New A Rank Skill.

The tension still hung in the room like the fading echoes of Reyna and Liora's brawl. A hush settled as Ethan remained standing, his arms crossed, eyes sweeping over his ragtag team.

He cleared his throat. "Alright. Listen up."

Reyna dropped into a chair with a dramatic huff, her arms folded, the table leg she'd brandished earlier now propped beside her like a weapon waiting for another round.

Liora perched herself on the edge of a table, folding her legs elegantly, crimson eyes glinting under the lamplight. She seemed the only one untouched by the earlier chaos, her silver hair perfectly in place.

Daniel, nursing a tender spot on his jaw, slumped against the wall, looking like he'd rather vanish into the shadows.

Ethan drew a long breath. "We're leaving for the Empire. Tomorrow morning."

Three pairs of eyes locked onto him in silent unison. The room seemed to freeze, even the creak of the inn's wooden beams falling still.