"Yes."
Ray, Rachel, and the few other younger blacksmiths answered in unison, their voices respectful and steady.
Among the sea of green uniforms and metal badges, Rachel stood out like a streak of fire. She was the only girl present, and whether she liked it or not, attention naturally drifted toward her.
After Kaelan finished his instructions, Ray and Rachel left together.
"Good luck, junior disciple brother!" Rachel said cheerfully. She reached out, rubbed Ray's head, then pinched his cheeks a few more times before finally letting go.
Ray endured it in silence, a helpless look in his eyes. For the first time, he found himself missing her old, frosty attitude. At least back then, his cheeks had survived unscathed.
As the tournament drew closer, the atmosphere in the hotel shifted.
