"Look at that," he murmured, eyes shining like a proud parent at a school recital. "They even break formation with flourish."
Rodion watched too, lenses narrowing to fine slits. The fractured optic still sparked occasionally, but the gaze held unmistakable calculation, as if he were benchmarking their efficiency for future simulation.
Mikhailis gave a low whistle that fluttered a stray lock of his hair. "They're… natural engineers." He said it with equal parts wonder and a dawning, slightly terrified respect.
