Higashino Makoto shook his head, reached out, and patted Kurumi on the head before continuing.
"Even if they had proposed something like a 'Pan-Human Alliance' or 'Human Supremacy,' I would've found it more reasonable."
Kurumi blinked.
"Mr. Higashino, you really do get straight to the point."
"I just like stating facts."
Higashino Makoto withdrew his gaze and looked at Kurumi.
"Facts can be unpleasant sometimes, but they're still more useful than lies."
Kurumi smiled.
There was a hint of admiration in that smile, a hint of amusement, and also a hint of...
"Oh, right. Your eighth-grader act today was pretty good."
Kurumi froze for a moment, then burst out laughing.
"Mr. Higashino, you really are terrible at complimenting people. Besides, that wasn't an act."
"I wasn't complimenting you. I was stating a fact."
"Then could you state the facts and tell me why you chose the Slane Theocracy as our next stop?"
Higashino Makoto leaned back in his seat, his gaze settling on the view beyond the car window.
"I told you. The dice chose it."
"Do you really believe in luck?"
"I believe that luck is also a form of strength."
The corners of Higashino Makoto's mouth lifted slightly.
His luck was good, so naturally, he believed in luck.
"Besides... the Slane Theocracy does have some things that interest me."
"Such as?"
"The legacy left behind by the Six Great Gods, their war with the Elf Kingdom, their registration and management system for those with 'innate talents.' And—"
Higashino Makoto paused, lowering his voice.
"The so-called Godkin."
Kurumi's right eye narrowed slightly.
"Mr. Higashino, are you interested in innate talents and Godkin?"
"I'm interested in how far humanity in this world can go without player interference."
Higashino Makoto's gaze deepened.
"Innate talents are abilities that this world's natives evolved