That, or they're just so impressed by you they don't want to challenge you because they know they'd lose.

[He doesn't know a lot about how injuries work, but even he can tell that an injury like this would cause long-term damage. And it wasn't just an injury, it was a form of torture. That's the most upsetting part. He finally steps back.]

You're strong. I don't think anyone could stop you. [When he had first arrived at Beacon, he might have taken her words personally, determined to prove her wrong. He remains the latter, and meets her eyes, nodding.] I'll always have your back. And I'm sure the others will too. You don't need to try to fight alone because you're not alone.