He couldn't help but marvel, this High-Dimensional Overseer really knew how to play.
------------------------------------
Other than "playful," Hastur couldn't think of another word to describe the High-Dimensional Overlooker's actions.
From the way It moved with such familiarity, it was obvious this wasn't Its first time. Playing the role of a baby was simply beneath It.
Truly worthy of being an existence that lurked in the shadows, secretly spying on other Great Old Ones, when It acted, It was no ordinary performance.
After a brief moment of grumbling inwardly, Hastur's expression grew solemn.
He did not believe that the High-Dimensional Overlooker would suddenly crawl out of bed and perform that whole sequence of actions.
This was clearly provocation.
It must have sensed that he was observing It, which was why It climbed out of the crib and sat on the edge, swinging Its tiny feet.
Every action afterward was deliberately shown to him.
It was only a step away from openly declaring: I'm here, come at me if you dare!
This was provocation, a test, and also a trap.
To this day, Hastur could not perceive the extent of the High-Dimensional Overlooker's strength, nor was he certain of Its exact current state.
If he struck at It, it would be easy to overlook key details.
Handled poorly, this incident would instead give the High-Dimensional Overlooker an opportunity to probe his own situation.
And therein lay the trap.
'What if he ignored It and let It grow freely?'
Hastur was certain the High-Dimensional Overlooker would eventually pull off some outrageous stunt.
For example, killing Its parents, corrupting everyone nearby…
Or, as time passed, becoming stronger and stronger. The longer It was left unchecked, the more terrifying the power of this new identity would become.
By then, even a True Descent of the Seven Gods might not be able to deal with It.
After much contemplation, Hastur concluded that doing nothing was not an option.
Whether by intent or coincidence, the High-Dimensional Overlooker had been born in Backlund, within his own sphere of influence.
If left alone, this disaster would eventually spread to him.
Would it be difficult for a matured Outer God avatar to destroy Backlund? Absolutely not.
Of course, he couldn't handle this matter personally, it should be left to the Churches of the Seven Gods.
Hastur thought of the perfect candidate: Bernadette.
Not only was she a formidable Sequence 3, but she also had ties with the Churches of the Seven Gods. Having her handle this matter was most appropriate.
Moreover, according to Hastur's knowledge, Bernadette was only a step away from advancing to Sequence 2.
To ascend to Sequence 2, Sage: one must prevent a disaster involving high-level powers.
If Bernadette could play a role in resolving the disaster brought by the High-Dimensional Overlooker, she would undoubtedly seize the chance to ascend.
"This is a gift from the stars." Hastur murmured softly, already forming a plan on how to persuade Bernadette.
After carefully reviewing his words to ensure there were no flaws, he finally withdrew his gaze from the High-Dimensional Overlooker.
Sensing his spiritual power still fairly full, Hastur once again used the power of the Hall of Stars to contact Bernadette.
As always, he first blocked the Son of Chaos's perception of the outside world, lest It discover his contact with Bernadette.
…
Beneath the illumination of the crimson moon, Bernadette was strolling with Sharon along the banks of the Tussock River. They chatted about recent events, occasionally bringing up matters concerning Hastur.
"You seem to be paying him a lot of attention?"
Sharon's delicate brows furrowed slightly. During their conversation just now, this Mystic Queen had subtly probed her about Hastur on several occasions.
"He's not a simple man. If possible, I think you should stay away from him."
"Why?"
"He'll drag you into danger, and he himself is a huge trouble." Bernadette did not reveal that Hastur was a Follower of the Stars.
Before long, the Churches of the Seven Gods would begin searching for the followers of the Stars, a nuisance, a massive nuisance.
Sharon considered this, about to respond, when she noticed Bernadette's expression suddenly turn grave.
"You should head back first."
Leaving behind those hurried words, Bernadette was whisked away by a pea vine, carrying her into the depths of the clouds.
Sharon lifted her head to gaze upward, but her sight could not pierce the clouds, nor could she discern what had just occurred.
After watching for a while, she departed as well. For matters beyond her understanding, she lacked the desire to investigate further.
Above the clouds, the crimson moon had already been replaced by countless stars. The vast starry sky descended, and within its resplendent brilliance, a mysterious hall loomed faintly.
The Sovereign of Stars had come again.
This time, Bernadette did not feel the tension of before. She stood quietly, waiting for the Sovereign of Stars to explain the purpose of tonight's visit.
"Bernadette, are you willing to become the Follower of the Stars?"
"Can the Stars grant me the same freedom?"
Bernadette did not directly refuse, but instead stated her condition.
During this time, she had thought a lot. With two debts already owed, becoming the Follower of the Stars was something she could no longer refuse.
But before that, she needed to secure some benefit for herself.
As Hastur said, the essence of faith is an exchange of interests, mutual fulfillment.
"Yes."
Bernadette let out a faint sigh of relief. From the depths of the starry sky, the Ruler of the Stars spoke again: "The Stars will only guide, not compel."
"Can you be clearer?"
"You may also call me the Restorer of the Stars."
Bernadette's heart inexplicably trembled. In that instant, she seemed to have caught a glimpse of her fate, yet also seemed to have seen nothing at all. Still, her spirituality told her she could believe.
"Alright, I can become the Follower of the Stars."
"This is your destined fate."
In the Hall of Stars, Hastur was in high spirits, finally, he had settled things with Bernadette. Hmm, why did that sound so strange?
"The Stars shall grant you a new blessing."
"A blessing?" Bernadette looked toward that illusory figure in the starry sky with puzzlement.
It wasn't that her knowledge was shallow, but rather that she had never seen a deity so generous.
Even before becoming the Follower of the Stars, she had already received two helps. Now, this was the third.
The Stars seemed overly favorable toward her.
"A disaster is about to sweep Backlund. This will be your best chance to advance."
"Does it involve the higher Sequences?"
"The offspring of an Outer God." Bernadette's breath hitched, her scalp tingling.
Outer Gods, those were existences even more terrifying than the Seven Gods.
Even at Sequence 3, she could fall in such matters.
"He is still very young, only a few days since his birth."
As Hastur spoke, he revealed the scene he had glimpsed before Bernadette's eyes and guided her to confirm Chief Reid's home.
"He is not your responsibility alone."
With that final reminder, Hastur dispersed the power of the Hall of Stars, letting the Crimson Moon once again shine its scarlet light.
"So, the meaning is that I should seek cooperation with the Churches of the Seven Gods?"
Bernadette understood. She also now had a clear plan of what to do next.
Thinking that the chance to advance to Sequence 2 was right before her, even she couldn't help but feel a little excited.
Only at Sequence 2 and above could one be called a True Angel, fundamentally different from Sequence 3.
Once she advanced to Sequence 2, she could completely block all interference from the Hidden Sage. Unless the Hidden Sage appeared before her in person, he could no longer influence her.
This was something she had struggled against ever since stepping onto her Beyonder Path.
…
At Chief Reid's home.
"Recently, Baron Campbell has been too busy with work to come, but he has already promised to give our child a name."
Chief Reid spoke with his wife while extending a finger to tease the baby lying on the bed, staring with big black eyes.
"What a pity, Baron Campbell is truly our benefactor."
"Don't worry. Once Baron Campbell returns back, we'll bring this little one to visit him. I'm sure he'll like this quiet, adorable child as well."
Chief Reid bent down with a smile and gently kissed the baby on the forehead.
"Careful, your beard might prick him," his wife reminded with a smile.
"Mm, I'll shave it later."
Chief Reid responded with a laugh. Soon after, he bid farewell to his wife and left, he still had work to do at the police station.
Lately, he had taken quite a few days off. His work had been shared among his colleagues, but he disliked troubling others.
Arriving at the station, thinking of his newborn child, Chief Reid walked with a spring in his step.
To every colleague who came to congratulate him, he endlessly repeated just how adorable his child was.
When he reached his familiar desk and was about to handle the cases piled upon it, a policeman came to tell him Inspector John was looking for him.
Chief Reid straightened his collar and walked briskly toward John's office.
John greeted him with a broad smile: "Reid, congratulations on having a fine baby boy."
"No, dear John, he's not fat at all. He looks delicate, and in the future, he'll be well-suited for clerical work."
After a brief exchange, Inspector John explained the case that needed handling.
Chief Reid gladly accepted and said with a smile: "I'll head to St. Wind's Church this afternoon and make sure to help the priests catch those little thieves."