"What do you think?"
"Eh? What I think?"
Tsunayoshi hadn't expected to be the one making the decision. He had come back from Hephaestus's forge with her request in mind—thinking Loki would handle it. But instead, the goddess just looked at him with a teasing smile.
"Of course it's your call," Loki said matter-of-factly. "It's your world. You should be the one to decide what happens there. I can't make that decision for you."
She twirled a strand of her crimson hair and leaned closer.
"Hephaestus wants to go to your world to find the material that ignites those flames. Even if your status over there isn't bad, gathering that kind of resource won't be easy. If you don't want to expose your true identity, you'll have to handle it carefully."
"And when things get messy, neither she nor I can help you. You'll be on your own. So whether or not to take her—that's for you to decide. But if you do, you'll also be the one responsible for whatever follows."
Her tone grew serious at the end—a clear reminder that this was more than a casual favor.
Tsunayoshi nodded slowly. He had already thought about this on his way back.
"I don't intend to use my identity for personal gain."
"As expected," Loki replied without hesitation.
She wasn't surprised at all. From the moment Hephaestus mentioned her request, Loki had already guessed how Tsunayoshi would answer. He wasn't the type to exploit his past for advantage, even if it could make things easier.
"So," she said, crossing her arms, "you're planning to rely purely on your own power to find those materials?"
"Yes," he confirmed. "That's my plan. And… I actually have a few ideas."
He didn't know the exact origin of the materials used to forge the Mare Rings, but that didn't mean he couldn't investigate.
In that modern world of his—one filled with networks, systems, and infinite data—information wasn't locked away in divine libraries or ancient scrolls. It flowed freely through a world built on code.
"If I can't find it through normal means," he said, "I can always search the network. That world's data systems record almost everything. It's like… a realm built from zeroes and ones—a virtual world. By breaking into that network, I can obtain any information I need."
Loki tilted her head. "A world made of… data?"
"Exactly. A place where information from every part of the planet is gathered and stored. It's not that different from the way our magic stones work—except it's all energy and code. That's how humans there advance—through technology instead of magic."
He paused, glancing around the divine city.
"In this world, most people spend their lives fighting monsters or farming just to survive. There's no room for technology to grow. But if the number of monsters ever dropped—if the world ever reached peace—then something like 'magic-stone technology' could easily take off here too."
He smiled faintly. "Especially with gods like you around. The moment you get bored, you'd probably turn technological toys into a divine craze overnight."
Loki chuckled, eyes glinting with amusement. "You make it sound like fun."
To her, the idea of a world built entirely from the ingenuity of mortals—no divine intervention, no magic—was fascinating. A pure creation of human will.
"If the people of your world can achieve that much," she mused, "maybe this world's own magic-stone science could reach similar heights someday."
"Maybe," Tsunayoshi said. "But for now, that's a discussion for later. As for Hephaestus—I've already made my decision. When the time comes, I'll prepare in advance and make sure my presence there doesn't expose too much."
Loki smirked. "Good. Just be careful. Your 'network' might be useless here, but over there—it's your greatest weapon. Knowing you, you'll turn it into something ridiculous."
He shrugged. "Probably."
The thought of sending artificial constructs—his "electronic beasts"—into the global data web to devour information was… thrilling, to say the least. That was his style: always plan, always prepare.
"Oh, right," Loki added casually. "If you've got some free time, you should go see Bete. That idiot's been dying to talk to you."
Tsunayoshi blinked. "Bete?"
"Yeah. That dumb wolf's been locked up in the Training Space lately. He's been working on his claws and speed, as usual. But when he found out Tiona and Tione leveled up—with a little help from your inventions—he went looking for you."
She burst out laughing at the memory.
"He showed up outside my room the other day, pacing around like an awkward puppy. It was hilarious. You'd think someone cut his tail off."
"..."
Tsunayoshi couldn't help but laugh too. "I suppose I should meet him, then."
"Do that," Loki said, wiping a tear from her eye. "He's obsessed with sharper weapons lately. But it's strange—he acts like a cocky loudmouth with everyone else, yet around you, he turns into a shy pup. What did you do to him?"
Tsunayoshi thought for a moment—and then it hit him.
"Maybe it's because I mentioned I could make an artifact that brings people back to life."
"…Wait," Loki blinked. "You weren't joking about that?"
He hesitated. "Well… I can make something like that. Whether it truly revives the dead, I'm not sure. I've never tried. And honestly… I don't intend to."
"That's wise," Loki said, her tone turning serious again. "Soul reincarnation is under divine jurisdiction. If you start meddling with that, the gods who manage the cycle will notice—and they won't take it lightly."
Her expression softened slightly. "I'm glad you're smart enough to understand that. If word about such an artifact reached Heaven, it'd cause chaos."
Tsunayoshi nodded. "I know. And I've already been careful about it. I'm aware the gods above are still connected to the lower world."
Loki's eyes narrowed slightly. "So you already know about that? The connection runs through Uranus. He's the one maintaining communication with the Heavens."
"I figured as much," Tsunayoshi said. "In a world filled with divine presences, there's no way my power goes unnoticed. Especially not by those who stayed above."
He leaned back, exhaling softly.
"Which is why I never overstep. Anything beyond my limits—I simply avoid."
Loki watched him for a moment and smiled approvingly.
"Good answer."
He'd already learned the most important rule of survival in a world of gods:
never attract divine attention.
(End of Chapter)
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