to her first if I knew that she will have a panic attack.”
Mark was thinking of what way he would bring Major Bautista back to New Infanta Settlement. The most convenient way should be Spera's portal since there would be no need to worry about the radiation if she was able to.