After Adams unexpectedly offered me the authority to grant powers, I put my answer on hold. For a moment, I wondered why he’d do something like helping an enemy, but I was sure Adams wasn’t acting with any ulterior motives. He explained that even if I received his authority, there would be no disadvantages for me. There would be no need to become his ally afterward, nor any obligation to return the authority regardless of the outcome of any battles. He also stated that his authority sprouts the target’s power into a new form, so returning it wasn’t even a possibility.
“To be honest, I’m not offering this with 100% pure intentions either. My wish is to defeat the current Main God and guide the world to a new stage. And another thing, I truly wish for the birth of a being who can reach my own heights. Kelvin, surely you can understand, can’t you? We are beings who cannot be satisfied with merely standing at the pinnacle, are we not?”
And so, I was hit with such a persuasive speech. This Evil God was just too open with his feelings.
“Kelvin-kun, are you still agonizing over it?”
“…Huh? Ah, right, sorry. It’s just that this is such an important moment.”
Oops, oops, this is bad. Ange has returned after changing, and I can’t afford to be stuck in indecision. However, this feels like a pretty significant decision, doesn’t it?
“Aren’t you going to accept Adams’ offer from earlier? Personally, I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”
“That might be true… But could there be some kind of trap?”
“I don’t think so~? I’ve been observing him the whole time, and Adams isn’t the type for that. It’s almost as if he’s never lied before; I don’t sense any falsehood in his words. I think it’s simply a genuine token of gratitude for the good fight we had, and congratulations on your marriage.”
“…So, you felt the same way, Ange?”
“Rukil also apparently received authority, but he didn’t seem to be following Adams. Also, just now, you were asking Sera the same question, weren’t you? And didn’t she say the same thing I did?”
“I… I did… You saw that?”
“I’m an ex-assassin, remember? I have pretty sharp ears, Kelvin-kun.”
Man, I thought I had developed sharp hearing too after my evolution, but I don’t think I can compete with Ange. No, more importantly, Ange’s assessment being the same is what matters. Even if I accept this offer, I have no idea what kind of authority will bloom within me. However, in a situation where I can only see disadvantages, there’s a definite possibility this could be a game-changing move.
“In that case, there’s no reason to refuse, right?”
“…Kelvin-kun, you’re not convinced that the enemy is offering you help, are you? You’d rather have fought solely with your own strength, is that it?”
“Whoa, don’t read my mind like that. Honestly, I can’t keep any secrets from you, Ange.”
“Heh, naturally. I had my eyes on you, Kelvin-kun, even before Efil-chan, and I’ve been observing you for a loooong time while harboring various feelings? It’s not that surprising if you can guess what’s in my heart now, is it?”
Ange, the older sister, said with full confidence. But it’s true, besides Mel, Ange was the first person I met when I came to this world. She probably saw a lot things I wasn’t aware of during her time as an assassin. In a way, she might even be the one I’ve known the longest. …Um, now that I think about it, did she see absolutely everything about my private life too? I’d prefer it if she maintained some sort of discretion, though…
“It’s okay, I just listened to the steamy scenes with Efil-chan!”
“You didn’t just listen!”
“I haven’t reported it to anyone!”
Thanks to her answering via telepathy, I managed to avoid shouting out loud. Or rather, isn’t Ange’s face also a little red! I’m the one who brought it up, but I don’t think you needed to reveal that yourself!?
“But, so, you heard that…?”
“Y-yes, it was a mission… And, um, you’re amazing, Efil-chan?”
Ange blushed even further. You’re really digging your own grave, aren’t you? Also, what am I supposed to answer to that question! I instinctively looked at Efil. She tilted her head curiously but waved back cutely. That made me even more speechless…
“Oh my, Kelvin and Ange are drinking too~. You look unusually red, how commendable! Well then, I can’t be left out! ‘Divine Wine Enthusiasts,’ I’ll join you too!”
“Hmph, to notice this group shows skill, Tsubaki. Those gathered here are the ultimate heavy drinkers. I wonder if you can partake of the wine without drowning in it—”
—It seems I was just as red as they were. It’s a wedding reception, so what’s going to happen to this atmosphere…
“…Well, since we’re here, I’ll take it, the authority.”
“Y-yes, I think that’s for the best…”
Amidst this indescribable atmosphere, the bestowing of authority is decided. Affected by this mood, tonight seems like it’s going to be a refreshingly new development.
“It seems to be decided.”
“Whoa!?”
As soon as the course of action was decided, Adams suddenly appeared before me.
“Hmm, did I startle you? My apologies, that was careless of me.”
“Careless, or perhaps too hasty… Adams, were you eavesdropping the whole time? That’s not in very good taste.”
Saying so with a sharp expression, I was truly relieved that the important part was being communicated via telepathy.
“I admit my rudeness. However, if it has been decided that I will grant you authority, I want to allow ample time for you to get accustomed to it afterward. I don’t want you to complain about being unaccustomed to the authority when we fight tomorrow. I, too, want to fight you at your fullest, including the power of the authority.”
“…That’s true, I suppose. Just to confirm, you’re saying we won’t know what kind of authority will manifest until we actually try it, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct. It often reflects the target’s strength, preferences, and way of life. The example of Kelvum, who is close to you, is quite clear. In his case, his power of ‘inflicting death by chance’ was sublimated to ‘inflicting death with certainty.’”
“You also need the condition of delivering an effective slash.”
I know from personal experience, but even with that condition, that’s still an absurd ability, Kelvum.
“Hmph, you know quite a lot. On the other hand, like Rukil, some undergo a completely different change from their previous power, progressing towards embodying their ideal way of life… However, my analysis suggests that in your case, something related to ‘Summoning Magic’ will change.”
“Don’t glare at me with a face I can’t see. …But if that happens, will you be able to see with that invisible face, like Maria?”
Kelvum and Rukil, who were mentioned earlier, didn’t seem to be able to see even after receiving authority.
“Well, I wonder. However, I also hope that will happen. I hope for the birth of a being from within this world, not from another realm like Maria, who is worthy of paying homage to me. I am greatly looking forward to seeing what kind of evolution you will achieve.”
“I see… Well then, can you do it right away? I feel the same way.”
“Understood.”
Saying so, Adams placed his hand on my head.
