Well, apparently nothing.
Nothing in the sense that Ada, the orc aide, could not actually cure the children's adoptive siren mother, who had fallen ill.
That was the unfortunate reality.
She could absolutely hand over the Jade Vine the children had won. That part wasn't an issue at all. In fact, according to the system, they had earned it in a manner so emotionally charged that Ada briefly wondered if the vine itself should come with a trauma waiver.
Because D-29, ever diligent and mildly unhinged in its sense of thoroughness, had already pulled up the footage for her.
First came Ysa.
Tiny. Determined. Clutching the railing with both hands like it was the last thing anchoring her to reality.
The wheel spun.
Stopped.
Try Again — "Barely Missed It (Pain)."
The child stared at the screen.
Her lip trembled.
Then came the waterworks.
It wasn't the quiet kind but the kind that spelled full-body despair. Knees buckled. Hands curled. Tears poured down as if all hope was lost.
