"Hoh...?" Lost reacted with a faint twitch.
Dogma, having delivered her ominous answer about a Falling into Darkness, seemed delighted by his response. A wicked smile played on her lips as she continued.
"It’s as Hypno says. The Reincarnators previously known as Hero Candidates no longer have any value. There is no joy to be found in observing them further. However... your personal favorite, Hugo Clay, has seen his value skyrocket. This story’s final evaluation will change drastically based on the kind of ending he meets."
"So, for that ending, you lot are planning to make Hero-kun experience a Falling into Darkness? How cliché!"
Dogma returned Drop’s provocation with a smile. Ignoring Drop, who scowled in distaste, Dogma pressed on.
"By triumphing in the battle against Abyss, he gained a great many things. A Hero Falling into Darkness after losing everything he’s worked for... Wouldn't that be a Tragic and Dramatic Ending? You call it cliché, but we prefer the term Royal Road Development—it’s the kind of story that enjoys immense popular support."
"I wonder about that," Drop countered. "Whether a Royal Road Development is actually what’s being sought for this conclusion is another matter entirely. Besides, you're all acting like the game is already over... Have you already forgotten how Abyss walked out with that same smug look, only to suffer a magnificent upset?"
"Of course I remember. It was thanks to him that Hugo Clay’s value rose, allowing us to settle on the form our ending will take. Above all, he provided the catalyst to seal you away—the single greatest obstacle to our plan. For that alone, I have nothing but gratitude."
Lost met Dogma’s smirk with a silent, steady gaze. Behind her, Burn and Hypno mirrored her expression.
"Abyss's Plan had its flaws, but victory was almost a certainty," Burn said. "The only reason things went off the rails was because of a traitor from within... because of you, Lost."
"No matter how perfect our plans are, we can't afford to have them dismantled from the inside," Hypno added. "In other words, you were our primary concern."
"And now, here you are, trapped in a cell and unable to interfere with the outside world," Dogma said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Truly, we must thank that fool Abyss for handing us this chance on a silver platter!"
Dogma began to laugh, a stifled sound at first. Gradually, the laughter lost its restraint, seeping with madness as it grew louder and louder.
"Heh... fufu... ahahaha! How pathetic, Lost! It’s truly piteous that you won’t be told a single thing about your precious favorite’s fate! I can see it now—the Despair on your face when you finally leave this place and see him again, only to find he’s already been utterly transformed! Ahahaha!"
"What a disgusting woman," Drop spat, her voice laced with contempt for her fellow mastermind.
Dogma’s words were blatant provocations, yet Lost merely let out a small sigh before addressing the companions mocking him.
"It seems you hold me in high regard. I’m truly flattered. Well, as you say, I’m in quite the predicament. No matter what you do, I can't interfere. In that sense, this is your tactical victory."
Lost spoke with a hint of resignation, prompting Dogma and her subordinates to beam with triumph. Yet even under their mocking stares, Lost didn't lose his fearless composure.
"Still, it’s frustrating to just sit here and take it. I’d appreciate it if you’d let me say two things back... if that’s alright?"
"Don't stop at two; say a hundred or two hundred," Drop chimed in. "A loudmouth like you should find that easy enough."
Lost gave a wry smile at her interruption. Dogma, looking down on him with absolute condescension, replied.
"Very well. We have enough grace to listen to a rebuttal from someone in such a miserable state."
"Thank you. Then, I'll take you up on that."
Lost remained unshaken by her attitude. He looked each of them in the eye and held up a single index finger.