"You have two options: surrender… or die," she continued, her voice flat but firm.
The crystal at the tip of her staff began to pulse with brighter energy—a clear warning that needed no further explanation. One wrong move, and the explosion would follow in seconds.
The man in the black cloak rubbed his temple. His jaw tightened. He stared at Hana with an unreadable expression, caught between calculating his odds and suppressing his rage. Behind him, his crew grew restless. Their confident eyes were no longer as steady as before.
"Captain, they're too arrogant," muttered Canos, the large man who was supposed to lead the scouting team. His voice was deep, like thunder barely held back.
"Yes, they're just early-stage Grandmasters—barely seasoned in real battle," he added with a thin smirk, as if viewing the opponents as nothing more than entertainment.
