Jade, holding the cube delicately between her fingers, revealed her reluctance, "The director wanted me to eat it, and to be honest, I just couldn't. The idea of eating such a disgusting creature to 'get stronger.' I don't know, but I just threw it up."
Gojaro, visibly taken aback by her admission, responded with a hint of surprise, "You refused to do what the Director told you?"
Jade paused before clarifying, "Well, no, I tried but failed. However, I was able to secure lab space to test on it. I wonder if its DNA is the same... if it even has DNA. But I will run some tests to see if I can learn more about the cube and these creatures."
Gojaro's expression softened, understanding the predicament. "Sure, you're kinda on your own here to work out and do what you need to do before you are summoned for your next mission. By the way, just don't go anywhere proclaiming who you are, as they went through a lot of trouble to stage your death."
Jade nodded. "Of course, I will be sticking close around here anyways, and if I do go out, I'll just wear a mask or a nice hood." Understanding the need for discretion, she readily agreed to the precautionary measures.
Gojaro, acknowledging her understanding, added his own perspective on the situation. "Well, I have my own training to see to. Though I hope to hear good things from you. I'm sure things will only get crazier from here," he said with a hint of resignation, understanding the unpredictable nature of their circumstances.
With that, Gojaro departed, leaving Jade alone with her thoughts and the cube in her hand. She mused over the limited time she had to study the mysterious object. "The King of Nothing did mention a certain amount of time, but time also moves differently there.
Upon reaching the designated training area, Jade immediately spotted Rosa, just as she had said she would be. Rosa was a sight to behold, drenched in sweat, a testament to her dedication and the intensity of her training regimen. She was taking a moment to herself, sipping from a bottle of tea water that Jade recognized as Gojaro's gift after a particularly grueling training cycle.
As Jade approached, Rosa's eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but call out across the training area. "Hey!! How did the review go with the Director?!" Her voice, filled with genuine concern and curiosity, cut through the ambient noise of the area.
Jade, unable to suppress her smile at Rosa's enthusiastic greeting, responded with a casual, "It went okay, I guess." However, the simplicity of her initial reply belied the depth of her experience, and she quickly delved into a detailed account of her encounter with the Director and her unprecedented journey to the other side of the portal.
Her narrative was rich with descriptions of the alien landscapes, the challenges she faced, and the profound implications of her visit.
Rosa, visibly moved and shocked by Jade's revelations, responded with a warmth only true friendship can foster. She embraced Jade tightly, a gesture of support and admiration. "I don't know what I would have done if that was me.
I don't think anyone has ever survived going to the other side besides the director." Her words underscored the gravity of Jade's experience and the uniqueness of her survival. Read exclusive chapters at m v l e m p y r
Jade, always one to look for solutions, pondered aloud with a thoughtful finger under her chin, "Well, why doesn't anyone try more? You know, take the fight to them?" It was a question born out of frustration and a desire to change the status quo, to challenge the seemingly insurmountable odds.
Rosa's response was a mix of realism and resignation. "That doesn't work very well when they have the advantage over us in more ways than one." Her words highlighted the complex dynamics of power and the daunting challenges they faced.