Alaric wasn't surprised by Pallez's choice. Opportunities to hunt Amon's avatars were common enough... Pallez could likely manage that alone. But a chance to thrash Amon's true form? That was rare, and missing it might mean never getting another shot.
It wasn't just because Amon's true form was an King of Angel, too strong for Pallez to handle. Amon, the master of cunning, lived by the art of laying low. Unless absolutely necessary, only their avatars roamed outside, while their true form stayed holed up in the Forsaken Land of the Gods, cozy with their "third parent."
Honestly, Alaric always thought Amon's attitude toward their third parent, the True Creator, was a classic case of protesting too much. They'd loudly deny the True Creator was their parent, yet they stayed perfectly comfortable in the Forsaken Land of the Gods, showing no fear of a backstab.
At the end of Lord of Mysteries, when facing the fusion of their unacknowledged third and fourth parents, Adam and the True Creator, Amon casually let them stabilize their state. It was as if they were saying, "I don't admit you're my parent, but I'll take your protection and help, thanks."
"Guess The Ancient Sun God really spoils their kids. If they had a hotter temper, Amon would've been flattened into a cookie by now. Lucifer's parental bias toward Jack? That's nothing compared to this." Alaric mused to himself, marveling at how even someone as noble as The Ancient Sun God had their own biases.
Of course, there was nothing wrong with that. Without a touch of selfishness, they'd just be a robot like Adam... and that would be far scarier for Alaric.
Though his thoughts wandered, only a second passed in reality. To others, "Lucifer" merely paused after Pallez's response before smirking. "Good choice. I'll pick you up for the operation. Barring any surprises, it'll be next Monday."
Right after the Tarot Club meeting, they'd dive into the Joker Club's "Beat Amon" event. Alaric thought the timing was perfect.
Too bad Leonard wasn't part of the Tarot Club yet. Maybe he could find an excuse to rope him in? Alaric's gaze lingered on Leonard for a second, considering, before deciding there was no rush. Instead, he said, "Leonard, you should prepare too. This 'Beat Amon' operation doubles as a club event. As a low-sequence member, you can join the others to watch from the sidelines. After it's done, there'll be some fun games you can try. It'll be good for you."
"Oh, got it." Leonard said, nodding quickly, then hesitating. "Wait, Your Excellency Lucifer, I'm still in Red Gloves training. I probably won't have time next Monday…"
"No problem. Take leave in my name." Alaric said with a smile, his tone carrying a deeper meaning. "The Evernight Church will back you."
Alaric knew full well that as someone weaving countless schemes... yet somehow meddled with in every one... the Evernight Goddess was likely more curious than anyone about what kind of being he was.
Leonard blinked, slowly realizing "Evernight" might mean the Evernight Goddess. He swallowed, a sudden wave of nerves washing over him.
Would the Goddess be watching him at the Joker Club gathering? Just the thought sent shivers down his spine, a strange mix of pain, joy, and embarrassment bubbling up.
No, wait... there were plenty of Church members undercover in secret organizations. Besides, the club was an ally. If the Goddess was watching, it only proved his choices were right, all under her silent approval.
Leonard consoled himself, though the nerves lingered, now tinged with anticipation.
Alaric glanced at him, chuckling, before turning to Pallez. As if finally done with business and moving to personal matters, he sized up the old man with a critical, complex gaze. After a long moment, he scoffed. "You're even more pathetic than I imagined."
This was all to maintain Lucifer's persona. Most of the time, Lucifer was refined, but every now and then, with certain people, he let a sharp edge show.
Pallez froze, staring at Lucifer. He was sure they'd never met, but then a thought struck him. "Your Excellency, may I ask your surname?"
Alaric, staying in character as Lucifer, gave Pallez a cold, complicated look. "Lucifer Zoroast. My full name."
As expected!
Pallez wasn't entirely shocked. From their first meeting, he'd sensed a faintly familiar bloodline aura from this angel, though he hadn't been certain. Now, it was confirmed.
But it brought him no joy... only a bitter pang. He looked at Lucifer, hesitating before saying, "I don't know what you've been through… I'm sorry."
Though Amon was the root cause of the Zoroast family's downfall, Pallez couldn't help but feel his own incompetence as their ancestor played a part. Holding a Error Pathway Sequence 1 characteristic, yet failing to protect them, was a sin in this world.
"No need for apologies. You didn't cause my misfortune. You're just an ordinary failure." Alaric said coolly, his words cutting deeper than any accusation.
Pallez's bitterness grew, but he didn't argue.
"You don't need to care about the Zoroast blood in me either. I kept my surname for my parents, not because of you, the so-called ancestor." Alaric continued, his gaze tinged with disappointment. "I came here today just to see what kind of figure the Zoroast family's revered ancestor really is."
The result spoke for itself.
"Well, I've got things to do, so I'll take my leave. See you next time." Alaric said, standing. In that moment, he shed all his sharpness, flashing a neutral smile. His gaze on Pallez held no trace of emotion, as if the old man was no different from anyone else.
That impartiality stung Pallez even more.
Before Pallez could respond, the angel vanished from the room as swiftly as he'd appeared.
Pallez opened his mouth, staring at the empty spot, but said nothing, only letting out a weary sigh.
"Old man, you okay?" Leonard, though unclear on the details, could guess the mysterious Lucifer might be another of Pallez's descendants, like Alaric, possibly persecuted by Amon. He could see Pallez was downcast.
***
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