He paused at the threshold, eyes sharp, unreadable.
"Let's not keep them waiting."
And with that, he walked toward the hall—each step measured, as if going to war.
Kael descended the stairs in silence, each step echoing softly through the grand corridor.
Behind him, Selene followed—quiet and watchful, her eyes scanning ahead.
Halfway down, Kael's gaze passed through the railing and landed on the main hall below.
And there he was.
Eiden.
The one face Kael had hoped not to see.
Standing at ease in the center, Eiden wore that same unreadable calm.
Beside him stood Elara, her presence composed, distant—just as Kael remembered.
Slightly to the right was a tall man, perhaps in his mid-twenties, broad-shouldered, arms crossed, gaze already flicking toward the stairs.
Kael's eyes narrowed.
Yue, now beside Selene, leaned slightly toward him and whispered,
"That man… he's a Rank 4 magician.
Be careful."
Kael gave the faintest nod.
