Max felt the weight of their gazes—Aelric, Amelia, Revenna, and Jack—all waiting for an explanation.
For the truth.
But he only shrugged.
"Honestly, I don't know either."
It was the truth—at least partially.
His "betrayal" had been declared for him, not by him.
He never chose to turn against the Phoenix Order Guild.
Yet, here he was—labeled as a traitor.
Aelric studied him for a moment, then patted his shoulder lightly.
"Well, don't think too much about it."
His voice carried genuine warmth.
"Whatever happened, you're my friend, and you're always welcome here."
Max met his gaze.
There was no doubt, no hesitation in Aelric's words.
A small smile touched Max's lips.
"Thanks."
Just as the conversation settled, a new wave of whispers spread through the Grand Chamber.
It started as a ripple, quiet murmurs spreading like wildfire—
Then, it exploded into hushed awe.
"Look, the top five guilds, the four super families… they're all arriving together."
