"I must have unknowingly been infected by Sasrir's workaholic virus. It's truly terrifying. Fortunately, I have a Smurf Account to slack off with..."
In the Fourth Epoch, the imperial capital of the Balam Empire, Lynn was multitasking, controlling several Smurf Accounts at once. While he manipulated his main body to create a new identity, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He took a bite of the local specialty snack and glanced at two street performers singing nearby, thinking this was the life he desired.
His main identity and first Smurf Account had been living a grueling life recently!
"In reality, it's because I lack subordinates. If I had subordinates, I wouldn't need to do so many things myself…" Lynn conveniently ignored the fact that more than half of his workload was self-inflicted for fun, analyzing the situation seriously in his mind.
"But in order to have subordinates, I must first train them. And training subordinates leads to being as busy as a dog... What a terrifying vicious cycle!"
Lynn pursed his lips, then looked at the Death Consul accompanying him on his tour of the imperial capital. He firmly believed that stealing others' well-trained subordinates was the quickest solution.
In the Second Epoch, he had no subordinates to recruit, and had to rely on Red's help while reluctantly nurturing his own subordinates.
But in the Fourth Epoch, there were plenty of well-trained subordinates to steal from others. He definitely had to recruit a few for his own benefit.
Noticing the gaze, Death Consul Azik felt a premonition of something ominous.
And Azik knew all too well that this premonition was likely not a mere illusion. Over time, he had deeply realized the meaning of "the terror of mischievous children" and "behind every mischievous child is an equally mischievous parent."
Death Consul Azik had often wanted to confront the stern-looking Mr. Door, who appeared far too serious to be spoiling his child—could you please manage your child better?
Mr. Door: I can't manage him, don't call.
"Libert, are you thinking of something interesting?" Suddenly, Amon, the one-eyed man with the monocle, spoke, smiling warmly like a kind adult.
"Not really interesting, just that I suddenly feel a bit envious of Mr. Amon…" Lynn glanced at the monocle-wearing trickster, smiling as he said, "After all, Mr. Amon has so many avatars to help with tasks. He must be very free and relaxed, unlike me, who can only develop serious subordinates to share the workload."
His tone was filled with undisguised envy, though the entire speech sounded peculiarly sarcastic, as if he was ridiculing Amon for having no legitimate followers or subordinates and having to rely on his avatars for everything.
"If Libert is so envious, why not switch to the Marauder pathway? Though you'll be half-mad, you'll have the avatars you envy to help you with tasks, even though it doesn't seem like you have any tasks that need doing," Amon adjusted his crystal monocle, speaking with utmost seriousness, as if genuinely offering helpful advice. His last sentence, however, carried a tone of doubt and irony, as if mocking Lynn for pretending to be busy with nothing to do.
"No, thank you. After all, I'm not as brave as our Emperor. The world is so beautiful, why choose to recklessly jump pathways? That's just not good!" Lynn smiled and sincerely rejected the offer. He then suggested, "But Mr. Amon could challenge the Monster pathway. With a personality like Mr. Amon's, who hasn't been killed yet, it's clear Fate really favors you. Maybe if you switch to the Monster pathway, you'll become the Key of Light by tomorrow."
"Libert, how about you accompany me on the Hunter pathway instead? I truly believe you're well-suited for it. It would be a pity if you don't become a Hunter." Amon adjusted his crystal monocle again, smiling as he spoke.
"Don't say that. Everyone knows the true Hunters are among the Cautious Three—Marauders, Seers, and Apprentices. Compared to me, Mr. Amon is more suited to be a Hunter." Lynn shook his head, then said seriously, "After all, I'm neither cautious nor unloved."
"It seems Libert has a deep misunderstanding about some of his own traits," Amon replied with a smile.
The two insincere individuals, devoid of any goodwill towards each other, earnestly advised one another, causing Death Consul Azik to twitch involuntarily.
Even though this wasn't the first time witnessing Libert and Amon's banter, Azik still found it hard to get used to.
As the consul of the Balam Empire, Azik was well aware of Amon's notorious personality. Therefore, it was unimaginable for him to see a Sequence 2 daring to banter with Amon, and even more shocking that Amon tolerated it without retaliation.
Is it because of Mr. Door? Or does Libert really have some unknown trump card… Azik pondered, recalling Lynn's previous prophecy and forming some conjectures.
If he remembered correctly, the Mystery pryer pathway also possessed some authority over Fate. Starting from Sequence 3, Clairvoyant had the ability to predict the future. Although Libert belonged to the Paragon pathway, if he was related to the legendary Demon of Knowledge, it might explain his prophetic abilities...
Azik guessed in his mind. As God of Death Salinger's favored scion, Azik had some knowledge of matters beyond Sequence 0, though not extensive. It was enough for him to associate Libert's peculiarity with certain possibilities.
If Libert truly had ties to the Demon of Knowledge, it would explain why he didn't follow the Door pathway and why Mr. Door favored him so much... Azik's thoughts wandered to himself and the painting.
Azik didn't expect to receive the same treatment from God of Death as Libert received from Mr. Door. He knew that was impossible.
However, Libert's previous words were too enticing, leading Azik to wonder if he had children or students someday, just like Libert's prophecy suggested.
Would he really be a good father, or be a good teacher?
(End of Chapter)