Aamir calmly said, "I'll have this one. You can find another."
He reached for the mana crystal, but suddenly—
Snap.
The boy grabbed Aamir's wrist.
For a second, time seemed to freeze.
Aamir slowly turned his gaze toward the boy's face, his eyes like cold steel. No anger. No words. Just silent intensity.
The boy met his eyes—and instantly, his heart skipped a beat. A cold chill ran down his spine.
In Aamir's calm stare, he saw something terrifying. Not rage. Not fury. Death.
The boy's grip loosened.
He immediately stepped back, pulling his hand away as if he'd touched fire. "Uh—babe, let's just go. I'll get you a better one."
But the girl pouted, not letting go of his arm. "But I want this one!"
She clung closer, wrapping herself around him. "Please, honey..."
Trapped between pride and pressure, the boy clenched his teeth. "Tch… fine."
He turned to Aamir again, forcing a fake smirk. "Well, looks like I have no choice. Mister, leave the crystal… or I'll have to beat you."
