After offering their congratulations, Wizard Starfall and Anya quickly prepared to leave.
From how hurried she seemed, Starfall was not as relaxed as she claimed.
What surprised Benjamin, however, was that Viola followed them out as well.
As Starfall said goodbye, Viola tugged on her sleeve. Though she usually looked composed and elegant, as if everything were under control, she now resembled a penniless wretch who had finally found someone to pour her grievances out to. Her exaggerated tone nearly dyed the entire laboratory's air with resentment.
"I need somewhere to conduct research now, but I don't even have a decent laboratory anymore. You can't just stand by and watch me die, can you?"
Starfall was worn down by her pestering and could only agree helplessly, lending her an unused standard laboratory from the Living Plane Project Team. Only then did Viola release her with satisfaction.
She turned back and waved at Benjamin, that familiar smile hanging from the corner of her lips.
There always seemed to be something else hidden beneath that friendliness, making it impossible to tell whether she was greeting him or plotting some bad idea. After the three of them bid Clark farewell, they left the laboratory together.
The teleportation array lit up, then dimmed. Several figures vanished into the light, and silence returned to the laboratory.
Benjamin did not leave immediately.
After seeing Senior Viola like that, he suddenly had another question he wanted to ask Clark alone.
"Mentor." He chose his words carefully before speaking. "Is Senior's financial situation... somewhat abnormal?"
Without raising his head, Clark remained by the experiment table and lightly tapped its edge with his fingertips.
"You want to ask why she looks so poor?"
Benjamin nodded. That was indeed what he thought.
After all, Viola had advanced to Level 6