It was unlikely that City of Silver would wait two and a half years before letting Klein out, so Alaric thought it best to have Klein prepare early, using the recreation of a certain revolutionary society as his ritual.
Klein froze at Alaric's words, a puzzled expression crossing his face before realization dawned. "This is for the Miracle Invoker ritual, isn't it?"
"It's also to help you better understand the cause we're working for. Words are empty compared to seeing it for yourself, don't you think? I have a feeling you'll like it there." Alaric said with a smile, pausing before adding, "Of course, Jack won't be going with you. This is a journey for you alone." As he spoke, Alaric's smile grew brighter, perfectly in character.
"..."
Mr. Lucifer, did you just cook for the sake of this vinegar? The absurd thought flashed through Klein's mind before he quickly suppressed it. He knew that no matter how eccentric Lucifer's persona was, he wouldn't neglect serious matters.
Klein thought for a moment and asked, "Will I need to stay there the whole time?"
He had no objections to supporting the cause of reform, but some details needed clarification.
"You won't stay there permanently. Two months from now, at the New Year, we'll formally ignite that flame. By then, we'll have new arrangements for you." Alaric said with a smile.
Klein nodded, then asked, "Er, when do I set out?"
"No rush. On the day you officially advance to Faceless, I'll personally escort you there." Alaric replied, finishing the last of his coffee. He looked at Klein with a smile. "For now, if you're free, you can come with me to meet someone."
Klein was puzzled but curious, nodding without refusing Lucifer's invitation.
Alaric rose unhurriedly, adjusted his clothes, and led Klein out to a small chapel.
"There's… a chapel here?" Klein asked, eyeing the modest structure with confusion.
As a detective, he had explored much of Backlund and was familiar with its chapels. This one, however, wasn't in his memory.
Moreover, the symbol on the chapel's wall… Klein studied the unfamiliar yet vaguely familiar emblem, pondering for several seconds before saying uncertainly, "The Ancient Sun God?"
Indeed, the symbol on the chapel's wall didn't belong to any current deity but to one long fallen.
"This belongs to Adam. You should know his true identity." Alaric said, glancing at Klein with a smile.
Klein's expression turned subtle as he recalled the gossip he'd heard about the Ancient Sun God's family.
At the same time, curiosity stirred within him. What was Mr. Lucifer planning by suddenly visiting Adam?
Curious as he was, Klein didn't ask outright. He followed Lucifer into the chapel, and as they entered, he saw a golden-haired priest standing in the center of the hall.
The priest, dressed in white robes, was praying with closed eyes. Sensing their presence, he opened his eyes and turned. His golden eyes, seemingly compassionate yet devoid of true emotion, lingered on Klein briefly before shifting to Lucifer.
"It's been a while, Lucifer." Adam said calmly.
"I wouldn't say it's been a while. Haven't you been around all this time?" Alaric replied with a smile, his words ambiguous... perhaps a jab at the Spectator pathway or simply the truth.
Klein couldn't help but study the Angel of Imagination before him. Though he'd long heard of Adam's reputation, this was his first time meeting the divine incarnation of the Creator, the culprit behind the "Medici hot pot incident."
He also belatedly realized that the "friend without a sense of self" Lucifer had mentioned earlier likely referred to Adam.
"Not always. I only observe you half the time. The rest, I have my own matters to attend to." Adam said, shaking his head, his tone still flat.
Klein's mouth twitched. He'd heard from Jack about how their group was constantly spied on by entities like the Spectator or the True Creator, but he hadn't expected someone to admit to it so brazenly. Even knowing Adam was an emotionless hollow puppet, Klein found it hard to keep his composure.
"Hahaha!" Alaric chuckled, then looked at Adam. "Mind telling me what you're up to? You've been too quiet lately. I'm a bit worried you're up to something."
As the saying goes, a quiet child is usually up to mischief. Alaric's sudden decision to visit Adam stemmed from noticing that he hadn't appeared... or at least hadn't shown himself... for quite some time, which felt unusual.
"I'm merely preparing for my ascension ritual." Adam replied candidly, his golden eyes calmly meeting Alaric's.
"I've been thinking a lot and had a brief chat with the True Creator. As you wished, I've made my decision."
"I'll support the reform you've initiated."
"I thought you'd already decided. After all, you don't really have a choice." Alaric said, unsurprised by Adam's words. He smiled, gazing into Adam's golden eyes before adding, "But I'm still curious. Is your decision based purely on calculated interest, or…"
He paused, pointing lightly at Adam's heart, and continued unhurriedly, "does it come from your heart?"
"Is there a difference?" Adam asked, looking at him steadily.
"Of course there is. It determines whether you're just a robot or a puppet that's grown a heart." Alaric said, smiling.
He didn't believe Adam was unaware of their earlier conversation. Though Adam wasn't present, Alaric had mentioned him in his thoughts, and with the Spectator pathway's "all that is spoken is known" trait, that was enough for Adam to know.
Indeed, Adam was fully aware of Alaric's discussion with the Death Consul about hollow puppets. He glanced at Alaric, then lowered his eyes.
"Neither sounds like a good outcome." He said.
"But at least one of them suggests there's hope, doesn't it?" Alaric countered with a smile. Looking at Adam, he suddenly thought of something else and asked, "There's one thing I've been curious about for a long time."
***
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