The Shock of Comparison
"Senior Brother, I'm already at level two of the Astral realm."
A hush came from Selena - unnervingly steady. Not a trace of pride, no flicker of anxiety, not the faintest spark of thrill. Spoken flat, as though noting clouds passing by or wondering about tonight's meal. Her body didn't tense, arms hanging easy, fingers slack, as if words hadn't just cracked open silence like stone splitting down the middle.
Frozen in place, Kevin showed almost no response right away.
A tiny nod slipped out, gaze already wandering as if thoughts lagged behind. "Hmm, level two Onyx Realm? Not bad."
Out of the corner of his mouth, he spoke like it didn't matter much. His eyes stayed elsewhere, fixed on nothing close to her face. What he said came from guesses more than facts. Back then, two moons past, she first entered the Onyx Realm. Rising one rank since? Well, that tracks. Talent has always moved through her like breath.
Expected.
Normal.
But then…
