The oppressive aura of an Expert Rank powerhouse suddenly erupted at the gates of the Black Pearl Hotel.
It was Bruno.
His fury was palpable, rolling outward like a storm.
The crushing pressure fell directly upon the three trembling students before him.
"You wretches dare slander me with such lies?!" he roared, his voice booming like thunder.
Yet in that very instant, Commander Pippin, standing nearby, allowed his own fury to burst forth.
His aura flared, colliding violently with Bruno's in midair.
The invisible clash of power rippled across the courtyard like shockwaves.
Neither side yielded an inch.
"Commander Pippin," Bruno barked, his tone edged with both outrage and desperation, "do you truly believe such obvious lies? Can you honestly say you trust their words?"
But Pippin did not answer immediately.
He only gave Bruno a calm, almost dismissive glance.
Then, his voice rang out, cold and merciless:
"Whether I believe them or not… that is irrelevant.
