Leodero quickly recounted what had just happened in a few words.
The Evernight Goddess listened quietly, then said, "So you're certain the person you saw was that Creator?"
Leodero fell silent for a few seconds, then nodded. "I'm sure. It's been ages, but I wouldn't mistake someone I once followed."
He glanced at the Evernight Goddess. "Evernight, if you saw Him yourself, I bet you'd recognize Him too. I know you worked with the Creator in secret plenty of times."
The Evernight Goddess didn't deny it. Unlike Leodero, who openly followed the Ancient Sun God, she'd had a decent relationship with Him back then, collaborating often. Otherwise, she wouldn't have led the Rose Redemption.
Her thoughts turned to Evah. She'd started watching him when he appeared beside Klein Moretti, given Klein's unique status and Evah's obvious complexity.
After observing for a while, she shared intel with the Lord of Storms, planning to prod him into testing Evah if needed. When Evah probed the Church's stance, she sent an oracle, choosing to show goodwill.
But she hadn't expected Evah to drop such a bombshell.
"He can even summon that Creator… Who is he?" The Evernight Goddess frowned, her mind racing with guesses but no clear answer.
She knew about the Shadow of Time, though not in detail. Her focus on Klein gave her a rough idea of Evah's ability—some kind of historical projection, principle unclear, but capable of summoning past consciousnesses.
Still, she hadn't imagined he could summon the Ancient Sun God.
If he could summon Him, what about God Almighty? The Celestial Worthy? Or even the Original Creator…
Finally, the Evernight Goddess exhaled, thinking, "Maybe I should be glad he at least seems to side with humanity."
She looked at Leodero. "I understand the situation now. Don't worry, Leodero. You know that Creator's nature. You didn't betray Him actively, and you've guarded this world for years. Even if He seeks to settle scores, hand over your uniqueness and Sequence 1 characteristic, and He won't pursue it further."
Leodero gave a bitter smile, not arguing.
He knew the Ancient Sun God's character well.
"As for the other one…" The Evernight Goddess paused, then continued, "He's just fond of pranks. He probably doesn't mean you any real harm."
"Just say he's a knockoff Amon and call it a day," Leodero grumbled, but he relaxed slightly, then pressed, "So what is he, Evernight? Do you know?"
...
Evah, unaware of the Astral World's events, wouldn't have cared much if he knew.
He canceled the Ancient Sun God's summon just before his spirituality ran dry, then turned to Adam, who'd appeared beside him at some point, grinning. "I thought you'd at least say a word or two to Him."
"Nothing to say," Adam said flatly.
"So, any thoughts on what I did today?" Evah asked, still smiling.
"Which part?" Adam glanced at him, golden eyes devoid of emotion. "Reform isn't simple, but if you're set on pushing it, I can accept it."
"Yeah, you just need the era's tide to match your vision, but you don't care what kind of tide it is," Evah said, chuckling. "War's inevitable, and any kind fits your needs."
Adam didn't argue, just watched him silently.
Evah didn't mind the lack of response, grinning. "So, wanna give it a shot? Reform's a tide too. If it works, lots of people could find happiness."
He tilted his head toward Adam. "Not me leading it, though—you. I've got no interest in playing savior."
Adam lowered his gaze, still silent.
"You're making me feel like I'm talking to a rock," Evah said, feigning annoyance. "I gave you the chance. The rest's not my problem."
"See ya, Mr. Adam. I'm off to catch some sleep," Evah said, waving before heading to rest.
Adam watched him go, standing still even after Evah vanished, eyes downcast, lost in thought.
...
"I wonder how the stormy old pigeon will react. Groveling's unlikely, but maybe more goodwill?" Evah mused, not too concerned.
His stunt at St. Samuel Cathedral, shouting Leodero's name with the Ancient Sun God, was mostly for fun and a flex of power. He didn't care much about other outcomes.
He knew a Sequence 0 god like the old pigeon, after years in power, wouldn't just surrender at the sight of the Ancient Sun God. Some resistance was likely.
Sure, Leodero might team up with the True Creator and Eternal Blazing Sun to come knocking, but that was a slim chance.
"Adam, though…" Evah sensed his Mask-maker potion's digestion progress, a smirk forming.
On the surface, nothing had changed, but the advancing digestion showed one thing: Adam was wavering again.
Evah knew it wasn't just the Mask-maker mask's "love." The bigger factor was likely the Ancient Sun God's choices.
The Ancient Sun God wouldn't ignore the East District's plight. With Him acting, the True Creator would follow, leaving Adam with only one real option.
"So, beyond the mask's changes, shaping the external environment to shift someone's perspective also digests the potion," Evah concluded, pushing open his door. He found Klein pacing in the living room, while Medici lounged on the sofa, munching an apple.
"Jack, you're finally back," Klein said, visibly relieved.
"What's up?" Evah asked, puzzled.
"He was worried the Lord of Storms fried you," Medici cut in, his red eyes sizing Evah up before he sneered. "I told him he's fretting over nothing. A menace like you? No one's getting zapped before you."
Evah got the picture. Leodero's thunder tantrum had spooked Klein. Though Klein didn't know Evah caused it, the apocalyptic lightning while Evah was out wandering would worry anyone.
Evah reassured Klein, then turned to Medici. "You don't have to be so roundabout to show you care, you know."
"Who cares about you?" Medici said, rolling his eyes.
"Whoever speaks up, that's who," Evah said, grinning. He yawned. "I'm beat and need a nap. You guys do you."
Summoning the Ancient Sun God for so long had drained him. Without sleep, his eyes might not stay open.
(End of Chapter)