"You've passed," Helena's voice came through the intercom, clear and calm but laced with something Ethan couldn't quite pin down. Admiration, maybe. Or interest. "For now."
She didn't let the pause hang for long. "But there's still tests, Ethan."
Ethan rolled his shoulders, the ghost of a grin tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I know."
He glanced at the observation glass, his tone turning casual, almost playful. "Let's get it done. I've got questions to ask... and a list of reward requests waiting."
From behind the glass, Luciano let out a soft chuckle. "He's funny and promising. Let's just skip to recruiting him already."
Helena smiled faintly at that, but her eyes remained on the chamber.
"I'd like that too," she said, then turned toward Luciano and Maya. "But you know how they are. Everything has to be logged, analyzed, and sent up the chain."
Luciano gave an exaggerated nod, lips pursed in mild frustration. "Right, right. The higher-ups and their glorious paperwork."
