The focus had always been entirely on the Phantoms. It made sense, since they were the warriors, the ones who fought against monsters and triumphed, defending the Citadel and all of humanity.
However, the truth was that if an Operator lagged significantly behind their Phantom, it was simply impossible to progress any further.
Aiden knew this better than most.
He couldn't put that kind of pressure on Silvana while Adam was here. In that case, Adam would have intervened to stop Aiden, and nothing would have worked.
In fact, Aiden's words and the oppressive atmosphere he had created immediately after Adam's departure were a test for Silvana.
She was only beginning to realize this now.
Her grip loosened as she let go of Aiden's collar. Her lips trembled slightly at the realization of what she had just said and done.
'He… He was aiming for this, wasn't he?' Her eyes darted to Aiden, who didn't even bother to straighten his rumpled collar.
