Stein shrugged. "It's just what I saw," he said. "I'm not trying to flatter, or insult you." He reached out and patted the other man on the shoulder again, hoping he wasn't going to start glaring again. He was enjoying getting along with Birkin.

He smiled faintly at the question. "I'm a very good fighter. And I can synchronize my soul with anyone else's, so I can wield any weapon."