"You did it," Skitz said first, his lips tugging into a rare warm smile. "You finally did it." His laugh came out rough but full of pride, so uncharacteristic that even the other captains raised their brows.
'They're closer than I thought,' Lumberling mused silently, watching Skitz's reaction. 'Skitz always dumps work on him, always pushes him… maybe he was preparing him all along.'
Krivex bowed his head, his voice steady. ""This step… I could never have taken it without you, my Lord."
Lumberling shook his head. "Don't get too humble now. Stepping into this stage isn't something just anyone can do. This is your achievement."
Krivex's eyes burned with quiet determination as he straightened.
Lumberling's gaze moved from Krivex to the other two.
"Prepare yourselves. You'll be taking in another."
Aren and Skarn both stepped forward, after seeing Krivix evolve, their eyes burned with resolve.
Without delay, Lumberling dragged two Quasi-Knight captives forward.
