Only I Am A Reader-Chapter 588: The Invisible Kara

Acting as the Governor's liaison with the Hero Association, the suited man started the show by explaining the team's first agenda.

"So, starting next Sunday, we will…"

If one looked at Aurora's enchanting face, they could see that she was fully focused on the whiteboard where the plan was being laid out, but in reality…

'Does it make sense that all three of them make me feel this way?'

Although she didn't show it on the surface, her current mental state was a mess. There were just too many things that she couldn't understand.

Despite the repulsion that she felt toward the Thorn Trio's leader, Yvonne, Aurora had done her best to continue familiarizing herself with the rest of her new team. However, that only made things worse.

'Even back when I detested Cassian, such strong feelings were never provoked.'

Normally, she would have criticized herself for thinking of Cassian too many times as of late, but at the moment, she was overcome by a completely different kind of emotion.

It wasn't just their leader; the entirety of the Thorn Trio gave rise to a powerful cocktail of negative emotions deep within her.

The only other time that Aurora had felt something this strong was back when Cassian decimated her entire team right in front of her.

In fact, beyond her understanding, she was currently feeling worse.

"You look a little pale. Are you sure you are okay?"

Even if it was just a simple exchange of words, dealing with any sister of the three felt no different from being constantly pricked with actual thorns.

Moreover, it didn't stop at that. It was like those thorns were further laced with poison that made her sick to the core.

'Is this some sort of premonition?'

The only instance that reminded Aurora of the current situation was her recent visit to that shady information broker.

Back then, she was aimlessly wandering around, troubled with curiosity over Cassian's origin, and somehow, she just happened to find the place that could provide an answer to her question.

No matter how she scoured her memory, she couldn't think of any past occurrence that might have led her to know about that place, not even a hint that she might have deduced its location from.

Since there was also nothing that could explain the current situation, both situations could explain each other.

'Not just fixing my inhuman flaws, but… guiding me towards a better direction?'

Was this what she walked out with from that 'Gate'? A comprehensive improvement package?

'Ugh, I wasn't one to deeply contemplate stuff either.'

Feeling a strong headache coming her way, Aurora momentarily thought that it wouldn't be so bad to go back to how things were before. However…

'But it's also the first time that I have actually felt alive since forever.'

Between her past and present, Aurora definitely preferred her current self.

"I'm okay, I might have had something bad for lunch."

Even if that made her feel like puking everything inside her stomach.

'Well, if my guess is true…'

Going back to the topic at hand, if the feelings she felt weren't randomly misplaced emotions…

'Is this whole project a conspiracy against me?'

Three out of four additions to her team didn't seem like good people. At this rate, this whole endeavour was a recipe for disaster.

Suddenly, the out-of-place acceptance of her pitch made a lot more sense.

'If not now, then when else would I trust my gut?'

Although she held back from flipping the table and calling the entire thing off before it even started, Aurora planned to keep her guard up as much as possible.

'If you slip up even once, I will be sure to see it.' 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Since it seemed like nobody wanted her to succeed, she was going to do it right under their noses.

With one stone, Aurora could hit two big birds. She was going to achieve her lifelong goal, and she was going to rub it in their faces for thinking they could control her!

"If you aren't feeling well, then wouldn't it be better if we call it a day for now. Doing it tomorrow morning wouldn't change much."

In response to Aurora's ghostly face, the one who had the smallest presence in the room suddenly spoke up.

"That… Would be preferable?"

Originally having the intention of waving away the meaningless newbie, the suited man could only quickly change his words once he took notice of Aurora's face.

"We don't mind. As long as the rest of the schedule remains unchanged, we could even forgo the meeting altogether. After all, I'm sure Aurora could carry us through the whole Gate on her own."

The middle sister of the Thorn Trio chimed in, praising Aurora to earn some brownie points. However…

"Hm? Was that your intention all along? Riding along for the glory without putting in the proper work."

Perhaps because of the state she was in, Aurora was quick to lash out at her. Sure enough, those three were up to no good!

"I was just kidding…"

Viva, also known as the Thorn Princess, wanted to explain herself in more detail since she didn't like to lose arguments, but, feeling Yvonne's hand on her shoulder, she knew she had to let this one go.

"Haha. Anyway, since everyone is okay with it, let's meet again tomorrow at 9 AM. Be sure to take good care of yourself, Miss Aurora!"

Likewise, the suited man said his last words with good intentions, as fake as they were, but all that earned him was another momentary glare from Aurora.

'In the end, is she the only normal person on the team?'

Having focused all of her attention on the Thorn Trio, Aurora only had the chance to give Kara a cursory glance as they left.

Thanks to the strong contrast provided by the Thorn Trio, Aurora's initial impression of Kara was a pleasant one. In fact, she seemed like she would be a kind, obedient child. Somehow, she reminded Aurora of Gene, at least when she first started living with her.

'That kid is definitely starting to get more rebellious with time.'

Just like that, even the cautious Aurora somehow managed to miss the most foreign element in her new team…