"Your second task is to take control of the Church of the Sea God. You've seen the files... though it's a small organization, it's strategically vital. Taking and reforming it will aid our later efforts to liberate the Five Seas," Alaric said. "Once you secure Kalvetua's characteristic, I'll have someone craft it into a suitable Sealed Artifact as part of your reward."
Klein's mind flashed to the Church of the Sea God files he'd just read. It was a native faith in the Five Seas, its doctrines bloody and primal. Yet its members were unique, largely composed of anti-colonial resistance fighters. Controlling it was indeed crucial for liberating the Five Seas.
Kalvetua, the god they worshipped, wasn't a true deity but a Sequence 3 Sea King. Its madness made it weaker than a typical Sequence 3, and its condition had worsened lately, perhaps nearing its fall.
"But even a weakened Kalvetua is still Sequence 3…" Klein pointed out, gesturing to himself. "And I'm only Sequence 6!"
Him fighting Kalvetua? Was that for real?
"I'm not expecting you to fight it head-on. Per its original fate, you just need to seize the opportunity," Alaric said with a smile. "Of course, fate's convergence isn't guaranteed, so to account for surprises, you can contact the Church of the Storm. They'll arrange support."
He wasn't lying. Though he hadn't yet spoken to the Lord of Storm, since greeting The Ancient Sun God and Leodero, the Church of the Storm had turned a blind eye to their actions. When the Church of the Evernight sent aid, the Church of Storm quietly did the same.
This was why Alaric hadn't bothered Leodero... the old storm god, though tempestuous, knew when to play along.
"Good to know," Klein said, relieved. He wasn't afraid of strong foes, but tackling a Sequence 3 was a bit much.
Alaric outlined a few more tasks, then added, "Besides the Church of the Storm, you can reach out to Admiral Hell, Admiral of Stars, Vice Admiral Iceberg, and the Queen Mystic's forces. They're either ours or allies."
Klein couldn't help but marvel. "Sounds like half the Five Seas is already ours."
"Be confident... the other half will be too, eventually," Jack Said, clapping Klein's shoulder.
Alaric, in his Lucifer guise, smiled. "You can advance to Sequence 5 first, then tackle these tasks while digesting your Marionettist potion. The Five Seas is a better stage for acting as a Marionettist. I look forward to the day you reach Sequence 4."
"Got it," Klein nodded. He'd planned to rush to the Five Seas, find mermaids, advance, and return. But with these tasks, there was no need to hurry back. The border cities, while nice, weren't ideal for digesting the Marionettist potion.
Alaric gave Klein a few more instructions before turning to Sasrir. "You two can start the handover."
Klein looked at Sasrir, slightly sheepish. "Sorry for the trouble, Mr. Sasrir."
"It's my job. You're the one who's been working hard," Sasrir said with a warm smile.
"It wasn't hard. I got plenty in return, and contributing to the revolution is an honor," Klein said, shaking his head. He'd enjoyed helping the world's ordinary people, and he hadn't worked for nothing. He'd digested his Faceless potion, prepared for the Miracle Invoker ritual, and received materials like those for the Trickmaster potion. If anything, he felt he'd gotten the better deal.
"No need to feel bad. Others aren't working for free either. Take Medici... his reward is a Sequence 1 characteristic and a godhood ritual," Jack Said, grinning, clearly reading Klein's thoughts.
Honestly, while Alaric worked his people hard, he was never stingy with rewards... be it pulling strings, securing characteristics, or other perks. If it was owed, it was given.
"Jack's right. No need to feel uneasy," Sasrir said with a smile, then began discussing work with Klein. Having handled much of the border city operations already, their handover was seamless.
While they worked, Alaric, as Lucifer, turned to Lil' Amon. "You're heading to the Five Seas too?"
"Can't I?" Lil' Amon blinked, countering with a question.
"You're free to go. I'm just curious. Klein's going for his Marionettist advancement, Jack's in it for the fun... what about you?" Alaric asked, smiling.
Lil' Amon, whom Alaric had watched "grow up" in a sense, fell silent for a second before answering earnestly, "I just want to see it."
"Klein says the Five Seas is a messy place, full of all kinds of people. I want to see it for myself," Lil' Amon continued, meeting Alaric's gaze. "Here, I've seen the beautiful, resilient side of humanity, and I'm starting to understand why you and Uncle Lucifer value it. But humanity isn't just beauty, is it?"
He went on, "I know why I exist. I want to see the other side of humanity, even the ugly parts. Only then can I become a complete person."
Lil' Amon lacked the original Amon's memories, but after the original's brief descent into him, he'd grasped his purpose... to become human.
Lately, he'd been observing the border cities, their beauty and resilience, and had learned much. But it wasn't enough. He knew humanity wasn't all good. So when Klein planned his Five Seas trip for advancement, Lil' Amon decided to tag along.
To witness humanity's other side.
***
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