Her eyes widened as she saw the flames. Immediately, she lunged back.
I stood there, the white flames surrounding me in a circle, their heat pressing against my skin like a second heartbeat.
Her expression was priceless. Her eyes went wide and she struggled with words for a second, mouth opening and closing like she'd forgotten how speech worked.
"I—I thought Kassie was combat-based. You lied to us."
I shrugged.
"Did I? Did I not?"
Her gaze darkened into a frown.
"You… you are no F-rank."
I looked at her and smiled.
"I am, Elena Volkov. I'm probably the strongest F-rank you'd ever set your eyes upon in your life." I exhaled and shot her a clear look. "Listen, I don't have time for you. I've got priorities right now."
I paused as I turned away from her, sparing her one last glance over my shoulder. Something like pity flickered through me.
"Good luck surviving the fire, Elena."
