Viktor watched his teammates carefully.
Damien, Dimitri, Andre, and Pavel were still holding the crystal vials as if they were holding their entire future. Their eyes burned with barely restrained impatience... the same hunger Victor himself had once felt when he first tasted true power.
A quiet, knowing smile curved his lips. He understood that feeling better than anyone in the room.
"Go," Viktor said in his deep, steady voice. "There's no need to wait any longer. Find a quiet place, settle your minds, and break through. The Apex Realm is waiting for you."
The four men shot to their feet almost at the same time, as if they had only been waiting for those exact words.
They turned toward Alex one last time. Gratitude, respect, and fierce loyalty shone clearly in their eyes. None of them spoke — words felt unnecessary. A single deep nod from each of them carried everything they wanted to say.
Then they left the meeting room in a rush of excited footsteps.
