Just as he exited the door, a blue figure approached him.
“Evacus. Do you have a minute?”
“What is it?”
The sea god walked as if it was nothing important. However, it was still evident that he had been waiting here for this opportunity to talk.
That being said, he would not be as simple to deal with as the storm god.
“It is about your Hero.”
“Mine?”
“Aye. I don’t even know your Hero’s name, just that he is in Morania. And that has been bothering me a little.”
Lying would invite suspicion, which would backfire. However, this was also a good opportunity.
And so Evacus slowly unsheathed the blade of words that he had been hiding.
“Lord Gardekier is aware of it.”
He muttered, and saw the anger flash over the blue face.
It was clear that he could hardly bear to know that the other god was ahead of him.
“Could it be that he knows of the monster’s location, because of the work of your Hero?”
“A moment ago, we talked of what would be the reward for my services, once that battle was finished.”
Not quite an answer.
However, there was another flash of anger, and then the sea god smiled thinly.
“I’m sure that he is deeply moved by your efforts and has immense gratitude, likely beyond words.”
“Yes. He was very good and sincere.”
“I see… I see… Hehe.”
Sydia smiled, and after thinking for a moment, moved his mouth close to Evacus’s ear.
“Forsake him.”
“I do not understand the meaning of your words.”
“You witnessed it during the meeting. No one will follow him. The tide has turned. And I think rats would not stay with a sinking ship.”
Evacus nodded.
“My Hero has the power to control animals and monsters. He used those with flight and those quick on land in order to follow the kobold.”
“That power. Lend it to me.”
“Well, I shall communicate with my subordinate then. On your behalf.”
Sydia did not even try to hide his delight. The fact that he had not gained the upper hand over the storm god.
“Now, I have one request.
“What? Say it.”
“If you could leak a word to the other gods. Let them know that Lord Gardekier’s information was brought by my Hero.”
“You don’t want to hide that?”
He frowned. Evacus shook his head and continued.
“You can add that my Hero’s power will now be at your service, Lord Sydia. And then…”
“I see. And if the information spreads out, his authority will be weakened.”
“As for which gods to tell…”
“Leave it to me. I will tell everyone except those who are favorable towards him.”
And like that, the sea god walked away with a satisfied expression. Evacus returned to his god seat and sat down on his throne.
‘Are you returned, plague god?’
“Oh, if it isn’t Lord Holbeas. What can I do for you?”
He answered the voice, which reached him through his rats, which were extensions of him. He could not see the other god’s face, and yet he knew exactly what expression he had right now.
‘I know that you are acting as that fool’s spy master. But I think it is time that you leave him and work for me instead!’
“You do get straight to the point. However, I…”
‘Don’t even bother trying to play such games with me! If you do not do as I say, then I will defeat your Hero, and take away your title as plague god!’
This was ridiculous. Even Lord Gardekier was a hundred times more preferable to him.
“Very well. However, I cannot give you an answer immediately. Please be patient.”
‘Hmph! The very idea of negotiating with a rat!’
And then the voice cut off.
However…
‘Can you hear me? Festering, rotten, demon maggot?”
“Ah, Lord Mijiboony.”
‘Are you there, blighted black curse?”
“Yes, I can hear you, Lord Diza.”
Without end, the voices of the gods reached him. He answered them all politely, separating the important ones from those who were not.
“Yes. However, it is all too sudden…”
“Yes. I understand. On that day, yes…”
“Of course. How can I be of…”
They all wished for him to break with Gardekier and Sydia, and side with them. He was finally seeing the fruits of his labor. The result of befriending all the gods every day, and serving them as a plague god.
Of course, they were all just trying to use him in order to take down the gods that were above them.
Eventually, the rat finished all of the communications, and he sunk tiredly into his throne.
“Really. Not one of them truly trusts me.”
It was no wonder. He tried to please and follow everyone. Who would have any affection towards such a creature?
Evacus descended from his throne and summoned a water mirror.
“One whose name cannot be spoken.”
‘What is it, king with a hundred cursed names?’
He could sense the pressure, even though it was through the mirror.
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for having been granted the gift of your divine authority.”
‘It was not for you. I already meant to swallow up the east continent. Ever since I heard that the annoying goddess defeated the sea general.’
“Bu-but, I would never have been able to do what I did, without your help.”
‘Enough with the flattery. Just do your best to entertain me.’
Evacus was taking quite the gamble.
In regards to the Sage’s eastern campaign in Morania.
‘Have my army invade Morania?’
‘After Zephalis’s defeat, Morania is an empty hunting ground. It is an opportunity for you to expand your fighting force.’
‘…For a lesser, plague god like you to make your opinion known to me. What foolishness. You must have a good reason for taking such a risk.’
‘Your eyes can clearly see through any tricks and falsehoods. Nothing could be easier for you. But if this fool’s antics happen to please you, kindly…’
‘At the very least, your little schemes are more entertaining to watch than seeing Saliashe embarrass herself.’
“Ha…haha! I am grateful for your words.”
‘However, you are lacking one pawn. Is that not true?’
He was not embarrassed to be read like this. When the other person was much stronger, it was best to admit your weaknesses.
“Yes. I have given my Hero everything that I can. But it is true.”
‘Tell your Hero to move about ten kilometers to the east, from his current location.’
“What is there?”
‘A labyrinth of strong monsters.’
This was unexpected. He looked into the mirror. The man with red hair smiled and nodded.
“Th-thank you!”
‘The official invasion will be in one month. The advance party will be dispatched in two weeks. Once the fighting starts, I will watch the attraction. Do your best.’
And then the conversation ended.
However, this one had much greater results than the talks with the lesser gods.
“Satoru. Can you hear me?”
‘Hmm? What…?’
“Ah, you were sleeping. I’m sorry.”
Evacus spoke gently to the tired Hero.
“I hope it won’t be too much trouble for you, but there is a certain dungeon located ten kilometers to the east.”
‘I have to go there now?’
“Aye. There should be a strong monster there, which you can recruit.”
‘Fine. But, I’m going to run out of crystals soon.’
“I see… In that case, wait one moment.”
He disconnected from the Hero once, and then turned to the empty air.
“Yesta.”
“How do you do, king with a hundred cursed names?”
“…That is what the Sage calls me. It is too early for you to use it.”
“Excuse me then. So, what do you want?”
Evacus chuckled and told her.
“Indeed, I could prepare it. But what will be your payment?”
“Everything that I own.”
“Are you certain?”
The judge smiled and the rat nodded.
“Even a small rodent like me can sometimes make a bold move.”
“Indeed. Well, I look forward to seeing what happens.”
The black figure vanished, as did Evacus’s expression.
He then calmly went over what had transpired.
He had handled the boastful lesser gods, and spoken to a great god, which always made him nervous. And he had also given orders to his Hero.
There was just one thing left.
“Saliashe.”
He sighed and summoned the mirror.
“Lord Gardekier.”
He called to the mirror in the air. By then, his face was back to its usual, friendly smile.
‘What is it?’
“The invasion of the Sage’s army. It will be in one month. The advance party is planning to depart in two weeks.”
‘…Well done. I will tell the others. And you will have your Hero find the location of the monster.’
“Yes. In order to be precise, I will try and contact Saliashe.”
‘Very well. Let the others know as well.’
Gardekier’s mirror vanished, while Evacus summoned a hundred more all at once. And then he spoke through his rats.
“I have something to tell you, my new lord.”
Each of the gods that looked back at him, had expressions of greed and satisfaction.