Cruzer studied the girl intently, his blade still poised for action. The glow from her orb illuminated her calm expression, but her words carried a mix of confidence and calculation.
"Temporary alliance, huh?" Cruzer said, his tone skeptical. "And what guarantees do I have that you won't turn on me the moment it's convenient?"
The girl shrugged again, her smirk widening slightly. "None. But the same goes for you. Trust isn't part of this equation—survival is. If it helps, my name's Kaelith. Azure Sky Academy, top 20 in last year's ranking." She gestured to the faint emblem on her armor as if to underscore her credentials. "You don't climb that high by betraying allies too soon. It's bad for business."
