章 1982: Bait

A fleeting smile cracked at the edge of Rui's mouth as expression softened. "You know me well, Kane."

"Answer the question," Kane sternly demanded, narrowing his eyes.

"…How do I plan to trick a dungeon that there is a threat?" Rui's voice grew macabre. "How I've always done."

He calmly met Kane's powerful gaze. "…By making myself bait with a Master-level Mind Mask."

"I knew it." Kane huffed bitterly. "There are easier ways to commit suicide if that's your intention."

"It isn't."

"Yeah, well, that's even worse because then you'll die without wanting to," Kane scoffed. "A Martial Senior cannot defeat a Master-level beast."

"I don't need to defeat it," Rui replied softly. "I just need to survive long enough."

"Long enough for what?"

"For you and the Divine Doctor to break us out of the dungeon while the core is unguarded, of course."

"There's no way you're lasting that long." Kane stared at him in disbelief.