"Hiss, you're acting so normal all of a sudden, I'm almost not used to it," Alaric said, feigning an exaggerated gasp before breaking into a grin. "But you're right... Sasrir is indeed very useful."
He glanced at Sasrir with a teasing tone. "After all, he's the Sun God's handpicked Deputy of Heaven."
Sasrir's smile took on a touch of resignation. At times, he felt his fate was rather unfortunate... first bound to such a main body, and now entangled with Alaric.
But what could he do about it?
The True Creator's gaze also settled on Sasrir. In that moment, it was hard to discern what He was thinking. He merely locked eyes with Sasrir in silence.
"You haven't done well," Sasrir said after two seconds of their stare, his voice stern rather than gentle. "Especially in the last millennium, you've been no different from the truly fallen."
The True Creator didn't argue or defend Himself. He simply said, "That's why I need you. I must regain clarity... for this world."
"I know. That's why I'm here," Sasrir replied. There was an unspoken understanding between him and the future True Creator. No more words were needed; both knew what they had to do.
The True Creator then turned to Medici, His aura softening. "Medici, how have you been lately?"
"Not bad, aside from working 172 hours straight and feeling like I might drop dead any moment, becoming the first angel to die of exhaustion," Medici replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
The True Creator seemed momentarily at a loss for words. After a second of silence, He said, "Don't worry. Sasrir will take on some of your workload from now on. You won't be this busy anymore."
This time, it was Medici's turn to be speechless. He gave the True Creator a look that was half-exasperation, half-resignation. Facing his former faith, he ultimately said nothing, just shaking his head.
Finally, the True Creator looked at Adam, who met His gaze with a faint smile.
"You've gained humanity," The True Creator said, His tone certain.
"I thought that was obvious," Adam replied with a soft chuckle. Looking at the True Creator, he added with a touch of wistfulness, "I never imagined our centuries-long struggle would end like this."
The True Creator didn't respond directly.
Both knew that the moment Sasrir was "given" To Alaric, the Sun God had made His stance clear... He had chosen the lucid True Creator, or rather, Sasrir.
Though this was, for now, merely a contingency plan should the Sun God fail to return, it was enough to bring the conflict between Adam and the True Creator to a close.
"It's the best choice," The True Creator said.
"I know. I am you, and I am Him. I bear no resentment," Adam said calmly. Then, a trace of regret crossed his face. "It's just… a bit regrettable. I've finally understood humanity, but it seems to be of little use."
Adam was always rational. Even with some humanity restored, his core remained that of the rational Adam, so he harbored no bitterness over the Sun God's choice.
But he did feel regret. He had grasped humanity, but it was too late.
"Are you two planning to merge right now or something?" Alaric couldn't help but interject, his expression curious.
"Of course not. Merging is the last resort, and the time isn't right," Adam said, shaking his head. He smiled faintly. "Seeing the True Creator just brought up some emotions."
It didn't sound like something Adam would say, but it made sense if one thought of him as the Angel of Imagination of old.
The True Creator countered, "No, humanity is always valuable. Even if we merge, that humanity will be one of the strongest anchors for the future me."
His words were clearly a rebuttal to Adam's earlier statement.
Adam looked up, his golden eyes flickering with complex emotions. "I hope so," He said.
After the reunions and reminiscing, Alaric brought up the main purpose of his visit to the True Creator.
"A biological laboratory? That can be arranged…" The True Creator thought for a few seconds before listing several coordinates. "These locations are rich in mutated monsters and close to water sources. They might meet your needs."
Alaric noted the coordinates, planning to inspect them personally soon. A sudden thought struck him, and he gave Ouroboros a peculiar look.
"What's wrong?" Ouroboros asked, puzzled.
Alaric coughed. "The biological lab is currently under Will's supervision. Ouroboros, you two better not start fighting."
This was why Alaric hadn't initially considered building the lab in the Forsaken Land. Will and Ouroboros were old rivals, and even with Alaric mediating, they likely wouldn't get along.
Ouroboros paused, considering, then said earnestly, "I won't start a fight with Him. But if He comes at me, I'll defend myself."
"That's fine," Alaric said, nodding, relieved.
From what he knew of Will, the guy wasn't one to pick fights, especially not on Ouroboros' turf.
The only issue was that Will didn't yet know about the lab's new location. Would he quit? Alaric felt a slight headache at the thought, though it wasn't a major concern. If Will bailed, Alaric could always find someone else to manage the lab.
After some more discussion, Alaric decided to visit the proposed sites. This time, he took only Ouroboros, who knew the terrain, and his top tool, Medici. Adam and Sasrir chose to stay behind to continue talking with the True Creator.
Alaric knew they likely had things to discuss behind his back... like "how to stop a certain Alaric if he goes mad and tries to destroy the world" or "how to create more anchors to keep a certain Alaric in check." He didn't mind; in fact, he welcomed it. As long as he wasn't going mad, such plans only benefited him. And if he did lose it? Well, he'd be too far gone to care.
Time passed in this manner. After inspecting the sites and selecting the most suitable one, Alaric returned to the True Creator's sanctuary. The others had evidently finished their discussion and were now occupied with their own tasks.
***
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)