"This..."
After Finn finished speaking, the adventurers indeed began to waver. They all knew that Evilus would never act according to common sense. Even on their way back to their own Familias, there was a high chance they could be ambushed.
What Finn said made sense. If this problem was not resolved, their lives would be permanently affected.
Would Evilus stab them in the back while they were fighting monsters in the Dungeon?
Would they cause an explosion while they were sleeping inside their Familia home?
Or would they poison their food?
They did not even dare continue imagining the possibilities. Evilus was that despicable—utterly without limits.
"Then what are we supposed to do?"
"That is precisely why I devised this plan," Finn explained. "As of now, Evilus does not know your exact circumstances. We can prepare in advance and set the stage before they make their move."
"You must understand—this is the only way we have to draw Evilus out."
"So I ask for your cooperation. Once this is over, you will all become heroes who helped eradicate Evilus!"
Finn painted an enticing picture, but unfortunately, the adventurers all fell silent. At this moment, no one wanted to be the first to step forward.
The conditions Finn offered were indeed excellent. If the plan succeeded, they would become great heroes of Orario, adored by the public and rewarded handsomely.
But great rewards required bearing corresponding risks.
If they failed, they would fall into Evilus' hands—and what awaited them would be far worse than death.
No matter how good the reward, you still needed to be alive to claim it.
The atmosphere in the room grew heavier and heavier. Seeing this, Riveria sighed inwardly. As expected, this plan would not be easy to carry out.
Its core hinged on whether anyone was willing to serve as bait. For ordinary adventurers, that was a thankless and extremely dangerous role.
"I accept."
Just as the tension reached its peak, a voice completely out of sync with the room's mood rang out—light and effortless.
It was so jarring that it felt like a muscular warrior had wandered into a gathering of graceful maidens.
In an instant, everyone's gaze turned toward the golden-haired girl.
"Elise?"
"Why?"
Many could not understand why Elise would accept such a mission. This meant clashing with Evilus—nine chances of death for every one of survival.
Why would she agree so readily?
"If Evilus can be eliminated, the citizens of Orario will surely be able to live better lives, won't they?"
Her words only deepened the frowns on the others' faces. Even Finn looked at her with a different expression.
Originally, the hero had intended to use a "no other choice" approach to persuade them. He had not expected Elise to voluntarily shoulder the risk.
"Are you certain?"
Among everyone present, Elise was the only woman—and likely the youngest as well. Finn could not help but doubt.
Could she truly handle the role of bait?
"No problem. With my strength, nothing will happen to me."
Her tone carried absolute confidence in her own power.
At that moment, Finn recalled something Loki had once told him—Elise might possess something special, and he should pay closer attention to her.
But Finn had been extremely busy recently and had not had the chance to observe her closely.
Could it be true, as the rumors claimed, that Elise possessed strength beyond her Level?
Even so, a Level 2 fighting a Level 4 was still pushing it too far. And within Evilus were ruthless figures like Valetta and Olivas.
Perhaps only the Familias of Zeus and Hera in their prime could accomplish such feats...
Whenever he thought of that, Finn could not help but sigh.
Back when Zeus and Hera were still in Orario, Evilus had not even dared to show its face. That reality only highlighted the current inadequacy of Loki Familia and Freya Familia.
"If even the Saintess of Scales has made her choice, then we cannot fall behind."
As mentioned earlier, Elise was the youngest among them—and a girl at that.
This confrontation with Evilus would surely become public knowledge in the future. If word spread that they had hidden behind an underage girl...
And if, as Finn had said, they had to spend their days cowering in fear during this period, their reputations in Orario would be ruined.
Gritting their teeth, several adventurers accepted Finn's request. Following Elise's lead, they agreed to act as bait against Evilus.
Thus, the matter was settled.
Like the others, Elise accepted the equipment Finn provided. She personally had little use for it, but giving it to Alise and the others would be perfectly fine.
Since she was accepting Finn's commission, taking some compensation was only natural.
In the end, Finn gave the adventurers a solemn promise.
"If any of you are attacked by Evilus, we will arrive as quickly as possible."
...
"I didn't expect it to be something like this..."
After leaving Loki Familia, Elise immediately returned to her own Familia's residence.
Since Zeus and Hera had departed from Orario, Evilus had run rampant for over three years. Finn and the others had never managed to completely eradicate them.
Even this bait plan could only draw out Evilus' main forces. The organization had already taken deep root in Orario. Without overwhelming power, it would be nearly impossible to uproot them entirely.
"Evilus..."
Though she did not know exactly when they would strike, Elise had a strong feeling—they would definitely target her.
After all, they had already attempted to attack her so many times without success. Would they really let that go without seeking revenge?
If they truly gave up, she would have to mock them properly.
Days passed.
In less than a week, the entire city seemed to sink into an indescribable heaviness.
Although many people continued living as usual, something felt subtly off.
And at the center of it all was Elise.
To be honest, even she felt that this attack had come at a perfect time.
Not only could they use this opportunity to wipe out Evilus' main forces in one decisive sweep, but she could also step onto the world stage.
Previously, Elise's plan for her Familia had been to lie low and focus on training and leveling up. But they could not remain hidden forever.
Astraea Familia had to step into the spotlight eventually.
And now, the opportunity had arrived.