Calm.
When Malik's eyes stopped on me and our eyes met, I felt completely at ease.
His pressure…
It was terrifying. More than I could've bargained for. Enough to make me feel suffocated with just a single breath.
'<SSS- > rank.'
Although it was unclear to those watching, I, who was close to achieving <SS- > rank, could discern from a quick glance what level he had attained.
The way the mana around him bent to his will…
The way the world seemed so focused on him…
And the pressure that closely resembled a couple of figures I had met in the past…
Without a single doubt, he had broken through to <SSS- > rank.
"Hm?"
Before I knew it, he was a couple of steps away from me.
"You must be Ren Dover…or should I say, 876?"
His voice echoed out. It sounded crisp and pleasant to the ear, yet, at the same time, felt extremely chilly.