Chapter 20: EX 20. Never give up
Eddine was left alone. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his face with both hands before standing and walking to his coffee machine. The hum of brewing filled the room.
Mug in hand, he leaned against his desk, eyes distant.
'I don't get it. Leon was always so focused, so driven...'
He took a slow sip.
'The only reason I can think of is... maybe he increased the trial's difficulty? But no. That would be insane. Not only would he definitely fail—he'd be severely punished afterward if he managed to clear it by luck.'
Another sip. As he frowned deeper.
'Then what? Maybe he didn't awaken a talent at all? But that doesn't make sense either. Both his parents are talented unless...'
Eddine froze.
'Unless they're not his real parents.'
He dismissed the thought with a shake of his head. it was too speculative.
He returned to his desk and placed the mug down, gently.