"Good morning, everyone. I know most of you are tired from yesterday’s work and the events," he began, casting a meaningful smirk around before continuing, "But today, we’re going to switch things up a bit. By now, you should all be familiar with the vige and its surroundings. So, my team and I have prepared a little game for you all. It seems some of you have been struggling to earn points," he added with a hint of sarcasm, his gaze lingering momentarily on Alice, who quickly averted her eyes.


    "So, this will be a chance for all of you to gather more ingredients that you can use throughout the day or even up to tomorrow, depending on your strategy," he exined, his words fueling the anticipation in the group. "Today’s game will be a scavenger hunt with a twist—there will be Easter eggs hidden throughout the vige, and our team will provide you with a list to search for. However, there’s a catch: if the items listed in your list belong to the vigers, you can’t simply take them without their permission. Doing so will invalidate your find," he concluded, his expression smug as he observed the reactions of everyone in the group.


    "So, as usual, you all have an hour to eat, prepare, and return here for the event," he announced. "Participation is optional, but those who choose not to join won’t receive any points or supplies for today, aside from what they’ve already gathered in previous days. Meeting adjourned, and good luck to everyone."


    The tension in the air was palpable as everyone sensed the Director’s intention to make it hard for them. Exchanging nces filled with a mix of frustration and determination, they realized there was no outlet for their vexation. Each participant dispersed to prepare for the morning, silently gearing up for the uing challenge.


    Hera and Xavier were actually sharing a mischievous smile as they walk back to the cabin after exchanging points for a loaf of bread, butter, and pancake ingredients with maple syrup. They then immediately went their way to make their breakfast ahead of everyone else this time.


    After Zen washed up, he joined the two in the kitchen and pitched in wherever he could. Although they worked in silence, there was a seamless coordination among them as they prepared the food. Their breakfast was soon ready, eliciting envious looks from the others due to its appetizing and delicious appearance.


    As Hera and the rest worked on their breakfast, they didn’t spare the others a nce. Any remaining sense of cordiality they had for the other participants had vanished, and now they treated them as if they were invisible.


    But no one dared to voice their discontent; they could only purse their lips together. They acknowledged that they had gone too far in targeting Hera without fully understanding the situation. They recognized their own faults in the matter and epted how Hera’s team treated them. However, Minerva, Alexi, and Alice remained indignant about the treatment they received, feeling the unfairness of Hera’s team enjoying vorful meals while they were stuck with tasteless and unappetizing food.


    This time, no one paid them any attention, and everyone went about their own business. Nobody even bothered to help the three with their meals anymore, wary of being dragged into another situation that could be detrimental to them. Even without seeing or knowing what was happening on the inte, they could sense the Director’s or the crew’s treatment and nces when they went out to exchange their points for ingredients.


    They realized that things weren’t looking good for them, and they acknowledged their mistakes. However, there was no use crying over spilled milk at this point. All they could do was proceed with the rest of the recording responsibly, ensuring that they didn’t further exacerbate the situation. Perhaps they even had a chance to salvage their reputation to some extent.


    Zen couldn’t contain his delight as he observed everyone giving the troublesome trio a wide berth. "Hera, Xavier, it seems the others have finallye to their senses. Or did they miraculously regain their sight after bumping their heads?" His sarcasm dripped from his words, delivered loud enough for all to hear.


    Zen’s words reverberated, causing a ripple of unease among the participants. Some felt a pang of embarrassment as they realized how quickly they had judged Hera based on Alice’s words and that, they had rallied around Hera just these past three days. It dawned on them that they had been misled, and they now saw Hera in a different light. The fog of bias lifted, allowing them to perceive the situation with rity and without prejudice.