Raizel was indeed surprised to see Cecilia among the rookies.
He had almost forgotten her words—how she'd said she'd be waiting for him at the Apex Guild during recruitment. And here she was, standing like a poised flower in full bloom, just as promised.
Before he could fully gather his thoughts, Cecilia turned toward him and spoke calmly, "Hmm… Raizel, you're calling me by my name?"
She tilted her head slightly, "Don't misunderstand… I'm not offended or anything. Just surprised."
Raizel gave a small, confident chuckle. "Yeah, I just felt like it."
Cecilia's lips curled into a faint, amused smile. "Oh? You've changed, Raizel. Good.. Is it the effect of becoming a member of Apex Guild?"
"Maybe," he replied with a shrug. "But aren't you surprised to see me here?"
"Not at all," she said, her voice gentle. "Because I believed in you, Raizel. And I was waiting for you here. "
