Chapter 24.5 – Revelations of Romance and Research

"Well, correct on one account and mostly correct on another. All planetary gods are subordinate to a single stronger god, who created most if not all of us. I didn't expect you to be paying so much attention to us. Any more insights?" (Azazel)

Huh, so that's the hierarchy?

"Yes, one more. Magic can only manipulate existing features of the natural world. It can't directly create or destroy matter or radiation, directly interchange matter and radiation, or do more than distort spacetime. However, there's another type of energy without these limits, and its visualization requirements may be less stringent – your god powers. I think humans can somehow interact with it, and it's separate from magic, or else human beliefs wouldn't manifest Earth godlings with godly powers." (Mizuki)

Azazel goes stiff, and he begins looking at me very carefully. I stare at him questioningly.

"To think…you've really deduced that much. That's all correct, Mizuki. It's called aether, and it's the very essence of deities. However, no mortal on any planet in all of time has managed to consciously control aether the way magic is controlled. To my knowledge, no other mortal has even deduced its existence and properties. Be warned that, if you continue pursuing it, you may draw cosmic attention to yourself…it won't necessarily be good for you." (Azazel)

"As always Azazel, I appreciate you being such a kind god to me. I'll be taking your advice about aether very seriously, I promise." (Mizuki)

Azazel nods and lets out a deep sigh.

"My, my, I never expected bringing you here to be so much fun, or so much trouble. My final request is just an ongoing thing. Help me with my research when I ask! Also, if you have any other revelations, let's discuss them. This was very fun for me. You were correct about being able to teleport to my office, so just do that with you and Alto if we need to talk, or if I summon you. So, what were your favors?" (Azazel)

There can only be one first request, the most important thing possible.

"Azazel, for the love of all that is sacred to you, please block Dio from being able to enter my dreams anymore. The godling is insufferable. You can tell him that, when I feel like it, I'll come see you and update him on my life like he asked. You're also welcome to do it, whichever you prefer." (Mizuki)

Azazel looks at me dumbfounded for a moment, then begins laughing hysterically. Eventually, he gets himself under control, then waves his hand towards me and I feel a warm sensation wash over me.

"There you go, you're now impervious to all mental attacks and manipulation. I think you deserve that much – Dio really did go too far. I'd hate for you to go insane when our partnership has just started up." (Azazel)

I might actually worship Azazel from here forward.

"Azazel…from the bottom of my heart…thank you. Now, the second one is a big ask, I'm guessing, but I'm willing to justify how important it is. That said, please just tell me if it's too much instead of dropping me from orbit this time?" (Mizuki)

"Fufufu…fine, go ahead and ask it of me." (Azazel)

"Thanks. Could you please make Alto ageless like me? If she's willing, that is." (Mizuki)

Alto squeals in surprise.

"Mizuki, you want him to do what!?" (Alto)

I give her a sheepish smile.

"If what I suggested is too much, Azazel could also probably just extend your natural lifespan to any length you want. I'll take all the time I can get with my best friend. You're the only one I truly trust with everything Azazel has told us, who can also fully appreciate it. Ever since finding out I'm not aging, it's sad knowing that my time with you is so finite. That's how I feel, but I don't want to force anything on you." (Mizuki)

Alto seems to think it over for a moment, then turns to Azazel.

"Would what Mizuki says truly be possible, for me to live as long as he does?" (Alto)

Azazel looks quite surprised, and more than a little hesitant.

"Well…yes, I suppose. However, that's no small request, Mizuki. It may sound heartless, but do you have a better reason for me doing this than just your feelings?" (Azazel)

I thought he might need me to justify it to him, that's why I only asked about Alto. I think he'll accept the reasons for extending her life more easily than anyone else's life.

"Well, I'm guessing that I will generally stabilize life on your world without you having to interfere. Alto and I are on the same page, so her sticking around should boost that effect. Moreover, just imagine what kind of things might occur to me or be discovered over indefinite amounts of time if I have an excellent research partner like Alto. I wouldn't say the arrangement has zero benefits for you. So, are those reasons good enough?" (Mizuki)

Alto shakes his head at me like he's amused, then flashes me a smile.

"Fufufu…indeed, you've read me well, Mizuki. Those seem like potential benefits for me. Very well. I think I'd be justified in granting this last favor for you, in exchange for what you've told me. Alto, what kind of lifespan would you like?" (Azazel)

Alto looks like she's going to faint as she turns to me.

"Mizuki…what is the point of all that time?" (Alto)

"Well, you once told me that you want a better world for everyone on Azura. We're a very long way from that. Fixing it may not occur in one lifetime, even an elven lifetime. We can work towards your dream together in the background for as long as it takes. When we're done, if we ever are, we can just study natural theory, magic theory, and maybe even aether theory together. If you ever get bored of that, we can die. I don't think you will, though, just look at Azazel – still ever curious." (Mizuki)

Alto's face transitions to one of disbelief, then contemplation. Eventually, I see her flash me the confident smirk I've grown fond of.

"Fufufu…well, I guess you'd never really get anything important done without my help. I wouldn't want Azazel to suffer you fumbling with the care of Azura, so I guess I'll stick around with you, Mizuki. Azazel…please make me ageless, as Mizuki is." (Alto)

Alto is politely looking at Azazel with a smile, but her expression is laced with determination. Azazel chuckles back at her, then holds his hand out.

"Fufufu…yes, I think I'm making the right decision. It's going to be so much fun watching you work together on my planet. Please make it an exciting place, like I've always strived to do!" (Azazel)

As Azazel focuses on her, a brilliant light begins to course through Alto and spill out, to the point that I'm blinded temporarily. Eventually, the light subsides, and I look around the room. Alto is similarly coming to her senses, but Azazel is nowhere to be found. Well, that was quite the stylish exit.

Alto and I look at each other and shake our heads in exasperation, then we share a knowing smile.

"Fufufu…he sure knows how to make a dramatic exit, doesn't he?" (Mizuki)

"I agree…to think you have such a familiar relationship with a god, Mizuki. I hope that, now that my life will be so long, you plan to keep me this entertained on a regular basis!" (Alto)

"Again, I feel the weight of your excessive expectations, Alto. So, it seems we have a god-given job to do…what would you like to study the rest of the day?" (Mizuki)

I smile at Alto as I ask her opinion, and she seems to think it over carefully. I can tell that she's buzzing with excitement.

Before she can answer, however, I sense intense surprise from Nina and a shrill thought message reaches me.

[Mizuki! You must come to me immediately! Please hurry!] (Nina)

Nina's voice is nearly frantic, and I feel my own fear wash over me at the implication. Without even a word to Alto, I focus on Nina's location through our connection and teleport to her.