The Chairman's gaze shifted toward Gray, who stood motionless beside Timothy.
"And I assume the ant is a companion of yours?" he asked, his tone unreadable.
"It's a termite," Timothy corrected, keeping his expression neutral.
Vanessa, the woman beside the Chairman, barely spared Timothy a glance as she spoke in a detached, robotic manner.
"It isn't registered in his profile. An unregistered monster is subject to being subdued on sight and eliminated, with its owner facing appropriate consequences."
Timothy felt his muscles tense, but before he could respond, the Chairman interjected with a chuckle.
"I believe that is precisely why he is here today, unless, of course, his intention was merely to challenge an A-rank and hold his ground. Surprises never cease. Tell me, is this a summon?"
"No. Gray cannot be summoned or dismissed at will," Timothy replied, maintaining a respectful but firm tone.
"Ah, then it's a beast companion? A pet, perhaps?" The Chairman's curiosity grew.
