"I don't know all the ways your magic works, Near." As much as it pains Mello to admit this - especially to Near - he is completely out of his element when it comes to these kinds of abilities. "You could have a way of weaponizing something that isn't primarily intended to be used as an attack." And even though Near's agreed to full disclosure in this conversation, it's not like Mello is naive enough to believe that he's following through with it entirely.

"You have to consider the unknown variables as well as the constants in any equation. I shouldn't have to tell you that." Unknown variables like a fake notebook - that's what Mello's thinking of, what he doesn't say outright but the meaning of which he's fairly sure Near will catch all the same.

Arguing about this is pretty pointless. Mello sighs loudly. "Then it's settled. We stay here until this blows over, or until another more favorable option presents itself."