The air remained still after the spatial pressure vanished.
No one spoke immediately.
The eleven observers who had watched the exchange now looked at Alex differently. The shift was subtle but unmistakable. Before, they had been measuring a newcomer. Now, they were recalculating the presence of someone whose limits were no longer obvious to them.
Ares himself stood rigid for a moment. His eyes remained locked on Alex, searching for any trace of strain. But there was none. Alex's breathing had not changed. His posture remained relaxed. Even the faint smile on his face seemed effortless.
That realization settled heavily.
Ares exhaled slowly, forcing his expression back under control. Pride still flickered in his eyes, but the earlier contempt had vanished. He understood what had just happened. He had attacked with his domain of expertise, and the newcomer had neutralized it cleanly. That was not something a weakling could accomplish.
