Even though Lilith had only given a few insignificant hints, Ebner still used them as leverage to "Cognize" the truth behind the inexplicable life-and-death struggle he once had with a "Glory."
People always say the "Reader" pathway best embodies the authority of "Omniscience." But so-called "omniscience" doesn't mean simply having a large amount of knowledge or knowing everything. Instead, it manifests in "whatever I want to know, I can know."
That was true omniscience!
And one of the differences between the "White Tower" pathway and the "Knowledge" pathway.
Of course, Ebner couldn't achieve that yet. But through "Cognize," following clues and deriving truths, he already carried a faint hint of omniscience.
"So that means… There are many schemes that you, the Evernight Goddess, and the God of Knowledge can't directly tell me? Otherwise, the 'Unknown' might notice and take countermeasures?" After thinking for a while, Ebner asked in a thoughtful tone.
Lilith nodded lightly. "Yes. Often, it's not that I enjoy speaking in riddles. It's that some things, when you figure them out on your own, won't alert the 'Unknown.' But if we tell you, it would."
My discovering things myself causes no problem… meaning the 'Unknown's' automatic warning system doesn't treat me as an enemy…
Makes sense. I'm originally part of It, placed into reality for some unknown purpose. If It were fully awake, It would probably notice that every generation of 'me' has rebellious thoughts—but Its sleep-state automatic responses are inevitably flawed.
That flaw is my chance…
After receiving the memories of Danitz, the Mechanical Emperor, Giuseppe, and several other versions of himself, Ebner knew deep down that he absolutely did not want to merge with the Liu Bo inside the "Unknown" again.
Just imagining a future where his own memories—his everything—might be "absorbed" by someone else made Ebner very uncomfortable.
Having reaffirmed his resolve, Ebner stroked his chin and thought for several minutes before speaking with emotion:
"In that case, it's better for me to investigate many things on my own… Heh, no wonder this incarnation of me was designated a 'Reader'… It's not just because I needed the secret technique—being a 'Cognizer' really is convenient for gathering intelligence!"
Hearing this, Lilith chuckled but didn't respond. Instead, she reminded him:
"Speaking of that secret technique, Amanises asked me to tell you: the general direction for it was already set by Alvin… The clue is hidden in 'Alvin's Quiz Labyrinth.'"
Hidden in Alvin's Quiz Labyrinth… those ten questions?
Right, that secret technique obviously touches the taboos of the "Unknown," so Alvin had to leave clues in such an indirect way…
To think I once believed he was just an ordinary riddle-lover. After learning he was also 'me,' I even complained to myself about when I picked up such an annoying habit.
Mocking himself for a moment, Ebner then asked Lilith about "Yaldabaoth." But it was unclear whether she truly didn't know much, or simply couldn't tell him.
In any case, aside from confirming that Lilith and the Goddess weren't involved in planning the "Trier Earthquake," he obtained nothing.
But that alone made Ebner realize that "Yaldabaoth" was very likely also involved with the "Unknown"!
Seeing that Ebner had no more questions for the moment, Lilith stood and approached him. Only when she stood beside him did she smile and say:
"By the way, you've completed the short-term mission I assigned you quite well, so I'm here to give you a reward."
Reward is fine, but why get so close?
Don't tell me she's going to give me more 'Goddess of Beauty' imprints…
Even knowing that was once his own body, the overwhelming "beauty" of the Goddess of Beauty made Ebner's thoughts drift uncontrollably.
But he kept a calm expression and replied modestly:
"It's enough that you gained something from the 'Arc de Triomphe'… As for the reward, didn't you already give it to me when you issued the mission?"
Ebner was referring to his "Demon Wolf" messenger, which Lilith had given him earlier under the name of a reward.
"That was just the advance 'deposit.' The real reward comes after you complete the mission." Lilith's indescribably beautiful face curved into an unreadable smile. Then she extended a fair hand and asked:
"When you fought that 'Glory' inside Groselle's Travels, you acquired a little 'creature' with the abilities of the 'Desolate Matriarch,' didn't you?"
Ebner, who had been prepared to close his eyes, froze at the sudden question. But he quickly realized Lilith meant the small scepter he had created life for using the "Creation" ability. So he nodded "seriously":
"Yes… but that little fellow is very disobedient."
Even when supplied with enough nourishment, that little scepter constantly played childish pranks. That was the main reason Ebner hadn't dared release it during the battle in Trier…
Who knew how many levels of disaster it would add if it came out?
And because its "pranks" were extremely dangerous to ordinary people and most Beyonders, Ebner had sealed it and sent it above the gray fog.
The situation then had been far too urgent to perform a proper "bestowal" ritual.
"Give it to me. I'll 'modify' it for you, so that little fellow becomes a reliable helper…" Lilith said, but seeing Ebner's "serious" expression, she teased, "This is your reward. Disappointed?"
Not disappointed—just… You're a deity. Isn't messing with me like this a bit too theatrical?
Lilith said her 'human nature' comes from Lamia…
Did "I" teach Lamia to be this mischievous?
Actually… I think I did… But it's different! With Lamia, that was flirting—
But you, wearing Rhine's body, pulling this kind of joke… feels oddly wrong?
Ebner didn't respond to her teasing. He took several deep breaths, calmed down, and after saying, "Please wait a moment," he stood and walked to the washroom.
Moments later, he returned holding a "chopstick-shaped" scepter.
Upon seeing it, Lilith made a small gesture. The little "scepter" flew into the air, and a series of symbolic sigils and magic markings materialized around it, encasing it.
Immediately, the little scepter began to transform. Though still no larger than a chopstick, it gradually revealed the silhouette of a beautiful adult woman, with a red gemstone on her chest…
And the more Ebner stared, the more familiar it looked.
This red bodysuit…
This rose-like head…
This plant-like cape…
Isn't this… "Rosemon" from Digimon!?
At that moment, Lilith dispelled the "Creation" sigils in her hand and smiled:
"It will still exist normally in scepter form, but in that state it won't have much power, so you don't need to worry about its destructive potential.
"If you want it to fight for you, just recite the incantation and let it 'evolve'!
It has several evolution forms—corresponding to Sequence 8, Sequence 6, Sequence 4, and the current Sequence 2 'Rose' form… It can evolve step by step."
So the forms are literally Rookie, Champion, Ultimate, and Mega!?
Ebner stared wide-eyed at Lilith. Suddenly remembering that, as "Giuseppe," he had never told Lamia about Digimon, he cautiously asked:
"Where did you get the inspiration for this creature's appearance?"
Lilith smiled with narrowed eyes and said meaningfully:
"You know, at the suggestion of a certain 'Lucky God,' this image almost became the emblem of the 'Rose of Redemption'…
"But Sasriel vetoed it in the end.
"When the Lucky God proposed it, that was the first time I'd ever seen the gloomy, icy Sasriel make such an indescribable expression…"
(End of Chapter)
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