Azriel's body jerked at what Pollux had just said. It took him several extra seconds to fully register the words before he looked up at Pollux, his expression dazed and thoroughly confused.
"You have had every reason to break down and give up. I have given you many myself. And yet each time, even standing on the very brink of crumbling, you have somehow, stubbornly, planted your feet firm enough not to fall."
Feeling the wind brush against his skin, Azriel quietly lowered his gaze.
"Maybe the mana core syndrome was effective after all?" Pollux asked suddenly, sounding bemused now as he studied him.
"Having to lie to those closest to you. Having to take every action knowing you were going to die regardless. Having to endure constant pain and suffering, only to discover none of it was even real. Perhaps that did put a dent in you after all."
'Ugh... this is miserable...'
