The sincerity in the captain's tone was obvious. No pride. No reluctance.
Arthur held his gaze for a second, then shook his head lightly.
"We all did our part," he replied. "You finished it."
The captain gave a small smile. "Don't be modest. We'll still need you ahead."
Arthur extended his hand.
"I'm not going anywhere."
They shook.
It wasn't dramatic. Just firm.
But Arthur felt the weight of it.
When the captain walked away, Arthur became aware of the eyes on him.
The rest of the squad had seen it.
He could almost feel their thoughts.
Earlier, some of them had doubted him. He had felt it in their stares when the battle began. A bronze member stepping into their formation, giving instructions.
Now those looks were different.
Acknowledgment.
Maybe even respect.
Arthur scratched the back of his head lightly and muttered under his breath, "Don't look at me like that. It's awkward."
A few of them chuckled softly.
The tension eased.
