Pallez had always known he wasn't the ideal candidate for Lord of Mysteries. Too indecisive, he lacked the reckless courage others had to stake everything. Even when he considered aligning with the Evernight Goddess, he never committed, hesitating and waiting in vain for an outcome he couldn't predict.
If I'd been more decisive, maybe the Zoroast family wouldn't have… Pallez lowered his gaze, his heart heavy with regret or melancholy, he couldn't tell.
Reinette Tinekerr, a young angel, had even less experience. She'd never seen a Sequence 0, let alone a Pillar. Witnessing The Ancient Sun God's act left her awestruck, comparing him to the Mother Tree of Desire in her mind.
Medici and Ouroboros, former followers of The Ancient Sun God, weren't as shocked, but their expressions were complex... nostalgic, wistful, clearly recalling past times.
Azik, gazing at the sun in the projection, was more envious than shocked. As Death Consul, he'd often wondered what strength he'd need to control his fate and secure the bonds of family, friendship, and love he craved. Seeing The Ancient Sun God's might, he felt awe, envy, and a bitter pang. If even a being as powerful as The Ancient Sun God fell in the Third Epoch, what hope did he have?
Azik clenched his fists, then shook his head, casting aside pessimism. He didn't know how strong he'd need to be to protect what mattered, but he'd strive to grow stronger and guard what he had.
The younger generation... Sharon, Leonard, and the like... felt awe but thought less deeply. At Sequence 5, Sharon had only seen Reinette act. They had no grasp of a Sequence 0's power, let alone a Pillar's. Their ignorance left them with one thought: What an incredible big shot. This is an eye-opener.
Cough, cough… Alaric, in his Jack persona, suddenly held a microphone-like object. He cleared his throat, testing it, then spoke. "Hello, everyone! I'm Jack Jones, thrilled to meet you all here…" After some pleasantries, he gestured to the projection, now shifted from The Ancient Sun God to a certain infamous Amon.
"You just saw the appetizer for our Beat-Amon Operation: [Sun God at City of Silver]. Now, let's turn the spotlight to Amon. Those planning to take a swing, get ready…"
Alaric played the host with flair, and the atmosphere in the alternate space heated up. Ouroboros stowed his easel, Medici incinerated his apple core, and though Pallez, residing in Leonard's mind, wasn't visible, Leonard's excited expression showed the old angel was raring to go. The trio was set to confront Amon.
Reinette and Azik, lacking deep grudges against Amon and only at Sequence 2 with compromised states, stayed out of it. The younger members felt a mix of tension, anticipation, and thrill. An angel-level battle was a rarity, even for the higher-ups of major churches.
Amid this charged anticipation, a second figure appeared in the projection... Mr. Door, summoned by Alaric.
…
Amon felt a chill down their spine, as if countless eyes were watching with palpable malice. Scanning the surroundings, they found only monsters, no people.
The True Creator? Amon's eyes narrowed suspiciously. They'd sensed danger recently, tied to that odd Alaric fellow. The True Creator had been acting differently, likely plotting something with Alaric. Still, Amon had no plans to flee the Forsaken Land of the Gods. The outside world was no safer... the Seven Gods weren't exactly their allies.
The Evernight Goddess, with her concealment authority, had long coveted the Lord of Mysteries' seat. Why else would her Church destroy the Nation of the Evernight, imprison Antigonus, and secretly nurture high-sequence Seers? In this context, the Forsaken Land of the Gods was safer for Amon's true form. With the True Creator around, death was unlikely.
That's why Amon, sensing a familiar presence, had come near City of Silver to snoop. It might be a trap, but if it was aimed at them, hiding was futile. Better to show up boldly... maybe even catch a glimpse of their "fake dad."
Though, recalling The Ancient Sun God's temperament and their own misdeeds, Amon felt a rare urge to retreat. They didn't care about conspiracies but dreaded their father's disappointed gaze. So, despite witnessing City of Silver's illumination and knowing who was behind it, Amon lurked in a corner, avoiding The Ancient Sun God.
Just then, Amon sensed that familiar presence vanish, leaving a pang of loss. Then, they froze, detecting another familiar aura... one they'd worked with for years, from the same three same group pathways, unmistakable at this range with no concealment.
It was Mr. Door, Bethel Abraham, tainted by Outer Deities.
"Long time no see, Amon. Still as hated as ever." Mr. Door's voice rang out, his figure appearing before Amon.
"Good to see you, Bethel." Amon said, adjusting their monocle with a false, friendly smile. "I never thought someone as proud as you would become someone's lapdog. Even Tudor's orders, you used to pick and choose."
Amon clearly knew why Mr. Door was here.
***
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