A sombre silence enveloped the chamber as both sides sat facing each other, watching carefully. The air felt heavy, and neither of them blinked or moved much.
Both were observing every small detail, waiting for the other to speak first. Kael clenched his hands tightly on his knees while trying hard to control his urge to use his monocle and check the exact level of the man sitting opposite him.
During the fight earlier, Kael had understood one thing clearly. This man held back. He did not fight seriously. Even without the monocle, Kael could feel there was something far deeper and more dangerous hidden in him. Yet no matter how much experience he had, it was impossible to break through several levels and see through his opponent without any skill or insight supporting him.
Kael swallowed and finally spoke with a calm tone. "You held back, didn't you?"
"No." Ruth denied with a cold voice, barely moving his lips.
