"Umm… Can I ask you something?" Mia's hesitant voice cut through the quiet rustling of the forest as she hurried to keep pace with Seraphina.
Seraphina barely glanced at her, raising a single brow. "What?"
Mia's eyes flickered to her outfit, a mix of casual clothes completely out of place in a military training ground. "Why aren't you in military gear? And, uh, how did you even get here like this?"
For a moment, Seraphina said nothing, her lips curving into a dangerous smirk. Then, she let out an exasperated laugh, running a hand through her hair. "Don't remind me. My old man threw me here while I was asleep—in the middle of the freaking night."
Mia's jaw dropped. "Ehhhh?! No way! That's so dramatic! Like something straight out of an action movie!" She burst into laughter, clutching her stomach. "I can't believe the one and only icon —the JJ, who never even gives paparazzi a chance, who people are terrified of—actually had this happen to her! AHAHAHAHA!"
Seraphina stopped walking and turned her head ever so slightly, a chilling grin on her face. "Oh?" Her tone was deceptively sweet. "It looks like you're itching for a beating."
Mia straightened up immediately, waving her hands in surrender. "Ahaha—no, no! I was just appreciating the irony! Don't be so mean!" She pouted before quickly shifting the subject. "Anyway, the task should be ending soon. It was originally set for six days, and today is the fifth. Tomorrow, it'll all be over."
Seraphina came to an abrupt halt. "WHAT?!" Her voice echoed through the trees as she snapped her head up, eyes locking onto something unseen.
A drone.
Hidden expertly within the foliage, barely noticeable—but not to her.
She pointed straight at it, seething. "You old man! Not only did you kidnap me and throw me into this hellhole, but you did it one day before the selection ends?! Are you trying to get me eliminated?! Do you want me to embarrass myself? Humph. When I get back, I will tell Grace all about how you gave away her lunch box prepared specifically for you and instead went to have oily food at the restaurant!"
The drone remained silent, hovering innocently in place.
Then, as if on cue, a voice crackled through hidden speakers. "Heh."
Seraphina's eye twitched as she recognized the mocking tone.
"Do you really think you can threaten me, kid?" came the taunting voice of her grandfather, Grand General Sinclair. "You do realize that until the selection is over, you don't have access to your phone, right? So even if you do try to tattle to Grace about me eating outside… Well, by the time you get the chance, I'll have covered my tracks."
Seraphina's nostrils flared. "You—!"
"Oh, and congratulations on finally making a friend! I was getting tired of playing with you myself."
The transmission cut off before she could retort.
Seraphina clenched her fists, her aura darkening. "Oh? A challenge, is it? Fine. I accept."
Mia, who had been watching the entire interaction with barely restrained amusement, burst into laughter. "You and your grandpa are so similar."
"We are NOT!"
"Yup, definitely similar."
Seraphina ignored her, adjusting her jacket as she began walking again.
Mia jogged beside her, her curiosity still burning. "By the way, Sera, how many badges do you have? You just got here today."
Seraphina reached into her pocket, casually feeling the weight of her winnings. "Hmm… about eleven."
Mia tripped over her own feet. "WHAT?! Eleven?! You got eleven badges in just two hours?!" She grabbed Seraphina's arm dramatically. "Woahhhhhhh! You're amazing! Please let me hug your golden thigh!"
Seraphina gave her a disgusted look and promptly pushed her face away. "Enough joking. Let's go have some fun."
Mia straightened up, practically vibrating with excitement as she followed. "Yay! JJ is taking me on a mission!"