The hall fell into a brief, thoughful silence after Bahamut's last remark. Even Elder Iset's sharp gaze softened slightly, as if she had reassessed something she hadn't realized she was misjudging.
Elder Silvia stepped forward, her eyes scanning Bahamut from head to toe—not as a master looking at a disciple, but as a craftsman inspecting a weapon freshly forged in divine fire.
"You look… different," she said finally.
Bahamut tilted his head. "Different how?"
"Sharper," she replied. "Not just in strength. Your presence… it has weight now. Before, you were dangerous. Now…" she paused, her lips curling faintly, "…you feel inevitable."
That earned a quiet chuckle from Elder Iset.
Bahamut scratched the back of his head, a little awkward at the description. "I just woke up."
"That's exactly the problem," Elder Iset muttered.
Elder Silvia ignored her and stepped closer, placing a hand lightly on Bahamut's shoulder. A faint ripple of energy spread from her palm, scanning him.
