The direction I was heading in wasn't chosen at random.
When I realized the blood was flying, a vague connection emerged along with it.
I had to admit, it was fascinating. This was already the second time during this mission that I'd gone beyond zero perception.
And the target the first time had also been Ariel.
The reason behind that was food for thought.
In fact, from the moment I first sensed the target of the Extreme Hunger Infection, I'd been thinking about why.
Blaming things on coincidence or fate without a second thought was a deeply irresponsible way to approach them.
I'd estimated that not being able to sense the Seed of Corrosion was the most likely outcome. Back then, some special condition had probably helped me overcome that limitation—for example, serving in the same court.
As I'd said before, some transcendent quality had given everyone in the Lone King's court an unusually close connection to one another.
But if that was the case, why could I still sense only Ariel now?
After all, according to that theory, I'd sensed him back then because the mysterious quality had been compounded with the Seed of Corrosion that was planted inside him.
But there were no bugs now, and Ariel was no longer special compared to anyone else.
If it was really because I was closer to the Lone King now, and that mysterious quality had grown stronger, shouldn't I be sensing more people at the same time?
In theory, the argument made a lot of sense, enough to cast doubt on my earlier hypothesis. But was it possible that even strengthened, the mysterious quality still wasn't powerful enough?
Or was Ariel still the one who was special?
The bugs were gone, but he'd acquired a new distinction.
In fact, finding