Ince Zangwill was confused, instinctively following Alaric's gaze. There, a priest in a white robe stood, unnoticed until now. His golden eyes held a trace of compassion, yet, upon closer inspection, seemed devoid of any emotion.
No, wait... Ince realized he'd seen this priest before. Two months ago, and several times since, while secretly observing the Nighthawks or scripting with 0-08, this figure had been there, silently watching, just as now.
Who was he?
A bitter irony struck Ince. He'd thought himself the hidden author of Tingen's story, but now he felt like the fool, observed without knowing.
Anger briefly overpowered his fear. He wanted to demand who these two were, but as he met Alaric's golden eyes, overwhelming panic engulfed him.
In the next moment, Ince Zangwill's mind went blank.
He stopped thinking.
"As expected, direct Emotion Manipulation is faster for efficiency." Alaric mused. "But for finer control, Persona Masks are more practical. Emotion Manipulation is limited in scope, while Persona Masks have broader applications."
Alaric concluded, glancing at Ince, now a docile puppet, then at Adam. He smiled. "So, are you here to take it from me? With your strength, it'd be easy."
Alaric wasn't surprised Adam appeared. The ever-present figure, practically part of the air, would naturally show up for 0-08, a Sequence 1 characteristic of the Spectator pathway. It'd be odd if Adam stayed dormant.
He was curious, though... would Adam just snatch 0-08?
If so, Alaric wouldn't be pleased. It might not be his, but now that it was in his hands, he wasn't letting go easily.
Two pairs of golden eyes locked... one playful, the other calm.
Adam looked away first, shaking his head. "I won't take it by force. I propose an exchange."
"Oh?" Alaric's interest piqued. Rubbing his chin, he studied Adam. "What are you offering for it?"
Without hesitation, Adam produced a box, smiling. "A Conqueror characteristic."
"Whoa, big move!" Alaric raised an eyebrow, undeniably tempted.
Truth be told, he wasn't that attached to 0-08. Its downside... potentially dooming its wielder... was too steep. Alaric could threaten it physically, but a prolonged tug-of-war risked disaster. And for what? A quill that dared threaten him with social death?
Besides, 0-08 lacked direct combat power and required lengthy setup. Ince needed two months just to plot stealing ashes. Alaric could spend that time cozying up to an angel instead.
Moreover, 0-08 was a must-have for Adam. While Alaric wasn't afraid of a mutual takedown, there was no need to burn bridges over something he didn't truly want.
Adam's offer of a Conqueror characteristic was a delightful surprise.
A Hunter pathway Conqueror characteristic promised raw destructive power with minimal drawbacks. Once Alaric retrieved Roselle, he could have it crafted into a fitting Sealed Artifact.
Best of all, when he was done with it, he could trade it to Medici for something valuable and earn goodwill... a total win.
Who said Adam didn't understand people? This was masterful.
"I should feel honored, shouldn't I?" Adam said, a gentle smile on his face, as if reading Alaric's thoughts.
"You absolutely should." Alaric replied without a hint of shame, grinning. "So, what do you want, Mr. Adam?"
Adam could've taken 0-08 earlier but allowed this exchange. Alaric doubted it was out of boredom.
"Let the past me see this world clearly, to understand its full scope." Adam said, lowering his gaze, his voice measured. "That's my only request. He should witness everything and make a choice."
"A choice?" Alaric raised an eyebrow. "Between you and the True Creator?"
"And if He chooses the True Creator, you'd willingly die?"
Alaric caught Adam's meaning: let the Ancient Sun God see the current world, understand all that's happened, and choose between humanity and divinity.
"If that's His choice, I'd follow my will." Adam said, his golden eyes unwavering.
"I'm almost impressed. Divinity, huh…" Alaric said with a sigh, then grinned mischievously. "So, Mr. Adam, ever considered some therapy? Absolute rationality isn't healthy. Don't you want a touch of humanity?"
"I'm the world's greatest psychologist, but I can't heal myself." Adam said, shaking his head.
Had he considered it? Perhaps. Pure divinity wasn't ideal in this world. A balance of divinity and humanity was best.
But Adam couldn't achieve it. He couldn't heal himself.
"How about I give it a shot?" Alaric offered eagerly. Though Sequence 7 abilities shouldn't affect an King of Angel, these were Nyarlathotep's powers... maybe they'd work?
Adam glanced at Alaric, then at the puppetized Ince, his meaning clear: You want to turn me into a puppet too?
"Of course I'd love to, but it's impossible." Alaric admitted with a grin, spreading his hands. "You've been watching me, so you know. I may have the means to take the world down with me and a decent rank, but my current strength is barely Sequence 5 at best."
***
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