"The Elsos Ruins, deep within the Great Tree Labyrinth. If we set out from here, it'll take about ten days."
Artemis's answer confirmed Duncan's suspicion. The item that had appeared on the marketplace's home screen was practically the same kind of "key item" you'd see in an RPG—something designed to push the protagonist forward. Not strictly mandatory, perhaps, but in another sense… unavoidable.
And even knowing it was a god's little performance, Duncan still couldn't ignore it.
More than a year of living together—training, guidance, meals, injuries, small comforts—had long since turned Alfia and Chaldio into family. Pride, rebellion, "dignity"—none of that mattered more than them.
"I'll go with you," Duncan said decisively. "I haven't been that deep into the Great Tree Labyrinth either, but as combat power, I can serve as your vanguard."
"His mood flipped fast," someone muttered. "Is this kid what the gods call… split personality?"
"You think he didn't hear you?" another hissed back. "He's Level 3."
The abrupt change in Duncan's stance drew immediate attention from Artemis's followers. A moment ago he'd looked ready to refuse outright—then, in the blink of an eye, he was volunteering. Suspicion was inevitable.
"May I ask why?" Artemis asked softly.
"…Someone in my family is gravely ill. I need materials dropped by a certain monster in the Elsos Ruins to make a remedy. I can't obtain them alone." Duncan hesitated, then answered with a truth wrapped in omission. "It's a coincidence of timing. If your destination weren't Elsos, I wouldn't go."
He added, carefully, "I have one condition. If we encounter the monster materials I need inside the Elsos Ruins, they go to me. In exchange, I won't take anything else."
Artemis studied him for a long moment.
"…My divine intuition says you aren't lying. Children of the Lower World can't truly deceive a god. But you are hiding part of it." Her smile returned—warm, gentle. "Still, I believe you. Then let us seal a contract here."
"Don't worry," she added, almost teasing. "I won't squeeze a child dry."
She extended her right hand.
"…?" Duncan stared at it, confused.
"Ki-kiss—kiss the back of her hand," Letsa whispered urgently from behind Artemis.
Duncan didn't understand why Artemis—so openly averse to men—would allow it, but he followed the custom and pressed a light kiss to her hand.
"Good." Artemis withdrew her hand, and Duncan could almost see the tension leave her shoulders. "Our contract is set."
"By the way—someone in my familia can use healing arts. Would you like her to examine your family member?"
"Thank you for your kindness, Lady Artemis, but there's no need." Duncan shook his head. "Even Orario's healers can't cure this illness. Elsos is our last hope."
"If possible, I'll go inside, pack, and we can depart immediately. Is that acceptable?"
"We're fine," Letsa answered after Artemis glanced at her. "We came prepared. But can you manage on your side?"
"No problem," Duncan said. "My things are always ready. Please wait a moment—I'll be right back."
He bowed to the group and hurried into the cabin.
Once he was gone, Letsa leaned close to Artemis and lowered her voice.
"…Lady Artemis. Is that child trustworthy?"
"Why do you ask?" Artemis looked genuinely puzzled.
"You said he's the follower of a god you dislike."
"That's not an issue." Artemis's tone turned faintly exasperated, as if recalling long-standing grievances. "I dislike many gods because they're idle, irresponsible, and do nothing to protect the children of the Lower World. They don't build, they don't create—yet they sit in Orario and watch everything like it's a show, causing trouble for others. That is precisely why I left Orario."
She continued, more softly, "But that has nothing to do with the child. We can't blame children for their 'parents' failings. And he cares deeply for his family—that much is clear."
Then her gaze sharpened toward the cabin door.
"What troubles me is this: he seemed to know we were headed to Elsos… and I can't see through him. No—'divine omniscience' simply doesn't work on him. It's as though he's wrapped in mist."
"Huh? Why?" Letsa blurted before she could stop herself.
"Perhaps his god placed some secret art upon him, so other deities won't covet him." Artemis spoke as if laying pieces on a board. "As for why he knew our destination—I don't have an answer yet."
"But look closely: he changed his mind before I said the location aloud. That means when he was about to refuse, he must have guessed where we were going."
"Could it be because of the commission?" Letsa offered.
"In a place like this," Artemis countered, "could he learn the details of a relatively confidential commission so quickly?"
"…Right." Letsa went quiet, forced to admit the point.
"Then… should we still take him with us?"
"The contract has already been made," Artemis said calmly. "How could I be the first to violate it?"
"Yes, he has secrets he can't speak of. But I do not believe he belongs to the Dark Faction. That much, I can guarantee."
Inside the cabin, Duncan quickly explained the situation and his decision.
"Why?" Alfia asked, her heterochromatic eyes fixed on him.
"Alfia… you already know there's another god's mark on me." Duncan's voice was steady. "Now that god is telling me Elsos holds a way to treat you and Uncle Chaldio."
"Really?!" Bell sprang up, shock and joy crashing together. "Then I'm going too!"
"Not this time." Duncan cut him off gently but firmly. "No one else is home. You have to stay and look after Alfia. We don't even know when Uncle Chaldio and the others will return. We can't leave Alfia alone."
Bell's face twisted, wanting to argue—then he fell silent, fists clenched at his sides.
"…Duncan." Alfia's tone was quiet, controlled. "This 'method'… how certain are you?"
There was no sudden elation in her eyes—only caution, tempered by years of disappointment.
Over the years, Zeus and Hera had brought her "good news" more times than she could count. In the end, none of it had changed her fate. And the idea of Duncan heading deep into the Great Tree Labyrinth worried her far more than hope comforted her.
The Great Tree Labyrinth's monsters weren't, on average, as vicious as the Dungeon's—but it was still one of the Three Great Frontiers. The Guild in Orario had documented creatures within it strong enough to rival first-class adventurers.
Duncan was Level 3 now, but against monsters with potential strength above Level 5… annihilation was a very real possibility.
"I don't have certainty," Duncan admitted. "This is the first time I've seen it myself."
He took a breath.
"But even if it's a god's joke… we still have to try, don't we? Opportunities like this don't come twice. Compared to staying here and doing nothing, I want to take the chance."
"…Then I'm going with you," Alfia said at last.
She pondered for a moment longer, then opened her eyes—those mismatched irises bright and unwavering.
"I won't let you go alone."
....
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