"I've lost my sense of taste."
"Huh?"
Ophelia and the other three froze mid-bite, turning their gazes toward Adam in shock.
"I mean, my taste buds are gone," he clarified, thinking maybe they hadn't understood. But their surprise had nothing to do with his wording.
"N–No, it's just…" Ophelia's voice trailed off, her mouth closing as if unsure how to respond.
She, like the others, found herself at a loss for words.
While Adam could still smell the food in front of him, the flavors and textures, the full experience of taste, were lost to him. It had been that way since childhood—a remnant of Ivan's early traumas. The sense of taste had slipped away completely, and no matter what molecular 'switches' he does with other Antagonists who didn't lose their taste buds.