Azik was in excellent condition.
On one hand, he had recovered most of his lost memories, no longer wandering in confusion, searching for the answer to "Who am I?" On the other, while the return of his memories brought some minor troubles, frequent visits with his children, Lucifer's persona mask, the anchors provided by Klein and others, and the recognition from the Death Consul himself ensured that Azik wasn't overwhelmed by his past. He remained steadfastly himself.
Moreover, with Lucifer's help in taking control of the Numinous Episcopate and fighting for the cause of reform, the final void in Azik's heart... the guilt over past sins... had been filled.
It could be said that Azik was now complete. Though his days were busy, they were fulfilling.
So, when Alaric posed his question, Azik, though slightly surprised, responded with calm clarity, detailing his condition before concluding, "My state is fine. If you, Lucifer, can suppress the other half of my soul, I'm more than fifty percent confident I can successfully merge with it."
This wasn't bravado. Azik's assessment was based on his current condition and his interactions with his other half over time.
As if recalling something, he added, "In fact, the success rate might be even higher. Your theory was correct. The faith of the believers has influenced my other half, making it… how should I put it? Gentler, perhaps?"
Alaric's earlier push to reform the Death's doctrines wasn't just about transforming the Numinous Episcopate; it was also a test to see if changing the believers' perception of their deity could affect the state of the Artificial Death, who bore the uniqueness. The results proved Alaric right. Azik, as half of the equation, had clearly felt the Artificial Death's change. Though still largely irrational and driven by instinct, it was no longer as cold and unyielding. If it was once a lion ready to bite, it was now more like a big cat that might let you touch its paw... still fierce, prone to swiping if provoked, but undeniably different.
"Good to know," Alaric said, raising an eyebrow, unsurprised by Azik's words. He looked at him and asked, "So, do you want to merge with your other half today? Or would you rather wait?"
Alaric wasn't in a rush to force Azik into merging immediately. Today was a good opportunity... Alaric couldn't guarantee when he'd next draw the "Death" card... but if Azik wasn't in a hurry, Alaric was fine waiting for another chance.
Azik didn't answer immediately, taking a few seconds to think. Then, with a firm yet gentle nod, he said, "I think I'm ready. With the new year approaching, I'd like to become stronger before then."
"Great!" Alaric met his gaze, sensing his resolve, and nodded without further persuasion. Smiling, he added, "I'll inform Amanises. She has some clever tricks for dealing with Salinger that could help with the merge."
As the saying goes, every expert has their specialty. Though Alaric was currently a Death, he only wielded the associated powers. When it came to handling Azik's deadbeat father, Salinger, he couldn't compare to Amanises, Salinger's long-time adversary.
"Thanks for the trouble," Azik said, a touch embarrassed but not prideful enough to refuse. He wasn't entirely sure what schemes his father had woven into him, but he knew just how deplorable Salinger was. Given that, it was better to play it safe.
If he died, it wouldn't be the end of the world, but if the Death was reborn, it would be a massive headache for Lucifer and the others.
Alaric was always decisive, so shortly after, Amanises's avatar appeared in the study, prompting varied reactions among those present.
Aside from Alaric, the most unfazed was Medici. Glancing at Amanises, with whom he'd had plenty of dealings, he said with a tone that was either sarcastic or teasing, "Since when do you do charity, Amanises?"
"It's just a transaction. I thought Lucifer had told you about it," Amanises replied, glancing at Medici with a calm smile, unruffled.
"…Hmph, typical," Medici let out a dry chuckle, his tone tinged with amusement. "He did mention it, so let me give you a piece of advice: keep your little schemes in check. Some things he doesn't care about, so you can play your tricks, and he won't mind. But for the things he does care about, if you cross the line and it endangers this world... well, your death might not matter, but don't drag the rest of us down with you."
"It seems you have some misconceptions about me," Amanises said, sounding faintly helpless.
Medici snorted. He didn't dislike her, but he knew full well how calculating she was.
This goddess had achieved the demonic wolf full house in the Second Epoch, led the Rose Redemption in the Third Epoch, and emerged as the ultimate victor of the War of the Four Emperors in the Fourth Epoch. She was like a fathomless pool... beneath her gentle facade lay countless schemes, and you never knew how deep they ran. All you knew was that she'd outlasted nearly everyone.
Over the years, many had fallen, many had lost, but Amanises kept winning.
Medici knew that even Adam was wary of her. While she might bow to Alaric's unique qualities now, who could say what she was plotting behind the scenes, especially regarding something as critical as the Death's uniqueness?
Medici understood her concerns, but that didn't mean he'd tolerate her scheming against Alaric.
As long as his little monster of a boss didn't go mad, Medici would remain his loyal guard. Until Alaric tried to destroy the world, Medici would stand by him.
Not even the Evernight Goddess... or the Ancient Sun God, should he lose his mind and turn on Alaric... could sway him. Medici would stop them.
That was the Red Angel. He didn't pledge loyalty lightly, but once he did, it was until death.
Amanises clearly read Medici's stance, and for once, a hint of surprise crossed her face. Turning to Alaric, who was casually watching the exchange, she said with a sigh, "You have a remarkable subordinate."
"Of course! Lil' Red is my right-hand man, my most trusted confidant," Alaric said without a shred of embarrassment, his tone brimming with pride.
***
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