Colin Iliad looked up in disbelief, forgetting Lucifer's warning as he stared, shocked and dazed, at the massive fireball in the sky.
Ancient records he'd read flooded his mind... descriptions of the sun, a sight he'd never witnessed since birth. Now, those texts merged with the blazing orb before him. A sharp sting pricked his eyes, whether from gazing at the sun or the emotions suppressed for years, he couldn't tell.
He felt the urge to cry but knew he shouldn't.
Colin didn't know how long he stared, but when he finally lowered his gaze, his vision was blurred. He heard the angel's casual voice beside him: "Satisfied with what you see, Colin Iliad?"
In that moment, Colin dropped to one knee, a gesture of a devotee pledging loyalty. Head bowed, he spoke in a low, solemn tone, "City of Silver will offer its faith to you and Mr. Fool. We will be your loyal followers, Your Excellency."
Even among worshippers of the same deity, different angels inspired varied devotion. Just as the Ancient Sun God's followers once revered one of the Eight King of Angels, Colin's gesture declared City of Silver's allegiance to both The Fool and Lucifer, unwavering even if other angels of The Fool appeared.
"Very well." Lucifer's voice carried a hint of amusement. A force gently lifted Colin to his feet as the angel asked nonchalantly, "Have you thought about who'll join me for the first trip to the outside world? No rush if you haven't... I'll be staying a while, so you can take your time deciding."
Colin swiftly pulled a parchment from his coat and offered it respectfully. "This is the confirmed list. Please review it, Your Excellency."
Alaric glanced at the names. Most were unfamiliar, but a few stood out... Derrick and Colin Iliad himself. It wasn't surprising; venturing to the outside was a major undertaking, and Colin's sense of duty naturally led him to lead the group.
"I'll arrange for someone to help you adjust to life outside, but remember: my Lord values equivalent exchange. Every gift you receive will come with a marked price." Alaric said with a smile. He wasn't trying to intimidate Colin but to ensure City of Silver didn't mistake him or The Fool for wish-granting machines. Helping them escape the Forsaken Land of the Gods was his limit... beyond that, Alaric expected them to stand on their own. They weren't children, after all.
Colin's expression grew serious, and he bowed his head. "Understood, Your Excellency."
Alaric glanced at the now-lively City of Silver, then smiled. "Go calm your people. I have matters to attend to. I'll see you later."
"Yes!" Colin replied, unable to stop Lucifer's departure.
When he looked up, the black-haired angel was gone, but the sun still hung in the sky, proof this wasn't a dream. City of Silver had truly welcomed light.
Colin clenched his fists, steadying his surging emotions, then turned to a shadowed figure nearby. "Call Derrick and summon the other elders…"
…
While City of Silver's Chief methodically organized affairs, Alaric appeared beside the Ancient Sun God, who was quietly gazing toward City of Silver, lost in thought.
"They're overjoyed." Alaric said. "Not going to take a closer look? I'm not that stingy... as long as you don't reveal your identity."
"No need. If I've chosen to let go, I shouldn't linger." The Ancient Sun God replied, shaking his head. He looked at Alaric. "This sun will last six months, with normal sunrises and sunsets. If City of Silver's people haven't left by then, I'll intervene again."
Alaric nodded, studying the sun in the sky. Crafted by The Ancient Sun God, it looked no different from a natural one. Then again, the Lord of Mysteries world hadn't had a true sun in ages... first the Ancient Sun God played the role, then the Eternal Blazing Sun took over. It wasn't surprising.
The Ancient Sun God turned to a certain direction, lips pursing as if struck by a thought. "Mr. Lucifer, I have a request." He said to Alaric.
"What's that?" Alaric asked, curious.
"I'd like to visit that way." The Ancient Sun God said, gesturing.
Alaric followed his gaze, then raised an eyebrow, smiling. "You want to save Moon City or check on the Western Continent's seal?"
Indeed, the direction pointed to Moon City, near the dividing line between the Eastern and Western Continents.
"You knew." The Ancient Sun God said, unsurprised, sighing. "Both. Moon City has stood guard for a millennium on my orders... I can't abandon them. And the Western Continent's seal…" He paused. "It must be undone."
"Classic you." Alaric said, nodding. "It's doable, but not today. You'll need to wait a few days. Also, I want Moon City's faith."
"Agreed." The Ancient Sun God replied, unsurprised by Alaric's terms.
"Great! With City of Silver sorted, let's get to the main event!" Alaric flashed an eager smile. "The True Creator's locked onto Amon's location. They're nearby… Seems Amon's got a real soft spot for you, Mr. Grisha."
Pinpointing Amon's true form in the Forsaken Land of the Gods required the True Creator's help. This was their home turf, after all. If it was tricky before their awakening, now, with their clarity restored, tracking Amon was child's play.
Faced with Alaric's teasing, The Ancient Sun God gave a wry smile, tinged with a hint of fondness. "I trust you'll keep things reasonable." He said, implying don't go too far.
***
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