Two sides of the same coin.
This was Klein's initial analysis of the King of Angels and True God.
They're inseparable. Be it in glory or failure, madness, or sanity. Truly the ideal couple. His lips curled, witnessing through Sefirah Castle's fog, and through his avatar Merlin Hermes's eyes, the Divine descent that was occurring at the capital city of Kingdom of Silver, bringing with it an insurmountable death and desolation to the prospering populous. The vitality it previously basked in was instantly drained, replaced with despair and a thick sense of madness.
Klein obviously knew this was Omebella appearing in "Her" other persona. He peered at the Giantess now occupying the seam of sky. The beautiful, and plentiful primeval forest that often followed "Her" appearances was markedly absent. Rather, Her crazed gaze swept over the city.
Straightening his posture, the fog churned as Klein's eyes pierced into Omebella, and then the metropolis below.
This was Deceit at the level of a Sequence 0 Error!
In an instant, the scene shifted. On one hand, Omebella remained posted in the sky, "Her" people prostrated on ground. On the other, life drained from the people partly accepting their gruesome fate, and partly terrified by the effect. Many were ruthlessly separated from their loved ones to serve as a bloody sacrifice for the sake of everyone.
Two scenes, both real depending on the observer. Truth and illusion created by Deceit, blurred under the Fool's authority.
I can only bring this level of authority a little, Klein concluded as he relaxed into his high-chair, his fingers rapping its armrest. He had used Deceit at the Sequence 0 level, while Fooling was used at the Above the Sequence level.
But it's worth it, he focused on the 'real' scene where Omebella ravaged through the people, seemingly bringing clarity to "Her" insane self.
Deceit is better when dealing with those possessing little to no brains. In contrast, Blind Stupidity works best against those with a good mental state. He studied the other scene for a while, not having changed, before his decrypting eyes returned to Omebella's rampage. This 'fake' scene created by Deceit will blur with the other one through Fooling. On one hand, this will aid the Kingdom as they will brave through this ordeal without needing any actual sacrifices. At the same time, Omebella bloodthirsty spree would be satisfied as from "Her" perspective, they've paid the full price.
Two contradictory outcomes and fates existing at the same time. With this, even if both Monarchs later returned to check the situation, they'll find nothing abnormal, only perceiving what they needed to perceive. Such was the prowess of Error's Deceit used in tandem with such powerful Fooling.
So, it's not that? Klein's brows furrowed slightly as he observed the Subsidiary God. Being in a maddened state, all "Her" secrets were laid bare for any prying eyes to see. Yet, he couldn't sense any true connections between the actual Crimson Moon and Omebella.
Indeed. Klein let out a sigh. The Astral Barrier is way too strong even for "Her". He looked up peering through all obstacles and then focusing on the hand-drawn Moon in the Astral World. Following Lilith's 'death' its presence had grown in prominence. Klein initially believed Omebella, being the current highest Beyonder under the pathways of the Brood Hive, would be affected by the Mother Goddess of Depravity.
The Brood Hive… His focus settled back, but he looked through another angle. With this, he decrypted his way into discovering a thin connection linking Omebella to an unknown place. Naturally, nothing could remain unknown for long under his scrutiny—-that was until he met a thick, never-ending grey fog.
So, that's how it is? He smiled, but restrained himself from acting harshly by stealing this connection. He brought back his attention to Omebella. From what he knew, the exaggerated behaviour "She" currently displayed stemmed from the authority under a sequence 2 Desolate Matriarch. However, if "She" were truly half-mad, wouldn't "She" instead display the tendencies of a Naturewalker, and Half-Mother, more? Together with the fact that he could only sense two pure Naturewalker Beyonder Characteristics and the Mother Uniqueness in "Her", it made him revise his previous deductions.
Somehow, Omebella has a direct connection with the Brood Hive. This was something he could easily observe. Through this, She obtained a Desolate Matriarch's abilities… This is much like Flegrea did with Melantha and Antigonus. Grant, or gifted powers… The Evernight Goddess also did this with me, offering me my special dream resistance to an extent. But the power granted by the Brood Hive is definitely more stable than in both cases…
Though the Mother Uniqueness should definitely be able to give "Her" the abilities of a Desolate Matriarch, it doesn't explain why they're so pronounced once "She's" half insane. However, the power granted to "Her" by the Brood Hive is definitely a form of corruption… And it gets active from time-to-time…
Another question resurfaced in his mind. The Giants had a calm response following the Divine War, preferring to remain on the defensive against the raging elves. But the instant he saw Badheil in the Justiciar and Black Emperor now fallen kingdom, his senses told him that there were more things that met the eye. Klein kicked back on his chair and peered through the Fog of History, the information within the Spirit World forming in his mind and giving him the clues he needed. While he wasn't the Dominator of the Spirit World yet, he was the closest to that Symbolism still alive and kicking.
Ah, I see. He reclined in his seat, observing Omebella, who was digesting the plentiful 'sacrifices' "Her" people had made. Whether it was before or after ending the Annihilation Demonic Wolf, he made use of the Seven Lights and his own observations to keep track of the general movement of all current True Gods and Subsidiary ones. After all, he the greatest magician could never perform unprepared. He especially kept an eye out for the Phoenix and Giants both out of his negligence before and a little bit of convergence.
Following the aftermath, he had sensed the shifting Fate and churning trends of time. He had known this was Grisha's doing, and now he had deduced certain details on the Proclamation made by this 'Transmigrator buddy' of his.
Following Lilith's and Kvastir's deaths, Most of their components or characteristics were lost in the destroyed Mirror World which hasn't reformed still. I initially had the thought of securing at least the Moon and Chained Uniquenesses, but I decided against it at the last moment. Back then, I thought my intuition was about Grisha since "He" has better plans with them, but it seems there was something else. His smile widened as he kept observing Omebella.
The Giants took a safer and opportunistic approach. One focused on defending, while the other, subtly guided by the Brood Hive, tried relentlessly to get the final Naturewalker Beyonder Characteristic, the Moon Uniqueness, and at least a Beauty Goddess Beyonder Characteristic. Alas, the shifting trends of time didn't align with "Her" desire.
Her frustration at that failure festered. Not even "Her" ability as a Half-Mother could soothe "Her" growing madness. Thus, Aurmir suffered as well. He shook his head. Klein believed the Giant's betrayal was precisely for the prospect of reaping Lilith's remains. Yet, that had failed, and they only earned the ire of the Elves and the surviving Sanguines.
Fate truly is a miraculous thing, isn't it? He collected himself as he stretched his hand towards Omebella. The Giant Queen and King were deeply tied. Thus, as Omebella's state subsided, Aurmir's would as well. Klein strengthened this connection, placing his focus on the standoff between Gerhman Sparrow and the Giant King.
…
The God of Glory stayed rooted at the foot of the magnificent throne. The Glory "He" fully represented by "His" King's side had long retracted, not daring to standout before the incomprehensible stand-off taking place at the fringes of "His" perception.
If I move, I am finished! Bladel concluded, a bead of sweat trailing along "His" face covered fully by "His" helmet. While "He" couldn't exactly see the intruder anymore—the walkway to the throne room appeared empty—"His" own senses and knack for identifying loopholes told "Him" an incomprehensible madness was walking towards them in spite of "His" father's pressure. The only reason "He" could even exist unscathed was due to "His" father's protection.
At the thought of "His" father, Bladel tried to turn to "Him", but sheer instincts stopped "His" action. Now wasn't a good time, the thought came to "Him". Until Mother returns, I simply have to continue my assigned duty.
"He" would be lying if "He" said jealousy hadn't gnawed at "Him" upon hearing "His" older brother would be the one sent to investigate, and if necessary, take down the fledgling Kingdom of Disorder and Order. But like always, "He" was simply overthinking it. "He" was the one with the most important role—a Mother knew best, after all.
"His" anchor, "He" thought, sensing "His" father's state through their connection. Even while half-mad, an unyielding Protection stood between the Giant King's true and half-insane form, and that of "His" son, the God of Glory. From experience, Bladel knew how unyielding "His" father's protection could be, but "His" mother always pointed out another specific reason for this.
Badheil probably hasn't figured it out. The God of Glory allowed a nervous smile to form on "His" shielded face. "His" father having periods of madness wasn't rare, but "His" Mother tended to be there in such cases. But if both became unstable, at least one sibling, often Bladel, would remain by the King's side. "His" mother often referred to this role as an anchor. One which helped keeping their father grounded in such dark moments.
Badheil can think whatever "He" wants, but I know my role is superior to "His". Bladel lifted "His" gaze to the grand walkway. "His" instincts told "Him" the threat was ever closer. Thus, "He" had to be ready to remain as "His" father's anchor.
"His" senses were suddenly triggered, causing "Him" to abruptly turn towards the grand throne. The distorted and fluctuating form of the Giant King seemed to be stabilising. The Twilight and Holiness emanating from "His" form were now consistent.
The Giant King Aurmir's half-mad state was receding.
Mother! Through the father and son's connection, Bladel could also feel a motherly warmth radiating from the distance, gaining intensity. Proportionally, the madness which had began to settle faded rapidly. The God of Glory summoned "His" full Dawn combat attire, but rather than adopting a combative stance, "He" took a knee, slamming the Dawn Sword into the sturdy Divine grounds.
"My King!"
The exclamation didn't remain confined in the Divine Kingdom. It propagated throughout the Giant King's Court and beyond. All Giants who heard it prostrated themselves.
Through all this, the fading haze in Aurmir's senses vanished entirely, replaced by full clarity. But "His" gaze didn't fall on "His" dutiful son, but rather on the intruder who had halted "His" incredibly slow walk. No, "His" gaze pierced through even that, but was stopped by an insurmountable grey Fog.
Sensing this, Aurmir stood, towering over everything. The Twilight, Decay, Holiness radiating from "Him" stilled. Replacing it, or rather, overpowering it were a deep sense of death, repose destination, endpoint, and darkness.
Within Sefirah Castle, Klein's brows shot up at the scene—The River of Eternal Darkness. He could clearly see the broad, straight, dark, and colorless river flowing silently around Aurmir, heralding the stillness of fate and the proclamation of death.
…Interesting. Klein's surprise was short-lived as he augmented Sefirah Castle's presence around Gerhman, reaching another stalemate. Proxy…
His primary goal had always been to investigate both Giant Monarchs in-depth, as they'll inevitably be involved with the rising human faction under Grisha. His intuition told him, however, that there was something even more crucial he hadn't yet gleamed from the Giant King.
Death is the essence, Darkness resembles the outer form, and Twilight can partially employ it. This was the conclusion he had reached having just witnessed the projection of the tributary of the Sefirah, Darkness from both Flegrea and the Uniqueness he now held, and finally the Giant King.
But some questions still remain… Klein narrowed his eyes as he projected the throne holding his form appear in reality, partly concealed by the grey fog.
Bladel felt it, but "He" tacitly remained prostrated as Aurmir simply nodded. "I had initially believed you were its proxy, but you're clearly a step-above that. No surprise Flegrea fell so swiftly." The King's voice was steady as he stared at the vague but imposing silhouette.
Klein chuckled. "And your proxy status seems quite significant."
This comment wasn't without basis. Through the Spirit World, Klein knew the Phoenix Ancestor had already constructed the underworld and had finally moved '"Her" City of the Dead into its deep chasm. Likely, "She" should already possess some level of control over the Tributary of the River of Eternal Darkness flowing in "Her" Divine Kingdom. Thus, his previously established belief that two clearly opposing forces shouldn't be able to wield this Sefirah so swiftly was shaken by Aurmir's current action.
Aurmir clearly understood his meaning, but didn't immediately reply as "He" examined himself. "He" could clearly sense the coagulated authorities within "Him" were still in chaos, in spite of "Him" summoning the projection of the Tributary. "He" brought back "His" attention to Klein. "The Phoenix has been venturing out frequently."
Klein's eyes lit up as his mind formed the full picture. Indeed, Gregrace wasn't just Death, She also held the Door authority. If "Her" instincts drove "Her" to settle around the River of Eternal Darkness's tributary, it was normal for one to assume "Her" instincts to wander, travel, and open doors to alternate dimensions, and contact previously untouched realms were definitely strong.
The Cosmos… Klein felt a headache at this. After all, that damned bird still held what was rightfully his!
Phew, I might just make a trip to the Underworld as well. He kept looking at the Giant King Aurmir. Gregrace's frequent absence would explain how swiftly "He" could summon the tributary's projection. As for why Badheil, the God of Combat in the far future, didn't seem keen on making use of this key authority, that was obvious.
The tributary in the spirit world of today, isn't crowded like then. He could still remember meeting not one, but two Deaths in the river.
Klein kept studying Giant King. He had to say, he was quite impressed with how pragmatic the Giants were. Both Aurmir and him could feel the inescapable convergence between each other. By using Sefirah Castle fully, Klein believed he could snatch the Worm of Time fused within Aurmir, causing this True God to irreversibly breakdown.
The time isn't ripe though, Klein's intuition told him so. In addition, Aurmir had clearly sensed his goodwill and reciprocated with key information. After all, there was no chance "Him" recovering in such a timely manner was coincidental.
Silence stretched between the two existences, but wordless exchanges were made. The Giants had no hatred nor deep-seated conflict with Sefirah Castle's owner. In fact, they were ready to assist against the Phoenix, and if possible, peacefully part ways with what should naturally return to this esteemed owner.
At some point, Gerhman Sparrow smiled and gave a curt bow, both Sefirot projections vanishing. "To a good cooperation."
Saying this, Gerhman Sparrow began to dissipate as if he were but a mere figment of imagination. That was because he was. Following some haggling and guilt-tripping, Klein had stolen the Imagination authority from Grisha so he could use it. Maximum preparation was crucial for such an occasion.
Aurmir didn't react at the prudence, instead, settling on "His" prostrating son, before "His" gaze pierced through "His" Divine Kingdom and then all "His" subjects.
"Bladel. Go receive your Mother." "His" words were followed by a pause, before "He" added, "Tell "Her" to be careful whenever "She" interacts with that Kingdom of "Hers"."
"Yes, Father," getting to "His" feet, Bladel controlled "His" joyous mood, keeping a professional expression. "His" form rapidly rotted until nothing of "His" remains were left.
The King kept looking ahead. "His" gaze complex. His plans to contact the human faction needed to be hastened.