"Lord Pride wouldn't be upset over such a trivial matter, would he?"
Hearing this, Sebastian glanced at Enigma's carefully cautious expression that was actually brimming with defiance. Lightly tapping the long table before him, he chuckled:
"Some newer members might not understand, but Sin Council membership isn't restricted to sect members alone."
"Whether you belong to another organisation, government forces, or even hostile groups like the Hell Sect, we welcome you as part of the Sins."
"Of course, the unlimited acceptance of members comes with conditions."
"We welcome anyone to join, but we will also eliminate anyone who attempts to harm the sect."
"Naturally, Lady Greed need not worry about such matters at present."
"As long as you do nothing to endanger the Sin Council or act against the will of the Grand Dukes, your actions—including this matter with Lady Jealousy—can be tolerated."
Hearing Sebastian's amused tone, Enigma's expression shifted slightly.
'Not needing to worry at present... is that a warning?'
Given her awareness of her own shifting allegiances, Enigma couldn't help but think so.
She took a deep breath, temporarily suppressing her thoughts, and changed the subject:
"Speaking of the Grand Dukes..."
"Lord Pride, I believe the mission I previously accepted is no longer feasible."
Enigma's original task had been to seize the Abyss Artefact Star Gate hidden deep within the Hidden Management Zone.
Initially, she had planned to collaborate with Jealousy to infiltrate the Hidden Management Department and attempt the theft.
But due to various circumstances, she had inadvertently joined the Hidden Management Department herself—even becoming a Familia—and learned the truth: the Hidden Management Zone was, in fact, the Divine Kingdom of a True God.
Infiltrating such a place, in Enigma's view, was no different from suicide.
In truth, Enigma considered herself rather fortunate.
After all, she had stumbled upon the truth before barging into the Hidden Management Zone, sparing herself a devastating shock.
Though she had avoided the trap, that didn't stop her from withholding this intelligence to ensnare future members of the Hell Sect.
After all, she needed to demonstrate her value to Luo Shu somehow.
But before setting the trap, her first priority was to extricate herself from this mission.
Thus, Enigma had no qualms about disclosing information that was already circulating among certain circles:
"From what I've gathered, the SDS has at least one Demigod stationed within Tokyo's Hidden Management Department."
"Across the entire Tokyo metropolitan area, the SDS maintains a minimum of two Demigods overseeing East Asia, with the potential to increase to three in emergencies—though higher numbers aren't out of the question."
"Under these circumstances, I personally consider seizing the Star Gate an impossible task."
"Therefore, I request that Lord Pride seek the Grand Dukes' permission for me to abandon this mission."
Not that Enigma hadn't considered simply stalling the mission indefinitely.
But she knew full well such behaviour would only make her allegiances appear suspicious in the eyes of True Hell's demons.
Thus, for the sake of maintaining her cover, Enigma chose to openly relinquish the mission—while repackaging it as a trap for the next unfortunate soul.
Heh.
Given her current description, the Hell Sect would need at least three Demigods working in concert to infiltrate the Hidden Management Department and seize the Star Gate. More likely, four or five—or an Apostle-level entity would have to intervene personally.
Given the current state of the world's suppression, the Hell Sect clearly lacked such firepower.
And even if they somehow mustered the forces to attack the Hidden Management Department in future, Enigma could always tip off Luo Shu and stab the Hell Sect in the back.
No matter which choice was made, Enigma had made certain preparations.
However, Pride didn't seem inclined to take her bait.
"If the Star Gate cannot be seized, then this mission shall be nullified!"
Hearing Sebastian say this, not only Enigma but even Lust wore a peculiar expression.
Wasn't obtaining the Star Gate a task personally assigned by the Grand Dukes?
Yet from the tone of his words, it sounded as though it could be cancelled just like that.
This move left Enigma completely uncertain of the situation.
Her first suspicion was that Pride had issued the mission under the Grand Dukes' name.
Her second was that perhaps the Grand Dukes' demand wasn't specifically for the Star Gate as an Abyss Artefact, but rather for a broader category of Abyss Artefacts with similar functions.
Thus, even if the Star Gate couldn't be obtained, there were alternatives like the Sky Gate or Earth Gate—or perhaps Pride already had numerous secondary targets on hand, making abandonment this simple.
Regardless, faced with Pride's declaration, Enigma had no choice but to accept.
"In that case, I have no further questions."
As Enigma fell silent, Gluttony immediately turned to Lust and asked:
"Is the method of obtaining Spiritual Essence through faith for sale?"
"Beyond that, where else can one obtain Spiritual Essence—or even information regarding Classes?"
Hearing this, Lust pondered briefly before explaining:
"Some fragment worlds close to reality occasionally yield Spiritual Essence."
"If you can access the Evil Spirits within the Abyss Channels and possess a method to purge their corruption, you may also acquire Spiritual Essence by eliminating them, as previously mentioned by Lord Pride."
"Beyond these, I know of no other means to obtain Spiritual Essence."
"As for intelligence regarding Spiritual Essence, I do not intend to sell it—rather, I wish to exchange it for a favour."
"Naturally, information pertaining to Classes will also be offered as compensation for said favour."
Gluttony gave Lust a surprised glance before inquiring:
"What favour do you seek?"
In response, Lust paused thoughtfully, then spoke in a soft voice:
"The commission is to locate the Deviluke Star people hiding on Earth!"