Just as they were walking down the cliff path toward Aaru Village, a figure dropped from above, wielding a sharp weapon aimed directly at Lumine. She parried hastily, and Alhaitham stepped in to take over. The two exchanged several blows on the narrow path before separating.
Alhaitham demanded, "If I recall correctly, we have no history between us. What's with the warm welcome, General Mahamatra?"
Cyno said coldly, "Surviving that strike by luck doesn't mean you can escape judgment, Alhaitham."
"Judgment?" Alhaitham retorted. "Given your actions just now, was that judgment or execution?"
Cyno replied, "I wasn't going all out. Otherwise, this Traveler wouldn't have been able to block me."
[Cyno: It seems the future me didn't know the Traveler's true strength.]
[Paimon: Our Traveler is invincible beneath the gods.]
[Lumine: Paimon, I'm not actually that strong...]
[Paimon: Yes, you are! Definitely!]
[Dottore: Overestimating your own power can trap you in an inescapable situation.]
[Lumine: Is that why you ran away instead of fighting?]
[Dottore: That's only part of it. I don't participate in battles I'm not sure of winning.]
[Paimon: You're clearly just scared. Coward.]
[Dottore: I'm just a researcher.]
"It may have looked like an assassination, but my goal was only to ensure the target couldn't resist or escape. You should know that's the standard practice of the Mahamatra."
Alhaitham mocked without mercy, "That's just your personal style."
Paimon was stunned by their exchange. She stammered, "Did you say... he's the General Mahamatra?"
Alhaitham nodded. "That's right. The head of the Mahamatra—General Mahamatra Cyno. To those who commit academic crimes, he's a feared hunter."
Cyno looked at Lumine. "You seem to trust Alhaitham enough to block me for him."
"If I were you, I wouldn't stand with him. I wouldn't believe a single word he says. This Scribe has been my target for a long time. I suggest you choose your side carefully—if you interfere, you'll be in trouble too."
[Lumine: What's going on here?]
[Alhaitham: Just a misunderstanding. I don't expect foolish people to understand.]
[Cyno: Who are you calling foolish?]
[Alhaitham: Someone who can't tell friend from foe—isn't that foolishness?]
[Paimon: It looks like they're about to fight.]
[Alhaitham: You should always investigate before reaching a conclusion. That's all I have to say.]
Lumine replied calmly, "I don't trust him that much. But I won't stand by and do nothing either."
Paimon pressed, "What did Alhaitham do? He can't be as bad as you're making him out to be, right?"
Cyno said, "I don't want to waste words. Alhaitham, I noticed during our exchange—hand over the Divine Knowledge Capsule you're hiding. Or do I have to take it by force?"
Alhaitham sighed lightly. "As expected of the Mahamatra. Your senses are sharp."
He produced the Divine Knowledge Capsule.
Alhaitham said, "No wonder you were so confident, Cyno. But I'm curious—what does this thing mean to you?"
[Paimon: Ah, so the future turns around again.]
[Cyno: Divine Knowledge Capsules are forbidden items.]
[Dehya: Haha, no need to overthink it. Just fight whoever gets on your bad side when the time comes.]