"Not only that." Cheli continued, "I think that aside from Orochimaru and me, all of you are somewhat helpless, aren't you?
"Or rather, you haven't been nearly as free and relaxed as you appear."
After another bout of silence, Andreyevich, Caesar, and the others exchanged glances, immediately understanding.
"So you knew all along." Amon turned the cane in his palm and tapped it twice against the ground, producing two crisp knocks.
He said unhurriedly, "Orochimaru's class guardian, Olidammara, God of Rogues, directly betrayed the Lord of the Gods.
"I never expected Vina, Goddess of Music and Art, to be the same."
Cheli shook her head and said in a voice as melodious as song, "This isn't betrayal. It's merely that my teacher was unwilling to bind me.
"She believes in my choice. She believes I can lead the bard class to even greater heights."
"That truly is regrettable." Amon spoke as though lamenting it. "Though it was never stated outright, it is obvious that Orochimaru and the Druid share a close relationship.
"As long as he clings tightly to the Druid's thigh, then even if he fails and gains nothing, he should at least be able to retreat unscathed.
"But you all..."
Amon pointed at Cheli and the others, then at himself. "Naturally, myself included.
"What right do we have to choose?
"Cheli, don't tell me you think that just because Vina indulges you, you have earned the right to choose?
"From the moment we received our class seeds, the Lord of the Gods placed shackles upon us.
"He holds the reins in his hand. No matter how we struggle or resist, how could we possibly break free?
"So we might as well attach ourselves to the Lord of the Gods. Once he succeeds, only then will we have the