Danny snorted. "You should see the food portions here."
Max laughed, then sobered. "I heard about the rankings. Ninety-three, huh? That's insane."
"Still climbing," Danny replied. "Not stopping."
They talked about the academy, about training, about how surreal it all felt.
Max spoke about tech school, about projects and exams, about how strange it was watching the awakened world from the outside.
"I've been visiting Victor's mom," Max said quietly. "Whenever I can."
Danny's lips pursed.
"I know," he said. "Thanks."
There was a brief pause before Danny spoke again.
"I'm going to ask again."
Max frowned. "Ask who?"
"The Mana Defense Corps. About Victor."
There was steel in Danny's eyes now.
"And if they don't have anything new," he continued, "I'm not waiting anymore."
Max's expression shifted. "You mean—"
"I'll go looking for him myself."
Silence stretched between them.
"You really think he's alive?" Max asked softly.
Danny didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
