"I'm indeed just a mortal."
Evah said with a smile, making no effort to hide his current Sequence in front of Mr. Door. He tailored his approach to different people, and with those he summoned, he didn't mind offering a bit of truth—it was a strategy in itself.
If his plan worked, he'd have plenty of time with Mr. Door in the future. Posing as a big shot would only complicate things down the line.
Besides, in the eyes of a sharp figure like Bethel, claiming to be a "mortal" might be more convincing than claiming divinity.
At least, after hearing Evah's words, Bethel gave him a meaningful look and said, "Let's hope so."
Clearly, he didn't buy it.
Evah smiled, opting not to explain the sealed power within him. Instead, he looked at Bethel, still smiling. "So, Mr. Door, have you confirmed this is the future?"
"This is indeed not my time," Bethel said, not denying it. In that brief minute earlier, beyond meeting Pallez, he'd used his Traveler ability to explore, confirming this world was vastly different from the one he knew.
Bethel fixed his gaze on Lucifer. "I don't know how you did it, but I doubt you brought me to this era just to catch up with old friends."
"What do you want?" Bethel asked, staring directly into Lucifer's golden eyes, trying to read the emotions within.
"If I said I just wanted to make friends with the legendary Mr. Door, would you believe me?" Evah said, his tone utterly sincere. It was even true—one of his reasons for summoning Mr. Door was to befriend this Angel King of the Door pathway. He was very keen on those Door abilities.
Of course, even if he succeeded in befriending Bethel, Evah wouldn't abandon his efforts with Fors. "More friends, more paths" was an ironclad truth for him.
He had no issue collecting allies in the same pathway. If he fell out with one, he'd still have others to borrow power from.
Bethel's brow furrowed slightly. He could sense the sincerity in Lucifer's words, but he was certain there was more to it.
So, after a few seconds of silence, he said, "I don't mind making a friend from the future, but I doubt that's your only goal."
Evah laughed, holding Bethel's gaze without flinching. His golden eyes seemed to carry a hint of amusement—or maybe they didn't.
In that moment, Bethel inexplicably thought of Amon. He finally understood the faint familiarity he'd felt upon meeting this man. Lucifer gave off a vibe similar to Amon, yet distinctly different.
Evah smiled. "I'll admit, besides wanting to befriend you, Mr. Door, I do have a small favor to ask."
"What favor?" Bethel asked.
"I want to create a pocket dimension. People holding a specific token should be able to instantly reach it from thousands of miles away when needed, then return to their original location. If that's not doable, pulling token-holders to a fixed location would work too…"
Evah outlined his needs, clearly aiming to manually craft his own "above the gray fog" for future Trickster Club gatherings.
Bethel listened quietly to Evah's description, pondered for a moment, then nodded. "I can indeed help you create a pocket dimension, and your requirements are within my abilities. But what can you offer me?"
Lucifer's request might be tough for other pathways, but for Bethel, it was well within his wheelhouse.
"Good question," Evah said, unsurprised by Bethel's response. He smiled, adopting a thoughtful look before continuing, "What I can offer you, Mr. Bethel, is an attempt to help you break free from the Mother God of Depravity's corruption."
Bethel's gaze sharpened instantly. He scrutinized the man before him, then said after a few seconds, "That hardly seems equivalent. I don't believe in free gifts."
"Exactly. That's why I said 'attempt,' not a guarantee. Truth be told, I won't deny I'm intrigued by Outer God powers and want to study them. You're a prime subject," Evah said unhurriedly, meeting Bethel's eyes without hesitation.
Bethel gave him a deep look. "That's not something to toy with. Once tainted, you might end up like me."
Evah suddenly laughed, a genuinely delighted sound. "Mr. Bethel, you really are a good person."
He could tell Bethel's words carried both caution and a warning. The man was wary of him, this unknown entity, but also genuinely didn't want him corrupted by Outer God powers.
It might not be personal concern for Evah, but at least a care for the world's safety.
"No need to worry. If I dare to try this, I have my reasons," Evah said with a smile. It wasn't entirely a lie. Though risky, he had some confidence that, even if he touched Outer God powers, they likely couldn't corrupt him.
Bethel's eyes flickered with a thoughtful glint.
Evah glanced out at the crimson moon, then chuckled, his voice airy with a touch of mischief. "Mr. Bethel, do you know your fate?"
(End of Chapter)
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