"Doesn't matter how talented they are. They're easily manipulated by veterans like me. A little kindness, a free inscription, a hunt together, and they let their guard down."
He glanced sideways at Moon's sleeping face resting against his shoulder.
"He has the potential to become a Surpasser in the next few years. Maybe sooner." His voice dropped to a whisper, the words meant for no one but himself.
"Once the master gains a Surpasser-ranked servant, my status in her ranks will climb. Better benefits. Better treatment. Better everything."
His smile widened into a grin.
"This is my lucky day."
The forest was silent around him as he carried Moon through the darkness toward the base.
Frey encountered a beast along the way. A low-level creature that stumbled out from behind a fallen trunk, snarling at the two of them.
It didn't take much effort. Frey moved Moon's weight on his shoulder with one hand and reached into his pouch with the other.
