The wriggling, malevolent vines, transformed into tangible curses, receded back into Astolfo's body. In Astolfo's blood-red eyes, the figure, entirely formed of shimmering light, was reflected as a hoarse, low voice echoed:
"Fate has favored me this time, just like it favored you back then. The long wait has finally brought hope…"
As if ancient memories had been stirred, the God of Steam and Machinery, whose figure was becoming clearer, fell silent for a few breaths before withdrawing his gaze from Astolfo.
He glanced at Aaron, and the Scroll of Civilization gradually unfurled, instantly easing the tense, confrontational atmosphere.
Behind him, Bornova Gustav, whose face was full of struggle, suddenly half-crouched, collapsing weakly, his face pale and breathing heavily, like a drowning man pulled ashore.
Such a state seemed incredible for a complete Mythical Creature, but Aaron, feeling the changes in the surrounding order, showed a smile on his face.
Seeing that the God of Steam and Machinery had actively withdrawn the excess divinity of the "blessing" given to Bonova, Astolfo retracted the curses that stimulated humanity. Aaron's eyes flickered, and he instantly acted, using the authority of a King of Angels and the power of the Balancer to re-balance Bonova's somewhat unbalanced divinity and self-cognition.
Actions are often more convincing than words. After demonstrating his sufficient leverage and value, this Paragon actively released his goodwill.
Bernadette, who had been silently observing from the side, stared intently with her blue eyes at Bonova, who had a complex expression and had stood up again, as if she had finally confirmed something. But before she could speak, the ethereal and majestic voice of the God of Steam and Machinery came from her ear:
"I never truly gave up on Roselle, but after he was subtly corrupted by the Mother Goddess of Depravity, his already arrogant personality became radical."
"To break free from the Church's constraints, and to gain the strength to lead his followers to survive in the Cosmos when the apocalypse arrives, he chose to cooperate with Adam and forcibly ascend to become the Black Emperor…"
Bernadette withdrew her gaze from Bonova and looked directly at the light figure, her lips pursed:
"As a True God, did you never realize he had a problem?"
Ignoring Bernadette's somewhat offensive questioning tone, the God of Steam and Machinery calmly replied:
"During that time, the Outer Deities, led by the Mother Goddess of Depravity, were extremely active, diverting the attention of the Gods, and Roselle, with the help of Betel Abraham, truly left the barrier."
"By the time he returned, and I realized the problem, it was too late."
"Therefore, I tacitly allowed him to ascend to emperor, tacitly allowed him to assault the Black Emperor's Godhood with Adam's help, and killed him before the Mother Goddess of Depravity could use this to infiltrate the barrier."
"I have always been waiting for him to return like Solomon, cleansing all corruption and being reborn in the Astral World, but unfortunately, it seems there may not be enough time now…"
Aaron chuckled, breaking the somewhat subtle silence, and continued meaningfully:
"George III will not ascend to the Black Emperor's Godhood. As for Roselle, he has long since awakened, but the Mother Goddess of Depravity's corruption still exists. To prevent the disaster from spreading to reality, he himself voluntarily halted his resurrection."
Looking at Bernadette and Bonova, whose expressions were moved, Aaron added in an undeniable tone:
"Only a Great Old One can resist a Great Old One. This is also the only way to truly save Roselle."
After comforting the siblings, Aaron met the gaze of the God of Steam and Machinery. In his hand appeared the Sage characteristic containing the residual information of the Hidden Sage, and he directly threw it towards the Scroll of Civilization formed by the shimmering light, as a response to his previous goodwill:
"This contains the Hidden Sage's imprint. With your authority, you should be able to gain some useful things. If necessary, I can cooperate with you to truly eliminate the Hidden Sage."
"This is an invitation for cooperation!"
Looking at this nascent Divine Kingdom formed by the projection of the Nation of Disorder's power, the Scroll of Civilization around the God of Steam and Machinery instantly swallowed the Sage characteristic mixed with the information torrent, and also showed his sincerity for cooperation:
"I only need the Hermit Uniqueness and that Knowledge Emperor characteristic. The Hidden Sage and everything remaining from the Moses Ascetic Order will be yours!"
At the same time, the invisible barrier that had been restraining Bonova disappeared, and only whispers echoed in his ears:
"Bornova Gustav will no longer hold any positions in the Church…"
Retracting the nascent Divine Kingdom, Aaron watched as the light transformed from the Scroll of Civilization returned to the Astral World, examining the peculiar special symbol left by the God of Steam and Machinery, a structure woven from numerous illusory and complex pieces of information.
"A directional chat function, huh…" Aaron, who instantly saw through its essence, clicked his tongue, put it away, and then looked at Bonova, who was somewhat dazed, and said with a smile:
"Congratulations on regaining your freedom. Once your condition stabilizes, I have some Sealed Artifacts that I need you to re-forge."
Bonova was not an unknown minor figure. His sensitive identity was not suitable to be exposed to other forces, especially before the God of Steam and Machinery decided to fully enter the fray. This unspoken understanding was mutually acknowledged.
But for those randomly formed, highly side-effect-ridden Grade 0 Sealed Artifacts and spare Angel characteristics, an Angel-level artisan could utilize them to the greatest extent, transforming them into the most direct combat power, which was also the most urgent problem Aaron needed to solve.
Bonova nodded slightly, bowed solemnly to Aaron, and then forced a smile onto his pale face, whispering with a complex tone:
"If it weren't for his protection, perhaps I would have died in the purge by the Eternal Blazing Sun Church and the Sauron family back then, and I would have been unable to protect Cielf's descendants."
At this point, he sighed and looked at Bernadette. At this moment, the Queen Mystic's expression revealed an undisguised joy.
Not disturbing the siblings, Aaron and Astolfo exchanged glances, and their figures disappeared simultaneously.
-----------------
Rorsted Archipelago, Bayam, the "City of Generosity." The Hanged Man, Alger Wilson, wearing a hood, casually walked around a few times before arriving in front of an attic and ringing the doorbell.
Thanks to the chaotic naval battles after Loen officially declared war, he had completely digested the Wind-Blessed potion and, with the help of the ghost ship's unique ability to fish in troubled waters, had gained many benefits.
A considerable portion of these benefits he sent to Cielf the "Artisan," after all, well-forged Mystical Items could be exchanged for more gold pounds in the black market, to pay the reward promised by Mr. "World" for "helping him find the Obninsk Sea Monster to complete the ritual."