The explorer in charge lifted his gaze and called the next name.
"Next. Arthur."
For a brief moment it felt like nothing happened, and then the whispers began to spread, soft at first but overlapping quickly as heads turned and eyes shifted toward him. Arthur felt the attention immediately, and it was different from before. This was not casual curiosity or idle interest. Some faces held envy, others admiration, and a few carried something close to reverence. To many of the awakeners in the hall, Arthur was no longer just another survivor. He was the one who had faced the boss monster, the one who had refused to stay down, and the one who had stood in front while others were collapsing.
"He's the one…"
"The guy who fought the boss head-on."
"I saw him get slammed and still stand."
"That pressure he gave off was terrifying."
"He made the monster hesitate."
