She studied him properly now.
Despite everything, he looked… fine. Too fine, almost. His clothes were barely damaged, no deep cuts, no heavy breathing.
His posture was relaxed, shoulders loose, and his breathing steady, as if he hadn't just fought dozens of battles in a brutal survival exam.
It astonished her a little.
"…Don't tell me," she said slowly, narrowing her eyes. "You've been watching."
"Only the end," Calix replied calmly. "You did well."
Anaerah's shoulders slumped as she let out a heavy breath. Somehow, that simple praise hit harder than she expected. She hadn't even realized how much she needed to hear it.
"Thanks," she said quietly.
After a brief pause, her gaze drifted down to his chest, on his badge as it blinked softly with a small glow.
She saw the three digits, as her eyes widened.
"H-holy—what?" she blurted out. "Y-you crossed three digits?".
"Hm?" Calix glanced down at it, then shrugged.
