"What?" he blurted out, his brow furrowing. He wasn't angry, just utterly bewildered. Of all the things she could have asked, this was the last thing he'd expected.
Azalea cleared her throat and leaned in slightly, her expression unusually serious. "Did you or did you not?"
"No! Obviously not!" Lumien exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "Why would you even ask such a ridiculous question in the first place?"
Azalea's sharp gaze softened, and she waved her hand dismissively. "Just wanted to make sure,"
Then, without missing a beat, she continued, "So, what's your plan from now on that you're an Aspirant?"
"Huh… interesting," Lumien murmured, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I should do more tests."
And so, for the rest of the morning, Lumien busied himself experimenting with his newfound ability.