"It's been a while, Master. You're welcome."
Master Sung's serious expression broke into one of his rare, genuinely cheerful smiles—the kind that would make even guild members' jaws drop because it was such an unusual sight.
"Thank you, thank you," he responded warmly, his voice sounding almost grandfatherly, a tone none of them had heard before.
It was strange seeing this legendary figure, who commanded respect from entire districts, acting so... human. Even Ryder could tell this wasn't like the fake emotions he had been showing all this while.
Akira Tian's piercing gaze swept from Master Sung to the group standing behind him, and her expression immediately shifted to one of observation.
"You seem to have some company," she observed, gesturing toward Ryder and the others with a fluid motion that somehow managed to be both dismissive and acknowledging at the same time. "Are they the reason for your visit?"
