"Interesting. Very interesting indeed," Lakalros said, clapping slowly with an amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Not many—especially not humans—have managed to push me like that. You're clearly no Hero, so why don't you do me the courtesy of telling me… who exactly are you?"
"S–Senior A—" Alicia's voice cracked at that time. She called out reflexively, her tone filled with panic. But the moment I shot her a sharp look, she froze, her voice faltering mid-sentence.
"...mael," she finished weakly, clearly understanding that I didn't want my name spoken here.
Are you doing this on purpose, Alicia?!
I knew I hadn't exactly made things easy on her—swooping in unannounced and attacking that monster without so much as a heads-up. But it wasn't just recklessness. I had my reasons, both here and for when we returned. Complications needed to be avoided—especially certain ones.
"Hm? Mael?" Lakalros raised a curious brow.
