[Moments Before]
The man on the tower had sensed the presence enter his Domain the instant Damian and Kuro crossed the threshold.
The boy and the beast were concerning, their power levels far above what their ranks suggested, but they were manageable.
It was the third presence that made him pause.
Someone else had entered, moving in the shadows, watching and waiting.
Someone whose Aura signature made even an S rank like him feel cautious.
'Strong... Very strong... But...'
He'd locked onto the presence, analyzed its position, its movements and its intent.
And found something strange.
No killing intent toward him and no hostile actions. Just... observation.
The presence revolved around the crimson-haired boy, protective but not aggressive, like a guardian watching over valuable property.
'Interesting… Someone powerful enough to make me cautious, but they're here for the boy, not for me.'
He'd made a tactical decision.
