"Please forgive my caution. After all, before you, I served Ankewelt, and in that ancient god's kingdom, jokes were never a good word," Herabergen said, his gaze tinged with a hint of distraction, likely recalling some unpleasant memories.
This wasn't surprising. Ankewelt was far from a kind master, as evidenced by the temperament of his created avatar, the Dragon of Nightmare Alzuhod, better known as 0-08.
After a moment, Herabergen regained focus and continued, looking at The Ancient Sun God. "I could sense your difference from Ankewelt, but my past experiences still made me instinctively avoid such familiarity. And when I finally let go of the past…"
He paused, his expression tinged with bitterness, helplessness, and a faint trace of sorrow. "You were already entangled with the Primordial One. How could I dare jest with you then, unsure if I faced you or the Primordial One himself?"
The Ancient Sun God fell silent. After a moment, he looked at Herabergen earnestly. "At least now, you face me. In this moment, you can freely say whatever you wish."
Herabergen's lips tightened, his expression complex... as if a guess had been confirmed, a wish fulfilled, or a dream that shouldn't exist had appeared.
He gave a bitter smile. "Sometimes, I think it would've been easier if you were another Ankewelt. Then, when you fell, any betrayal would've felt justified."
"That way…" Herabergen looked at The Ancient Sun God, his voice low, as if speaking to him or to himself. "I could've continued being the God of Knowledge and Wisdom without guilt."
The Ancient Sun God listened quietly, showing no negative reaction to Herabergen's words. He simply said, "Your actions back then weren't betrayal. You acted for self-preservation. The true culprit was the Primordial One. You bear no guilt."
He paused, then continued, "But I'm sorry, Herabergen. You may not remain the God of Knowledge and Wisdom forever. This world needs a Creator, and when the time comes, I will take what I need, whether you agree or not."
His expression carried both regret and unwavering resolve.
Whether he could be revived or not, the True Creator would likely regain clarity in this era. When that happened, he would inevitably pursue the God Almighty's position. Only then could they stand against the Outer Deities with strength and have leverage against Alaric.
Thus, some characteristics and uniqueness would need to be reclaimed, and The Ancient Sun God made no effort to hide this intention. Aucuses, his de facto eldest son, understood this clearly and had no objections, having endured enough under the Primordial One and unwilling to face further trials, even with Alaric's aid.
"You're the same as ever... kind yet ruthless, gentle yet unyielding," Herabergen said, unsurprised. He even smiled nostalgically. "Perhaps it's exactly that quality that let you achieve such greatness back then."
The Ancient Sun God didn't respond directly, merely watching Herabergen. "So, what's your answer, Herabergen?" He asked.
His tone wasn't harsh, but his stance was clear.
The Ancient Sun God was always like this... gentle when it suited, but immovable on matters of principle.
"I'd bet you're not this direct with the others," Herabergen said, sidestepping the question with a sigh, half-complaining. "As expected, latecomers can't compare to those who followed you from the start."
The Ancient Sun God paused, then gave a helpless, amused smile. "I'm sorry."
"So you're admitting it?" Herabergen looked at him.
The Ancient Sun God neither nodded nor shook his head. "If Leodero resisted, I'd beat him soundly. It's not about closeness... it's just that different people require different approaches."
"…A perfect answer. You dodged my question while leaving room for possibility," Herabergen said with a sigh. Then, his expression grew serious as he faced The Ancient Sun God. "Your Excellency Grisha, before I answer, I have one question."
"Ask away," The Ancient Sun God replied, his expression equally earnest.
"Will you save this world?" Herabergen asked, locking eyes with him.
The Ancient Sun God met his gaze without flinching. "I can't promise I'll save it, but I swear, until I fall, I'll fight for this world."
Herabergen wasn't surprised by the answer but still seemed dazed for a moment. Then he smiled. "I believe you."
He closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them, his decision was made. "My Lord, when you need it, I will offer everything you require, whatever it may be."
His voice was firm and resolute.
Herabergen's choice stemmed from both reason and emotion. Rationally, he knew he couldn't resist The Ancient Sun God. Emotionally, he trusted him. So, he would surrender... his trust, his all... as he once did, believing The Ancient Sun God could lead the world to a brighter future.
The Ancient Sun God wasn't surprised but visibly relieved. Despite his resolve, he wasn't eager to confront Herabergen, even for emotional reasons.
"So, are you two done?" Alaric, who'd been eagerly watching the exchange, finally spoke. He glanced between The Ancient Sun God and Herabergen, his tone teasing. "Grisha, I was just saying you'd become a lonely old Sun God, and in half a day, you've already bolstered your ranks! Is this the charm of a savior?"
The Ancient Sun God turned to him, chuckling. "Isn't that a good thing? Gives you another corner to poach." His tone was unmistakably teasing.
"True!" Alaric said, eyeing Herabergen thoughtfully, making the latter's skin crawl. With a smile, he asked, "So, Mr. Herabergen, interested in jumping ship to work for me?"
His directness caught Herabergen off guard. After a moment, he instinctively looked to The Ancient Sun God, clearly unsure how to respond in such a situation.
***
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