Dominic’s voice, though flat, with its childish quality and confidence, captured everyone’s attention.

"There are thirteen people. Only six of them are gold." He pointed to the six. "So, Dad can only use these six. If we share food with them, as long as we don’t go hungry, I think it’s good to do it."

He gave his analysis. Though his words weren’t eloquent, they were enough to get the point across.

Kain was well aware that it was odd for him to defer to Dominic. But he wanted Dominic to show his abilities, a little at a time.

They had seen elemental abilities, but spiritual abilities are an anomaly to them. He would not go out of his way to explain. What he wanted was for others to make the connections.

Too much comfort is not a good thing. They had been under his wing on the way here. Now that they have started using Source Energy, they need to spread their wings.

He would observe them and from there he could assign roles.

Currently, Jake is the only one with 90% loyalty. Amelia wasn’t included because she had access to the system storage.

As such, he would put Jake in charge of logistics for the time being.

"Good," Kain rubbed Dominic’s head. "Are there any questions?"

"Yes," Matthew said. "I do have a question."

Kain gestured for him to speak, steepling his fingers.

"Dom said six people are in gold. What does the gold represent? How is he sure they will be useful?"

Leaning back, a half-smile spread, "Guess," he said. "The answer is obvious if you know how to look."

Not continuing the conversation, he turned to Jake. "Jake. You’re in charge of logistics for now. Come with me," he paused, "all of you."

Bringing him to the pantry, he asked Jake to place his hand flat on the wall beside the light switch.

Seamlessly, a hidden door opened. The room was temperature-controlled. They stepped inside to see that the room was divided into separate sections.

One for frozen foods and meats, one for fresh food, vegetables, fruits, and canned goods. There were even barrels of water.

It was an entire supermarket.

As he stepped in, Kain explained. "All five floors currently have this storage. No matter which floor, you can find the panel in the same place. However, only Jake, myself, and Amelia have access to any of these items. I will leave these supplies in Jake’s hands. He can decide what needs to be distributed. Of course, if he needs help, you all can still help him."

"Dad, why can’t we come in?" Avery spoke up.

Amelia chimed in, "You and your siblings already have your own secret snack stash. Why do you want to come here too?"

Avery nodded absentmindedly.

Through their link, Avery heard Dominic speak. "Sister, don’t be greedy. We have the secret place. It’s full of food. We don’t need the adults’ food."

Avery perked up. ’That’s right. We have so many snacks that Mom and Dad kept for us.’ She looked around the room. ’This room is small, adults are pitiful.’

Walking out, the one who couldn’t help questioning things this time was Veronica.

"Kain, you’ve given Jake charge of the logistics. What will the rest of us be doing?" The question was sharp.

He expected nothing less of Veronica. She doesn’t speak much but when she does, she gets to the meat of the matter.

Rather than answer the question directly, Kain said, "Loyalty is rewarded. Jake has always been loyal to me. So he is rewarded. Where do your loyalties lie?"

He scanned the team. Their loyalty has increased, but it is nowhere near what he needs. Veronica aside, he doesn’t have much trust in the others.

[ Jake Valentine]

[Role: Logistics]

[Loyalty: 90%]

[Condition: Stable]

[Awakening Status: Awakened Level 1]

__________

[ Veronica Passey ]

[Role: N/A]

[Loyalty: 87%]

[Condition: Stable]

[Awakening Status: Awakened Level 1]

__________

[ Jaylin Parker ]

[Role: N/A]

[Loyalty: 65%]

[Condition: Agitated]

[Awakening Status: Awakened Level 1]

__________

[ Matthew Wilde ]

[Role: N/A]

[Loyalty: 50%]

[Condition: Skeptical]

[Awakening Status: Awakened Level 1]

__________

[ Verdana Parker ]

[Role: N/A]

[Loyalty: 78%]

[Condition: Relaxed]

[Awakening Status: Awakened Level 1]

___________

[ Claire Crosgrove ]

[Role: N/A]

[Loyalty: 50%]

[Condition: Calm]

[Awakening Status: Awakened Level 1]

Sneaking a quick peek at their status, he could more clearly understand their mood.

"Well, I think the meeting is adjourned for today. Jake can decide what needs to be sent out and if he needs any help."

As Kain was about to usher them out, Matthew spoke up.

"You have a measure," certainty sounding in his voice. "You have a way to know whether someone is loyal to you."

Kain tilted his head, an eyebrow quirked up. He knew Matthew was sharp, but he didn’t realize how sharp. A few words were enough for him to notice.

Kain didn’t deny it. He responded in a flat tone, "I do. What of it?"

Matthew opened his mouth, ready for Kain’s denial. He hadn’t expected to get an affirmative answer. Now he was a little unsure of what to say.

Licking his lips, Matthew said, "Then, is that why you’ve not mentioned anything other than the matter of the group’s name? We think we aren’t loyal enough to trust with secrets?"

An easy smile formed on Kain’s lips. "Which answer would you like to hear? The truth might not set you free."

’This guy. He really knows how to ruin a good day.’

The statement made their heart sink. In his eyes, they weren’t worthy of knowing precious information. So everything he had told them so far was inconsequential?

"The truth," Matthew replied through gritted teeth.

He was the one who brought up the topic, but now he wished he hadn’t. Kain keeps breaking his preconceived notions of him.

First, he thought the man was too relaxed, so he didn’t take his threats to heart. Then he saw skill and thought he had underestimated him.

He could just make out the sharp edges. But Kain’s constant whimsy caught him off guard. He didn’t think it would be easy for Kain to trust them, but his current tone made him painfully aware he did not trust them nearly as much as he thought.

"The truth," Kain repeated. The easy smile slid off his face. Kain rolled his shoulders and let out a heavy sigh.

His eyes stared unblinkingly at the six people. The vibrant violet dimmed before a sharp gleam appeared. His spine straightened, and he took a step forward.

The six felt as if they had been plunged into an ice bath.

"The truth is, you would all kill me for the right to anything in this house. You follow because I give you a life of ease and satisfaction. If any of those things were stripped away, you would leave the moment you could.

You want more than you are willing to give."

He lazily raised a hand, pointing at Jake and Veronica. "He is willing to give me his respect and would step in front of a blade for me. She is willing to die for Amelia. Because they are willing, we are also willing.

Not saying, doesn’t mean the person is blind."

His eyes swept over the four, "Matthew, you want but aren’t willing to give. Jaylin, you accept trust without giving in return. Claire, you are more awake now, but you fear being awake, so you wait. Waiting doesn’t always help. Verdana," a corner of his lip perked up. "Your mind is sharp; use it in conjunction with your body. You might have unexpected results.

The truth is, I want to trust you. But I will not give my trust to people who will destroy me."

’Not again’

Kain ran a hand through his hair and closed his eyes.

"So," he breathed, relaxed posture back in place. "Someone ruined the day. We can talk another day. Jake, remember to deal with the logistics and tell those people tomorrow."

With that, he walked away, bringing the children with him. Not looking back.