"People like you," I echoed, leaning back in my chair. "You mean an SSS-Class Ranker with time manipulation and a reputation for... selective loyalty."
Her eyes flashed with amusement. "Selective loyalty has kept me alive. And powerful."
I nodded slowly. "Noted. But I'm curious about something else. Have you ever seen it happen—an S-Rank Ranker hitting their limit but still managing to climb to SS?"
Her expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of something behind her eyes. Worry? Fear? It was subtle, but it was there.
"One," she said finally. "Just one."
"Who?" I asked, keeping my tone casual.
She shook her head. "You don't want to know. And I don't want to talk about it."
"Elijah Carter, scared of someone?" I said, raising an eyebrow. "That's a first."
Her lips thinned into a line. "Mock all you want, Felix. There are things even I don't meddle with."
