Adrian's POV
I accepted the pouch from Kyle's hands, feeling the weight of the Crest Marks and herbs as they transferred into my possession. The exchange had proceeded exactly as I had calculated it would.
"Pleasure doing business with you, Kyle," I said with a satisfied smile, securing the pouch in my storage ring.
Kyle's team members regrouped around him before he gave a curt nod and began withdrawing from the area. As they departed, I could see his eyes remained fixed on me, his body visibly tense with anticipation of a potential ambush.
But there was no need for such tactics. Ambushing him after completing the exchange would serve no beneficial purpose to me.
After Kyle's group disappeared into the forest, Elen approached me with obvious confusion about my decision.
"Why did you let him go? We could have easily surrounded them. You could handle Kyle while we dealt with the others. Once the Elite class is eliminated, we're guaranteed to win the examination," she argued.
