Leodero briefly recounted the recent events in a few words.
The Evernight Goddess listened quietly, then asked, "So, you're certain the person you saw was that Creator?"
Leodero was silent for a few seconds before nodding. "I'm sure. It's been ages, but I'd never fail to recognize the one I once followed."
He glanced at the Evernight Goddess. "Evernight, if you saw Him yourself, I'm sure you'd recognize Him too. I know you worked with the Creator in secret many times."
The Evernight Goddess didn't deny it. Unlike Leodero, who had chosen to follow the Ancient Sun God, her relationship with Him had been amicable, involving multiple collaborations. Otherwise, she wouldn't have become the leader of the Rose Redemption.
Her thoughts drifted to Alaric. She'd started paying attention to him when he appeared by Klein Moretti's side. Klein's unique identity was one thing, but Alaric was clearly no ordinary figure.
After observing him for a while, she'd shared information with the Lord of Storms, planning to have him test Alaric if needed. When Alaric probed the Church's stance, she sent an oracle, choosing to show goodwill.
But she hadn't expected Alaric to deliver such a massive surprise.
"He can even summon that Creator… Who is he?" The Evernight Goddess frowned, her mind racing with guesses but no conclusions.
She knew of the Shadow of Time, though not in detail. Her focus on Klein had given her a rough idea of Alaric's ability... something akin to historical projections, yet capable of summoning the actual consciousness of the past.
But she never imagined his power could summon the Ancient Sun God.
If he could summon the Ancient Sun God, what about Primordial God Almighty? The Lord of Mysteries? Even the Original Creator…
Finally, she exhaled, thinking, At least he seems to be on humanity's side.
She looked at Leodero. "I understand the situation now. Don't worry, Leodero. You know the Creator's nature. You didn't actively betray Him, and you've guarded this world for years. Even if He seeks to settle scores, as long as you willingly surrender your uniqueness and Sequence 1 characteristic, He won't pursue it further."
Leodero gave a bitter smile, not arguing.
He knew the Ancient Sun God's character well.
"As for the other one…" The Evernight Goddess paused before continuing, "He just enjoys pranks. He likely doesn't hold much malice toward you."
"Just say he's a knockoff Amon." Leodero grumbled, relaxing slightly but unable to resist asking, "What is he, Evernight? Do you know?"
…
Alaric was unaware of the Astral World's events, but even if he knew, he probably wouldn't care much.
He canceled the summoning of the Ancient Sun God just before his spirituality ran dry, then turned to Adam, who'd appeared nearby, and grinned. "I thought you'd at least say a word or two to Him."
"There's nothing to say." Adam replied calmly.
"What do you think of what I did today?" Alaric asked, still smiling.
"Which part?" Adam glanced at him, his golden eyes devoid of emotion. "Reform isn't simple, but if you truly want to push for it, I can accept it."
"Of course. You only need the tide of the era to align with your vision, not caring what kind of tide it is." Alaric said with a laugh. "War will break out either way, and any kind suits you."
Adam didn't refute, just watched him quietly.
Alaric didn't mind his reaction, smiling as he continued, "So, want to give it a shot? Reform is a tide of the era. If it succeeds, many could find happiness."
He tilted his head toward Adam. "Of course, I'm not the one pushing it... you are! I've got no interest in playing savior."
Adam lowered his gaze, still silent.
"You're making me feel like I'm talking to a rock." Alaric said, feigning irritation. "Anyway, I've given you the chance. The rest is up to you."
"See you later, Mr. Adam. I'm off to catch up on sleep." Alaric said, waving before heading back to rest.
Adam watched him leave, standing motionless even after Alaric vanished, his eyes lowered, lost in thought.
…
"I wonder how the old storm pigeon will react next. Bowing down seems unlikely, but maybe he'll show more goodwill?" Alaric mused, not too concerned.
His stunt of dragging the Ancient Sun God to St. Wind Cathedral to shout Leodero's name was mostly for fun, a flex of power. He didn't care much about the outcome.
He knew that, as a Sequence 0 for so long, the old storm pigeon wouldn't just surrender at the sight of the Ancient Sun God. He'd likely put up a fight.
There was a slim chance he'd team up with the Eternal Blazing Sun or other turncoats to come knocking, but that was unlikely.
"As for Adam…" Alaric sensed the digestion progress of his Mask Maker potion and smirked.
Though Adam showed no outward reaction, the advancing potion digestion confirmed one thing: Adam was shaken again.
Alaric knew it wasn't just the Mask Maker potion's influence. The Ancient Sun God's choices likely played a bigger role.
The Ancient Sun God couldn't ignore the East District's plight. If He made a move, the True Creator would likely follow. That left Adam with only one real option.
"So, besides the changes brought by the Mask Maker potion itself, shaping the external environment to influence someone can also aid digestion." Alaric concluded. He pushed open his door to find Klein pacing in the living room while Medici lounged on the sofa, munching an apple.
"Jack, you're finally back." Klein said, visibly relieved to see his friend safe.
"What's up?" Alaric asked, puzzled.
"He was worried the Lord of Storms fried you." Medici said out of nowhere, his red eyes studying Alaric for a moment before he looked away, sneering, "He's overthinking it. A menace like you? Lightning would hit anyone else first."
Alaric got the picture. The storm pigeon's tantrum must've scared Klein. Though Klein didn't know Alaric caused it, the apocalyptic thunder and lightning while he was out wandering would worry anyone.
Alaric reassured Klein, then turned to Medici. "You don't have to be so indirect about caring."
"Who's caring?" Medici snapped, rolling his eyes.
"Whoever speaks up is the one who cares!" Alaric said with a laugh, yawning. "I'm beat and need a nap. You guys do whatever."
Summoning the Ancient Sun God for so long had drained him. If he didn't sleep soon, he'd barely keep his eyes open.
***
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