Hearing those words, Rama, Shoji, and Axel — who were outsiders to this expedition — froze in place.
Their shock was immediate but the other Crimson Vale Hunters, those still standing, said nothing.
They knew about this already from the beginning.
Rama's eyes flicked over them. It was now clear that they weren't just random party members Larsen selected. These were high-ranking Crimson Vale elites, loyal enough to keep a secret, or complicit enough to carry its burden.
And now it made sense. Larsen's relentless drive, the edge in his voice, the way he kept pushing forward with burning resolve. This wasn't just another quest for him.
This was personal.
"So this really is your family's tomb," Rama said slowly. "That explains your obsession."
Larsen nodded once, grimly. "Yes. But there's more."
