Though Still at the Bottom, But

The atmosphere within the booth froze instantly upon hearing Lin Yi's words.

Yue Ming, Lan, and Ming Luo were all stunned for a moment, and then, their gazes converged on him in unison.

"Farewell?" Ming Luo was the first to react, his voice rising a notch. "Brother Lin Yi, what—what do you mean by this? Just because the captain said to give up on this mission? That's not necessary! We don't blame you, really! Every newcomer goes through this!"

Lan also hurriedly set down the crystal in his hand. "Brother Lin Yi, please don't be impulsive. We can choose another mission; it's perfectly normal for a team to have a longer adjustment period. Your talent and potential are clear to see, and your future achievements will be limitless. It's our luck that our squad was able to invite you. Please don't choose to leave just because of a momentary setback."

Even the usually aloof Yue Ming showed a flicker of emotion in her pale purple eyes. She looked at Lin Yi and said slowly, "Lin Yi, we have all seen your progress. Giving up on a high-reward mission is a comprehensive consideration for team safety, not a denial of your personal ability. Since the Star Silence Squad invited you, we were prepared to grow together."

They had clearly misunderstood, thinking that Lin Yi felt guilty for holding the team back and was choosing to withdraw so the squad could accept high-reward missions without restrictions.

Lin Yi looked at his three teammates' reactions, feeling a warmth in his heart while also finding the situation slightly amusing.

He waved his hands hurriedly and explained, "Captain, Lan, Brother Ming Luo, you've misunderstood. I'm not quitting the squad."

"Ah?" Ming Luo blinked.

"Not quitting?" Lan was also confused.

Yue Ming's gaze tightened, waiting for