The Traveler Twins' passive Hostility Sense was a secondary effect of the skill Elental Vision. Its detection range increased with Aether's main body's Falna level, but for now, it was limited to a 10-ter radius.
That was one of the reasons why, during the previous expedition, when the team was ambushed by the Worm Well, Aether and Lumine had failed to react in ti.
But now,
"…Hm?"
The red arrow in his vision appeared for only a fleeting mont. When Aether and Lumine instinctively turned toward it, all they saw at the tavern's entrance was… emptiness.
Looking further beyond, the bustling street outside seed completely normal.
No… I'm certain it wasn't an illusion.
After all, while in the Starfire's Flowing Light, he wasn't just one person.
Ying, despite being a soul copy of his main body and linked through ntal Link to share perceptions in real ti, was still a separate consciousness.
In such a case, the two of them couldn't possibly suffer the sa hallucination for no reason.
Which ant,
[Za Warudo]
As the thought flashed through his mind, Aether's response lagged only a heartbeat.
Being soone who preferred caution, he willed Paimon, who was in stealth, to activate her Ti Stop ability.
As mana began burning away at a frightening rate,
Whoosh~
Cut off from interference with the outside world, and untouchable by it as well, Paimon soared into the Frozen Realm, scanning from midair for anomalies.
She focused especially on the alleys beside the Hostess of Fertility and the rooftops around it.
Unfortunately…
"Tch, too slow."
The tiny figure sighed. "They're likely an expert at concealnt… already blending into the crowd as if nothing happened."
Had Aether triggered Paimon Ti imdiately, he might have caught them. The delay left him frustrated.
It was a small mistake, but one that reminded him how inexperienced he still was.
Mana burned away too quickly.
As ti resud its flow,
Though he couldn't uncover the cause of the sudden Hostility Sense, Aether instinctively followed through on his plan.
Paimon, still invisible, discreetly observed the surrounding adventurers… and even checked on Loki, the goddess herself.
The results were reassuring.
Neither Finn, Riveria, Gareth, Mama Mia, nor any of the other Lv.6s noticed her disguise.
As for the Lv.5s and below, no chance.
Even Loki herself hadn't sensed the anomaly of the brief Ti Stop.
Incidentally, Aether had tested these scenarios with Freya earlier, and the results matched perfectly.
Still, being cautious by nature, he welcod the chance to run another field test.
After all… what if so gods can sense things Freya cannot?
Or worse, what if Freya hadn't told the whole truth back then?
Though reluctant to doubt the goddess whose favorability toward him had reached Level 8, living in this otherworld demanded vigilance.
At the very least, tonight's results both strengthened his trust in Freya, and reminded him not to drop his guard.
All right. Set this aside for now.
Inside the tavern, Aether kept smiling and joking with the playful waitresses.
But in his heart, he was already pondering,
That fleeting hostility… where did it co from?
He tucked the thought away.
================
That sa night,
"The Twin Stars may possess an extraordinarily high-level detection skill, Ishtar-sama."
District 4 of Orario, Pleasure Quarter.
A place of brothels, red-light houses, and indulgence.
Each night, those burdened by stress, or simply perverts with no sha, ca to vent their desires.
Many Familia and rchants ran these "legal" establishnts, though many of the "workers" were hardly volunteers.
Unlike the free-spirited Amazons, many were won fallen into bondage for various reasons, sold and priced like commodities.
From this alone, one could glimpse the darker side of the world.
Of course, the largest and most infamous of these establishnts belonged to the Ishtar Familia.
Out of jealousy, Ishtar had even modeled her residence after a miniature Orario, with her throne at the top of a "Little Babel Tower."
And now,
"You an you were noticed?"
The tanned goddess, draped in little more than translucent silks, narrowed her eyes at the muscular man kneeling before her.
"I don't believe my presence was exposed," he reported respectfully. "But I was certainly sensed."
"They are too sharp. To avoid compromising my cover, I had no choice but to retreat."
"Tammuz… you're only Lv.4, yes. But your magic can elude even the Braver and the Hero. And yet, you claim it failed against two re Lv.2s?"
Ishtar's expression darkened.
"Tch. So this is the 'one-week-to-Level-2 genius,' is it?"
"Seems I can't allow such an abnormal threat to grow unchecked."
"If I am to topple that bitch, the Twin Stars will be a critical variable in my plans."
Lifting Tammuz's chin with her foot, Ishtar exhaled a lazy puff from her pipe.
"Bring Aisha. No, better bring Phryne too, to be safe."
"Find a chance in the Dungeon. Take the Gemini."
"Capture them if possible. I want them for myself."
Her eyes glinted. "But if things change… don't hold back."
"Until then, be discreet. That bitch mustn't suspect."
"…Yes, Ishtar-sama."
Tammuz withdrew, already planning the operation.
This was hardly his first ti. In truth…
He had once been ensnared by Ishtar in the sa way. Victim and executor both, he was well-versed in the routine.
As he left,
"Heh~"
Seated upon her false throne, the tanned goddess smirked coldly.
"Years of preparation… and just two more steps remain."
"I can't wait to see that self-proclaid queen stripped bare and thrown into the streets."
"It will be deliciously entertaining."
=============
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