"...into lifeforce", Adrien quietly repeated to himself, processing what Val had just told him. "Taking lifeforce -- I... I thought that would result in death...".

"We don't take lifeforce", Val replied. "We don't take away anything at all. We collect energy that is radiated by humans, like one takes in sunlight... We do not harm humans. It's a lie... please, please, believe me...".

Val had almost been crying as he spoke - Adrien knew that it must be the truth. He breathed out. At long last, words came to him easily: "It's alright", he said. "I believe you".

"Thank you", Val's voice said. "I'm sorry I did not tell you sooner, but -- this is why I was afraid...".