77. Group Cohesion

Jason records a narration of the Adventure Society campus with a floating crystal, noting his recent tensions with Humphrey. He detours for fruit drinks from Arash, joking about his irreverence toward gods, then returns to observe the marshalling yard, applying Farrah’s training to read group dynamics.

As adventurers gather, Jason notes Humphrey with Gabrielle and an unfamiliar, slightly older woman. Thadwick Mercer confronts Jason with taunts, but Jason deflects until Vincent Trenslow arrives to brief the group. The assignment is to travel to spirit coin farm Geller-Seven and escort a coin shipment back with a bronze-rank adventurer.

Thadwick demands leadership, citing his entourage and family. Vincent overrules him, appointing Phoebe Geller as leader for the outward journey due to experience, knowledge of the route, and her two-star status. Jason publicly ridicules Thadwick’s nepotistic credentials and incompetence, escalating the confrontation.

Humphrey warns Jason he is hurting group cohesion, but Thadwick storms off, declaring he will refuse the contract. His two reluctant teammates follow, and with them goes the group’s only healer. Phoebe and others recognize the setback, while Jason offers a belated apology as the team faces the mission shorthanded.