The midday sun was already scorching. In this season, standing outside felt oppressively hot.
Yet for Justin Lewis and the few others emerging from the conference room, the sun's rays felt like they could chase away a bit of the chill that clung to them.
Quentin Ford walked at the very front, with Justin Lewis behind him, along with several silent Betas.
Colonel Hanson and his group were seven or eight steps behind.
As they came out, they happened to look down and see Zoe Pierce's group, who had just left Instructor Joyce's office.
Dressed in Military training uniforms, they stood on the training grounds under the bright sun.
Zoe Pierce and Nathan Lockwood were the first to feel several gazes on them.
Following the direction of the gazes, they immediately saw Quentin Ford and his group standing on the walkway.
Her steps faltered, and she gave a slight bow and nod toward the group.
This was a gesture of respect for her elders, as well as for the leaders.
