Linsey hated one theory above all else—the so-called theory that the weak were guilty.
If the weak were bullied by the strong, yet still had to blame themselves for it—aside from those powerless to control their own fates, this was probably the excuse people who committed genocide or massacres used to absolve themselves.
And yet Alvitte had fallen into the former trap.
People with a strong sense of responsibility always liked to blame themselves when faced with failure. Righteous Walkers prone to overthinking were even more so.
Fortunately, Linsey and Alvitte had gone through adventures together and had seen each other's abilities. She could accept his advice.
So, after Linsey opened a hole in this southern wall.
Alvitte poked her head through it, seeming to realize something.
"Linsey, I..."
"The royal artifact is very important. I shouldn't betray the trust of the White Steel Sword. But... but... what truly matters, after all, are these living, breathing lives in this world."
Alvitte spoke in fits and starts.
Her voice was somewhat muffled beneath the torrential rain.
But Linsey activated Air Touch, and every word came through clearly.
He held Alvitte by the shoulders.
"Since you've figured it out, tell me now."
"In this situation, what exactly should we be doing?"
"..."
"Ah—"
The Righteous Walker girl suddenly let out a shout.
Linsey had thought Alvitte would shift her focus and pull herself together.
But what actually happened exceeded his expectations.
The Righteous Walker's will was rapidly changing. The force that had once driven her steadfastly forward instead twisted into an entirely different state.
Linsey happened to have the Decryption Game module open.
At such close range, the white glow of clues directly revealed the changes taking place within Alvitte to Linsey.
First Stage: Craving Artifact—When an indulgent person intensely craved a