"Then, are you in or not? If you don't want the job, I'll assign it to someone else," Alaric said, glancing at Amon, cutting off his nonsense.
Clearly, Alaric had little patience for Amon's antics.
"I'm honored to contribute to the fight against Outer Deities," Amon replied without a moment's hesitation.
"Good!" Alaric nodded, resuming the meeting.
With that issue settled, the discussion shifted to the remaining topic: handling the Rose School's members and the broader implications of taking them down.
The Rose School wasn't a minor faction. Despite suppression from the Seven Gods, its historical clout meant its influence still stretched across the Southern Continent, with significant sway there and a notable presence in the Five Seas.
"We've already taken down the Numinous Episcopate. If we successfully neutralize the Rose School, their combined influence in the Southern Continent will make our reform efforts there much smoother," Alaric said unhurriedly. "That's why I value the Rose School. It's not just an Outer Deity's tendril... used right, it's a catalyst for our reforms."
"My only concern is whether we can maintain control if we're operating on both continents simultaneously," Alaric added, glancing at Medici. Though much of the reform work would fall to Sasrir, Medici would still oversee critical parts.
"I knew those twenty assistants wouldn't come easy," Medici muttered, unsurprised. After a few seconds of thought, he said, "The Southern Continent's situation is messy. Nations, churches, and organizations all have their fingers in it, but that disunity is our advantage. With the Numinous Episcopate and Rose School under control, I'm confident I can manage."
"It's yours then. If you need more hands, let me know, and I'll try to pull in extra help," Alaric said, nodding. He then discussed other details with the group, like rehabilitating the Rose School's members and whether to make the operation public afterward.
By the time they wrapped up, dusk had settled. Alaric stretched lazily. "That's it for today. Get some rest. Tomorrow at 9 a.m., we assemble and give the Mother Tree of Desire and Mother Goddess of Depravity a little Earth-style shock."
The mention of both the Mother Tree of Desire and Mother Goddess of Depravity was deliberate. While the Mother Tree of Desire held Tolzna, many Rose School members were swayed by the Mother Goddess of Depravity, as both operated under the guise of the Mother Goddess of Depravity, the faction's shared deity.
As the meeting ended, Alaric, under his Jack persona, sought out Klein, who was buried in paperwork.
"Klein, Klein! There's a big action tomorrow with the old folks. Wanna join the fun?" Alaric's voice was chipper, fully leaning into his sunny college kid vibe.
Klein set down a document, eyeing his lively friend. Something about Alaric's enthusiasm reminded him of a golden retriever he'd once read about. Shaking off the thought, he asked curiously, "What's the big action?"
Lately, Klein been diligently playing Medici in the border cities, handling various tasks. It was handling affairs in the city, marking his most peaceful yet hectic period since transmigrating. Peaceful, as he'd finally escaped the endless string of Beyonder incidents. Hectic, as the workload was substantial.
His sense of duty kept him from cutting corners. Early on, he'd struggled, consulting his assistant on every decision to avoid mistakes. Thankfully, his assistant was competent and patient, and Klein was a quick study. After the initial hurdles, he'd grown adept, but as a Sequence 6, he couldn't match the endurance of powerhouses like Medici or Sasrier, so he still got overwhelmed when work piled up.
Luckily, Sasrier stepped in, taking on tasks when Klein faltered, easing his burden but sparking guilt.
"Uh…" Alaric froze, realizing a critical issue... Klein, not yet Sequence 2, couldn't know about Outer Deities.
That meant the Rose School operation was a spectacle Klein should avoid.
"Klein, when are you hitting Sequence 2?" Alaric asked wistfully after a long pause.
Klein blinked, their rapport letting him instantly grasp why Alaric asked. He chuckled, shaking his head. "That's still a long way off. I'm only Sequence 6!"
Alaric pouted, then perked up. "You've been playing Medici for a while now, flawlessly in front of others. Your Faceless potion should be nearly digested, right?"
Klein nodded, not denying it. "In a few days, I'll have fully digested my Faceless potion. Once that's done, I plan to ask Mr. Lucifer for a few days off to find mermaids for the ritual and advance to Sequence 5."
He wasn't short on Marionettist materials. Thanks to working for Medici, the Red Angel had generously provided both the potion materials and formula.
"Sailing, huh…" Alaric mused, rubbing his chin for a few seconds before grinning eagerly. "Let's go together then!"
Klein glanced at Alaric, clearly scheming, and smiled helplessly but didn't refuse. "Sure."
Alaric's mind raced with the Five Seas' attractions: a banshee tied to the City of Calamity, a Sea God on its last legs, a randomly spawning Red Maid, a slacker Anderson perfect for drafting as Medici's assistant, and a lurking Queen of Calamity, among others.
While his main self handled serious business, his alternate persona could have some fun!
Alaric wasn't picky... high or low sequence, he loved all kinds of entertainment.
***
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