The Red Priest pathway is all about war, and Medici craved a continent-sweeping conflict more than anyone.
He didn't speak, but his slightly clenched fists betrayed his turbulent emotions.
Evah stood, grinning, and placed a hand on Medici's shoulder. "So, Little Red, see how good I am to you? Back then, you followed the Sun God, freeing humanity from the ancient gods. Now, you can follow Him again, liberating the oppressed."
"Like the gift I got you?"
"…Tch!" Medici paused for a few seconds, then swatted Evah's hand away. "What's in it for you?"
"Joy, maybe? You know I live for fun," Evah said, chuckling as he sat back down and sipped his coffee.
"Not chaos?" Medici pressed, his ruby-like eyes locked on Evah.
"A chaotic environment does suit my style, I won't deny it," Evah said, not dodging the question. He finished his coffee, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and added, "Also, I know you're actually touched."
"…Get lost!" Medici rolled his eyes again, silent for a moment before asking, "Why the sudden gift?"
"A thank-you for your words last time," Evah said earnestly. "They weren't entirely right, but they did spark some ideas."
Medici recalled their earlier talk, frowning. He studied Evah, then smirked, his smile bold. "Little monster, you dissecting me?"
"Nah, just trying to make a friend," Evah said, shaking his head with a grin. "Medici, don't deny it—I know you already see me as one."
After everything, Medici's favorability toward him had hit around sixty—solid friend territory. It was enough to borrow Sequence 3 War Bishop powers.
Reason kept Medici wary, but Evah's antics had clearly won him over emotionally.
Medici's smile faltered. Evah's sincerity and the fact that his true feelings were exposed gave him the unsettling sense of being seen through.
He squinted at Evah, realizing something. "Looks like you've changed a bit."
"Thanks to you," Evah said, genuinely free of sarcasm. He stood, patted Medici's shoulder again, and grinned. "Oh, a quick tip: maybe reach out to the Storm Church. They might be open to helping you."
"Yesterday's Storm Lord freakout was you, wasn't it?" Medici said, not entirely surprised.
"I just dragged the Sun God along to say hi to Mr. Leodero," Evah said, chuckling. "It's just a suggestion, though. Who knows, maybe you'll contact the Storm Church and get a wagonload of archbishops coming to beat you up."
"Tch, Leodero wouldn't dare. Without the Lord around, sure, he'd try it. But with the Lord back on earth, he'll just watch," Medici said with a sneer, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Guess the stormy old pigeon's cautious after all. Gotta love that Lord of Mysteries charm!" Evah said, pinching his chin in mock critique. He carried his dirty plate and cup to the kitchen, humming a tune while washing dishes.
When he finished, Medici was gone—either resting in his room or out again.
Evah didn't mind. Back in his room, he pulled a box from a cabinet. Inside was the Red Priest Card of Blasphemy.
"Been putting this off long enough. Time to summon you and check things out, Roselle," Evah muttered. He flipped the Red Priest Card between his fingers, then drew a shadow from the air—not Roselle, but Mr. Door.
No way was he summoning Roselle at home. Risk exposing himself? Nope. Blow up the house if something went wrong? Double nope.
So, Evah borrowed the Traveler's ability, switched to his Lucifer alias, and teleported to a safehouse.
He released the Traveler power, and with a flick of his wrist, the Red Priest Card appeared in his hand. Activating his ability, he pulled at the air, and a figure took shape.
A man in his early thirties, with shoulder-length brown hair, handsome features, and a small mustache, dressed in classic Intis style.
Roselle opened his eyes, blue gaze briefly dazed before sharpening with cunning. He scanned the room, then fixed on Evah, smiling. "Can you explain what's going on, sir? I was just handling affairs in the White Maple Palace, and now I'm here."
His tone wasn't aggressive, even mild, but Evah felt the cold, piercing scrutiny in Roselle's stare.
"It's 10 a.m., September 21, 1349," Evah said calmly, then grinned. "Congrats on crossing over again, Mr. Huang Tao."
Roselle froze, blurting out in Chinese, "Holy crap!"
But he wasn't some rookie transmigrator. This summoned Roselle was at Sequence 1 Knowledge Emperor, so he quickly regained composure. After a few seconds of self-assessment, he looked at Evah. "Sir, this joke isn't funny."
"Not a joke. For you, it's another crossing, though it might not last long," Evah said, smiling. He gestured invitingly. "If you don't believe me, I'll give you one minute to look around, see the world a hundred years later. Or, you know, call an old friend."
Roselle's sharp gaze lingered on Evah's face, neither confirming nor denying belief. He just smiled. "Since you put it that way, I'll take you up on it."
With that, Roselle vanished, off to explore.
Evah waited calmly in the safehouse. Exactly one minute later, Roselle reappeared, his expression grim.
(End of Chapter)