Chapter 761: Summoned by President of Hunter Association
A few paces behind, Margo followed in silence, his expression dark and brooding. His once-arrogant posture was gone, shoulders slightly slumped, eyes lowered as he trailed after his own team like a shadow.
The events of the battle replayed in his mind in merciless clarity—the sight of Max cutting down Ascendants, the golden swords cleaving through monsters that even seasoned veterans feared to challenge.
Margo clenched his fists, swallowing the bitter taste of his own wounded pride. He had seen enough to understand one unshakable truth: Max was in a realm entirely beyond his reach.
’Going against him would only bring me ruin,’ Margo thought, the muscles in his jaw tightening as he forced himself to remain silent, to fade into the background. He kept his eyes lowered, hoping that staying invisible was the wisest path for now.
Just at that moment, as the sun spilled molten gold across the white-stoned streets and the tired voices of warriors filled the air, a figure emerged before them with a quiet authority that immediately stilled the small group.
He was a middle-aged man whose long black robe rippled gently in the breeze, embroidered with delicate silver threads depicting ancient runes and coiling beasts.
His hair was touched with streaks of dignified gray, swept back from a stern yet kind face lined by wisdom and age. His gaze, sharp as a blade yet filled with an unfathomable depth, fell upon Max with unmistakable focus. It was Elder Liam, First Elder of the Hunter Association, a name that carried weight like a mountain in the Middle Domain.
"I am an elder of the Hunter Association. You may all call me Elder Liam," he said, his voice calm and resonant, carrying effortlessly over the low hum of conversation all around them. Though spoken gently, every syllable radiated a quiet power that made even seasoned warriors stand a little straighter.
Then Elder Liam shifted his gaze fully onto Max, a faint but genuine smile brushing his lips. "I would like a word with Max alone."