After pondering for a moment, Richard thought it best to clarify the matter indirectly, trying not to crush Gro's spirits too much, but also not to let the other continue under a misunderstanding.
"I think it's possible that your Talent really has awakened," Richard said to Gro.
Gro's eyes brightened.
"But..."
Gro's eyelids twitched at once.
In all things, it's the "but" that's feared.
Sure enough, the next moment Richard spoke, "But... I feel the likelihood is still a bit low. If your Talent truly had awakened, there should have been a series of indications in your normal life. You should have noticed them long ago, rather than experiencing such a sudden, dramatic change."
"So what's this about me then..." Gro inquired tentatively.
"I think it might be due to external environmental factors," Richard spoke up.
"External environmental factors?"
