"To be honest, my primary motive for coming here today was to put you to the test," said the Matriarch.
"A test? I imagine the push from earlier was part of the examination then," Ethan said.
The Matriarch nodded, though her expression held a hint of rare humility. "I was wrong. I underestimated you. I came here thinking I might offer to guide you, but seeing you now, I realize I am not qualified to be your teacher," said the Matriarch.
Ethan raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. "Why would someone of your stature want to recruit me? What is your real motive behind all of this?" Ethan said.
"I am always looking for talent, but true genius is difficult to find. Trying to bring you into my fold was certainly something that crossed my mind. Having an Alchemist within my faction would be a monumental advantage," said the Matriarch.
Ethan didn't flinch at the word Alchemist, but his eyes sharpened. "An Alchemist? That's a bold claim to make about a man you barely know," Ethan said.
