"Potentially someone I should avoid knowing."
Belle's expression shifted. The playful mockery disappeared, replaced by the sharp awareness that had kept her alive in gates despite her pathetic combat stats. Her voice dropped to barely above a whisper. "Diamond-tier?"
"That would be my guess."
"Well, shit." Belle set down her fork with deliberate care. "Any particular reason Diamond-tier hunters are taking an interest in your breakfast routine?"
"Rapid advancement draws attention. Especially when it doesn't follow conventional patterns."
Belle nodded slowly, her mind already working through the implications. "Right. Lottery winner shouldn't be climbing rankings like someone with actual training and guild connections."
"Exactly."
