The atmosphere in the meeting room shifted the moment Gabriel stepped inside.
Conversation halted, eyes turned, and a subtle pressure filled the air as the adventurers took note of the crimson-haired youth.
It seemed he was the last to arrive, and everyone else had been waiting for him.
Gabriel gave a subtle nod to the others and walked toward the vacant seat near the person who had summoned him.
"So we meet again. I didn't think you were invited to the ruin exploration as well," Sophie said with a light smile beneath her veil.
"Didn't think so either. Guess beating the vice guild leader in a spar gets you an invite," Gabriel replied as he sat down.
"You did what?" Sophie's jaw slackened.
All heads in the meeting room snapped toward Gabriel, eyes widening in disbelief.
Some, however, remained skeptical.
The first to sneer was Cassie, seated opposite him.
"You must be joking if you think we'll buy that load of crap!"
