"I will say this again. You were selected for the critical mission of raising the 'Core.' This is written within the 'Fate Diagram.' It is not something that can be changed simply because you dislike it. I need you to understand that."
Joseph Christ's tone became unusually stern.
That alone made Max Dinger feel the crushing weight of the mission settling onto his back.
"But this concerns you too, doesn't it?"
It was a small act of resistance—a priest's sarcastic jab directed at Solomon for placing the burden solely upon him.
"The 'Core' will become important not only to Solomon, but to this era and all timelines beyond it. But someone even more important than that… is your son."
A cynical smile formed at the corner of Max's eyes.
"Your son and the 'Core' are deeply intertwined. That's what the 'Fate Diagram' says, isn't it?"
Silence followed.
The cries of cicadas became strangely pronounced. Sweat glistened upon both men's foreheads as neither spoke.
Five full minutes passed.
Sweat traveled from their brows down their cheeks and along their chins.
Finally, it was Joseph Christ who broke the curtain of silence. Expanding his chest, he exhaled deeply.
"He is not my son."
For the first time, there was no trace of the gentle gentleman upon Joseph's face.
"My wife is risking her life for nothing more than an ordinary man."
Disgust and hatred carved deep wrinkles between his brows.