Whispers exploded with renewed intensity.
"Damian Valcor? As squad leader?"
"Shouldn't it be the Sword Demon? He's the strongest and most experienced!"
"Even if Valcor has insane willpower, he's clearly not the strongest..."
"He's seventeen years old! How can he lead people with decades more experience?"
"Not to mention he hasn't even come back since the Mind Tower incident–"
Before the whispers could build further, one of the Hollow Sisters spoke.
Her voice emerged from behind the black mask, serious and certain.
"I can sense his presence."
The statement made several candidates pause.
"Damian Valcor is already here."
More whispers erupted, heads turning as people searched the assembled formation.
"Where? I don't see him..."
"Is she mistaken?"
"How could he be here without us noticing?"
The Sword Demon's raspy voice cut across the confusion.
"The girl is right."
His blindfolded face turned toward a specific direction.
"He's been standing here for some time already."
