Klein the cat bristled instantly, retorting, "No way it's that fast!" Though, he felt a twinge of guilt.
He had been eating and sleeping for days, so maybe he'd gained a bit.
"Hahaha, just kidding. You're looking good." Alaric laughed, then grew serious. "So, have you made your choice, Klein?"
Klein's expression sobered. He shook his head, then nodded. "Honestly, I haven't. I want to give up, but I can't ignore the apocalypse. I want to be the savior, but I'm scared of the ending you described."
"So what's your plan?" Alaric asked, listening quietly.
"I'll keep advancing." Klein said. "I'm not set on being the savior, but advancing in this world can't be wrong. That way…" He gave a small smile. "If the future needs me, I can step up without regrets."
Alaric looked at him, smiling back with a sigh. "That's so you."
He wasn't surprised... pleased, even. As Klein said, advancing was never a bad choice. If Klein didn't become the Lord of Mysteries, becoming an angel wasn't a bad fallback.
Alaric nodded. "That's a good call. With the apocalypse looming, advancing is wise. Even if you don't become the Lord of Mysteries, being an angel's not bad. I promise, until the final act, you can still choose."
Klein froze, then looked at Alaric sincerely. "Thank you, Mr. Lucifer, for giving me a choice."
"No need to thank me or feel pressured. Saving the world isn't your burden alone, and this world isn't as fragile as you think." Alaric said, smiling. "So, you going back to the Nighthawks?"
Klein's expression stiffened, and he stammered, "I don't know. The Evernight Goddess helped me, and I'm grateful, but…" His feelings were clearly tangled.
"Want me to get you a leave from the Nighthawks?" Alaric offered.
"Leave?" Klein blinked, caught off guard by the idea.
"Normal Nighthawks don't get that option, but I can pull some strings. Honestly, if you're set on advancing, staying with Tingen's team might hold you back." Alaric said, smiling.
"…Thank you."
Alaric grinned, snapping his fingers. Klein felt his body shift, tumbling off the windowsill. His feet hit the ground... he was human again.
"Go home, Klein." Alaric said. "See your family, say goodbye to friends, then set off on your journey."
…
Leonard was zoning out.
Seven days ago, Blackthorn Security Company faced the True Creator's spawn. Leonard, with Pallez's help, dealt significant damage but took a targeted hit, passing out before the battle ended.
When aid arrived and he was revived, Dunn filled him in.
Good news: an angel's timely intervention stopped the spawn before it could wipe out the Nighthawks or Tingen. Even Ince Zangwill, the mastermind, was gifted to the Evernight Church as a puppet. The incident ended almost perfectly.
Bad news: Klein was turned into a cat and taken away.
Leonard had a moment of disbelief, wondering if he was still dreaming. It was absurd.
But reality was often stranger than dreams.
"Old man, when will His Excellency Lucifer bring Klein back?" Leonard whispered when alone, brow furrowed. "And why take him?"
"Don't ask me, I don't know." Pallez's cheery voice replied. "But don't worry too much. That angel likely means him no harm."
"How're you so sure?" Leonard asked, suspicious. "You know something, don't you?"
Pallez didn't answer. He didn't know much more than Leonard, but as a Marauder pathway angel, he'd sensed Klein's uniqueness... likely tied to the Spirit World, maybe a favored one. Lucifer, a favored of the Lord of Chaos, had no reason to harm someone like that, even if supporting Mr. Door.
Pallez knew Lucifer's type... backing Mr. Door didn't mean he wouldn't bet on others. But he felt a faint, familiar bloodline aura from Lucifer. A descendant?
Then, commotion downstairs jolted Leonard, still on edge from the recent crisis. He bolted down.
"What's going on... Klein! You're back!" Leonard's eyes widened as he spotted his missing colleague.
Relief flooded him. He scanned Klein, confirming no physical or mental harm, then noticed someone behind him.
"Your Excellency Lucifer!" Leonard recognized him instantly, despite never meeting.
Alaric smiled at Leonard, then turned to Dunn, descending from the second floor. "Mr. Dunn, as promised, I've returned Klein."
"Thank you, Your Excellency Helel." Dunn said, relieved to see Klein unharmed. But before he could say more, the angel spoke.
"Oh, one more thing. I'd like to request a leave for Klein... about three years."
"Huh?" Dunn blinked, thrown by the unexpected turn.
***
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