"Cores?" the deacon asked, sounding bored again.
Ji'an placed her bag on the table.
"Zero."
The deacon blinked. "Zero?"
"I was the logistics support," Ji'an pointed at Wangchen. "He did the killing. I did the cooking and the cheering. It was a very vital role."
The crowd laughed. Some sneered. "That guy is like a leech."
"Useless Young Master."
"Riding his servant's coattails."
Wangchen, standing on the high dais, stepped forward, his hand going to his sword. He was ready to jump down and slaughter anyone laughing.
Ji'an shot him a glare. 'Stay. Put.'
"Zero cores," the deacon sneered. "Touching the Orb is a formality, but go ahead. Don't expect much."
Ji'an walked up to the cracked Orb.
"Hey, buddy," she whispered to the crystal. "Let's keep this low profile, okay? Just give me a passing grade. Wood, Fire, Water... something generic."
She touched it.
