Every compromise made by child Amon in the present will become part of Amon's dark history in the future.
Even if Amon now adapts to his childlike state, can he truly ignore the spread of this dark history?
Lynn eagerly anticipated the day when this would unfold and firmly stated—though he couldn't be as harsh as others towards child Amon, he wouldn't be swayed by Amon's false friendliness.
After all, Amon wasn't truly a child nor was he genuinely being friendly.
But if Amon had any malicious intentions, there was nothing to say; a good beating would solve it. Lynn wasn't interested in playing mind games with these old foxes.
Amon could try any tricks he wanted, but no matter what unexpected events happened, Lynn would always blame Amon.
Simple, brutal, but effective.
Mr. Door, who observed everything: ...
In any case, it was fortunate nothing affected him.
Today, Bethel was still thankful he wasn't the target of Lynn's persecution.
Sharp as ever, he vaguely sensed that the reason Lynn didn't persecute him like the others was due to some not-so-good future.
"...I assure you, you will have an outcome that isn't so bad." Bethel couldn't help but recall what Lynn had told him back in the Balam Empire while watching Lynn tease child Amon from a distance, the latter clearly trying to gain sympathy.
"So what kind of future would it be..." Bethel almost instinctively thought, various possibilities flashing through his mind, ultimately settling on a single word—Outer God.
Given his situation, Bethel figured the greatest possibility was that he might be captured, polluted, or even...
Become a weapon for the Outer Gods to destroy this world.
Thinking of such a possibility, Bethel almost instinctively frowned. He wasn't really afraid of perishing.
After all, as an Angel King who had lived through so much, Mr. Door had long become indifferent to life and death. So, more than death, Bethel feared being polluted by Outer Gods, which was a fate worse than death.
"If that day ever comes, death would be the best outcome for me..." Bethel murmured softly, then thought of something, "But if I die, the one most likely to become the Fool would be..."
Mr. Door knew his colleagues well, so he was very aware that among the pathways of Apprentice, Seer, and Marauder, the most likely to ascend and become a pillar were him, Amon, and Antigonus.
Among them, Antigonus was the least likely to succeed. Bethel was somewhat aware of his situation. The consciousness of the Lord of Mysteries within Antigonus had awakened more than in him and Amon, and he was already walking a tightrope. Perhaps one day, Antigonus might lose control due to the excessive revival of the Lord of Mysteries consciousness within him.
And honestly, Bethel didn't think Antigonus could outplay Amon. That little wolf was no match for Amon and Adam. Even integrating the uniqueness of the Fool had been something Adam and Amon helped with.
"So if something happens to me, Amon would be the most likely to become the Fool..." Bethel's gaze fell on child Amon, suddenly becoming pessimistic about the world's future.
It wasn't that Mr. Door didn't trust Amon; rather, based on his understanding of Amon, he couldn't imagine this lawless troublemaker, after becoming the Fool, would fight the Outer Gods for the sake of all beings.
Most likely, Amon would take the benefits and push all the responsibilities onto others.
"What a terrible outcome." Bethel couldn't help but sigh, his eyes landing on Lynn, who was as mischievous as Amon. Memories of Lynn beating up the Mother Tree of Desire surfaced, and Bethel fell silent.
What had happened to this world? Was being a troublemaker some hidden standard for becoming an Above the Sequence?
Mr. Door fell into contemplation.
"Why do I feel you're thinking of something unpleasant..."
At that moment, Bethel suddenly heard someone speaking. He looked up, unsurprised to see Lynn, who had finished tormenting Amon, standing beside him, looking refreshed and curious.
"Just thinking about the world's future," Bethel said honestly. He didn't see it as something to hide, especially since the person before him might understand the future best.
"The future..." Lynn repeated the word, almost immediately guessing Bethel's thoughts. He leaned against the railing, looking at the birds in the sky, and smiled, "The future is of course beautiful. Or, do you not trust me, Bethel?"
The young angel bathed in sunlight, his smile confident, his gaze resolute, as if stating a fact.
Bethel remained silent for a moment, the gloom in his mind suddenly dispersing. His expression unchanged, still slightly stern, he asked seriously, "If I say I don't believe you, will you beat me?"
The tone was serious, as if solemnly inquiring.
Lynn was momentarily stunned, then laughed heartily, "Ha ha, Bethel, you can actually joke?"
"I am still a normal person to some extent." Seeing Lynn laugh so hard he was nearly breathless, Bethel's expression turned slightly helpless, but he said seriously.
"But... Bethel joking so earnestly, it's really out of place." Lynn wiped away his tears of laughter and continued, "But it's good. I suggest you joke with the butler more often. He'd probably be happy."
Bethel imagined the butler's possible reactions, his expression turning subtle, and he said, "Before getting happy, he might suspect I've taken the wrong medicine."
"Yes, exactly, keep it up! This kind of factual joke suits you well." Lynn nodded approvingly, affirming Mr. Door's sense of humor. Then, as if remembering something, he asked:
"Bethel, by the way, do you have any hobbies? I haven't seen any particular interests of yours, and that's not good. At your level, you need to maintain your humanity well. Based on my experience, cultivating special hobbies helps maintain humanity better." Lynn's face showed eager anticipation, clearly having some brilliant ideas.
"I do have hobbies..." Bethel's heart skipped a beat at this, and after a glance at Lynn, he hesitated but then said, "I like collecting precious gems..."
(End of Chapter)