’As expected, he doesn’t trust anyone... No, more precisely, he doesn’t trust any Adventurer.’
’But he does believe that so people are worth trusting—it’s just that he hasn’t t anyone like that yet.’
From that brief exchange, Finn could already tell what kind of attitude this boy held toward Adventurers.
’If this boy were part of our Familia, he might be even more troubleso than Ais.’
Just thinking about Ais, who was growing at an incredible pace among the younger generation, made Finn feel a dull headache coming on.
His gaze returned to the boy standing in front of him.
Compared to this boy, Ais’s issues almost seed minor. Her drive stemd from painful mories and a desperate pursuit of strength.
But this boy—he had endured hardship, seen the darkness of human nature, and chose to grow stronger by distancing himself from others.
On the surface, the difference between them might not seem so drastic, but the nuance was stark.
Ais would sotis act in ways others couldn’t comprehend, but to Finn, her actions were simply an effort to accumulate more "status" through constant adventure and self-improvent.
What seed like incomprehensible behavior to others was rely a reflection of the gap in strength and understanding between them and Ais.
But this boy—his entire nature and approach were the polar opposite of Ais.
Ais charged headfirst into everything, reckless and relentless.
This boy, on the other hand, operated with ticulous caution. His use of magic scripts with diverse effects made him no less capable than a dedicated mage—whether in stealth, support, or healing.
And that didn’t even rule out his offensive capabilities—or the terrifying speed of his growth.
’Still, this boy never reveals his true emotions. It’s hard to get a read on him.’
Loki propped her chin on her hand, eyes fixed sharply on the boy.
"Hey, kid, you’re not doing this on purpose, are you?"
Bell didn’t quite follow what Loki ant.
"If there’s sothing you want to say, Loki-sama, just say it. We’re allies, there’s no need to be so roundabout."
"I’m asking if you’ve been preparing counterasures specifically against Adventurers. Is that why you developed techniques that target them?"
"Counterasures against Adventurers... Ah, if you an tools to counter ’Abnormal Resistance,’ then yes—that’s exactly what I’ve prepared."
’That was... unexpectedly straightforward.’
Loki had assud he’d deflect or sugarcoat his answer. She wasn’t prepared for such a blunt, direct response—and it caught her completely off guard.
"You’re certainly direct. Aren’t you aware that just based on this, I could report your actions to the Guild?"
Bell remained calm, seated without the slightest sign of panic. He simply watched Loki.
"I don’t believe Loki-sama would make such a foolish move. From the mont our Familias allied, Loki Familia beca tied to Hestia Familia."
"If I’m seen as a threat to Orario over this, then wouldn’t Loki Familia be considered an even greater threat?"
"If word got out, the Guild’s first suspicion would be whether Loki Familia already possesses thods to ’counter’ Adventurers."
Good grief.
Loki could practically feel her teeth grind from how tense her jaw had beco.
She knew full well—once this kind of information leaked, her Familia would be dragged down too, with no way to explain their way out of it.
Bell wasn’t fazed by Loki’s stare. He continued calmly.
"If the Guild launched a full-scale investigation into Loki Familia, would your people really be able to walk away clean?"
"What do you think Adventurers would do once they realize their safety isn’t entirely in their own hands?"
"Everything Loki Familia has built over the years would go up in smoke."
His gaze shifted to Finn.
"Finn, didn’t you beco an Adventurer to raise the flag for the Pallum and lead them to prominence again?"
"If this gets exposed, won’t the Pallum be treated as outcasts more than ever?"
Then he turned his eyes to the Nine Hell.
"I don’t know what motivated Vice Captain Riveria to beco an Adventurer, but regardless of how much she distances herself from the Elves, she still has to maintain their reputation in the world, doesn’t she?"
"Riveria is royalty among the High Elves. The royal family has influence over the lives of most Adventurers in Orario. If things go south, the Elves could be dragged down with them."
Finn and Riveria both frowned.
There was no mistaking it—those words were a warning, a threat dressed in calm reasoning.
And they knew it wasn’t empty.
If the truth ever ca out, and this boy rely said a few words, public opinion could turn against both the Pallum and the Elves instantly.
Finn’s voice turned cold.
"Do you really think the Guild would take your word for it?"
Bell simply spread his hands in front of Hestia-sama and Hephaestus-sama.
"Of course. As long as both gods confirm my account, even if the Guild doesn’t fully believe , they’ll still search Loki Familia."
"Whether they find anything or not doesn’t matter. What matters is the Guild’s ’stance.’"
"If the Guild moves against Loki Familia, do you think the lower-ranked Adventurers will still trust you?"
"Words carry power."
"Those low-ranking Adventurers might not have much, but once they choose to believe soone, it influences the rest. Masses follow their lead."
"At that point, it won’t matter whether it’s true or not."
"What will matter is that most of the Adventurers believe ."
Bell’s tone remained calm from start to finish. He delivered every word with steady composure.
And as expected, Finn—already burdened with hesitation—wavered.
He couldn’t afford to take that risk.
As a veteran Adventurer, Finn knew better than anyone how dark people’s hearts could be—and how many eyes in Orario were just waiting for Loki Familia to make a mistake.
If those people got a chance like this, they’d never let it slip by. They’d do everything to bring Loki Familia down.
A heavy sense of pressure settled in Finn’s chest, a bitter helplessness creeping in.
He knew that if the boy in front of him really took that step, it could an the end of his life as an Adventurer.
But if that happened—it might not be just his journey that ended.
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