Azik watched his past self vanish, his expression tinged with melancholy. Then he froze, looking at Alaric in astonishment.
"Looks like the mask was indeed taken back to the past." Alaric said, as if he knew what had happened.
"Yes…" Azik nodded, his expression complex. As the Death Consul disappeared, he received memories of the summoning and the mask, now layered with a thousand years of emotion.
Alaric promptly removed the original mask he'd placed on Azik, leaving only the one the Death Consul had carried back through time, naturally reappearing in the present.
He observed Azik with interest for a moment before smiling. "So, are you Azik now, or the Death Consul?"
"I'm Azik and the Death Consul." Azik said, his tone firm yet calm. "I've always been me. In the past, I was influenced by Death and divinity, an empty shell without a self. But now, I'm Azik, my own person."
Alaric laughed. "Then stay that resolute, Azik. If you're consumed by Death or divinity after all this, I'd be terribly disappointed."
"That won't happen." Azik said, lowering his gaze and placing a hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat. He gave a gentle smile. "I want to live. I will live."
Alaric said nothing more, his gaze shifting to Klein, who stood nearby. A sudden thought struck him. "Klein, get ready. In a few days, the club's holding an event. I think you should join."
Klein blinked, then realized Lucifer was referring to the "Joker Club" He'd joined. He quickly asked, "Mr. Lucifer, may I ask what the event is?"
"Of course." Alaric said, his smile brightening as if recalling something amusing. "It's called 'Operation Amon Must Die.' The gist is finding and beating up Amon's avatars."
This wasn't a whim. The agreed-upon "Beat Amon" Operation with Pallez was just days away. Thanks to Mr. Door's relentless efforts, the Joker Club's meeting space was finally ready, so Alaric figured they could make the operation the club's first official gathering.
Over half the members had grudges against Amon. No one would pass up watching him get thrashed.
Klein was stunned, speechless for several seconds before finding his voice. "Mr. Lucifer, isn't it a bit much for a Sequence 7 like me to go after Amon?"
What Sequence 7 takes on Amon?
Well, me, obviously… Alaric thought, catching Klein's concern. Smiling, he said, "Members lacking strength can just observe. Safety's guaranteed. After beating Amon, we'll have some games with prizes, like a Worm of Time."
Klein's interest piqued. During his last lesson with Jack at Mr. Door's, he'd learned ways to use Worms of Time, like crafting high-level charms. Knowing safety was assured and a Worm of Time was up for grabs, he was sold.
"I'll be there on time." Klein said eagerly.
Azik, puzzled, spoke up. "What club?"
"It's an organization I founded, called the Joker Club." Alaric said, giving Azik a brief rundown before inviting him. "Want to join, Azik?"
"My honor." Azik replied immediately. He wouldn't join a random group, but Lucifer's wasn't just any organization.
Alaric smiled, pulling a badge from his pocket and handing it to Azik. After explaining its use, he said, "It's getting late, so I'll head out. See you both tomorrow."
…
Saying he was leaving, Alaric merely found a secluded spot to switch personas, then napped at a nearby inn for a few hours before returning to the villa for dinner.
By then, the villa was lively again. Medici, whom Alaric had been mentoring for two days, was bustling in the kitchen, likely preparing something spicy judging by the sharp aroma.
Azik sat at the coffee table, flipping through a magazine... or rather, a Backlund travel guide... jotting notes, clearly planning tomorrow's outing to ensure his daughter had a great time.
Klein, meanwhile, stared at his camera, lost in thought, his expression troubled.
"What's on your mind, Sherlock?" Alaric waved a hand in front of Klein, then brewed himself a cup of cocoa, looking at him curiously.
At this point, Klein shouldn't have any major worries, right?
Wait… Alaric dug through his memories, landing on a detail. Smirking, he said, "You're not stressing over how to snap photos of someone's affair, are you?"
Klein's face stiffened. He coughed awkwardly, then said stiffly, "I'm just thinking about how to hide the flash. You know, cameras these days are primitive, and the flash is really obvious."
Two days ago, Klein had taken a commission from a woman named Mary Gale to gather evidence of her husband's infidelity... intimate photos, no less.
This was tricky for Klein. Sneaking into a room during an affair was easy enough, but taking photos risked detection. Getting caught in that situation… the embarrassment would be unbearable.
Just thinking about it made Klein feel like he'd die of shame.
"I know the answer to that." Alaric said, amused by Klein's discomfort. "Get a wraith to possess the lens, and you won't need to worry about the flash."
"That's absurd. Who'd ask for help with something like this?" Klein retorted.
"Then I'm out of ideas." Alaric said, shrugging. His interest piqued, he asked, "But it sounds like you know a wraith?"
Klein hesitated, then nodded without denying it. "I met a lady from the Chained Pathway at a Beyonder gathering."
***
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