"…I see. I didn't expect the power to work like that."
Kaguya's expression softened into understanding, though a hint of surprise lingered in her eyes. She had already known that Tsunayoshi gave the Amazon sisters some kind of special training—after all, the three were close in age and often worked together.
But what she didn't expect was that he had given them something beyond magic itself—a power that required no incantation at all.
It wasn't just a spell; it was an entirely new force.
Kaguya's eyes gleamed with renewed determination. She knew full well how much such a power could change a person's combat potential—and how much it could elevate an entire Familia.
This wasn't something she could let slip by.
"Tsunayoshi," she said suddenly, leaning forward, "what do we need to offer to gain that power? If you want that airheaded elf, I'm fine with trading her away!"
Alicia nearly fell out of her chair. "Hey! Didn't you say we shouldn't tease Ryuu?"
"That was earlier," Kaguya said smoothly. "She's not here now, is she?"
Alicia clutched her forehead. "If Ryuu finds out you tried to sell her, she's gonna cry for a week!"
Their banter was so perfectly timed it almost felt rehearsed.
Tsunayoshi couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head.
"No need for any kind of payment," he said. "And as for that elf girl… no thanks. If she's the type who can't do anything except fight, then she'd be more of a headache than a help."
"…Has her 'useless elf' reputation spread that far already?" Kaguya and Alicia both thought silently, suppressing a sigh.
Tsunayoshi leaned back, the warm lamplight casting faint shadows on his face.
"To be honest, I never intended to keep this power secret. I just don't plan to spread it openly—at least, not yet."
"Why not?" Kaguya asked.
"It's simple," Tsunayoshi replied. "Low-level adventurers don't have the mental capacity to handle it. If they split their focus between training and this power, they'll only slow down their own growth. And besides—this power draws its strength from one's heart."
"From… the heart?"
He nodded. "Without a firm sense of resolve—without the will to face death and keep moving forward—this flame won't respond. It's not something that can be forced."
Kaguya fell silent for a moment.
Now she understood perfectly why Tsunayoshi hadn't tried to make this power a Familia-wide secret art.
It wasn't just difficult to use—it was dangerous to those who lacked conviction.
"Low-level adventurers need to build their foundation first," Tsunayoshi continued calmly. "They must strengthen their bodies and hearts before they can even think of controlling something like this. Once they've reached that point—then, and only then, will this power become an advantage."
He looked up at her and Alicia.
"You two understand, don't you? Most adventurers in Orario never break out of the lower ranks. They stop striving. They get comfortable."
He exhaled slowly.
"Even in the Loki Familia—one of the two great powers of the city—most are still low-level adventurers. They rely too much on others, and lose the hunger to grow stronger. Those people don't have the mindset this power requires."
Kaguya nodded. She understood completely now.
Only those who had personally crossed the threshold of life and death could wield such a flame.
The sisters had earned it through their own struggle. The others had not.
"This power can't just be handed out," she murmured. "It has to be earned."
Tsunayoshi smiled faintly. "Exactly."
He paused, then added, "Though, if we're going to talk about it in detail, I think two more people should be here."
"Two more?" Alicia blinked.
Before either woman could ask further—
Knock, knock, knock.
The door sounded again.
Tsunayoshi rose, opened it, and the two visitors standing outside were immediately recognizable—Riveria and Ais.
Both pairs of eyes widened when they noticed Kaguya and Alicia inside.
"Ah… did we interrupt something?" Riveria asked politely.
"Not at all," Tsunayoshi replied with a small chuckle. "Actually, this works out perfectly. I was planning to find you soon, Riveria, but I've been tied up at Hephaestus's workshop lately. Since you're both here, we can discuss everything together."
Riveria nodded, and the two entered.
In the small room, the air quickly grew crowded—representatives of both Loki Familia and Astraea Familia now seated together.
But no one complained.
They listened quietly as Tsunayoshi explained his thoughts on spreading the power of the flame—its conditions, its risks, its philosophy.
When he finished, Riveria nodded slowly.
"That makes sense," she said. "A power drawn from the heart requires a firm one to control it. Otherwise, it's not a blessing—it's a burden."
Her emerald eyes softened slightly as she looked at him.
"Only those who have faced death and stepped forward as true adventurers have the right to wield such strength. You've done well, Tsunayoshi. I can see why Loki holds you in such regard."
But after a moment, her tone changed—her voice carrying a faint, playful edge.
"Still… I have one question."
"Hm?" Tsunayoshi tilted his head.
"Why," Riveria asked with a teasing smile, "did Finn and Gareth get to experience this power before me?"
The room fell silent for half a second—then Alicia snorted, trying to hold back a laugh.
Even Kaguya smirked.
Tsunayoshi could only sigh helplessly. "Because they asked first."
(End of Chapter)
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