"The Denatus of Orario has passed a resolution targeting the Evilus. Right now, they're treated like rats in the streets. The Guild has also issued a bounty on them—if someone is confirmed to be part of the Evilus, the Guild will pay out the reward directly."
"Also, even the right to kill gods has been delegated."
That news left Finn and the others visibly surprised.
"Even the right to kill gods? Is the Guild that certain the Evilus provoked the Black Dragon?"
"Hmm~ I think you're a bit off on that, Captain Finn."
Bell's sudden interjection made Finn pause, confusion written across his face.
"Bell-kun, why do you say that?"
"The Guild never really needs concrete proof. What it needs is an excuse—one that the gods can accept."
Seeing their puzzled expressions, Bell continued his explanation.
"The Evilus have been getting bolder in Orario, and their ties to the Spirits are a serious problem. The Guild can't afford to ignore that. So the Black Dragon incident gave them the perfect justification to act."
"What we know for sure is that there's at least one Familia God among the Evilus. Their presence alone would create massive resistance to any campaign against them. But if the Evilus cross a line the gods can't tolerate, then they'll have no choice but to stand against Orario."
"And if anyone voices dissent, the Denatus might even be forced to start expelling gods."
Bell paused briefly.
"Even though I think the Guild probably rushed this resolution to cover something up, it's still an outcome all the gods are happy with. Whatever the Guild is hiding… it really doesn't matter anymore."
"That's true."
Finn understood what he meant.
The Guild must have weighed its options carefully before pushing the resolution forward.
All the points Bell mentioned could very well be factors in the Guild's decision. But just like Bell said, the reasoning no longer mattered.
"The why doesn't matter anymore. What matters now is that the Evilus have officially become enemies of Orario."
"The Guild issued a bounty. For the sake of money, there's no doubt that countless Adventurers will start reporting anyone they even suspect is tied to the Evilus. Before long, the Evilus will have no room left to operate in Orario."
But then Finn turned to Bell with a serious expression.
"Bell-kun, I remember you said the Spirit grew to that extent thanks to the help of the Evilus."
"I did."
"So… the Evilus that were being targeted in Orario immediately reached their hands toward us?"
"Exactly."
Bell smiled slightly, but his voice carried a sharp edge.
"Actually, when I first went down to the 59th floor, the Spirit hadn't gained much energy. At that point, it had only reached the peak of Level 5. But when I returned for a second investigation, I found a huge amount of Magic Stones around it."
"Some came from Violas and Virgas in the Deep Floors. But the majority of them—I'm sure—were gathered by the Evilus."
"And their goal was likely..."
"To wipe out the core forces of Loki Familia in the Dungeon."
Finn's expression darkened.
He was certain those Magic Stones existed. The Spirit couldn't evolve into a serious threat without consuming a massive amount of energy—just like how any major enhancement works.
And the Spirit's previous behavior already proved this. To become dangerous to their level, it had to absorb a tremendous amount of energy.
That wasn't something only they understood. The Evilus, working with the Spirit, knew it too.
Now, having heard from Bell that Orario had officially declared the Evilus enemies, it became obvious—they'd made their move against Loki Familia.
This was a clear attempt to wipe out high-level combatants before war even started.
And considering how the Evilus had already become pariahs in Orario—denounced by the Denatus and hunted with bounties—it only confirmed that they were the ones secretly feeding Magic Stones to the Spirit.
Before, Finn wouldn't have cared much as long as the Evilus stayed out of their way. But now...
Now that the Evilus have taken the initiative and extended their hand, not responding properly would be doing a disservice to their aggression.
"Exactly."
Bell was glad to see that Captain Finn had analyzed the situation so thoroughly. He also had a bit more news to share.
"When I discovered a large number of Magic Stones around the Spirit, Loki-sama was there and saw the whole thing herself. I've already reminded her to investigate which Familia had been purchasing large quantities of Magic Stones. I believe she'll give you the list once you return."
"I see."
Understanding flashed across Finn's face. He had no doubts about the validity of the information Bell provided.
"With Loki's capabilities, she should be able to dig up some leads. No matter how careful they were, bulk-buying that many Magic Stones in a short period is bound to raise suspicions. Especially if it was a last-minute operation—there'll be traces left behind."
"That said, I expect most of those Familia will be fringe groups—just sacrificial pawns thrown out by the Evilus."
Bell understood this too, but he simply smiled.
"Captain Finn, it doesn't really matter who they are. What matters now is that someone takes action—someone needs to set an example for the Adventurers of Orario."
"Even if the final targets are just small fry pushed forward by the Evilus, as long as their whole Familia is wiped out—or even better, if their god is killed—I believe it'll give Orario's adventurers the courage to strike down gods."
"They won't hesitate just because their enemy wears a divine name."
Finn cast a slightly complicated glance at Bell.
'So that's what you're really after—godslaying, isn't it, Bell-kun.'
In the past, only the Evilus would go that far. But if Orario's adventurers started doing the same, it might just push the Evilus over the edge.
Finn was convinced there were only two possible outcomes.
Either the Evilus would retaliate with the cruelest methods imaginable.
Or they'd temporarily shrink back to avoid direct confrontation.
But deep down, Finn felt the Evilus would choose the former.
Which meant a full-scale war with the Evilus was just around the corner.
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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