Jackson and Lioness were the ones who used the antidotes, leaving Coraline and Curie as the only two still poisoned. Rather than returning to the coliseum, Jackson and Lioness intended to stay to aid their allies.
The group remained in the park for a short while to discuss whether or not their plan should change, given the fact that the antidotes had defenses safeguarding them. Jackson and Lioness did not weigh in much on the conversation, as they were cured. Ultimately, they left the decision up to Coraline and Curie.
Coraline voiced the idea of going after the nearby antidotes. "We don't know how long it'll take to deal with certain defensive mechanisms to get the antidote. Knowing that, shouldn't we go after the nearby ones to save time in getting back to the coliseum?"
Curie attempted to convince Coraline to continue with the original plan. She began to explain her reasoning in a rather streamlined fashion. "If we go after the nearby antidotes, not only will we have to deal with defensive mechanisms, but we will also have to face other applicants, which could pose a far greater risk than losing time to return to the coliseum."
Coraline contemplated Curie's words for a short while before giving an answer. "Okay, if you think the other applicants pose too much of a risk to us, then I'll agree that we should continue with the original plan." Just when Curie thought the conversation was over, Coraline added in a concerned tone, "But if we aren't able to obtain the next antidote in a timely fashion, then we need to switch plans."
Curie responded with a nod of agreement, saying, "We'll come up with strategies to deal with the coming trials and adjust or change them if need be."
...
The group then made their way to the next location, where Curie had discovered a well-hidden antidote.
Lioness, Jackson, and Coraline found it somewhat ironic that they were returning for the second time to a location they had visited the previous night. They were currently back in the mall where they had enjoyed their night out. The mall had an open-plan design with spacious areas and many intersecting points, as well as three levels.
The mall itself was deserted, as were most public facilities during the trials. This precaution ensured no incidents involving ordinary individuals would occur. Residents stayed at home in the residential areas for the duration of the test. However, this arrangement only applied to trials where the applicants ventured out into the city.
The members of the alliance made their way to the second level of the mall. They stood in front of the entrance to the arcade they had visited the night before. Hanging above the entrance was a large mechanical bird with its wings spread wide.
Looking through the glass entry doors, they were greeted by the sight of a dark interior illuminated by neon lights. Dozens of arcade machines stood inside, each topped with mechanical birds similar to the one above the entrance. These birds seemed to be the arcade's mascot.
Curie was able to spot the antidote, currently secured in the beak of one of the mechanical birds. She had identified its location earlier while analyzing surveillance footage from the mall.
Knowing the antidote would likely be protected by defensive mechanisms, the group approached the arcade with caution. But as they pulled open the glass doors, something entirely unexpected happened. Even Curie, with her analytical mind, was caught completely off guard.
The moment Lioness opened the entrance doors, the dozens of mechanical birds perched on the arcade machines suddenly came to life. Their heads turned sharply, fixing their gaze on the alliance members. A moment later, the birds took flight in a massive swarm, speeding out the entrance with tremendous force.
The gust of wind generated by their departure was so powerful that it knocked the alliance members off their feet, sending them flying backward.