"I wonder why we were called here."
"Shut it. We'll find out soon enough."
"Huh? You dare talk down to me? Don't forget—I'm number seven, while you're only number eight."
"Hmph! A single rank doesn't mean much. It's been almost a year since our strength was last measured. I've grown far stronger than you."
"Oh yeah? Want to put that to the test? I'd be more than happy to kick your ass right here."
The tension crackled in the air as the two figures, neither fully human nor entirely beast, locked eyes in a battle of wills.
Their auras flared slightly, a prelude to an imminent clash—until a sharp, commanding voice cut through the room.
"Enough."
The words belonged to a tall, elegant Beastman woman—Carla, the ever-composed secretary of Lord Asef.
Her golden eyes flicked between the two quarrelers with a silent warning.
"Lord Asef has arrived."