"SSS talent…"
The words slipped from Thaleon's lips under his breath, almost unintentionally. He remained seated, gaze lowered for a brief second as the meaning settled fully in his mind. Then he looked up again, eyes locking onto Valttair with renewed sharpness.
"You're telling me," Thaleon said, voice steady but edged with disbelief, "that one of the Eight Great Families possesses an SSS Talent, Valttair?"
Valttair did not avert his gaze.
"That's right," he replied. "Trafalgar has an SSS Talent."
The confirmation landed heavily, even after everything that had already been said.
"It won't remain secret forever," Valttair continued. "Before long, it will become public knowledge. It's not easy to hide something like this." His eyes flicked briefly toward Trafalgar. "Many already suspect a superior talent, given how quickly he advances through cores. For now, I intend to keep it concealed as long as possible."
