"I thought you already decided to withdraw from the competition," Nate commented, breaking the silence that had settled among the participants as they anxiously awaited Maximus for the test results. They were instructed to stay in the plaza while Maximus and the Alpha Prime deliberated over the outcome. The Alpha Prime’s assigned attendants arrived to serve refreshments, and the participants were confined to the area until the results were announced. The imposing presence of the Thunder Howlers around the area left no room for disobedience.
Alessia cast a discreet glance towards the two women situated on the opposite side of the plaza. Their demeanor, characterized by carefree chatter and warm smiles, denied any sense of guilt for the incident that Alessia experienced earlier that morning
