"So you got the access?"
That was Lily's first response as she and Tave sat at the dinner table a few days after he secured his place on the expedition.
Tave exhaled slowly. There was no use pretending. He couldn't hide it anymore. Especially now that the team roster had been officially registered for the Rift Expedition, including knights from Deadbay City.
He had wanted the news to come from him, from his own voice, not whispers or announcements. But between the lack of time, the lack of chances, and maybe… a lack of courage, he hadn't managed to say it sooner.
"Yes… it's Rift Tier 4," he admitted.
Even though the listing had only shown team members, not the Rift classification, anyone who saw a group made entirely of Gaia Masters could easily assume the level they were aiming for.
There was a pause. Brief, quiet.
"Take care of yourself," he said softly, the words slipping out without much thought.
"I'm not weak," Lily replied, still eating, not even glancing his way.
