[Realm: Álfheimr]
[Location: The Deathless Fortress]
"I see… so you've decided to join the Retorta Guild?" The questioned came from Ivan. Dante and Tamamo had reconvened with him, Alexander, and Gretchen on the ground floor of the fortress not long ago.
"You seem unsure," Dante noted, turning slightly toward Ivan. "There is no shame in turning back if your conviction falters."
Ivan shook his head. "No. I'm standing by my word. If you're joining the Guild, then I'll stick with you. I said I would—and I meant it."
Alexander raised a hand half-heartedly. "Yeah, I'm with Ivan… and all that heroic nonsense, I guess."
Gretchen crossed her arms. "They're not going to dissect me the moment I walk into their base, right?" she asked blandly.
Tamamo flashed a fox-bright grin. "My dear, your worries are incredibly dramatic and completely unfounded. Try to breathe."
