"We were all under Mr. Fool's watchful gaze. Unlike those temporary adventuring groups, we possessed the most precious quality—trust." Hanged Man Alger, who had picked up the lantern again and was leading the way, pointed ahead at the Black Forest where even moonlight could not penetrate. "Beyond this forest lies the ruins. After this exploration, the island's location will no longer be a secret to you. Therefore, I require that I participate in the first three explorations, including this one, and I get one-third of the spoils."
Without slowing, he turned his head to look at Angel.
Why was he looking at me... Had he guessed that my Rose Necklace had Grazed a Wind-blessed one and probably possessed the ability to navigate at sea, meaning I had already memorized the route here? That was true. My necklace had passed through his hands before being given to an Artisan, and he also knew that the Wind-blessed bishop had died by my hand...
After some thought, Angel nodded and replied,
"That is a reasonable request. If the spoils cannot be divided evenly, convert them into Gold Pounds. But I get first pick."
"Agreed."
Alger visibly relaxed and readily agreed.
This was purely a transaction based on strength and informational advantage. Angel and Klein stood on one side and held an absolute advantage in combat power, so they would naturally have the final say in dividing the spoils. Alger possessed the information on the ruins' location; if he did not take the initiative to lead them, no one would gain anything.
Although Klein was limited by the negative effects of Creeping Hunger and had not displayed much combat power for the moment, Alger's initiative in giving him a third could also be seen as currying favor with Angel, the strongest member of the