Adam wasn't surprised by Alaric's candid attitude. As a Spectator, he could tell Alaric spoke truthfully... at least, in his own perception, it wasn't a lie.
But Adam didn't miss another point, gently reminding him, "Your Shadow of Time isn't something a Sequence 5 could wield."
On Alaric's unprecedented pathway, he might only match a typical Sequence 5, but that didn't mean he lacked other tricks.
No lies didn't mean no omissions.
"Ah, my bad, I forgot about that skill." Alaric said with a half-hearted smile, leaving it unclear whether it was intentional or not. He breezed past the topic, still open as ever. "Sure, I can turn others into puppets, but only if their will is weak. As for you, Mr. Adam, I don't think I could control you."
That was the honest truth. Alaric didn't believe Adam's will could be swayed by a Persona Mask.
Also true.
Adam processed this, silent for a few seconds before saying, "Your abilities may not work on me."
"Give it a try. You've got nothing to lose." Alaric urged, eager to test his skills on an King of Angel. What a rare chance!
Adam studied Alaric deeply, then nodded. "Alright."
It was risky, but for Adam, it was also an opportunity to experience this mysterious being's power firsthand. Only by feeling it could he better understand Alaric's essence.
So, the two struck a deal. After trading 0-08 for the Conqueror characteristic, they began their experiment.
First, Alaric applied a "joy" Persona Mask.
Adam seemed mildly surprised... or perhaps he couldn't feel surprise. After a brief pause, he said, "There's some effect. Slight, but it's there."
"It actually worked?" Alaric blinked, then snapped his fingers, using Emotion Manipulation on Adam, targeting joy again.
This time, Adam's reaction was more noticeable. He seemed to smile... not the usual calculated, cold smile, but one with a hint of genuine warmth.
"You smiled. So it does work?" Alaric asked, intrigued by the flicker of sincerity.
"It's stronger than the previous ability, but it fades quickly." Adam said, his expression briefly distant. "Your abilities carry a high intrinsic rank. A typical Sequence 7, even with similar powers, couldn't affect me at all."
"But limited by my Sequence, the effect is still minimal…" Alaric sighed, disappointed. As the ability's user, he could sense Adam was affected, but only slightly. On a typical Sequence 5, that Emotion Manipulation would've turned them into a puppet. For Adam, it barely filled one percent of a progress bar.
No chance of making him a puppet, then.
Alaric sighed inwardly, regretfully.
"Whatever, affecting an King of Angel at all is pretty impressive. What more do I want?" He quickly shook off the disappointment. He hadn't seriously expected to puppet Adam anyway. Grinning, he said, "So, Mr. Adam, how about a deal?"
"What kind?" Adam's golden eyes met his, no longer entirely calm, carrying a trace of real warmth.
"I need to digest my Mask Maker potion, and you probably wouldn't mind feeling normal human emotions." Alaric said boldly, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Would you wear my mask for a while to help me digest it?"
There were many ways to digest the Mask Maker potion, but what could top making the emotionless Angel of Imagination feel again? It was intriguing enough on its own.
Alaric admitted his Joker instincts were tingling.
Adam, seeming to read his thoughts, gave him a knowing look but neither agreed nor refused. "Emotions at this level won't sway my judgment."
"We'll see about that." Alaric said with a grin, snapping his fingers. "How about now?"
Adam paused, sensing a change too subtle to pinpoint. "What did you do?"
"I just altered the Persona Mask's attribute." Alaric said, hiding nothing. As the ability's wielder, he could modify a mask's attribute within ten meters.
"What attribute?" Adam asked.
"Love. The purest, most essential kind... love for this world, for all living things." Alaric said, smiling. "It's one of the few emotions I can't trigger with Emotion Manipulation."
Emotion Manipulation could ignite basic emotions like joy or anger, but love didn't fit that mold.
Adam hadn't expected that answer. He fell silent for a few seconds. "You think love for this world would change my actions?"
"I don't know, but I'm eager to find out." Alaric said, still smiling. "I'm curious to see you love this world again."
Could a soul warped by divinity, twisted once more, rediscover love for the world? Alaric was genuinely curious.
"I'm curious too." Adam said after another pause.
Alaric grinned. "Then here's to a pleasant partnership, Mr. Adam!"
"Pleasant partnership, Mr. Alaric." Adam replied calmly.
"Well, it's getting late, and I've got to rush to another scene to save the day, so I'll cut this short." Alaric said, checking his pocket watch.
Adam had no objections.
Before leaving, Alaric paused, glancing at Adam. "Oh, I almost forgot… Mr. Adam, you offered the Conqueror characteristic for this trade. As Medici's master, are you finally doing something for him?"
***
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