“Hmm? Oh, that... it’s a bit hard to explain. To put it simply, I suppose there’s just something Dogma and her group aren’t seeing.”
“Don’t give me ‘simply,’ explain it properly! Besides, doesn't that jab apply to me too, since I don't get it either?”
“No, not at all. You’re in a completely different position than they are. It’s a barb meant specifically for Dogma and her lot, especially since they’re the ones about to make their move.”
“I said, explain it in detail!”
Drop, still hung up on Lost’s earlier remark, pressed him for an answer.
If he believed Yugo would thwart the villains, he should have said they would “lose to the Hero.” Instead, Lost had claimed they would “lose to Abyss.” Drop couldn't shake the feeling that there was a massive implication hidden in those words.
Despite her prodding, Lost continued to offer nothing but his usual vague evasions. When she finally raised her voice in frustration, he scratched his cheek with a sheepish look and finally opened his mouth.
“Look, I’m sorry... but honestly, this is just a hunch of mine. There’s a good chance I’m wrong. It would be embarrassing to act all smug explaining it only for things to turn out differently, so I’d really appreciate it if you just forgot I said anything.”
“What? Then you shouldn't have said anything to Dogma and the others in the first place!”
“Well, it’s because those guys are going to die soon anyway. They won't be around to judge whether I was right or not, will they?”
Drop sighed at his weak excuse but gleaned two things from his response.
First, he was absolutely certain of the Hero Yugo’s victory. Second... he didn't think Drop was going to die.
Drop offered a wry smile at the fact that Lost expected her to outlive Dogma’s group at the very least. Sensing her mood, Lost spoke as if to smooth things over.
“This really isn't something you need to worry about. In a good way, I mean.”
“In other words, since Dogma—who should be worried in a bad way—hasn't noticed the danger, you decided to take a parting shot with a bit of sarcasm? Is that it?”
“Ah, yeah. Exactly! Didn't that make you feel a little better?”
“Hehe... I suppose it did!”
Seeing Lost agree with her so cheerfully, Drop couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Sensing that it really wasn't something she needed to lose sleep over, she decided to wrap up the conversation.
“Fine, I’ll let it go. Since I’m such a kind, kind girl, Drop-chan will keep an eye on those guys for you. That should give you some peace of mind, right?”
“Thank you. I’m glad I have such a good friend.”
Despite his attitude, Lost was likely curious about what Dogma’s group had planned. While she couldn't tell him exactly what was happening, having someone watch them would offer him some modicum of comfort.
Even as she explained her intentions out of a sense of lingering friendship, Drop made sure to add a warning.
“Just so you know, I’m not going to interfere with Dogma’s Plan, okay? She’s annoying, but I don't want to end up in a cell like you. I intend to follow the rules.”
“Of course, I understand. I wouldn't want to see a friend take a Penalty on my account.”
“Good,” Drop replied, nodding at his answer.
She hated Dogma and honestly hoped her plan would fail, but she wasn't about to break the organization's rules just to sabotage her. She would remain a neutral observer. After making it clear that she had no intention of siding with Lost at the risk of her own safety, she turned to leave, only for him to call out one last question.
“Oh, that’s right. Drop, why don't you take the same skill I have?”
“What? That Shitty Skill? It’s not even that useful. Besides, as far as Drop-chan is concerned, standing on the front lines to fight is a total ‘no thanks.’”
The skill Lost was referring to was his Transformation Ability.
To be honest, Drop thought it was much more efficient to just use an item to turn into a Magic Armor Beast if necessary. More importantly, she found the idea of getting her hands dirty in combat to be beneath her.
“Besides, that thing is a literal Shitty Skill. It’s got a massive backlash,” she thought, remembering how Lost always looked completely drained after transforming.
Lost caught her expression and gave a wry smile. “Don't be like that. It’s actually quite fun, and I think it could lead to something interesting. Just give it some thought.”
“Yeah, yeah, I hear you. I’ll ‘take it under consideration.’”
Drop gave a half-hearted wave as she walked away, though she suspected there was likely some deeper meaning behind his suggestion.
After watching her leave, Lost lay back down and let out a bored sigh.
“Man, I’m bored... Drop probably won't be coming back to play for a while. What am I going to do to kill the time?”
Lost remained as nonchalant as ever, his only concern being the immediate boredom of his cell.
Even though he was aware of the impending World Crisis sooner than anyone else, he was so certain of its resolution that he simply lay there, contemplating how he would play his part in the turmoil that would inevitably follow.