Satoru's jaw clenched visibly as he listened, his sharp eyes narrowing with intense focus, short dark hair catching the light as he absorbed the moral horror.
His black sleeves shifted as he gripped his knees tighter, the SCO agent's mind racing through implications—hostage tactics, forbidden magics, the human cost of power struggles.
The curry's rich fragrance continued to build, now carrying deeper notes of slow-simmered depth, Hinata quietly adjusting seasonings in the background, her movements a steady anchor.
Chris nodded slightly, his elegant posture unchanging, blue eyes steady behind his glasses as he delved further. "Then Ryū said to him,
'So you want me to stand down and let you continue with your search to finding the energy to support the magic loop? So you can cause more harm to people and sell to monsters weapons engraved with the magic?'
Ryū's voice had carried clear accusation and resolve, refusing to yield.
