There were many things Michael could be ignorant about.
That did not mean he was naïve.
As Arianna left, only then did he begin to think.
At first, he considered the simplest explanation. Concern. Worry. The kind that came naturally when someone who was somewhat of a friend to you fell into trouble without warning. That much was reasonable.
But the longer he sat with it, the more another conclusion formed.
It was not only concern.
Arianna was reacting to his growth.
In the awakener system, she was not even Rank Two yet, only just below it. That was not an insult. At her age and background, her progress was already considered impressive. In any other circumstance, the difference between them would have been negligible.
It would have been fine if Michael himself were an ordinary Rank Two.
But he was not.
