Victoria's sudden remark made Greg's shoulders tense for a fraction of a second, while Sylvia's fingers briefly tightened around Victoria's arm.
But Victoria was looking at Greg, so she failed to notice Sylvia's momentary awkwardness.
Sylvia quickly composed herself. A barely perceptible trace of guilt crept into her voice, but she still gently tried to reassure her:
"I-it must just be your imagination... After all, we've each only explored the Dungeon with Greg once, right? When would he have had so many chances to sneak off and keep all the goodies for himself?"
Victoria tilted her head in thought, a contemplative gleam flashing through her gray eyes.
A moment later, she nodded. "Hmm... I guess you have a point."
Only then did she turn to Greg, her tone carrying the last trace of her anger and a promise she wouldn't let him take back. "You promised, so you'd better make it up to us!"
"I will this time! I really will!"
As though granted a pardon, Greg hurriedly scrambled to his feet, brushed the dust from his knees, and decisively changed the subject.
"Anyway, Sylvia, how are things on your end? Is your mentor nice?"
Victoria immediately turned her attention to her friend as well, concern appearing on her face.
"Right, Sylvia, I'm sorry... I was going to choose the same mentor as you, but now you're all alone..."
Sylvia hurriedly waved both hands, her pink hair swaying gently with the motion.
"You don't need to worry so much about me! My mentor's really nice too, and I'm not alone. It's just-"
Before she could finish, a fiery red figure appeared before the three of them like a whirlwind.
It was a girl with a head of brilliant red hair that looked like blazing flames.
Her arrival was like a