lnce Zangwill was baffled, instinctively following Evah's gaze. There, a priest in a white robe stood, unnoticed until now. His golden eyes met Ince's with a trace of compassion, yet, on closer inspection, seemed devoid of any emotion.
Wait—no, this wasn't the first time… Ince's mind clicked. He'd seen this priest before, about two months ago. And after that, multiple times—while secretly observing the Nighthawks, while gripping 0-08 to weave his stories—this figure had been there, silently watching, just like now.
Who was this?
A bitter irony hit Ince. He'd thought he was the mastermind penning Tingen's story, but now he realized he might be the clown, observed without knowing.
The anger surging in that moment briefly drowned out his fear. He wanted to speak, to demand who these two were, but as he looked up and met Evah's golden eyes, an overwhelming panic engulfed him.
The next second, Ince Zangwill knew nothing.
Ince Zangwill stopped thinking.
"When it comes to efficiency, direct Emotion Manipulation is faster. But for finer control, without turning someone into a puppet, Persona Mask's influence is more practical. Emotion Manipulation is limited in scope, while Persona Mask has broader range…" Evah concluded, his gaze sweeping over Ince, now a silent puppet, before settling on Adam. He smiled. "So, you here to snatch it from me? With your strength, that'd be easy."
Evah wasn't surprised Adam showed up. The guy practically melted into the air daily—Evah just assumed He was always nearby. Given 0-08 was a Sequence 1 characteristic of the Spectator pathway, Adam staying dormant would've been weirder.
Evah was just curious how Adam would play it. Snatch 0-08 outright?
He'd be pissed if so. Sure, the pen wasn't his, but now that it was in his hands, good luck prying it loose.
Two pairs of golden eyes locked—one playful, one serene.
Adam broke the stare first, shaking His head. "I won't take it by force. I propose an exchange."
"Oh?" Evah's interest piqued. Stroking his chin, he sized Adam up. "What're you offering for it?"
Adam didn't beat around the bush. He pulled a box from His robe, smiling faintly. "A Conqueror characteristic."
"Whoa, big spender!" Evah raised an eyebrow, undeniably tempted.
Truth be told, Evah wasn't that attached to 0-08. Its downside—writing its holder's death—was too steep. He could threaten it physically, but a long tug-of-war risked a fumble. And frankly, the pen wasn't worth that hassle—especially since it had the gall to threaten him with social death.
Plus, 0-08's lack of direct lethality and long wind-up made it impractical. Ince needed two months just to prep for some ashes. Evah could spend that time cozying up to an angel for better returns.
Not to mention, 0-08 was Adam's must-have. Evah wasn't scared of mutually assured destruction, but there was no need to burn bridges over something he didn't care much for.
So, Adam's offer of a Conqueror characteristic was a delightful surprise.
The Hunter pathway's Conqueror characteristic promised raw destructive power. As a characteristic, its side effects would be minimal. Once Evah fished Roselle out, he could have him craft it into a fitting Sealed Artifact.
Best of all, when Evah was done with it, he could trade it to Medici for something juicy, racking up favor in the process. Total win.
Who said Adam didn't get people? This was peak people skills.
Evah declared Adam could stand on the tip of his durian-shaped heart for a whole second.
"Should I be honored?" Adam seemed to catch Evah's drift, smiling gently.
"You absolutely should," Evah said, unabashed. He grinned at Adam. "So, what do you want, Mr. Adam?"
Adam could've nabbed 0-08 earlier but let—or even nudged—this trade along. Evah didn't buy that it was out of boredom.
"Let the past me see this world with His own eyes, grasp its full scope. That's my only request," Adam said, eyes lowering, His voice measured. "He should witness everything and then make a choice."
"Choice?" Evah raised an eyebrow, studying Adam. "Between you and the True Creator?"
"And if He picks the True Creator, you'd just let yourself die?"
Evah got Adam's meaning. He wanted the Ancient Sun God to fully understand the current state of affairs, everything that had happened, and choose between humanity and divinity.
"If that's His choice, I'd honor my will," Adam said, His golden eyes unwavering.
"I'm kinda impressed. Divinity, huh…" Evah said, half-sighing, then perked up with a glint of curiosity. "So, Mr. Adam, ever thought about some therapy? Absolute rationality's no picnic. Never considered picking up some humanity?"
"I'm the world's greatest psychologist, but I can't heal myself," Adam said, shaking His head.
Had He thought about it? Maybe. Pure divinity wasn't ideal in this world. Balancing divinity and humanity was the sweet spot.
But Adam couldn't do it. He couldn't heal Himself.
"How about I give it a shot?" Evah offered, brimming with enthusiasm. Sure, Sequence 7 abilities shouldn't work on an King of Angel, but with Nyarlathotep's power in the mix, who knows?
Adam glanced at Evah, then at the puppetized Ince Zangwill, the implication clear: You trying to make me a puppet too?
"I'd love to, but it's a no-go," Evah admitted frankly, spreading his hands. "You've been watching me this whole time, so you probably know. I've got the means to take this world down with me, and my status isn't low, but my actual power's pretty meh—roughly a standard Sequence 5 at best."
(End of Chapter)