Max smiled faintly. Without a word, he reached into his spatial space and took out the bottle of Holy Nectar, holding it out toward Chief Igris. The golden liquid shimmered through the translucent vessel, glowing faintly like molten sunlight.
Chief Igris took it from him carefully, his large hands dwarfing the small bottle. His expression was neutral at first, but as his eyes scanned the markings on its surface, his composure faltered. The golden fluid had risen nearly to the top—the bottle was filled all the way to the ninth level.
A rare flicker of surprise crossed his face. Even for him, who had seen many champions return from this trial, it was an exceptional sight.
"You did good," Chief Igris said finally, his deep voice carrying warmth for the first time since Max had met him. A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on his face. "Very good, in fact. I did not expect this result, but you have surpassed every champion I have trained before."
