The Association's core members flee into the distance.
Kiaria did not pursue them. He simply observed, eyes steady, as their retreat dissolved into the terrain.
"I don't understand how people like that were ever allowed into the core," he said at last.
Princess did not bother to look after them. "They chose to run. That alone makes them lighter baggage than those who would've stayed and hesitated."
Kiaria exhaled slowly. "Still. Geng was different. If he were the one rescued today, he wouldn't have fled so cleanly. At least not without weighing the cost."
Fairy Fu Cai smiled faintly. "Their positions were already stripped the moment they turned their backs. Even if they survive, they won't return as leaders."
Diala nodded. "You altered their fate."
Kiaria turned to her, expression unchanged.
"No. Fate doesn't bend that easily. We're only walking the path already laid out. If you limit your understanding to the Association alone, then a long life serves no purpose."
