The pre-competition Challengers (1)

Hex wandered around, following the group as they showed him around.

Sterling and his team had arrived a few days earlier than him – they didn't make any detours or encounter ambushes – and were familiar with the place. 

Although he tried to pay attention, Hex's mind wandered off now and again. The little piece of information he gained from reading the Dairy continued to haunt him.

'The Divine Lord is Wrixia's little brother. Are they teaming up? Is Ella's presence here arranged for something other than the competition?'

Questions. And no answers.

It irritated him. But at the same time, he was learning to search for clues by himself. 

"Are you listening?"

He felt someone pull his arm. With a start he looked up, seeing Sterling's questioning gaze. 

"Yes. Sorry," he said. "Just have some things on my mind."