Stella's face froze in shock, her wide eyes locked on Maurice. The weight of his words was evident—this was no casual question. The information he sought was clearly a deep, tightly-guarded secret.
But what kind of power could such a treasure hold, one said to be effective even against gods? And why did Maurice, an esteemed professor, desire it? If he discovered its location, what would he do with that knowledge?
Doubts filled the room like an invisible fog. Wataru's gaze joined Stella's, both fixed on Maurice with growing suspicion. The professor, sensing their unease, simply shrugged.
"Oh, it's just a rumor I've heard," Maurice said with an air of nonchalance. "But tell me, Stella—why refuse? It doesn't sound like such a bad deal."
"I… I cannot betray my people," Stella stammered.
