[T.L: punisher87]
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The reason Jin told Orgal about Lokia's purpose was to gauge whether they were in a cooperative relationship.
'Seeing how surprised he is, could it be that he had no idea about Lokia's purpose? It doesn't seem like an act.'
Although it felt like giving away information too easily, there wasn't much to lose if they weren't in a cooperative relationship. If they weren't, it meant Jin was adding another pursuer to Lokia without utilizing the power of the Vamel alliance.
A period of silence followed. Jin watched Orgal, who was contemplating his response with his mouth closed, and became convinced. He believed that Orgal was genuinely taken aback by this revelation.
"Hey, Orgal. Let's have an honest conversation without hiding anything from each other. It seems like this is quite a shocking revelation to you as well. I heard this story from Sir Padler."
[...the Blue Thunder King?]
"Yeah. Sir Padler said Lokia Ganesto betrayed my clan a thousand years ago and made a pact with the Witch to corrupt Temar. Sir Padler also mentioned that he was a victim of Lokia and revealed her goal was the resurrection of the Sun God before he died."
The golden aura disappeared, revealing the scenery of the meeting room once again.
"It was also said that Lokia was responsible for sending all the ten great knights to their deaths, except for Bale, whom she spared because she needed him for her goal."
[In that case, something strange is going on... Now that I hear your words, my memories are finally coming back.]
The history manipulation that was applied to Lokia is not completely erased. Only now, after hearing Jin's story about Lokia, did Orgal start to piece together fragments of memories that were gradually becoming clearer.
"Remember what?"
[A thousand years ago, just once. There was an opportunity for the Sun God to resurrect. At that moment when he could finally return to this world... just before that. The one who made me be erased from history...]
In an instant, Orgal's eyes filled with a tremendous anger that even Jin found surprising.
[Lokia Ganesto. That vile creature...! To think I'm only recalling it now!]
Hooong!
Like a furious dragon, gray wings spread out from Orgal's back. The building trembled as a massive aura emanated from his body.
'Oh, this can't be an act. It seems that Sir Padler was right, and Orgal, too, fell victim to Lokia a thousand years ago.'
An intense intuition arose that he might be able to untie the knot without lifting a finger.
[Hey, calm down. Why are you suddenly getting angry?]
Jin stopped Bale, who was about to curse. There was no need to speak harshly to Orgal, who could potentially be an ally in finding Lokia.
'Finding information about Lokia is something Orgal would be better at than Vamel alliance.'
At this point, relying solely on Valeria's record magic to find Lokia has its limits. Once they start acquiring information, Jin can create a situation where they can share it one by one.
Alternatively, it would be a good idea to closely examine Kinzelo, who was tracking Lokia. It would be much more convenient than pursuing Lokia directly.
"Calm down, Orgal. This is the first time I've seen you so emotionally stirred. Anyway, to sum it up, you missed the decisive opportunity for the resurrection of the Sun God a thousand years ago due to Lokia, right?"
In fact, Orgal's sensitivity today was partly due to the fact that he had been recalling the "opportunity a thousand years ago to resurrect the Sun God" during the meeting. However, he couldn't remember how he happened to miss that opportunity, and it was thanks to Jin that he now knew the reason: it was because of Lokia.
[If only that disgusting creature hadn't been there, the world could have been completely restored a thousand years ago.]
"I can't agree with that, but Lokia Ganesto also has a debt to pay to Runcande with her bloodl."
[A debt to pay? It sounds like you're talking as if Lokia is still alive.]
"She is alive. I met her recently. Valeria, can you show Orgal the records?"
The records regarding Lokia Ganesto's words had already become blurred from the subspace of Luntia. Instead, Valeria informed Orgal that she had examined those records herself.
"These blurred sentences here contain the content that if my father returns from the Black Sea, something I can't handle will happen. Lokia said this to my elder sister while proposing a contract to her. The reason she is still alive is because she received immortality from the witch."
Orgal gradually calmed his emotions and regained his composure. As his anger subsided, Jin's actions seemed strange to him.
'Why is Jin Runcandel giving away such valuable information so easily without asking for anything in return?'
Jin seemed to see through his thoughts.
"It does not make sense why I'm giving away such high-level information so easily, right? But I'm only doing it because I have something to gain."
[The fact that the records about Lokia are blurred bothers me. The blurred part could possibly contain content suggesting that you made a pact with Lokia and tried to manipulate me.]
"Is that so? Even if I made a pact with someone like Lokia... Temporary alliances may come to an end, but that's regrettable. Orgal, who do you think killed the evil god?"
[A person can change at any time.]
"Even if I made a pact with Lokia, what's the problem? Investigate and if it turns out that your delusions of being victimized are true, you can attack me then. You seemed ready to confront me as if it was nothing just a moment ago."
[I see... I understand your intentions well. You want to use me to track down Lokia.]
"Now it seems like we can have a conversation, Orgal. It may not be a temporary alliance like last time, but how about temporarily cooperating?"
[It's not cooperation, it's manipulation. But go ahead and play with me.]
In reality, Orgal had no choice.
Even if he refused, there was a high possibility that Jin would still track the movements of the Kinzelo trackers through Valeria and the anonymous contacts.
Moreover, if Lokia were to return to Luntia, there was no way for Kinzelo to confirm it.
If Jin wasn't in league with Lokia, there was no reason to refuse. From Orgal's perspective, as long as he found clues about Lokia, he could receive assistance from Valeria.
"Alright, it seems like we've sorted things out. Shall we move on to the steel trade now?"
[Last time, the King of Tikan only spoke nonsense and left. You want to purchase the steel for a fair price this time.]
"I added more information about Lokia to that offer."
Orgal suppressed a sneer at Jin's audacity.
[That's not something you can put a price on. We're not beggars.]
"And I'm offering double the amount of money compared to last time."
[Do you have the intention to buy the steel?]
"I do. Honestly, wouldn't it be a profitable deal for you to just take the money? I thought you were swimming in excess."
[Can you handle that money? I heard you're busy with the reconstruction of Huphester.]
"As long as you do not ask to pay in full upfront, I can handle any amount."
[Unfortunately, that's not possible. Frankly, I expected to hear something extraordinary when you came in person, but I'm disappointed. Unless you're willing to share your technological expertise, don't even dream about a steel trade.]
From that moment, Jin put on a determined act, carefully controlling his expression. He made it clear that he would show signs of frustration or anger.
"That's a shame. It seems like a loss if your technological advancement than the power enhancement we gain from producing ample battleships."
Fortunately, it seemed to work well, as Orgal responded with a gentle smile.
[You're confident in your power enhancement. You believe in Battle god and Murakan. Anyway, the negotiation is off.]
"I will take my leave. If you change your mind, feel free to contact Tikan anytime. But by then, you'll have to trade under worse conditions."
[That's not going to happen, so stop contacting me about the steel issue. Let me know if there are any developments regarding Lokia.]
As Jin's group left the headquarters, Shagal approached Orgal.
"Leader."
[Shagal.]
"Jin Runcandel knew Gito's name."
[You seemed surprised when he suddenly mentioned Zito's name. There can be no other meaning behind it not informing you of the fact that he knows Zito. I hope you don't have unnecessary curiosity.]
"I thought as much. However, Jin Runcandel asked me about the Demon World."
[Did you give him an answer?]
"Yes, he asked for something in return for complying."
[I sensed there was a complication. He caught you off guard.]
"I'm ashamed, but it was a valuable lesson. I simply told him that the Demon world is not a singular entity. When I said that, he asked if your rule and the rule of Demon King Zito have different territories, then I left."
[I see.]
"Did I make a mistake?"
[No, in any case, Jin Runcandel will soon learn that level of information. There's no need to worry since there's nothing we can do to counter it.]
"I understand."
[I will write a letter now. Go to the Third Demon world and deliver it to your father. We need the assistance of the malevolent spirits.]
***
The next destination of the Red Owl was the Wantaramo Forest.
As Jin and his companions appeared at the edge of the forest, they were greeted by the Felinoids tribesmen Neru, Lulu, and Miru. Valeria had sent them a letter in advance.
They were to find Luet Damiro, the ancient Runcandel's head butler and a friend they had forgotten about.
"Have you been waiting for long?"
[No, we only waited for a week.]
"It felt like a long time... I apologize."
[Don't worry about it! I had a great time talking with Sheila.]
The third tomb of Temar, where Luet resided, originally existed in the hideout of the Felinoids Tribe. However, it had been destroyed by the Spectres shortly after Jin's visit.
Therefore, Valeria concluded that in order to enter the tomb again, there had to be something related to Luet, similar to Luntia's subsapce.
Bale, Silus, the sword of Padler, and Luet's younger sister, Sheila.
Even if they used all these elements, if they couldn't reopen the entrance to the destroyed hideout of the Felinoids Tribe, finding Luet would become a difficult task.
[Let's go and check it out. I think it'll work. I took a bit of Sheila's energy and went near the destroyed hideout, and there was a strange reaction.]
Thinking about the terrible solitude Luet must be experiencing, Jin moved forward into the depths of the forest.
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