For all of his confidence, Gary can't help but jump when Iskierka appears through the scattered brush and snow. She's honestly the most terrifying creature he's encountered in this Arena so far, and he knows her. Which means she's on his side.

This is an excellent thing to realize. Gary's startled little jump and wide-eyed stare rapidly shifts back to a grin, and he's quick to push past Haruto's protective arm so he can get a better look at her. The gesture's significance, naturally, has gone completely over his head.

"Or they just don't want to mess with a motherfucking dragon," Gary points out with an enthusiastic laugh. When it fades, the others might notice that the forest has become comparatively, eerily quiet. Like something is watching and trying to stay quiet.