"You have potential."
Grellik's voice cut through the darkness—calm, measured, almost conversational. He stood with arms crossed, watching Kael with the detached interest of a merchant appraising livestock.
"Real potential. That mana capacity shouldn't exist at your cultivation level. Whoever trained you did exceptional work." He tilted his masked head. "Join the House of Crimson. A talent like yours would rise through our ranks faster than you can imagine. Resources, techniques, protection—everything you could ever want."
Kael wiped blood from his lip.
"Why would I lower myself to join a group of monkeys?"
Silence.
The remaining operatives shifted uncomfortably. Grellik's signature flickered—not with fear, but with irritation.
"Monkeys," Grellik repeated flatly.
