After clearing the 29th floor, I made my way back to the clearing where Lilith had been watching everything unfold. The battle was over. The harpies, once proud and dominant in their territory, now lay defeated, their icy feathers scattered like ash in the wind. The air still smelled of mana and frost.
Lilith stood a few paces from the edge of the clearing, her hair catching the faint breeze that blew down from the higher cliffs. Her eyes met mine, but there was no usual spark of wonder or admiration—just a soft smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I think that was enough for a demonstration," I said with a smirk, wiping blood from the side of my mouth. I had gone all out for that one. If I didn't get at least a word of praise, I'd seriously be offended.
She nodded slowly, that smile still lingering. But she didn't speak. No congratulations. No snarky retort. Nothing.
I sighed inwardly.
