The first time I investigated the footprints, it was simply to confirm what I suspected.

I didn’t plan to fight.

If the person had wandered in by accident, I just wanted to check who it was and then leave.

There was no need to expose myself or cause any commotion.
I would just observe from nearby, make a mental note of what was happening, and decide whether to be cautious of them or not.

But I didn’t expect the other person to notice me.
At that point, I realized this was no ordinary individual—they had some skills.
…