"You know, everyone's first question after learning the truth of the rift." Zero said, his voice carrying its usual warmth but quieter now, more considered, "The Ancient World is real?" He paused, turning his head to look at Alex, who said nothing in return.
"But you didn't even question it." Zero looked back at the rift. "Which is half expected, I suppose. After all, you have gone through your own awakening, seen the behavior of the ancient powers of your world, and let's not forget the Ancestral Realm."
A small pause.
"After all of that, it becomes very difficult to justify everything with the simple explanation that it's just a virtual world. And yet, what choice does anyone have? The realization is too enormous, and the future that comes with it too uncertain, for most people to allow themselves to believe it's real."
He turned to look at Alex again, and this time the look held something more deliberate in it.
