Godlike Player in a Game-Like World

"First off, do we have any idea how close the person we suspect is this high-rank item holder is with Raydon? " Thalia asked, ignoring Zephyr's words.

''All we know is that Raydon has been spotted in the area after Herman Ashskin, a member of the blood organization, was killed and his land was completely destroyed. Also, according to the available information, it has not been long since Raydon became an item holder. These two events are far too suspicious to be unrelated. '' Carl said somberly as he regarded those seated at the table.

It seemed utterly illogical to them that Raydon had been a cripple until recently and had suddenly awakened as an item holder. This is only possible with the help of a very powerful item holder. Moreover, they had access to the source of the most accurate information. Belicia could not have lied to them, as they had learned every detail of Raydon's recovery.

''We wouldn't have to go through these estimates if we could do a thorough investigation of the situation with the resources at our disposal. '' Elara spoke, taking another sip of her wine.

''Elara, you already know that isn't an option. If you want to get involved in a high-rank's personal issue, do it by yourself; don't drag the entire family along with you. '' Thalia lashed out.

Elara was about to retaliate angrily when her husband Arden cut her off. "Well, you don't have to do any digging to figure out what the situation is. Clearly, this high-ranking item holder made his way to the area, where he spotted Raydon by chance and assisted him in awakening as an item holder. ''

Arden glanced at everyone's face and, observing that all eyes were on him, continued. ''Also, keep in mind that Raydon isn't the only kid from the slums who has been spotted near the scene of the incident. Maybe they're connected to this powerful item holder, too.''

He was obviously referring to Dan and his gang, who had been spotted in Herman's area.

''Yes, I thought it was odd as well. In other words, not only Raydon but also another group of young residents of that region have a relationship with this person. '' Carl reflected.

"Still unable to see? The evidence is present and clear. '' Zephyr, who had been silent up until this point, took the glass from the maid who had just refilled it, drank it in one gulp, and then continued.

''Even though I'm not yet sure of his motivation, it is obvious that this high-rank is a member of one of the organizations—we just don't know which one—and that he wants to seize this region for himself.

Perhaps he is a newly ascended high-rank who has chosen the region to start his own family. On top of that, he's probably helping any young orphans he comes across in the area so that he can win their loyalty and recruit them to serve in his future family. '' Zephyr spoke with certainty.

Even though he was just guessing, his guesses were the most likely to be correct.

Those who are not born into a ruling family often aspire to join the established social order by creating their own families so that they, too, can have a say in the hierarchy set up by the ruling families.

Further, no one could ignore a family established by a high-ranking item holder, so he could easily integrate into this familial social order, leaving behind the shadows of organizations.

It was always advantageous for powerful people to work toward the same goals in the same social environment, and no matter how powerful the item holder was, there were always others just as powerful around them. After all, one day these powerful item holders could also face dangers from other planets and risk dying.

After giving Zephy's words some consideration, the others at the table ultimately came to the same conclusion.

Thalia scowled, "So right now we have a high-rank who chose our neighboring land to start a family for himself, and he chose Raydon as a servant to him without knowing that he is one of our family members."

She had previously believed that this high rank had selected Raydon as an apprentice due to his potential, but she was now depressed after realizing that this high rank had only selected Raydon as a servant.

Carl became aware of Thalia's concern and began to speak. ''It makes no difference if he is an apprentice or a servant. The family that this high-rank will establish will automatically become a grand family, a family that is significantly stronger than ours.

We also benefit from the fact that it will settle on nearby land and become our neighbor. Giving Raydon to them as a servant won't be a huge loss if we can establish good ties with the soon-to-be-established grand family. ''

In order to acquire a potential ally, Carl was willing to sell Raydon, whom he had long ago expelled from the family and left to die in order to conceal his existence because he believed it would bring shame to their family name due to the fact that he was crippled.

''I think we can accomplish this. In this way, we can also show our support for the new family that will be formed,'' Elara said as her eyes lit up.

''That is correct, but we must summon Raydon back to the mansion first. I believe that we can send Belicia to retrieve him. I've heard that she's been taking care of him the whole time, and I have no doubt that he will return to her arms if she so requests. '' Astutely, Arden voiced his thoughts on the matter.

''We can't risk sending Belicia. The family head was the one who instructed her to care for Raydon. Otherwise, you know, Raydon would have been dead by now. '' Elara said.

''That is correct. It would be preferable if our father knew as little as possible about this situation.''  Carl nodded in agreement.

Carl and the others did everything they could to make sure Raydon died a lonely death outside the mansion, but it was the Family Head who ultimately decided Raydon would live. There was a chance he would object if he heard about their plans for the individual whose death he was so opposed to.

"Yes, let's play it safe."

Thalia turned to one of the maids standing behind her and said,

''Call, Tika. ''