She jerked her head up, her gaze sharp.
"Taking a Herrscher's Authority would clearly benefit them the most. Why did they stop?"
The air froze for a moment.
The confusion in Bronya's eyes deepened, along with her concern.
"It is suspicious."
"They covet the Herrscher of the Void's Authority, yet they didn't act when the opportunity was right in front of them. What exactly are they plotting?"
Bronya took a deep breath.
"We need to report this to the doctors and reassess everything. Kiana, you need to stay on your guard, too."
Kiana stood rooted to the spot, turning it over in her head several times.
The more she thought, the more confused she became.
She simply tossed logic in the trash.
Letting out an exaggerated sigh, she clutched her stomach and wailed:
"Ah-if I can't figure it out, I'll stop thinking about it! I'm starving!"
She turned and ran off, her steps light.
"I'm going to grab some food at the cafeteria first. See you later!"
Salt Lake Base.
Inside the dining hall.
Kiana held a tray piled high with food, her cheeks bulging like a hamster's.
After her meal, she walked around to help her digestion.
Her gaze swept over a corner, where Seele stood staring blankly at a vending machine.
"Seele? Why are you staring at the machine?"
The girl's tone was exceptionally solemn. "This thing... I'm afraid it's..."
"Broken?"
Kiana leaned closer for a look and sighed helplessly.
She tapped lightly with a finger.
With a click, the package dropped.
"See? You just have to press confirm. Here, your wasabi-flavored peanuts."
Wasabi-flavored...
Bronya had mentioned that Seele loved sweets. Only that dark personality preferred flavors like this.
Unfortunately, Kiana didn't notice.
The "Seele" before her had already switched to Veliona.
Veliona silently took the snack.