Chapter 165: Cassandra’s Curse (Bonus)

Bell didn't mince words. Since Loki-sama had agreed to offer him a favor, he had no reason to withhold Cassandra's information.

"Cassandra's power does grant her the ability to glimpse the future—but it comes with major limitations. She can only see futures directly related to herself."

Loki wasn't too surprised. The concept of "future" was too vast; without some form of restriction, it would be too overpowered.

"I see. No wonder you said that child's power can serve as a safeguard."

If she could foresee things connected to herself, then if Cassandra joined the Loki Familia, wouldn't that mean she could foresee matters concerning the Familia?

"There must be more limitations to her foresight, right?"

Of course, even with those boundaries, Loki still felt the scope of the ability was too wide—so there had to be more constraints.

Bell nodded with a faint smile.

"Exactly. Her foresight isn't something she can control. After all, glimpsing the future isn't something that happens without a price. But when it involves danger, Cassandra will involuntarily see the entire crisis unfold in her dreams."

"And these visions—these crises—are of futures that will absolutely come to pass."

"Her foresight only activates when danger threatens her Familia, her friends, or herself. So if the Loki Familia brings her in, she becomes your greatest insurance policy."

'I see.'

Finn now understood why the information came at such a high price.

'Haruhime's ability was already impressive enough... but to think there's an adventurer out there with a power like this.'

Every Familia, every adventurer, would eventually face crises.

Some could be handled with raw strength and skill. But others—those that couldn't—required clear, specific warnings to survive.

'Haruhime's ability can greatly increase the Familia's upper strength limit, and Cassandra's power can ensure the Familia's safety—keeping them from falling straight into catastrophe.'

At this moment, Finn fully recognized the value of unique talents—especially those like Haruhime and the adventurer named Cassandra.

'Looks like the expedition will have to be delayed.'

But that wasn't a serious issue. After all, the "Indestructible" series weapons meant to combat the new monsters on the 50th floor weren't ready yet. The expedition was going to be postponed regardless.

Now that he understood the details about this special individual, Finn was sure Loki wouldn't be able to resist—just like with the Ishtar Familia before.

Loki was taking deep breaths, trying her best to calm down.

'Damn it... how did Genkai kids become this ridiculous without me knowing?'

Even as she screamed internally, Loki couldn't help but feel a burning curiosity.

"What Familia is she with? And... what does she look like?"

There was no question about her ability—it was exceptional. But other factors still mattered.

Seeing Loki-sama so eager to ask about Cassandra's personal details, Bell said nothing in response.

"I'm not done yet, Loki-sama."

Loki frowned slightly.

"You're not done?"

"Tell me, Loki-sama—do you really think the limits I just described are actual restrictions? They merely define the scope of her 'foresight.' The real issue... I haven't brought that up yet."

"And if those were the only problems, do you think I would've spoken the way I did earlier?"

Loki had to admit—those so-called restrictions didn't really feel like limitations at all. Her expression grew serious again.

So, all those previous explanations were simply the framework for her ability, not its drawbacks.

"The real problem with Cassandra's ability lies in the curse that comes with it."

"Yes, she can see fragments of the future in her dreams. But the future she sees... is cursed. Even if she tells others about what she's seen, unless they meet certain conditions, no one will believe her."

"Being misunderstood, being dismissed—that is the 'curse' Cassandra bears."

Loki hadn't expected that the real flaw would lie with Cassandra herself.

Foresight was a strange and dangerous power. Even if it only applied to matters related to herself, knowing the future would naturally drive someone to try and change it.

Loki knew herself well—if she had that power, she'd definitely act the same way.

But it never occurred to her that the greatest obstacle wasn't the ability... but the person who wielded it.

She could speak the truth, yet no one would believe her. That alone would drive anyone to despair.

And what was worse—no one but Cassandra could perceive her words as truth.

'No wonder this kid said that without his reminder, Finn would never have taken Cassandra seriously.'

'If I were in her shoes, maybe people would just think I was delusional and ignore me.'

It really was a curse of perception.

Something only you know can't become reality. Only what everyone knows and accepts becomes real.

'That's... a truly cruel curse.'

Even Loki was at a loss for words.

To pair such a curse with such an ability—it was brutal.

Suddenly, a serious thought struck her.

"Wait. If this curse is part of Cassandra's ability... how do you know about it?"

That's right. If this curse prevents others from understanding or accepting her foresight, then it should've remained a secret—something no one else could know. And yet here Bell was, revealing it outright.

"That's what I meant earlier. Only certain people can believe Cassandra."

Bell continued explaining calmly.

"Cassandra sees the future. But for someone to accept that future as real, they need to meet a certain threshold of luck."

"After all, the future is just another expression of fate—and luck is a form of fate. Only adventurers with sufficiently high luck can believe what Cassandra says."

"I may not be particularly talented in other ways... but I happen to have a pretty decent luck stat."

"So Cassandra's ability doesn't work on me at all."