They were eventually guided toward the group of five hunters who had been standing slightly apart from the others all this time.
Two men. Three women.
Their posture was relaxed—too relaxed for an official situation—yet their air of dominance was unmistakable. Their gazes swept over Nathan, David, Sophia, and Validia without any attempt to hide their judgment.
Condescending stares.
A silver-haired man in a long coat let out a thin smirk, his eyes lingering on Nathan a moment longer, as if appraising a cheap item.
"Heh," he muttered softly. "Is this the backup team?"
One of the women—tall, dark-red hair, a confident thin smile—crossed her arms.
"Blue Fang's standards are getting loose," she said lightly. "Letting people like this into the tower."
David stiffened, but before he could speak—
"Nathan."
A familiar voice cut through the atmosphere.
