Kevin Everett looked at Candice Tate, unsure for a moment what he should do with her.
She was a Superpower User, and a Wood Ability User at thatâan incredibly rare type.
If she were an adult, sheâd be of immense use with some dedicated training.
But she was just too young!
At this age, she didnât know a damn thing and needed to be coddled...
âAnd on top of that, why is this kid so attached to Sierra Sullivan?â he wondered.
Nothing had even happened yet, and she was already clinging to Sierra Sullivanâs leg, refusing to let go.
âIf I were to separate her from Sierra Sullivan, would she just start screaming and crying?â
The mere thought gave Kevin Everett a headache.
He really hated listening to children throw tantrums.
"Sierra, I can see this child has taken a real liking to you. Besides, your place is large, and you were the one who rescued her. You could say itâs fate. Why donât you let her stay with you?"
Sierra Sullivan was stunned.
She had wanted Kevin Everett to help find a place for Candice Tate, not assign the girl directly to her!
âThis canât be happening!â
Sierra Sullivan instinctively looked down at Candice Tate.
Just then, Candice Tate looked up at her.
Sierra Sullivan felt as if she had fallen straight into Candice Tateâs clear, bright eyes.
The words of refusal on the tip of her tongue seemed to vanish under that gaze.
Sierra Sullivan could only turn to Jayce. "What do you think?"
Jayce shook his head slightly. "I have no objection. Iâll support whatever you decide."
If anyone else had said that, Sierra Sullivan might have thought they were just shirking responsibility, passing the buck.
But coming from Jayce, she didnât feel that way at all.
Jayce was never one to shirk his duties. He said this because he truly respected all of Sierra Sullivanâs decisions.
Or rather, her decision *was* his decision.
Sierra Sullivan sighed internally, but her expression remained unchanged. She just nodded. "Alright, she can stay with us for now."
Hearing this, Kevin Everettâs eyes curved into a smile.
"Excellent, excellent! Thatâs for the best!"
âThe Wood Element Ability stays, and I donât have to worry about who will look after her,â he thought. âThis is perfect!â
"The environment is growing harsher by the day. Improving your Superpowers is the top priority. The stronger your abilities become, the better it is for you and for the base."
As he spoke, Kevin Everett opened the drawer in front of him and took out a bag of Crystal Cores.
"Take these. Go back and absorb them as quickly as you can. Try to level up your Superpowers sooner rather than later!"
He said "you," but his eyes were fixed on Candice Tate.
Just by his gaze, Sierra Sullivan knew that Kevin Everett was most eager for Candice Tateâs Superpower to advance quickly.
After all, if Candice Tateâs Superpower grew stronger, it could solve their food problem!
The fight against the Aberrant Beasts and sandstorms was a war of attrition.
But food and water were matters of immediate survival.
You could only fight a war of attrition if you survived first!
Sierra Sullivan didnât bother with false pleasantries. "Thank you, Uncle."
Hearing this, Kevin Everett instinctively glanced at Jayce but ultimately said nothing.
As usual, Kevin Everett invited them to stay for a meal. This time, Sierra Sullivan didnât refuse.
After all, Kevin Everett was showing them concern; she couldnât refuse him time and time again.
And given Kevin Everettâs status and position, he wasnât short on food for one meal.
The food was simple home-style cooking, but the atmosphere at the table was somewhat tense.
No one spoke. Sierra Sullivan didnât mind, focusing only on her own food.
They didnât linger long after the meal. She and Jayce took Candice Tate back to the thirty-sixth floor.
As they went upstairs, Sierra Sullivan carried Candice Tate while Jayce carried two large suitcases.
They made quite a scene, attracting a lot of attention on their way up.
Most of the stares were directed at Candice Tate.
Being stared at so intently, Candice Tate was clearly frightened and shrank into Sierra Sullivanâs arms.
Sierra Sullivan gently patted Candice Tateâs back and quickened her pace.
As they passed the thirty-fifth floor, they ran into an old acquaintance.
Mandy Sinclair.
Sierra Sullivan hadnât seen Mandy Sinclair in a long time.
The last time she saw Mandy Sinclair, she still had long hair and did her best to look pretty and presentable.
But now, her long hair was gone, replaced by a short, straw-like crop.
Not only was her hair short, but she was also much thinner, with a haggard expression and a pale complexion.
Cooped up indoors all day without any sunlight, one would naturally become paler.
But it was an unhealthy kind of pale.
Mandy Sinclair was carrying a bucket filled with sand.
âWas she going to empty her toilet?â
âOr was she coming back from emptying it?â
The thought flashed through Sierra Sullivanâs mind for only a moment before she pushed it away.
Just as Sierra Sullivan was about to turn and head up the stairs, Mandy Sinclair suddenly spoke.
"Sierra Sullivan! Wait!"
Sierra Sullivan raised an eyebrow. "What do you want?"
"Who are you holding?" Mandy Sinclair demanded.
Listening to Mandy Sinclairâs question and tone, Sierra Sullivan was baffled. "Whatâs that got to do with you?"
"What do you mean, whatâs it got to do with me!" Mandy Sinclairâs voice grew louder. "Are you letting her move in with you? Weâre neighbors! I asked to borrow some water before, and you wouldnât even lend me any. Now youâre letting this little brat from who-knows-where live in your house? Are you out of your mind?"
"Youâre the one whoâs out of your mind!" Sierra Sullivan rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Itâs my house, Iâll let whoever I want live there. Itâs my stuff, Iâll give it to whoever I want. Whatâs it got to do with you!"
After saying her piece, Sierra Sullivan let out a frustrated laugh at her own expense.
âI must be crazy with anger to even be arguing with Mandy Sinclair here.â
âWhat is there to even talk about with someone like her!â
Before Mandy Sinclair could say anything else, Sierra Sullivan headed straight upstairs.
Mandy Sinclair stood rooted to the spot, her eyes fixed on Sierra Sullivanâs departing back, the venom in her gaze almost palpable.
"If you look at her like that again, Iâll dig your eyes out."
Jayceâs voice was ice-cold, devoid of any emotion.
Hearing this so suddenly, Mandy Sinclair flinched in shock.
When she saw it was Jayce standing before her, Mandy Sinclair became agitated. "Mr. Everett! Mr. Everett! Sierra Sullivan is using your supplies to take care of someone else! You canât let her get away with this! Look at me, as long as youâre willing, I can satisfy your every need! Can Sierra Sullivan do that?"
Jayce looked at Mandy Sinclair with disgust. "This is the first and last time. Say such disgusting things to me again, and Iâll cut out your tongue."
Jayce had never been a good-tempered person, and he certainly wouldnât let someone nauseate him like this.
As he spoke, his gaze was as cold and sharp as a knife.
Mandy Sinclair felt that if she dared to utter another word, she would instantly lose her tongue.
The terrifying feeling made Mandy Sinclair bite down hard, too afraid to say anything more.