Lucien Graves stood still for a moment, his thoughts spinning wildly. Countless impressions surged through his mind, but they all condensed into two clear realizations:
Shit! It's you, kid!
No wonder you deserved that spanking.
Medici—also known in the fandom as "Little Red" or the infamous "Three-in-One Hotpot"—wasn't just any mythical creature. He was once a Red Angel under the Ancient Sun God, a King of Angels on the War Pathway, and ultimately one of the three fused spirits sacrificed by Aleister Tudor, Amon, and Adam in the Fourth Epoch to help Aleister ascend to Sequence 0.
Thus the meme: "Hotpot".
In Lord of the Mysteries, Medici had long fused with Sauron Einhorn and Zaratul to become a terrifying three-in-one being. Despite his tragic background, readers loved his chaotic antics and signature yin-yang crosstalk.
Lucien stared at the smug red-haired boy. "I actually became Medici's older brother... tsk."
Feeling conflicted, Lucien suddenly placed a hand on Medici's shoulder. "My dear boy, promise me you'll work on your temper and speech."
Medici squinted. "Why?"
"Because one day, someone's going to put you in a hotpot."
Medici frowned. "What?"
"Nothing. Come on, let's get dressed."
Lucien raised his hand. A semi-illusory pen appeared from thin air. He traced lines through the air around Medici. Light gathered along the path of his strokes. In seconds, a white robe appeared on the boy's frame.
Lucien blinked. He hadn't expected that to work.
The pen wasn't truly omnipotent, but it could manifest basic physical objects by weaving together informational essence. Clothes, tools, daily items—temporary but lasting long enough.
It wasn't a combat power, but it was incredibly convenient.
Lucien quickly drew clothes for himself as well.
While doing so, he fell into thought.
Given Medici's identity, his Vest No. 1 was likely in the middle of the Second Epoch.
Which sucked.
In simpler terms: Angels were common, demigods were cannon fodder.
In the Fifth Epoch, Sequence 2s could run whole churches. Here? They were prey.
This was the age of the Ancient Gods—beings who had fused characteristics from non-adjacent Pathways, going completely mad in the process.
Even a King of Angels like Azik Eggers had been gravely injured by a mere glance from the Blood Emperor.
And the worst part?
These ancient deities didn't negotiate. They didn't trade. They didn't even spare their own children.
So when Medici tested Lucien earlier, neither had dared to use Beyonder powers. Drawing attention to themselves could attract a Sequence 1—or worse, an Ancient One.
In such a setting, even a Weather Warlock stood no chance against a mad god.
Lucien pinched his brow. "No way I can just lay low here..."
His mind shifted to future goals.
"Once I get 008, I should seriously consider joining the Ancient Sun God."
Sure, it was a sinking ship. But before it sank? It was huge. Lucien might even be able to coast to godhood if he joined early enough.
---
At that same moment, somewhere in the Eastern Continent—
The Ancient Sun God gazed into the void, as if sensing something.
He narrowed His eyes, then chuckled.
"Host?" Ouroboros asked, pausing mid-stroke as he painted a mural for spreading faith.
"I saw something... interesting," the Ancient Sun God replied.
"...Oh."
Ouroboros returned to his work.
The Ancient Sun God sighed. "A little curiosity isn't bad, Ouroboros."
"Is it a good thing?" Ouroboros looked up, tone flat but eyes curious.
"...Maybe." The deity smiled teasingly. "Destiny is not my domain."
Ouroboros blinked. "You're not sure either?"
"Perhaps you'll see it clearer than I ever could."
"But I'm just a Sequence 2."
"Not forever."
---
Lucien, after fully familiarizing himself with his powers and confirming the surroundings were safe, cut away his control over Vest No. 1.
Returning to his main body, Lucien—or rather, Lynn Sotos, blinked. He stretched, preparing to resume detective duties in Backlund.
Then he froze.
"Wait... did I just digest the Mystery Pryer Potion?!"
He hadn't even finished the acting method yet. Before his transmigration into Lynn's body, the potion had only been half digested...
And now?