"No need to comfort me. I'm not so narcissistic as to think I can carry humanity's future on my shoulders." Will said, shaking his head. He gave Alaric a look, as if studying a rare creature. "I just didn't expect that you, who don't care about humanity, seem more eager than anyone to push their progress. Why?"
Will had wanted to ask this when Alaric discussed similar topics with Roselle. He genuinely couldn't fathom Alaric's motives.
"It's just fun." Alaric replied, his answer surprisingly simple. Smiling at Will, he said, "This world is unique... far more so than many others I know. I'm curious to see what path humanity carves out in such a place. It's like the joy of nurturing something, I guess?"
At that, Alaric paused, a thought striking him, and he chuckled.
Suddenly, he felt a bit like a Nyarlathotep. From what he knew, Nyarlathotep sometimes did this... spurring technological and human progress, only to watch humanity spiral toward self-destruction… Ahem, no, scratch that last part! Alaric shook his head, a touch rattled. He was a good Nyarlathotep, definitely not up to that kind of thing.
"Why do you suddenly look guilty? Planning something shady?" Will asked abruptly.
"Nope, your imagination." Alaric denied instantly, grinning. "The lab's setup will take time. I'll help you out until it's ready, but once it's up and running, it's all yours."
Though Augustus had agreed to hand over several colonial islands, the transfer would take time. Alaric also needed to procure equipment, hire researchers... a lab couldn't rely on Frank alone... and constructing the facility itself would require effort.
"Not just the lab." Alaric continued. "Since I've got about a month before advancing to Sequence 5, and the colonies are secured, it's time to build a new City of Silver in the outside world. Otherwise, the people we bring out won't have a place to live… Shame no pathway specializes in construction." He shook his head regretfully, already mentally listing contractors to hire.
A month was tight, but with enough money, it was doable.
As for health risks from moving into a freshly built place? Easily solved.
Will, unaware of how far Alaric's thoughts had wandered, nodded without objection to the plan.
So, Alaric rushed off again, this time to the City of Generosity.
When he arrived, Colin Iliad and others were learning the common continental language under Amon's tutelage. Most were visibly struggling, except for a few gifted learners.
This was expected. Aside from Derrick, most from City of Silver and Moon City were adults, not as quick to learn as children. Without pathways like Reader boosting learning ability, picking up a new language was tough.
Yet, no one slacked off. Even those struggling gritted their teeth and studied diligently.
Alaric didn't interrupt, watching quietly from the sidelines. When the lesson ended, he stepped forward, smiling. "I was worried Amon wouldn't be a good teacher, but it seems I underestimated him. He's doing a decent job."
Colin Iliad froze, then quickly turned. Seeing Alaric, he bowed. "Good day, Your Excellency Lucifer."
After the formalities, Colin chose his words carefully. "Lord Amon is an excellent teacher. He's taught us a great deal…" He launched into fervent praise.
Amon glanced at Alaric, adjusting his monocle with a smile. "Since I promised Father I'd look after them, I'm naturally putting in the effort."
"Clearly. You're such a daddy's boy, Amon!" Alaric teased, then turned to Colin Iliad, asking about City of Silver and Moon City's integration, any acclimation issues, and more.
Satisfied that both groups were getting along, hadn't clashed with locals, and no one was sick from adjusting, Alaric nodded. "I've secured a settlement for City of Silver and Moon City's people after leaving the Forsaken Land of the Gods. Start preparing to build a true new home in this world."
At that, Amon raised an eyebrow, while Colin Iliad and the others from the Forsaken Land showed visible excitement.
It wasn't that their current life was bad... far from it. Both City of Silver and Moon City folk felt like they were living in a mythical divine kingdom. They stayed in houses unlike anything they'd seen, ate food so delicious they could hardly believe it, and wore strange but beautiful clothes.
Even the wildest dreamers among them hadn't imagined such a life.
But this only fueled their urgency to bring the rest of their people out of the Forsaken Land, away from a world of darkness, monsters, and black-faced grass.
No one blamed Alaric, of course. They worked silently, preparing for the main group's arrival, praying inwardly for the day to come soon.
"Thank you so much, Your Excellency Lucifer…" Colin Iliad said, reining in his excitement. "Is there anything we can do to help?"
"While the settlement is secured, it lacks suitable housing, so I'll arrange builders to construct homes. You'll oversee that work, and the construction team will follow your orders." Alaric said to Colin, unhurried. "In a month, I'll bring out the second batch... around a thousand people. Prepare accordingly."
Alaric didn't plan to relocate everyone from City of Silver and Moon City at once. Absorbing them all would strain the outside world and risk complications. A phased approach was safer.
"I understand, Your Excellency. I'll ensure everything's ready." Colin Iliad said firmly, his hand clenching at his side.
A thousand people weren't as easy to manage as their small group. Housing, food, clothing, and language barriers all needed addressing.
***
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