The masked man stepped forward and dropped to one knee, bowing his head with the quiet assurance of someone who had already accepted the danger.
Ling Yan's eyes flickered to him.
"Are you certain?" she asked, her voice low. Her gaze lingered on the cold, featureless mask that hid his expression, searching for hesitation and finding none.
"It's only an Astral Bloom stage creature," he replied evenly. His tone held no arrogance, only certainty. "It should not pose any true danger."
Ling Yan studied him for a long breath. Finally, she gave a sharp nod, her voice ringing with authority.
"Very well. I grant you permission to engage the creature, but you must return safely."
The masked man inclined his head in silent acknowledgment. Then, with a motion as swift as a whisper, he vanished from her side.
A blink later, he hovered above the barrier, his lone figure framed against the swirling red haze.
Slowly, he unclasped the tattered cape that hung from his shoulders.
