The Red Priest pathway is inherently tied to war, and Medici needed a continent-sweeping conflict more than anyone.
Medici stayed silent, but his slightly clenched fists betrayed his unease.
Alaric stood with a smile, placing a hand on Medici's shoulder. "See, Medici, I'm good to you. Back then, you followed the Sun God, freeing humanity from the ancient gods. Now, you can follow Him again to liberate the oppressed."
"Do you like the gift I've given you?"
"…Tch!" Medici was quiet for a few seconds before swatting Alaric's hand away. "What's in it for you?"
"Happiness, probably? You know I love a good time." Alaric said with a laugh, sitting back down and sipping his coffee.
"Not chaos?" Medici pressed, his ruby-like eyes fixed on Alaric.
"A chaotic environment does suit me, I won't deny that." Alaric admitted, finishing his coffee and wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Also, I know you're secretly touched."
"…Get lost!" Medici rolled his eyes again, pausing before asking, "Why the sudden gift?"
"As thanks for your words earlier." Alaric said earnestly. "They weren't entirely right, but they did spark some insight."
Medici recalled their previous conversation, frowning. He scrutinized Alaric, then smirked, his smile bold. "Little monster, are you dissecting me?"
"Nope, just trying to make a friend." Alaric said, shaking his head with a grin. "Medici, don't deny it... I know you already see me as one."
After everything, Medici's favor toward him had climbed to around sixty... solid friendship territory, enough to borrow the power of a Sequence 3 War Bishop. Reason made Medici wary, but Alaric's antics had undeniably boosted the Red Angel's affection.
Medici's smile faltered. He could tell Alaric was serious, and having his true feelings exposed left him feeling seen through.
He also realized something, narrowing his eyes at Alaric. "Looks like you've changed a bit."
"Thanks to you." Alaric said, devoid of sarcasm. He stood again, patted Medici's shoulder, and smiled. "By the way, a small suggestion: maybe reach out to the Church of the Lord of Storms. They might not mind lending a hand."
"Yesterday's storm anomaly was your doing, wasn't it?" Medici said, unsurprised.
"I just dragged the Sun God along to say hi to Mr. Leodero." Alaric said with a laugh. "It's just a suggestion, though. Maybe if you contact the Storm Church, a carriage full of archbishops will show up to beat you instead."
"Tch, Leodero wouldn't dare. If the Lord wasn't back, sure, but with Him walking the earth again, Leodero will only watch." Medici sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Guess the old storm pigeon is cautious after all. Hmm, isn't that a Lord of Mysteries hallmark?" Alaric mused, grabbing his dirty plate and cup. He headed to the kitchen, humming while washing dishes.
When he returned, Medici was gone... maybe resting in his room or out again.
Alaric didn't mind. Back in his room, he pulled a box from the cabinet. Inside was the Red Priest Card of Blasphemy.
"Time to summon you and check things out, Roselle." Alaric muttered, flipping the card between his fingers. He pulled a shadow from the air... not Roselle, but Mr. Door.
He wasn't about to summon Roselle at home. Risking exposure aside, what if something went wrong and the house blew up? So, Alaric borrowed the Traveler's ability, switched to his Lucifer persona, and teleported to a safehouse.
There, he released the Traveler's power, flipped his wrist to produce the Red Priest Card, and activated his ability. With a pull in the air, a figure materialized.
It was a man in his early thirties, shoulder-length brown hair, handsome with a mustache, dressed in quintessential Intis style.
Roselle opened his eyes, blue gaze briefly dazed before sharpening. He scanned the room, then fixed on Alaric with a smile. "Can you explain what's going on, sir? I was just handling affairs in the White Maple Palace, and now I'm here."
His tone was mild, not aggressive, but Alaric felt the cold, piercing scrutiny in Roselle's gaze.
"It's 10 a.m., September 21, 1349." Alaric said unhurriedly, then grinned. "Congrats on get Isekai'd again, Mr. Roselle."
Roselle froze, then blurted out, "What the hell?"
But he wasn't a fresh transmigrator. The Roselle Alaric summoned was at Sequence 1, Knowledge Emperor. He quickly regained composure, assessed himself, and looked at Alaric. "This joke isn't funny, sir."
"No joke. For you, it's another crossing, though it might be brief." Alaric said with a smile, gesturing invitingly. "If you don't believe me, take a minute to look around, see the world a century later. Or contact an old friend."
Roselle's sharp gaze lingered on Alaric's face, neither confirming nor denying belief. He smiled. "Since you insist, I'll take you up on it."
With that, Roselle vanished, off to explore.
Alaric waited calmly. A minute later, Roselle reappeared, his expression grim.
***
Every 100 Power Stones and 5 Reviews will earn you a Bonus Chapter.
And if you want to read up to 50 chapters ahead, don't hesitate to visit our patron: pat reon . com / XElenea (remove space)