Ethan silently took in his subordinates' changes, unable to mask his awe. The connection he shared with them now felt infinitely stronger, especially with his soul-bound partners. He subconsciously retrieved some clothes from his system storage—donning a grey sweater, black trousers, and matching shoes—while the haze concealing everyone gradually faded, revealing faces both familiar and foreign. They were still his companions, but now they exuded an aura of strength and maturity that hadn't been there before.