I reached out and grabbed Hoyles.

“Teacher—let me try.”

Hoyles looked surprised, but when his beloved disciple made a request, he naturally agreed. He turned to Grace and said,

“This is my disciple, Mia. How about letting her take a look first?”

Grace didn’t pay it much attention and waved a hand in casual consent.

I stepped forward. Just as I was about to touch Kane, he recoiled instinctively, clearly unwilling to be touched.

I played along smoothly.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m a professional. I won’t touch you unnecessarily, and I won’t hurt you.”

I subtly shifted my body to block Grace’s line of sight and secretly winked at Kane....