Hajin rose from the sofa and headed for the door, satisfied that the meeting had been more useful than he expected.
Allen did not try to stop him, keeping his eyes on the tracking display while the new rank glowed across its surface.
Vella followed closely behind, yawning into one hand while Loccy bounced beside her with restless energy.
Two familiar figures stepped into the doorway before the group could leave, blocking the exit with determined expressions.
"Oh, so it is you two standing guard today," Hajin muttered, stopping while he examined their faces.
Elise stared at him with her mouth slightly open, her rapier swaying against her hip as she studied the white hair and colored streaks.
"What in the world happened to your hair inside that Gate?" Elise asked, pointing at the glowing gold and blue streaks.
"Your eyes look completely different as well," she added, leaning closer before remembering herself and stepping back.
