Alex expected an instantaneous reaction, and that was what she got. From her feet, a brilliant green hue engulfed her entire frame. Its radiance reached every part of the room, reflecting on the dumbfounded faces of her cohort. Alex felt a soothing tidal wave embrace her, instantly rejuvenating her. Renewed, supple skin replaced the minor wounds she had accumulated from her previous battles.
All her fatigue melted away and took away the accumulated filth and grime that the stages had brought. The green light that shrouded her felt like a warm refreshing bath, expelling physical discomfort and mental strain. The glow receded after two whole minutes, and only then did Alex open her eyes. Her mind was much clearer and her lingering exhaustion quelled. Instinctively, Alex turned to her left wrist, she was conditioned to check that scar. It was a stubborn blot she could never remove. The scar was still intact, clinging to her skin stubbornly, dousing any bubbling excitement. It had lost no prominence and was a stark contrast to her otherwise flawless latte skin.
What irked her about the scar was not its effect on her physical form, rather it served as a mental strain weighing on her mind. It was a constant reminder of the irreparable damage of betrayal, a bitter lesson she would never forget.
The others were completely silent while Alex bathed in the pacifying glow, but they awoke when they noticed her movement. They had almost forgotten to interrogate her because of the pad's effect. Alex approached them languidly. The pad had effectively boosted her mood, albeit slightly. She was ready to answer their questions truthfully, without generating the expected havoc.
"Alex, you totally look like a beauty product model. Can I go next?"
Alex merely glanced at Damien. She felt refreshed and revitalized, but as someone who had never used a skincare product in her life, save the necessities, she did not take his words to heart. It did not matter much. This body would hopefully be gone soon.
Maria glared at Damien and shoved Luca away before running to the grounded pad like her life depended on it.
Even Luca and Charles were staring at the pad with longing. Damien wanted to chase after her, but Imani held his wrist and prevented him from doing so. Alex was glad to see most were not too concerned with their physical beauty, but she would still advise them to use it later for its healing properties.
"Alex, why did you arrive later than us?" Dahlia led the questioning, her tone neutral, but Alex sensed a strange coldness to her words. She raised an eyebrow at Dahlia's chilling tone. She could not say she considered her a friend, but she and Dahlia had developed a mutual understanding. They had even done most of the planning together with Elijah and Isaiah throughout the stage.
Noticing the strange atmosphere, Alex studied everyone's countenances and realized all of them- except the twins, Dahlia, Avery and Imani- stared at her with a twinge of suspicion and doubt. Imani looked as bored as ever, while Isaiah and Elijah stood at the side, a subtle indication that they were not involved with the questioning. Avery leaned on the smooth wall with her eyes closed- her preferred posture.
"Alex, I would like an answer." Alex had already noticed the pensive behaviour of those confronting her and this only confirmed her suspicions. This could not be the effect of just being teleported late.
"I will answer your question, but I'll have to trouble you to answer mine first. What were you told when I was away?" Her impression of Dahlia had only fallen slightly. She did not expect much, anyway. They were not friends and had only recently met, but Alex would have preferred to be asked straightforwardly rather than through this interrogative manner.
Dahlia did not get to speak because Imani- as though he had been awaiting this very moment- interjected right after Alex closed her mouth.
"They told us the compensation you were given. One of us dies and you live. I don't understand why these dunces are asking you about it though. All of us are still alive...A bunch of ingrates." Alex was a bit surprised by Imani's insults, but he was never one to be polite. Alex's focus went back to Dahlia, and she regarded Dahlia with her most robotic gaze.
"Dahlia, I was late because I was given a choice to sacrifice someone- one which I denied- from the coordinators. Does that answer your question?"
Dahlia released a shaky breath and awkwardly mumbled an apology before walking away from Alex. The others smiled at her and stiffly expressed their gratitude to her before swarming around the pad. Alex advised everyone to use it and found a corner to brainstorm on a seamless victory against their next opponents.
Alex mentally drafted a general plan to impede the time-limit enforcer momentarily. After five minutes, she wanted to discuss her idea with her group, but Dahlia approached her. Alex regarded her with indifference- the gaze she usually reserved for strangers. She may not be upset with Dahlia, but she surely would not be as welcoming as she previously was.
Dahlia stopped a metre in front of Alex and performed a 90-degree bow, stunning most people present. Again, Dahlia was acting strangely, and Alex was about to question her actions until Dahlia spoke up.
"I'm truly sorry for questioning you like that. You have been nothing but kind to all of us. Whether it is for your own goals or not, you have continuously protected us. I had no right. Again, I am sorry."
First, the seemingly arrogant girl bowed, and next, she apologized. Everyone in the room was stunned, but Alex just sighed.
"You did not have to bow. It's not an extreme affront, but I appreciate your apology."
Dahlia released herself from the bow and smiled at Alex before whispering to her at a level for only the two of them.
"Don't tell me you were planning to tell me the grand plan along with everyone else? I'm offended."
Alex was stunned again. She suddenly felt compelled to check on Isaiah and Elijah, who would have usually joined her by now as well. She caught them chuckling, then quickly stifling their laughter into fake coughs after noticing her gaze.
Alex suddenly realized her teammates were sillier than they appeared.