The Ancient Sun God gazed at the darkened continent before him, a fleeting sense of temporal dislocation washing over him. He'd felt it before, when first summoned to the future, but never as sharply as now.
In his era, the Eastern Continent was the world's heart. His divine kingdom stood here, and not long ago, he'd walked these lands. He remembered the city-states, the fervent and industrious people, the flower gardens blooming vibrantly each spring. His followers would offer him the finest blossoms, and he recalled a blue-white butterfly that once landed on his shoulder as he passed through.
Those memories remained vivid, unfaded, yet now, only ruins, restless monsters, and sporadic lightning in the sky greeted him.
He thought back to his awakening from the Chaos Sea, a time when the world shifted in a blink, leaving him bereft of all he knew. He'd woken in a strange era and tirelessly worked to save humanity. Now, thanks to Alaric's peculiar ability, he opened his eyes in the future to find his once-familiar Eastern Continent in ruins, its liberated people trapped in new cycles of oppression.
"It's like closing your eyes for a moment, only to find the whole game version you fought for reset, right? I get it... I've been there. One blink, and the world you just saved needs saving again." Alaric's voice broke in, tinged with rare melancholy. He sighed. "The worst part? After beating the final boss of the last version, you find out the new one's another version of you. Talk about unfair."
The Ancient Sun God's somber mood shattered. He paused, then turned to Alaric. "I didn't think you'd care about saving the world."
Despite his claims of Alaric being "gentle at heart" Or "a good kid." The Ancient Sun God, with half of the Spectator Pathway's authority, could see Alaric's true stance on certain matters.
"I'm definitely not itching to save the world, but sometimes you're forced into it!" Alaric shrugged, unfazed if The Ancient Sun God read between the lines. "I can't just watch my world fall apart. I've got some attachment to it. Good thing you guys are here now, so I don't have to play savior!" He shot The Ancient Sun God a cheeky grin.
The Ancient Sun God met his gaze, offering a gentle smile without refuting him. "I'll save my world, no matter the cost." He said earnestly, his words carrying an unspoken vow to stop anyone... Alaric included... from destroying it.
Alaric, neither surprised nor bothered, chuckled. "I believe you can. So, come on, Mr. Grisha. Before we save the world, let's start with City of Silver."
The Ancient Sun God nodded gently, and they set off... or rather, The Ancient Sun God led, carrying Alaric and a medium containing an alternate space. The Forsaken Land of the Gods, cut off from the Spirit World, blocked travel via spiritual means. But just as Amon could "steal" distance to shorten journeys, for a Quasi-God Almighty like The Ancient Sun God, reaching City of Silver swiftly was no challenge.
…
Meanwhile, in the alternate space, Klein was eyeing a familiar Nightwatcher.
It was Leonard, still in his Red Gloves training attire from the Cathedral of Serenity, so rushed he hadn't even removed his signature gloves, instantly marking him as an official Church Beyonder.
As Klein studied Leonard, Leonard frowned, his gaze fixed on another figure... Mr. A. As the Joker Club's first official member, Mr. A was naturally present, squatting quietly in a corner like a mushroom, murmuring prayers to the True Creator while stealing cautious glances nearby.
Beside Mr. A stood Ouroboros, the Angel of Fate, a key player in the Beat-Amon operation. Ouroboros was poised before an easel, paintbrush in hand, seemingly working on a piece.
Next to Ouroboros was Medici, the Red Angel, munching an apple... likely adhering to the "an apple a day" Principle... while toying with the Conqueror characteristic in his other hand like it was a trinket.
Further off, Reinette Tinekerr stood silently, like a true coconut tree. Behind her, Maric fidgeted slightly, while Sharon remained as still as a doll. Despite their calm exteriors, the coconut tree and puppet duo were clearly gossip enthusiasts, subtly eavesdropping on Alaric (in his Jack persona) and Azik's conversation.
"So, Mr. Azik, during your time as Death Consul, you read Mr. Door's works?" Alaric's eyes gleamed as he looked at Azik, barely containing his excitement. "Do you remember their contents?"
"Some I recall, others are fuzzy. I might need more memories to recover them fully." Azik replied warmly, even smiling. "If you're interested, Jack, I can try writing down what I remember."
"Mr. Azik, you're a true gem!" Alaric didn't hesitate to hand Azik a good-person card.
"It's just a small favor. You've helped me a lot, Jack. I want to help you get what you're after." Azik said, smiling gently, unfazed.
"Azik, reliable as ever!" Alaric gave him a thumbs-up, then glanced at Klein, who was still staring at Leonard. He clapped Klein's shoulder. "What's got you so engrossed? Got a thing for him or something?"
***
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