The Ancient Sun God paused for a few seconds, closed his eyes briefly, then smiled. "Why not Sasrir? After all, who in this world doesn't love another version of themselves?"
He chose the safest answer, letting his deputy take the heat.
"Tch! Sly savior," Alaric muttered, dissatisfied.
"How's your spirituality holding up?" The Ancient Sun God asked, cutting off Alaric's next question. He smiled. "Maybe it's time for Sasrir to take a shift. You need him more than I do right now."
…
The Ancient Sun God deftly sidestepped a potential family feud… or so he thought.
Some questions, once asked, inevitably stir up trouble, no matter the answer.
Especially when the asker was Alaric, who thrived on chaos and spectacle.
"So you're just here to whine about The Ancient Sun God dodging your trap question?" Medici shot Alaric a look, who was casually munching on snacks across from him. "If you've got nothing better to do, go process a couple pounds of paperwork. Do you have any idea how big a mess the Rose School is?"
Unlike the Numinous Episcopate, the Rose School, backed by the Mother Tree of Desire and Mother Goddess of Depravity, had been suppressed by the Seven Gods but still extended its tendrils far and wide in secret.
For Alaric's crew, who'd just taken down the Rose School, this was both a boon and a burden. The upside was they could sever these tendrils and trace them to uncover more of the Outer Deities' forces and hidden pawns. The downside was the sheer workload. Having already stirred the hornet's nest, rooting out these agents would require even more effort.
This task naturally fell to Medici, a conspirator by trade, perfectly suited for the job. When Alaric came to vent, Medici was reviewing a contact list extracted from Rose School members under interrogation.
No wonder Medici was irritable. Facing a mountain of ever-growing work, anyone's patience with their boss would wear thin.
"Don't be so grumpy, Lil' Red. I've already secured assistants for you... they'll start in three days. You'll be free then," Alaric said with a smile, still snacking. He glanced meaningfully at the crumpled list in Medici's hand. "Besides, you seem pretty invested."
Medici's movements froze.
Alaric continued leisurely, "Shame, though. I'm betting The Ancient Sun God's favorite is either Amon or Aucuses. Probably no room for you."
Crush.
Medici crumpled the list into a ball, glaring at Alaric through gritted teeth. "You just have to stir the pot, don't you?"
"Not stirring, just stating facts," Alaric countered, unabashed. "He's set on being my opposition, so what's wrong with a little insurance to keep you all from flipping sides? Perfectly normal."
He grinned, his smile radiant with delight. "We're in a relationship of mutual need and mutual caution, after all!"
Alaric genuinely didn't mind The Ancient Sun God's wariness... it was only natural. Likewise, he'd never hidden his own caution toward The Ancient Sun God.
He was fully prepared for a future where they might stand as enemies.
And not just The Ancient Sun God.
Take, for instance, his enthusiastic efforts to cleanse Roselle and others of Outer Deity corruption or suppress the Primordial One's will in Aucuses. Did anyone think that was purely out of kindness?
Alaric could just as easily manipulate those tainted by Nyarlathotep's influence.
Of course, unless necessary, he wouldn't. He had no taste for mindless puppets.
It was merely a precaution... and, yes, a form of help.
"You're disturbingly upfront about your twisted nature," Medici said, giving Alaric a sidelong glance.
"Thanks for the compliment. Honesty's one of my best traits," Alaric replied with a confident smile, then looked at Medici curiously. "But seriously, aren't you curious about the answer, Lil' Red?"
Medici stiffened again, unable to deny it.
As the former Red Angel of The Ancient Sun God, of course he wondered who The Ancient Sun God favored most.
"See? Curiosity's only human!" Alaric said, spreading his hands. He patted Medici's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, Lil' Red. You may not be The Ancient Sun God's favorite angel, but you're definitely my favorite tool! You can totally treat me like a father, just like you did The Ancient Sun God. I don't mind!"
His tone was earnest and sincere.
"..."
The great Red Angel laughed... a laugh born of pure exasperation. He grabbed Alaric's arm, his smile more like a grimace. "Since you're so good at cutting deep, how about staying to help me review this list? As a father, you wouldn't refuse a child's small wish, right?"
Now it was Alaric's smile that froze. He tried to yank his arm free, to no avail. Taking a deep breath, he grinned. "Of course not! Who am I if not your dearest dad?"
No escaping now... might as well milk it for all it's worth.
After all, slacking off was common, but being Medici's "father" was a rare treat.
Medici, who'd spoken in a fit of anger, twitched at Alaric's response, suddenly regretting his words.
Too late to take them back.
…
While one Alaric was dragged into overtime by Medici, another... the real Alaric... had already reached the Forsaken Land of the Gods.
Yes, the Alaric with Medici was just an avatar. His true self had been headed to the Forsaken Land from the start.
He was eager to check the latest progress at the biological lab.
Upon arriving, he found Frank, eyes gleaming with excitement, grilling Bethel for details.
"…So you're saying this specimen isn't just an angel of the Chained Pathway but also tied to the evil Mother Tree of Desire, with reproductive powers in its body?" Frank, having gotten the basics from Bethel, was practically vibrating with enthusiasm. He kept muttering, "Incredible! This is incredible! I've never seen anything like it. Oh, I've got a great idea already…"
Bethel's expression was subtle, clearly unaccustomed to Frank's mad-scientist energy.
"Having a chat?" Alaric raised an eyebrow, greeting them.
***
Every 100 Power Stones and 5 Reviews will earn you a Bonus Chapter.
And if you want to read up to 50 chapters ahead, don't hesitate to visit our patron: pat reon . com / XElenea (remove space)