Alaric nodded. "Of course, or I wouldn't be betting on them."
"That's enough for me," Antigonus said, his massive wolf eyes locked onto Alaric's. "I don't know what Amanises's thinking... maybe she sees my characteristics as hers to claim... but for now, they're still mine."
He continued, "I don't know the details of your deal with Amanises, but I want to make a bet of my own, staking my remaining Seer characteristic and the Fool's Uniqueness."
"I don't ask for any reward, only one thing." The demon wolf's eyes blazed with resolve. "Never, ever let the Celestial Worthy return."
Everything he held dear was destroyed because of the Celestial Worthy. Antigonus lacked the power for revenge, so he could only wager all he had to prevent his enemy's revival.
Alaric studied him, then broke into a smile. "You're more interesting than I expected. I'm starting to like you even more."
He reached out, ruffling the demon wolf's head. "I accept your deal. I guarantee the Celestial Worthy will never return."
Antigonus felt a wave of relief. He couldn't be sure if Mr. Door or Amon's "little Seer" could truly suppress the Celestial Worthy, but he believed this man could ensure the Celestial Worthy stayed gone.
"Oh, by the way…" Alaric said, as if struck by a thought, looking at Antigonus. "Do you want to save your sister?"
Antigonus's head snapped up, his eyes blazing with intensity.
For Antigonus, with the Nation of the Evernight in ruins, his sister was the only thing left that tethered him.
"Where is she? Is she alright?" Antigonus's voice was almost frantic, his concern for his only kin overwhelming.
"From what I know, she's not doing well," Alaric said, shaking his head slowly. "Your sister is alive, but Amanises turned her into a vessel for divine descent, trapped in eternal slumber. She's now known as Sealed Artifact 0-17, the Angel of Concealment."
Antigonus opened his mouth, but his emotions were so intense that no sound came out.
After a long pause, he forced out a single word through gritted teeth: "…Amanises!"
Taking a deep breath, he looked at Alaric and asked bluntly, "What do I need to do?"
"Work hard for me?" Alaric said with a grin, looking at Antigonus. "I'm a fair boss. As long as my employees do their job well, I don't mind offering some rewards."
Getting Philanias from Amanises's grasp was never an issue for Alaric. If Amanises was willing to let go of Antigonus, she wouldn't cling to his sister either... it was just a matter of another deal.
For a pet he liked, Alaric didn't mind putting in a bit of extra effort.
Hearing this, Antigonus let out a breath, then added, "My sister is more capable than me. She's not as strong, but she used to manage the Nation of the Evernight. Once she's saved, she'll definitely be a great subordinate for you."
"You and your sister really are close," Alaric said, glancing at Antigonus. He could tell the wolf was hyping up his sister's value.
"…She's been with me for many years," Antigonus admitted, his eyes lowering with a mix of nostalgia and melancholy.
After their father, Annihilation Demonic Wolf Flegrea, fell, Antigonus and his sister, Philanias, had relied on each other. They survived the brutal Second Epoch together, hid through the Third Epoch, and finally reached the golden Fourth Epoch... only for it all to end abruptly.
"You look like you're about to cry," Alaric remarked, noting Antigonus's dejected expression. Then he grinned. "Want to beat up Zaratul? If you do, make it quick. After that, we'll go talk to Amanises about getting your sister back."
The previously downcast demon wolf perked up instantly, practically radiating excitement.
A few minutes later, Foggy Town fell silent again. Zaratul hung from the ceiling like cured meat, not turned into a marionette but fully conscious, unable to break free. Unless someone cut him down, he'd likely be stuck there for years.
"..."
Why is it always me who gets hurt?
…
"While I had my suspicions, you never cease to surprise me, Lucifer."
In her Divine Kingdom, facing Alaric's second visit with his entourage, Amanises's expression wasn't overly surprised but carried a hint of reflection. Her gaze settled on Antigonus, who crouched behind Alaric in his demon wolf form, as if using him as a shield, though a trace of fear lingered deep in his eyes.
Amanises smiled faintly, memories stirring. Long ago, in the Second Epoch, Antigonus hadn't yet adapted to a human form, always appearing as a demon wolf. Back then, he'd been just as obedient before Flegrea... not out of filial devotion, but pure fear.
Ancient gods like Flegrea had no concept of paternal love; killing their own offspring was routine.
"It's been a long time since I've seen you in this form, Antigonus," Amanises said, a touch of nostalgia in her voice. She studied him. "Indeed, a dog feels safer with a master."
Antigonus stiffened, then retorted defiantly, "Don't forget, you're a demon wolf too. You were once Father's lapdog, except you, the vicious hound, chose to devour your master."
"No, I'm not a demon wolf. I've always remembered I'm human," Amanises replied, unfazed by his outburst. Her gaze was like that of an adult looking at a petulant child.
Amanises had never taken Antigonus seriously. In the Second Epoch, Flegrea's cub was beneath her notice. Even when he caused a stir during the War of the Four Emperors, she paid him little heed... just a test subject for Adam and Amon. She was far more focused on the divine brothers.
It wasn't that she looked down on him; Antigonus simply wasn't worth her attention.
If his condition hadn't deteriorated so badly, nearly triggering the Celestial Worthy's return, Amanises wouldn't have bothered with him at all.
***
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