As soon as they learned they could leave,Leicy, Tony, and the others stepped out of the Record Temple. Before leaving, Kyle waved goodbye to Sara.
"What's the main purpose of the Record Temple?"
"Someone fill me in," Reno said as he stepped outside and immediately sent a message in the community chat.
"According to Miss Sonia, it's to keep track of where everyone goes when they leave," he explained. "That way, if there's any trouble, we can find out easily."
"Right! I was there when Miss Sonia mentioned it," another voice chimed in. "It's just reporting where you're going; there's no restriction on travel, so it doesn't matter."
"Reno, you guys are back from Earth?"
With Reno's question, the community chat quickly lit up.
"Is it true that Sara is just an ordinary person?" Kyle asked as he read the comments.
"Yep! But the person who brought her isn't ordinary," Reno replied. "Miss Sonia hasn't set up a specific position for someone before, so the fact that there's a Record Keeper probably comes straight from Lord Kassadin."
"Better treat Miss Sara well!"
"True! But she really is an ordinary person. Talking to her is refreshing; she makes you feel respected."
"I almost wanted to stick around and chat with her," Kyle admitted.
"I wonder if it'd be okay to hang out there without any issues," Leicy remarked, a bit uncertain.
"Tonight, I'm throwing a grand feast, everyone's invited! Let's catch up then," Tony announced in the chat, quickly gaining attention.
"Whoa?! When did you get back, Tony?"
"If there's a feast, I'll be there!"
"Don't worry about the food; I can eat a lot!"
"Count me in!"
Tony's message caused a buzz, with even those who had been silent joining in. After all, it had been over a year since Tony had left, and everyone was eager for his lavish hospitality.
"Looks like Miss Sara isn't in the chat," Leicy noted, checking for her name.
"I'll let her know that she's invited to Tony Stark's dinner tonight!" Kyle said as he promptly disappeared.
Meanwhile, as Sara was recording information, Sonia was on her way to the Record Temple and received the news. She was pleasantly surprised to learn that Tony had returned to Xandar.
It seemed that the island was livelier whenever Tony was around. With the new Record Temple in place, Sonia wouldn't have to scour the island to keep track of who was around anymore.
Sonia quickened her pace and soon arrived at the Record Temple.
Upon hearing footsteps, Sara instinctively announced, "I'm Sara, and my job is to record the locations and return times of everyone…"
"Sonia!" she exclaimed upon realizing it was her mentor.
"How's it going? Are you settling in?" Sonia smiled, noticing how fluent Sara was with her greeting.
"Yes! The work environment is even better than I imagined. While people do occasionally ask why an ordinary person like me is here, everyone has been friendly," Sara reported cheerfully, stepping closer.
The job was turning out to be quite luxurious, and her living space was a private, lavish villa rather than a cramped dormitory. Even if she didn't pass Kassadin's tests, spending a year working here was already a major win for her.
"I'm glad to hear that," Sonia said, pleased with how well Sara was adapting.
"By the way, Sonia, Kyle just invited me to the dinner hosted by Tony tonight. Should I go?" Sara asked, eager for her mentor's advice.
"Tony Stark's dinner is usually open to everyone on the island. Even though you aren't officially a member yet, you'll be working here for at least a year. Since you've been invited, you should go."
Sonia understood that it was typical of Tony to invite people to his lively gatherings.
"Great! Will you be going too, Sonia?"
Sara's excitement was palpable as she sought Sonia's confirmation.
"I can't go; my role is too unique for that," Sonia replied, shaking her head.
"Really? Well, can I send you photos from the dinner?"
Sara's enthusiasm dimmed slightly at the thought of Sonia not joining but quickly bounced back as she thought of sharing the experience.
"Of course, feel free to do that as long as you enjoy yourself," Sonia encouraged.
"Okay!" Sara felt reassured and decided to attend Tony's dinner.
"You stay here and focus on your work. I have other matters to attend to," Sonia said as she noted how comfortable Sara seemed.
"Are you leaving already?" Sara asked, puzzled.
Though she knew the respect the island's inhabitants had for Sonia, she didn't fully understand her busy schedule.
"I just stopped by to check on you. There's still a lot to manage on the island," Sonia explained. "Do your best to earn Lord Kassadin's approval. Then you'll have plenty of time to chat with me later."
With that, Sonia left, and Sara couldn't help but feel curious.
Given Sonia's respected status, she shouldn't be so burdened with work, yet it seemed like she was always busy. This left Sara wondering just what Sonia was managing daily.