I thought about pretending I hadn't said it.
For two seconds I felt like that was a reasonable option. Then I looked at their faces and understood that I wouldn't be able to do that.
"Basically." I said. "A long time ago, people facing exile started killing each other to raise their level. The idea was that by increasing their levels, they'd get much stronger, maybe enough to fight Corruptors." I paused. "It didn't work. Even with levels, no one could damage them."
Opi and Aidawere very still.
"This is deeply confidential." I said. "Don't tell anyone."
I was aware, as I said this, that we were sitting in a juice shop.
The server arrived at that exact moment, holding three glasses with the expression of a person who had walked into a room and sensed something without being able to identify what. He set the juices down carefully, looked at the three of us, and left without comment.
Opi picked up all three glasses and began drinking from them in rotation.
I stared at him.
