I pulled out my staff, letting the smooth material slide into my grip, and channeled Essence into it.
The weapon responded instantly, extending to its full seven-foot length with a low hum as it stabilized.
Twenty feet ahead stood the man—the hidden Master-ranked individual.
I took a breath and weighed my options. I could try to engage him head-on, or I could bypass him and get to Steve. But fighting him carried a serious risk.
Master rank meant anywhere from level 101 to 200. That range was massive. If he was just over the threshold, I might have a chance. But if he was anywhere near the high end... I'd be walking into a fight I couldn't win.
The odds of that were low, sure. But not zero.
That was enough to push me toward the second option—avoid him, regroup with Steve. Of course, just because I didn't want a fight didn't mean he'd let me go without one.
I braced myself, ready for either outcome. If he moved, I'd react. If not, I'd keep moving.
