[that mumbled phrase gets a sideways glance from Magilou and a considering pause. shitty adults, huh. . .]

[no, she can ask questions later. she's the one talking now]

Melchior specialized in illusory artes. What made him so dangerous wasn't his physical strength-- which was still impressive, by the way-- but how good he was at making people believe in false realities.

[she had tried to pick up the same magic during her time as his apprentice, but her illusions were never quite as elaborate or sinister as his. maybe for good reason. and maybe Akira can kind of understand why she was so blasé about yesterday's hallucinations now]

Illusions are tricky things. The only way to escape one is to recognize it for what it is. But when a person can't trust their senses, they have to trust their heart instead. That's why only those with an "indominable will" and a heart as strong as the moon's pull of the tide tend to survive.

A Shepherd's shadow needed to have that sort of strength. And what better way to test it than with one of Melchior's specialized artes?

[he can probably see where this!!! is going!!]