I exhaled slowly, pressing a hand against the cold stone wall. My palm came away slick with condensation, or maybe sweat—I didn't check too closely.
For now, all I could do was play the part.
...Act like I was in control.
—You are either very bold or very reckless idiot who doesn't know he can die while pulling this kind of stunt.
And in next moment, Zaho Yuren voice comes through Lan.
I wanted to argue with him but even I know that this time I was beyond reckless.
"Yeah, you are right this time. I was really reckless there. I almost died."
—This time? Kid, I am always right.
I let out a dry chuckle, the sound muffled beneath the mask. "Always right, huh? You're starting to sound like a nagging old man."
—I am an old man. One who actually survived long enough to earn the title. Unlike you, who seems determined to sprint face-first into an early grave.
His voice rattled in my skull like steel grinding on stone, equal parts disdain and begrudging concern.
