Sinner System

Chapter 595: Podcast Interview (Part 3)

"I think that about sums it up, unless we missed anything," I remarked, as we finished recapping the events that had transpired in the Final Dungeon.

It wasn’t exactly the most pleasant recollection, and a gloomy tension had quietly set in.

"Yeah, I think you covered everything, I can’t think of anything we missed," Spoke up Jaden, breaking the silence.

"It sounds like it was quite the harrowing experience, and I’m sure it must have been even worse than words can convey," Responded Benioz solemnly.

"It really was, the hardest part was maintaining the belief that we could pull it off. If any one of us had fallen apart and broken down, we probably wouldn’t be sitting here right now. We only won because all of us kept pushing forward to our absolute limits," Replied Aria grimly.

"Couldn’t agree more. Looking back on it now, it’s pretty incredible how all of us held our resolve to the very end," Nodded Ciel in agreement.

"Yeah, it really is incredible, to remain steadfast in the face of what may have seemed like certain death and futility. On behalf of the entire world, thank you, all of you," Smiled Benioz gratefully, bowing his head, before adding as he lifted his gaze, "So, now that the war against the Monsters has been drawn to a close after well over a century, what comes next for you guys?"

"Personally, I haven’t really planned anything out. We mentioned earlier than we grew stronger while making our way through the Final Dungeon...a side effect of that is that all of us now have much longer lifespans. So, we have plenty of time to figure things out," I answered with a wry smile.

Should probably keep the fact that Aria and I are immortal to ourselves, that’ll just draw unwanted attention to us.

"Yeah, I haven’t really thought all that far ahead either, we’re just taking it one day at a time for the time being," Added Aria.

"I just know that I need to keep moving forward, but I don’t know what shape or form that’ll take, not yet. For now, I’m just focusing on picking up the broken pieces," Chimed in Ciel.

"To be honest, I haven’t given any real thought to my future," Remarked Jaden sheepishly.

"I-I, um...same," Muttered Cleo, averting her gaze as Benioz glanced at her.

"I see. Well, I suppose you guys have no reason to rush. And whatever the future may hold in store for you, I’m sure everyone wishes you the best of luck," Responded Benioz, before adding, "Alright, to wrap things up, let’s move on to some questions from fans, shall we? We’ve got a live chat going on, and our production team has gathered some questions sent in by our viewers and listeners. And don’t worry, we’ve made sure to filter out any questions that could come off as insensitive."

Cool, we can finally get this over with after this, it’s about time. This definitely wasn’t anywhere near as exasperating as press conferences are, but it’s been over an hour and a half already.

Cleo looks like she’s about to implode, don’t think she can keep it together for much longer.

"Alright, first question, this one’s for Jaden. You were regarded as the strongest Hunter for years, how do you feel about that not being the case anymore?"

"Wow, that’s a heavy hitter to kick things off. Honestly, I don’t have a problem with it. I was pretty bored when I was the strongest, but after Kai and Ariella surpassed me, things felt a lot more exciting," He answered with a grin.

Huh, my lie detection isn’t going off, that’s really how he feels about it. Well, come to think of it, I’ve never got the impression that he felt envious or anything like that.

"I see. Next question, this one’s for you, Kaivel. When you dealt the finishing blow to the Demon Lord, what emotion did you feel most strongly in that moment?"

"Definitely relief. I was beyond exhausted, both my stamina and Mana almost completely drained, I’m not even sure how I was able to stay standing. So, when the battle ended, the thought of not needing to fight anymore gave me immense relief," I recalled thoughtfully.

"Yeah, that’s quite understandable, the stress and fatigue must have been on another level. Next, a question for Ariella..."

He proceeded to ask us a few more fan questions, which were all pretty innocuous.

I’m sure at least a few people sent in questions that are more on the controversial side, the production team probably decided not to include any of those. I mean, the five of us did save the world, so antagonizing us wouldn’t be a good look for anyone involved.

As he wrapped up the fan questions, the podcast almost over, he paused for a moment, a somber look on his face, before speaking...

"Before we end this, there is one more thing I’d like to ask. Some of you knew my sister, Beatriz, didn’t you? She was killed in battle against one of those Sentinels who appeared before the Final Dungeon, as you know. And I...I just-...I’d like to hear your thoughts regarding her."

"I only met her a few times, but they were always pleasant interactions. She was cheerful and upbeat, a really fun person to be around. And, the first time I met her, she saved my life against an Archdemon, so I’ll forever be grateful for that," I responded solemnly.

"Yeah, she was a lot of fun and easy to get along with, she really knew how to light up a room," Chimed in Aria with a nod.

"I was there, when she died...we were completely and utterly outclassed by that Sentinel, and she sacrificed herself and dealt a serious blow against the Monster, which gave me an opening to finish it off. If it wasn’t for her, who knows how much more damage, and how many more people would’ve died, in that Monster’s rampage?" Added Jaden with a grimace.

"I see...thank you, for saying all that, it makes me happy to know that people remember my sister so fondly. So...thank you."