It’s decided. From now on, things are going to get much more interesting.

— What did you say? Run… in fear? — Kaelan repeated, his voice laced with growing irritation.

My smile widened.

— That's right. Are you two deaf, by any chance? — I provoked, giving them a challenging look, knowing exactly how to push their buttons.

— Agh… you bastard… — Rydian growled, his muscles tensing as he prepared to launch at me. But before he could attack, Kaelan stretched out his arm in front of him, blocking his path.

— K-Kaelan? — Rydian murmured, surprised by his friend's reaction.

Kaelan let out a long sigh before lifting his head with a confident smile, as if he was already certain of their victory. His eyes burned with sharp determination.

— Ha… Rydian, calm down. We'll have our chance to take him down, but let's do this properly. We don't want him whining later, saying we outnumbered him or cheated. — he said, his voice carrying an almost amused tone.

— But… What do you mean? — Rydian asked, confused.