After arriving in the underground area this time, Max could clearly feel the change in the way the other ascenders looked at him, because the casual glances from before had turned into gazes filled with awe and respect, as though they were no longer looking at a fellow newcomer but at someone far above their level.
At the same time, he could also sense traces of jealousy and suppressed hatred mixed within those looks, emotions that clung to a few individuals who found it difficult to accept the gap that had suddenly opened between them and him.
Max paid none of it any attention and continued walking calmly, his expression unchanged as he headed straight toward his room.
