Despite his extremely exhausted state, Atticus' steps were loud and firm as he approached the exit to the room.
Just as he was about to walk through the opened door, a thought suddenly struck him, causing him to abruptly pause.
Atticus suddenly turned, his gaze landing on the two black pods on each side of the white pod. He had been so pissed about being used as an experimental subject that he just remembered that it had been he, Zoey, and Kael who came here together.
Atticus shifted his gaze away from the pods, meeting Isabella's worried gaze, "Are they also being experimented on?" He suddenly inquired in a low tone.
Although Atticus had spoken calmly and with a neutral expression, Isabella was 100% sure that her answer would determine a whole lot of things.
Isabella cleared her throat, regaining her composure and instantly responded, "No. The experiment was only carried out on you."
They had already lost Atticus' trust and there was no coming back from that. What happened had already happened. Now, she must search for a way forward.
"I see," Atticus maintained locked gaze with Isabella for a few seconds, scrutinizing her and trying to search for any signs of deceit.
After a few seconds, he came out empty. And with one final long look at the black pods, especially the one farthest to the right, where Zoey was, Atticus turned and left the room without uttering any more words.
Although Isabella had been looking at Atticus with a clear and neutral gaze, Zarathustra's current expression was anything but so.
His aura was still encompassing the whole room, his form emitting large amounts of killing intent despite the fact that the one that had angered him had already left the room.
"If not for this contract, I would have taught that bastard a lesson!" Zarathustra seethed. Amongst the academy rules, instructors or any staff of the academy for that matter weren't allowed to do battle with the students. They were allowed to defend themselves when attacked first.
The sound of Isabella walking away sounded next as Zarathustra turned his gaze, landing on her departing figure. She didn't even say anything to Zarathustra, and from her demeanor, it was very obvious that she still supported Atticus.
The scientist shivering in front of the door swiftly stepped out of Isabella's way as she approached. Despite the distance, it was obvious that Zarathustra's aura was still affecting him.
Zarathustra stared at Isabella leaving irritably, clenching his fist tightly.
Zarathustra had always been different from many of the Enigmalnk family members. Members of their family had always been calm and collected most of the time. Never one to lose their composure just like Zarathustra had done countless times today alone.
They had each strictly followed the mantra, "act with your brains, not the heart." But right from the start, Zarathustra knew he was different, just like some other Enigmalnk family members. He was just so quick to get ticked off.
Today, not only was he not able to perform the experiment he wanted, but his pride had been thoroughly injured. He didn't gain anything at all, and that fact annoyed him to his core.
Zarathustra took in deep calming breaths, his aura that enveloped the room receding as he pulled it back.
Zarathustra's gaze regained their normal clarity, his eyes letting out a soft glow as he went back to his calculating self.
…
Isabella stormed out of the room, leaving the building after a few seconds. The location where the students received their exosuits was within the academy campus.
Just like the leader's section that Atticus and the other leaders among the students went to attend classes, the academy also had a section dedicated to research and development. A science section, basically.
Isabella maneuvered, making her way through the science section, walking into the distance.
Although they were all in the same place and close proximity to each other, each section of the academy was strictly separated from each other.
To many individuals, especially the students of the academy who were uniformed, their section was basically their world.
Many had tried to explore the academy, thinking that they would be able to enter another section, but no matter how far they walked, they never seemed to get to the edge of the section.
It seemed endless.
But as though trying to laugh at their efforts, as Isabella walked a few meters away from the buildings, her artifact suddenly lit up, and a holographic interface appeared in front of her face in the next instant.
Would you like to leave this section?
Isabella muttered "yes," and her form was immediately enveloped in a golden light, transferring her away from the area.
After a few minutes, Isabella approached the tall and imposing building at the middle of the academy. It was the same one where she had that talk with Harrison and learned about the high stakes in the next Veriatega Nexus.
She entered the building without any delay, her eyes sweeping across a hall with only a few people walking about. They were all staff of the academy.
Without uttering a word, Isabella made her way toward the elevator at the end of the hall.
"Miss Isabella, wait!" Just as she was about to enter, the sound of a feminine voice sounded from behind her.
Isabella turned, her gaze landing on the approaching figure of a woman dressed corporately. She was her father's secretary.
Isabella didn't say anything and allowed her to approach her.
"Miss Isabella! I apologize for the inconvenience, but Master Harrison has instructed me not to allow anyone, especially you, through. He doesn't want to be disturbed."
Isabella didn't say anything in response, but the cold aura emanating from her made the woman take two steps backward, clearing her throat in mild awkwardness.
She was well aware of the love-hate relationship between this troublesome father and daughter duo.
Plus, this wasn't the first time she was refusing her access to the top floor where Harrison's office was.
But regardless, no matter how many times it had happened, the same thing always repeated itself: Isabella's reaction.