"I'm just a normal member," Manela said.
"Oh," Nick answered.
"Is that surprising to you?" she asked.
"Oh, no! Sorry if it came across like I was disappointed," Nick said hastily.
"It didn't," Manela added emotionlessly. "I was simply asking a question."
"Oh, ok," Nick said.
He didn't say anything for three seconds.
"Well, I was a bit surprised," Nick said. "You seem like someone who knows how to take charge of a situation."
Manela glanced at Nick. "I can see how I can give off that impression. In fact, I used to be a team leader in Ghosty's Lab before I switched to Kugelblitz."
"You were in Ghosty's Lab before?" Nick asked in surprise.
Manela nodded. "Over half of the staff come from other Manufacturers. Kugelblitz rarely hires Newbies and Johns since everyone else wants to join us anyways."
Nick nodded. "That makes sense."
Manela didn't answer.
"Hey, Manela?" Nick asked.
Manela looked at Nick.
