Brewing Tension

The tension was thick in the air.

With a nonchalant tilt of his head, the person under scrutiny slowly slid a piece of jerky into his mouth, crunching it loudly as if he didn't have a care in the world.

"Whoa, so tasty!"

He exclaimed, savoring each bite.

After finishing the jerky, he casually wiped his lips with the back of his hand.

Then, he froze, suddenly aware of the bewildered stares from his party members.

"Wh-what? The jerky is really tasty."

Kaisen said innocently, as if nothing had happened.

"We're having a really important meeting here about tomorrow, and you're enjoying meat jerky? Don't you have any concern for our battle with the Nightshade? Or do you think we'll carry you while you do nothing?"

Alwyn's eyes narrowed as he glared at Kaisen, trying to intimidate him.

But Kaisen remained unfazed by his words.

"Of course not. But I do think you need me in the party to take down the Nightshade."