Chapter 70

"No way!" Audrey Lane's eyes widened as she turned the thin yellow talisman over in her fingers.

Jonah Pierce snatched it back with a smug grin. "Why would I lie? Try it yourself if you don't believe me!"

Caleb Monroe leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I already tested it. Feels like carrying an AC in your pocket."

The other guests immediately perked up at this.

Nolan Reed was the first to take the talisman. The moment his fingertips brushed the paper, a wave of coolness spread through his hand. His pupils contracted slightly as he instinctively glanced at Aria Bennett, who was quietly sketching another symbol.

"Well?" Wesley Hart pressed eagerly.

Nolan's throat bobbed. "Incredible," he admitted, voice tight.

Serena Blake lingered at the edge of the group, nails digging into her palms. Her gaze burned into the talisman being passed around, turmoil raging inside her.

Impossible… This has to be a special effect arranged by the production crew!

"Let me try," she blurted, her voice pitched higher than usual.

When Audrey handed her the talisman, Serena's fingers trembled slightly. The instant the cooling sensation flooded her body, her smile nearly cracked.

"It's… quite refreshing," she forced out, though internally, her mind reeled.

The director rushed over. "I want in on this!"

Five minutes later, he cradled the talisman like a treasure. "Ms. Bennett, how long does this last?"

"About a week," Aria replied without looking up, her brush gliding effortlessly across another sheet.

Jonah immediately sidled up to her. "Aria, darling, could you spare one for our team too?"

"Was already planning to make one for each group," she said with a light chuckle, sliding the finished talisman toward him.

[Holy crap! An actual metaphysics prodigy!]

[Where are the haters now? Care to explain this?]

[My queen is unstoppable! Absolute legend!]

Tobias Kane and Cole Turner exchanged a glance, mutual astonishment flashing in their eyes. As former special forces, they understood the implications better than most.

"Ms. Bennett," Cole suddenly spoke up, "could we talk privately?"

Aria didn’t pause her brushwork. "After filming."

The trainees erupted in excitement:

"It really works!"

"Ms. Bennett is the GOAT!"

"I'm officially a fan now!"

Serena lingered at the periphery, her expression shifting between disbelief and resentment. Her gaze bored into Aria’s back, already scheming to visit that master after leaving the island…

"Move out!" Cole commanded, and the group advanced into the jungle.

Along the way, Cole tested them casually. "Anyone recognize these plants?"

Blank stares all around—until Aria stopped abruptly, pointing at an unassuming weed. "Dragon's Breath Herb. Neutralizes snake venom."

Cole's pupils constricted. Exactly what I was going to ask.