Of course, Alaric didn't dismiss the importance of combat strength. He knew its value all too well... on a world like Earth, without sufficient power, facing the Outer Deities meant certain death.
His frustration stemmed from how many pathways, clearly unsuited for combat, were forced into a fighting mold by the current state of society. They had unique strengths that could shine elsewhere, yet all anyone cared about was battle prowess, wasting their potential.
"But it's not their fault." Alaric thought. "It's this world's fault. The looming apocalypse, flawed systems, unsafe conditions… in such an environment, fighting naturally takes priority."
He tsked inwardly. While he wasn't overly invested in societal progress, seeing the Beyonders of this mysterious world squander their talents made his hands itch to set them back on track.
Must be some kind of compulsion!
"But the Earth and Moon pathways have their own issues. Who knows how many of their Beyonders are tainted by the Outer Deities? Tch, what a hassle. The Outer Deities are the real obstacle to improving this world…"
Alaric stroked his chin for a few seconds, then turned to Klein. "Sherlock, let's head to the Harvest Church. The sooner we confirm Emlyn White's whereabouts, the sooner you can wrap up this case."
"Alright." Klein said, used to Jack's decisiveness, and nodded.
As they prepared to leave, Lucifer descended from the second floor.
"Going somewhere?" Lucifer asked, glancing at them.
This was, of course, Alaric's doing. Negotiating with Lilith was better suited for Lucifer's persona, with Jack playing the bystander.
"Yup!" Alaric, as Jack, nodded with a smile. "We're off to the Harvest Church. A Sanguine named Emlyn White's gone missing, and we suspect the church nabbed him."
"Mr. Lucifer, are you heading out too?" Klein asked casually.
"I'll join you at the Harvest Church." Lucifer said, nodding without a hint of surprise.
"Huh?" Both Klein and Jack exclaimed, one acting, the other genuinely caught off guard.
"Old man, what're you doing at the Harvest Church?" Alaric asked, feigning curiosity as Jack.
Klein looked at Lucifer, equally intrigued.
Lucifer glanced at them, smiling faintly. "I have matters to discuss with the Earth Mother."
Klein's curiosity deepened. "Mr. Lucifer, may I ask what you're discussing with the Earth Mother?"
"Yeah, old man, spill it!" Jack chimed in, fully committed to his persona.
"Just alliance matters." Lucifer said, his gaze sweeping over them. "You'll know the rest when the time's right."
"Oh." Klein said, a bit disappointed but not pressing further.
"Stingy old man." Jack muttered.
The trio set off, soon arriving near the Harvest Church by horseless carriage.
Compared to Backlund's grand churches like St. Samuel, Holy Wind, or Lever... dedicated to the Evernight, Storm, and Steam churches... the Harvest Church was modest. Its golden-yellow facade bore the Sacred Emblem of Life of wheat, flowers, and springs, but it was nearly deserted, with hardly any worshippers.
Alaric, as Lucifer, gazed at the Earth Mother's emblem and smiled, lingering outside.
He was curious whether the Evernight Goddess had shared any information about him with her dear ally. It was crucial... it would shape how smoothly his talk with Lilith went and how he'd approach the conversation.
Klein, unsure why Mr. Lucifer was lingering outside, knew better than to barge into the Harvest Church alone. As a tactful person, he waited with Lucifer.
"Sherlock, think we'll walk in and get ambushed by three hundred man-eating mushrooms?" Alaric, as Jack, teased Klein during the wait.
"Shouldn't it be three hundred ax-wielding guards? Man-eating mushrooms? What's that about?" Klein retorted, confused.
"You're missing out. As the saying goes, 'death by fishy fungi'... man-eating mushrooms are a famous Earth pathway specialty. You've gotta try them." Alaric said confidently.
"?" Klein shivered, not getting it. "Is that a bad joke?"
"No, no, let me introduce you to the legendary Mushroom King, Frank Lee, who's trying to crossbreed wheat with cows, a genius and a madman in one…" Alaric eagerly began explaining Frank's exploits. As he finished, a low, gentle voice came from nearby:
"Frank's indeed a genius, but some of his ideas are too wild. The church constantly worries he'll do something catastrophic."
Klein, still reeling from Frank's deeds, looked up to see a towering figure... a man in a brown priestly robe, over two meters tall, broad and imposing, like a giant from legend.
Undoubtedly, this was Bishop Utravsky of the Harvest Church.
So tall… Klein thought, craning his neck until it ached.
"I think Frank's fine as he is. Genius on the left, madness on the right. Besides, in a world steeped in insanity, are any of us truly normal?" Alaric, as Jack, said with a smile, looking at the bishop.
Utravsky paused, considering, then nodded. "I don't disagree, but I believe the Mother has her reasons for letting Frank leave the church. It may be his destiny."
"Fair enough. You're a fate enthusiast." Alaric said, shrugging, unsurprised.
He knew Bishop Utravsky was a devout follower of the Earth Mother, guided by the belief that all was her will... likely why he was her favored.
Utravsky then turned to Lucifer, bowing. "Your Excellency Lucifer, the Mother's will has descended upon this church. Please, follow me."
***
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