Inside Wildcat Squad's barracks.
On the light screen projected by a personal terminal, the "East Blade Mercenary Corps' First Recruitment Notice" and the fiery post beneath it, "If We Leave and Never Return, Then We'll Never Return!" radiated a scorching glow, reflected on five faces with different expressions.
Big Bear scratched his head and remarked in his booming voice, "The Star Sea... Just thinking about it makes me dizzy."
Bamboo Pole's fingers flew across his data pad as he analyzed the recruitment notice's terms and the lively discussions on the forum.
Thin Monkey was somewhat distracted. His gaze kept drifting toward Nightingale, who sat silently in a corner.
He noticed that Nightingale's cool gaze had lingered for a long time on the words "reserve member" and "never return." Her slender fingers had unconsciously curled slightly.
A sense of foreboding spread through him.
Old Cat took a deep drag on his e-cigarette, slowly swept his gaze across the squad, and finally settled on Nightingale.
He had noticed the faint struggle hidden beneath Nightingale's usual calm.
"Nightingale."
Old Cat exhaled a stream of smoke and coughed lightly. "You broke through a few days ago and mastered the secret technique Instant Shadow Thousand Kills. You're tempted too, aren't you?"
At his words, everyone was startled.
"What? Sister Nightingale, you mastered a secret technique?!" Thin Monkey's eyes widened, and he was the first to cry out.
Big Bear looked just as astonished. "How come I didn't know?"
Bamboo Pole stopped what he was doing and looked at Nightingale.
Nightingale lifted her head and met Old Cat's perceptive gaze. She nodded slightly, confirming it.
She looked at her astonished teammates and explained, "Yes. I only mastered it recently. I'd planned to wait until I got more proficient before surprising you all. I didn't expect things