Seeing that Herabergen was unconcerned about the destruction of the wilderness, Alaric didn't offer to help with repairs. Instead, he turned to Medici with enthusiasm. "So, next up, we find Sasrir and get The Ancient Sun God to help you re-accommodate the uniqueness, right? That's what I call seeing things through. After all, since Adam caused you to lose the Red Priest's uniqueness, it's only fair that Grisha takes responsibility."
As the saying goes, there's no better time than the present, and Alaric was always one for swift action.
"…Fine," Medici said. He'd initially wanted to say he could try accommodating the uniqueness without The Ancient Sun God's help, but he swallowed the words.
Because, on second thought, Alaric had a point. Since Adam was the reason he'd lost the Red Priest's uniqueness, it was only logical for The Ancient Sun God to help him reclaim it.
"Perhaps I could observe?" Herabergen interjected, unable to resist.
He was aware that a Pillar could assist others in forcibly accommodating a uniqueness, but he'd never witnessed it firsthand and was eager to see it. Having joined The Ancient Sun God later than others, Herabergen had missed Medici's initial accommodation of the Red Priest's uniqueness, and the peculiar circumstances of the two divine sons' births meant he hadn't seen those either.
"Do you mind?" Alaric asked, turning to Medici, respecting his friend's opinion.
Medici glanced at him, then at Herabergen. His relationship with the old dragon had never been warm, and they'd even been adversaries after The Ancient Sun God's fall. But since The Ancient Sun God had forgiven Herabergen, and the dragon had returned to his service... while Medici, thanks to The Ancient Sun God's tacit approval during the "hot pot incident," had already switched sides to work for Alaric... he saw no need to keep antagonizing him.
So Medici nodded casually. "Sure."
"Thank you for your generosity," Herabergen said, a smile spreading across his face, his eyes gleaming with curiosity for the unknown.
Thus, the trio left the "City of Exile," Morora, and headed to a border city.
At that moment, Sasrir was busy working... or, more precisely, handing over tasks to Klein. Jack and Lil' Amon were nearby, occasionally helping, occasionally making things worse.
"Hm?" Sensing familiar presences, Sasrir looked up from his documents and spotted the trio, momentarily puzzled by the unlikely group.
But the next second, his gaze locked onto the flag in Medici's hands. Even as an avatar, Sasrir's insight remained sharp, and he instantly recognized it. "The corruption on the Red Priest's uniqueness has been resolved?" He asked, surprised.
Sasrir was well aware of Salinger's Blood Banner. Even if he hadn't known initially, his recent intelligence-gathering and exchanges had filled him in.
"Exactly!" Alaric nodded, briefly explaining the day's events before looking at Sasrir. "So, I'd like Grisha to help Medici accommodate the uniqueness and become a true War Angel again."
By the way, due to Medici's grueling workload, Alaric, feeling a pang of guilt, had already given him the Conqueror characteristic in advance. Without it, Medici might not have been able to handle certain situations.
"I understand. I'll inform the Lord of this. He will help Medici accommodate the uniqueness... it's His responsibility," Sasrir said, his gentle gaze settling on Medici with a hint of relief.
Sasrir had always felt guilt and pain over the "hot pot incident" involving Medici, even though, strictly speaking, it wasn't his fault. He'd never been able to let it go.
Now that Medici could finally move past that shadow and reclaim his status as the War Angel, Sasrir couldn't help but feel relieved.
"Tch, don't look at me like that. It's not your fault," Medici said, picking up on Sasrir's thoughts. He turned his head away awkwardly.
"It is my fault. Even if I'm not seen as the same entity as Adam, as the True Creator, I still failed to protect you," Sasrir said, shaking his head earnestly.
"…I'm not about to blame a lunatic who could barely control himself," Medici replied, his expression devoid of sentimentality. "Besides, it's all in the past. I've moved on."
He looked at Sasrir, his tone serious. "You should move on too, Sasrir."
Medici was being honest. He wasn't one to dwell on things, and after giving Adam a metaphorical "stab in the back," He'd truly let go of the past.
Of course, having switched his allegiance to Alaric, Medici had no intention of returning to his old master. He was a man of principle... once he pledged loyalty, he wouldn't waver. The Ancient Sun God was his former lord, a father-like figure, but no longer the object of his allegiance.
The War Angel's loyalty, though perhaps informal in its beginnings, was never cheap.
"I'm sorry, I've always been a bit indecisive," Sasrir said with a slightly apologetic smile, then added with relief, "But I'm glad you've moved on. That's good."
Click!
At that moment, the sound of a camera shutter interrupted them. Sasrir and Medici turned toward the source, unsurprisingly finding Alaric snapping photos of them.
"Don't mind me. You know I have a little habit of capturing key moments," Alaric said, completely unembarrassed, camera in hand. He even egged them on. "How about a hug? It'd be a memorable shot."
"Hah!" Medici scoffed, rolling his eyes. "So keen on photos, yet I didn't see you snapping that scene earlier."
He was, of course, referring to his oath of allegiance.
"Who says I didn't?" Alaric replied, looking at Medici with mock confusion. "I not only took the shot, but I also made over a hundred backups. Even if the world ends, they'll still be safe."
Medici's smile froze.
Sasrir gave a helpless chuckle, then looked at Medici with a sudden smile. "So, do you need a hug, my child?"
It was hard to tell whether Sasrir's suggestion stemmed from paternal affection... or sheer cunning.
"No thanks. Save it for Amon; he needs a father figure more," Medici said through gritted teeth.
Sasrir's face fell into a look of regret.
After this brief moment of familial bonding, it was time to get down to business. Sasrir logged off, and The Ancient Sun God took his place.
***
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