"He failed," Master Feng said, voice low and solemn. "He was supposed to return hours ago... but he didn't. I checked Underground. His life spark is gone."
Mayor Haoran didn't respond. He remained perfectly still, his face unreadable, as if the news didn't concern him. Only his fingers moved—resting lightly on the table, they began tapping in a slow, rhythmic beat.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The sound echoed across the hall, bouncing softly off the high walls. It lasted for a minute. Then Haoran finally spoke.
"Is that all?" he asked flatly. "What about Belthias' representative for the Exchange?"
"Their mayor isn't coming," Master Feng said. "Understandable, given the recent monster stampede. But he's sent his daughter—Bel. She's being escorted by his personal bodyguard, June. Axton was invited, but declined. The other Headmasters as well."
Haoran's eyes narrowed. "Sending only his daughter. He doesn't take the Exchange seriously."
