Seeing Diana's furrowed brow, Ian added, "Don't worry. I'm not asking you to fight with me. All you have to do is deliver the message."0

"Well, that much isn't difficult. You'll probably have the chance to make the request yourself." At last, Diana nodded, then added with a weary tone. "You really seem to be the type who can't live without clearing your debts, Ian Hope."0

"Especially grudges," he replied with a faint smile.0

Diana flinched at his words and avoided his gaze.0

Of course, Ian's reason for joining wasn't solely about that. It was because other major quests seemed likely to follow from it.0

Perhaps even something that leads to the former crown prince.0

No matter how he thought about it, the grand flow of this chapter seemed deeply connected to that figure. Even if that weren't the case, Ian would need his help to bring down the Black Wall. No matter how strong Ian had become, there were limits to what he could achieve alone. Ian had already given some thought to persuading that person.0

But first, I need to assess his condition and intentions.0

Even if it turned out to be just a one-off quest, he didn't mind. At the very least, he could gain experience and rewards. With no way of knowing when he might have to walk along the edge of the rift again, he couldn't leave such risks unattended.0

"You're not planning to leave me behind at the base while you move on your own?" Lucia asked at that moment.0

Ian shrugged. "We'll see. It depends on the situation."0

"I swear I won't do anything reckless. By the Blazing Goddess, I promise." Placing her left...0