«Gods…»
She was a baby!
All three of them were. None of the three Awakened was older than eighteen… Rain wasn't that far in terms of age, but she felt old and wizened when looking at them.
The Legacy frowned, then said coldly:
«I am Tamar of Sorrow. These are my companions, Awakened Ray and Awakened Fleur. You should have been told about the nature of the task… our goal is to conduct the final survey of the environment for the last stretch of the Eastern Road. We will depart in two hours.»
Rain studied Lady Tamar with curiosity. She didn't seem especially mean, but definitely had a severe personality. Although… considering her age, she must have Just Awakened recently. This survey was most likely the first mission she had received as an Awakened, so the young Legacy was definitely under tremendous pressure to perform well. Perhaps that was the reason for her harshness.
«Great.»
Well, it didn't matter too much. Rain was not planning on following the road manager's advice to gain the girl's friendship and affection during the journey — she did not need another benefactor. In fact, dealing with the one she had was already testing the limits of her patience.
It was far more likely that she would barely exchange a few words with the proud Legacy in the next few weeks.
Awakened Tamar, meanwhile, briefly addressed each of the mundane laborers to learn their names and evaluate their character.
She reached Rain last and stopped in front of her.
«Name?»
Rain answered respectfully without looking the Legacy in the eyes:
«Rani.»
At that, Tamar was supposed to move on. However, she lingered for a moment and looked at Rain's pack.
Then, she asked unexpectedly:
«How good are you with that bow?»
Rain finally looked directly at the leader of the survey team and smiled faintly.
«I'm decent.»
The Legacy frowned.
«What about that sword?»
For a moment, Rain had a ridiculous thought of saying something outrageous, like that she was probably a better swordsman than the three of the young Awakened combined.
For some unknown reason, she wanted to brag when stared down by the beautiful Legacy girl.
Instead, she said simply:
«I can handle it fine.»
Finally, Tamar studied her clothes.
«Do you have experience trekking in the wilderness?»
Rain nodded.
«Some.»
The Awakened girl sighed, then finally looked away.
«Good. I was wondering why they sent someone that young, but it seems that you are not completely helpless… Rani. Don't slow us down.»
Rain suddenly wanted to laugh.
How could that baby-faced Awakened call someone too young with a straight face? Legacy training was someone else, indeed!
Of course, she didn't laugh.
Instead, she bowed slightly.
«Ah, yes, Lady Tamar. I'll do my best.»
Two hours later, the departed the main camp and set out into the wilderness.