Old Gayle let out a hearty laugh.
"Though your strength has grown significantly, your kind-hearted nature hasn't changed one bit. Truly, you're a student worthy of Sirius Academy's name."
"It seems you've always understood from the beginning—that strength exists to protect, not to harm. That spares me the trouble of teaching you that lesson."
Alan scratched his head, feeling a little embarrassed by the praise. He quickly waved his hands, trying to be modest. "Not at all, Headmaster. Francis and Fort train even harder than I do. If you have time, you should really pay more attention to them instead."
"Brother!"
Francis, eyes brimming with emotion, darted over to Alan and nearly dropped to his knees on the spot.
"Even with your strength soaring, you didn't forget us brothers. Say no more—from now on, you're my big bro! You tell me to head east, and I'll never look west. You want me to catch a dog? I won't go chasing chickens!"
