"The activities of the Soma Familia had been suspicious lately."
"Like how lower-class adventurers were disappearing whenever the Soma Familia was nearby."
Shakti said as she signaled other members of the Ganesha Familia to come over.
"We couldn't really do anything since there was no evidence."
Her eyes landed on each one of the Soma Familia members that were being carried around by the members of her own familia.
"But now, with a direct confession from their supporter... that changes things."
"An investigation on the Soma Familia will be conducted."
Her gaze briefly went to Lili before shifting to Zanis, who was slumped down as sweat dripped from his nose.
"No... it can't be... it can't be over... I refuse... I refuse to end it like this..."
Zanis mumbled under his breath.
He gnashed his teeth and his eyes became bloodshot.
"It's you... it's all because of you..."
Like someone possessed by a ghost, he raised his head slowly and stared at Lili with crazed eyes.
"If you had kept your mouth shut... no, if you had sided with me... we would've been fine!"
He gripped his knife tighter and charged forward like a madman.
"Die!"
"Eep!"
Seeing this, Lili crossed her arms out of instinct and closed her eyes.
"That won't be happening."
Judas said as he grabbed Zanis' arm, the knife mere inches away from reaching Lili.
"You... you!"
Zanis mechanically turned his head towards Judas.
"Stop being such a busybody!"
Zanis flailed his arm and broke free from Judas' grip.
"Everything was fine until you showed up!"
He said as he pointed his knife towards Judas.
"I won't be satisfied until I manage to cut you into pieces."
His initial fear of Judas turned into anger.
Now that his life was over, he might as well go on a rampage and enact his revenge.
Judas remained silent and stared at Zanis like he was a fool.
Zanis noticed this and gnashed his teeth even harder.
"Die! You purple-eyed bitch!"
He rushed forward without hesitation and slashed with his knife.
Judas dodged it effortlessly, not moving from his spot.
"Dammit!"
Zanis shouted in rage and continued his assault.
There was no technique or skill behind his attacks.
Every movement was emotionally driven, his anger and rage had taken over his line of reasoning.
Making it easy to anticipate the flow of his slashes.
The sound of sharp metal rang in the air.
Zanis was swinging his weapon wildly, while Judas dodged without breaking a sweat.
"Em... captain, shouldn't we intervene?"
A Ganesha Familia member asked with confusion.
"There is no need. That guy is just showing off at this point."
Shakti said with crossed arms, her face neutral.
'Seriously, why isn't he finishing this quickly? Is he trying to impress the ladies or something?'
From his battle with the Juggernaut, Shakti was aware of Judas' strength and thought he was just putting on a show.
But contrary to what she believed, Judas was not playing around.
Instead, he was using Zanis as an opportunity to test out his new level 2 body.
Since his rank-up hadn't been announced by the Guild yet, it was natural that no one had any clue what he was doing, including Shakti.
'With EX-rated stats at level 1, even if I'm a fresh level 2, dealing with someone like Zanis... despite being a veteran at level 2... is not that difficult.'
Judas thought as he dodged another slash from Zanis, who was clearly starting to exhaust himself.
'In terms of stats, I'm already above every level 2 in the entire city... no, in the entire world.'
He moved his feet in a smooth motion.
He was no longer just dodging the knife... he was also avoiding the drops of sweat that Zanis was splashing everywhere.
'I doubt that there is anyone capable of reaching S-rated stats across all parameters at the first two levels in this era.'
Then his gaze shifted towards Belle, who was watching with an amazed expression.
'Well... except for that one.'
Belle, who noticed Judas looking her way—albeit briefly—found herself blushing and quickly covered her face.
"I don't know what you are doing, but hurry up. We don't got all day."
Shakti's voice echoed in his ears.
Judas turned and saw Shakti growing impatient, even tapping her wrist.
He then noticed the rest of the Soma Familia members had already been detained, with the exception of Zanis and Lili.
"Umm... captain, what are you doing? What's with that gesture?"
Ilta Farna, the vice-captain, asked with her finger on her chin.
Since watches didn't exist in Danmachi, it was no surprise that Ilta was confused.
"Oh, this? This is something the Gods taught me... I think it's a gesture to indicate checking the time, or used to express impatience or urgency."
Even Shakti had only started using this gesture recently.
"The wisdom of the Gods is truly vast."
Ilta praised while nodding her head.
Shaking his head at their conversation, Judas brought his attention back to Zanis, who was now sweating heavily and clearly exhausted.
"W-why... why can't I hit you?"
Zanis said, short-winded.
"You're too slow and predictable."
Judas replied curtly, bringing his hand closer to his opponent's chest, four fingers open.
"I always wanted to try this."
Zanis was confused—until he felt a sharp pain.
"This is called a one-inch punch."
Judas watched as Zanis fell to his knees and eventually collapsed to the floor.
"Game over."
The last thing Zanis saw before he passed out was Judas, who had already turned his back and was walking away.
"Amazing... even Mister Zanis was toyed around by him."
Lili couldn't hide her amazement.
A shadow loomed over her small frame. She looked up and saw Shakti.
"You are also coming with us for questioning. I hope you'll cooperate."
Lili nodded her head and raised no objections.
"I promise I won't cause trouble."
Shakti then turned her head in another direction.
"The girl with white hair... you are—"
She paused, then looked around.
"Where did she go?"
The spot where Belle had been standing was now empty.
"I think she ran that way."
A Ganesha member pointed in a certain direction.
"Should we go after her?"
The member asked nervously.
"There is no need. Let her go."
Shakti said dismissively.
"That idiot, she left her money behind."
Judas muttered as he picked up the pouch on the ground.
『Telekinesis』
He used his magic to lift the remaining coins scattered across the floor.
"That is one convenient magic."
"No chant as well."
"I wish I had magic like that."
The Ganesha Familia members who saw this couldn't help but become envious, muttering amongst themselves.
...
Back at the Guild Headquarters.
A white-haired girl barged into the building and sprinted towards the counter.
"Eina!"
Eina, who was busy arranging documents, furrowed her brows at the sudden voice.
"Belle? Back so soon?"
She was surprised by the adventurer's appearance.
After all, it had only been an hour since Belle had exchanged her item drops for valis.
"Eina..."
Belle slumped on the counter, seemingly out of breath.
"Calm down and breathe. I don't know why you're in a rush, but take your time."
Eina said, patting her shoulder.
Belle finally opened her mouth, her pure smile seeming much brighter than usual.
"Can you tell me things about Judas Spade?"
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