"Since that's the case, we should persevere even more, shouldn't we?"

Although Touma Kamijou's reasoning was sound, the other person seemed concerned about something else.

"Although that's what you say, you haven't told your daughter anything, have you? Is it really okay like this?"

"It's not the right time yet. If we act recklessly, it will only lead to a dead end."

"True, we can't let it find out about that."

The other person agreed, still speaking in a cold tone, as if making up their mind about something.

Perhaps because of the other person's earlier provocation, Touma Kamijou began to fight back.

"But it seems like you don't have the right to say that to me. Aren't you the same? Don't think I don't know."

"Um... Can we not expose my losses? Haven't you heard of keeping a low profile during tough times?"

"Tough times? I don't think you're going through tough times at all."

Seeing that Touma Kamijou didn't believe him, the other person increased their intensity.

"Not tough? I don't even have money to eat dinner today."

"That's because you had a good meal during the day, right? You're out of money? Do you think you can fool me with that? Even if the whole world is out of money, you, as an S-Class magician, can't possibly be out of money. After all, could someone like you really starve on the streets?"

As Touma Kamijou said this, it seemed to ignite the other person's resistance, and they actively fought back.

"If we're talking about being S-Class, aren't you the same? Although you're hiding in the mountains and acting poor, don't think I don't know how much wealth you have. You like to pretend to be poor."

"The amount of money you have has nothing to do with where you live. After all, an S-Class magician can't possibly be short of money. Even if you're broke, there will be people who will give you money."

"...I strangely agree with that. Anyway, let's get back on track."

The other person shouted, then continued in a serious tone.

"You should know that those people have already started to take action, right?"

"Ah, of course."

"Although I don't know what their goal is, there is one thing I'm sure of."

Touma Kamijou also agreed.

"Yes, they must be related to that legend. Otherwise, two years ago would be too much of a coincidence. There is no other possibility."

"What about you?"

The sudden topic surprised the other person.

"?"

"Don't you have any actions? I think that even though your motive may be different from mine, you can't possibly stay idle when I'm already taking action. After all, that wouldn't fit your character."

"You're right. Even if I want to turn a blind eye, I can't. After all, this involves our clan's mission. Speaking of which, your position should be the same."

Touma Kamijou squinted his eyes as he spoke, his gaze sharp and perceptive.

"In other words, you've already started taking action in secret, haven't you? Can I understand it like this?"

The other person didn't seem to have any intention of evading, knowing that even if they did, it would be futile. They admitted it straightforwardly.

"Yes, you can understand it like that."

"In that case, that's fine. Although I don't know what your plans are, it would be more efficient for both sides to work together rather than individually."

"I strangely agree with that. But..."

The other person suddenly paused for a moment, then asked in a serious tone.

"There is one question, as I just mentioned. Isn't this approach inappropriate when they have already taken action? Well, at least in my opinion, or... do you have other arrangements?"