Alaric continued unhurriedly, "To give this terrible scriptwriter the ending he deserves, I turned him into a puppet and decided to gift him to the Evernight Church. It's a fitting conclusion for him."
Dunn, at a loss for words, felt a mix of emotions. He glanced at the puppetized Ince Zangwill, then at Alaric, and said sincerely, "Thank you for your help, Your Excellency Helel."
Without Alaric's intervention, the Nighthawks would've suffered heavy losses... possibly even Tingen's destruction.
Klein eyed the puppetized Ince, stunned but unsympathetic. Given Ince's actions, this outcome was well-earned.
"No need to thank me. You all put on a splendid performance, and this ending is what you deserve." Alaric said with a smile, then added, "I didn't erase Ince's consciousness. Once your people take over, I'll release his puppetization."
"Understood. I'll notify headquarters." Dunn said, nodding quickly. "Though we didn't know about Ince, I sent a distress call when the evil god's spawn appeared. Headquarters should send strong reinforcements soon, capable of handling him."
Alaric nodded. After a few seconds, noticing Dunn's hesitant expression, he smiled. "Anything else you want to ask?"
"Your Excellency Helel, I understand Ince Zangwill took 0-08 when he defected. His ability to orchestrate coincidences in Tingen likely stems from it. Do you know where 0-08 is now?"
Dunn gritted his teeth, asking despite the risk. As a Nighthawk, he couldn't ignore 0-08's whereabouts, even if it meant questioning an angel who'd just saved them.
Klein's smile froze. He mentally applauded Dunn's courage while preparing to smooth things over.
Lucifer doesn't seem to like me much, haha… Klein gave a wry internal laugh.
Alaric's golden eyes turned to Dunn, who stiffened but didn't back down.
After a moment, Alaric smiled, genuinely impressed. "You're brave. No wonder you're the star of Tingen's story."
Then he chuckled. "0-08 isn't with me. Adam took it."
"Adam?" Dunn clearly hadn't heard the name.
"Angel of Imagination Adam. Some of your Church's higher-ups know of Him. Just report it as is." Alaric said, smiling.
Angel of Imagination… Dunn didn't know Adam but grasped the weight of the title. Another angel.
Tingen's high-Sequence density is ridiculous, Klein thought, exasperated. Four angels in or recently in Tingen? Aren't they supposed to be rare?
"I understand. Thank you for informing me, Your Excellency Helel." Dunn said, trusting Alaric had no reason to lie.
Alaric smiled, his gaze shifting to Klein. "Since Tingen's performance is over, it's time for the next act…"
Klein's stomach sank with foreboding.
Snap...
With a snap of Alaric's fingers, Klein's bad feeling came true. He transformed into a black cat.
What the... ?!
Even Klein couldn't help cursing, but all that came out was "Meow meow meow!"
"Your Excellency Helel, what are you doing?" Dunn's pupils constricted, instantly on edge.
"No need to worry. I just have some private matters to discuss with this kitty. I'll borrow him for a few days. Don't fret... I'll return him." Alaric said, beckoning toward Klein. An unseen force lifted the cat, delivering him to Alaric's side.
Alaric casually picked up Klein, expertly scratching his chin, then glanced mischievously at his belly. Klein instantly clamped his legs together, his tail curling to cover certain sensitive areas.
"Hahaha, so shy for what? I'm not gonna neuter you." Alaric laughed, sparing the mortified Klein further embarrassment. He held the cat properly and turned to Dunn.
Dunn looked ready to snatch Klein back, held back only by Alaric's status as an Evernight Goddess-sanctioned ally and recent savior.
"Well, goodbye, Mr. Dunn." Alaric said with a grin. The space around them erupted in vibrant, chaotic colors. When they faded, Alaric and Klein were gone.
Dunn stared at the empty spot, dumbfounded. As a seasoned Nighthawk, he was at a loss.
How was he supposed to explain this to Klein's family? Your brother got turned into a cat and taken by an angel?
"…I hope Helel was serious about just borrowing him." Dunn muttered with a wry smile. Glancing at the unconscious Leonard, who didn't seem in immediate danger, he grabbed Saint Selena's ashes and rushed to the Chanis Gate.
Without the ashes' suppression, the Sealed Artifacts behind the gate were already rebelling. The other Nighthawks were holding them back, but Dunn needed to return the ashes quickly.
Minutes later, Heart of the Machine members and Punishers, responding to the distress call, arrived at Blackthorn's ruins.
…
"Mr. Lucifer, where are you taking Klein?"
Elsewhere, as Alaric arrived via the Spirit World, Azik's voice rang out.
Unsurprised, Alaric looked up to see Azik, who'd arrived moments later. Azik had stayed hidden during Alaric's intervention but followed when he left with Klein.
***
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