Taking over the Abyss

58- Get in the robot, Shinji

You'd entertained a brief conversation with Azar and Dottore for a while longer before leaving. It was extremely apparent that neither of them truly trusted you with anything, rather your deal was one where Azar would try to benefit from you in any way possible. Before you'd left, Azar had requested that you stick around tomorrow, and hadn't explained further to try and entice you.

Willing to take the bait, you'd done as he'd asked and showed up. Of course, you'd also had Idunn and Ithunn work together to prepare a proper outfit that properly communicated your status, a wordless reminder that you weren't somebody who was willing to be easily manipulated. You actually really liked the suit the twins had designed for you. Even if it was a little flashy, you loved the way the two had incorporated your original Herald uniform's color scheme along with the general night sky themes Khaenri'ah's more extravagant clothing was decorated with.

"I've arrived," you stated plainly, waltzing into Azar's office. Leiptr and Segrimr followed you silently, both suited up in their near identical official uniforms.

Azar didn't seem to mind that you'd brought the other two with you, "So you have."

Dottore, who was slightly miffed you'd interrupted him in the middle of speaking with Azar, huffed, "You have. And who are the two beside you?"

"Ah," you flashed a fake pleasant smile towards him and Azar, "Unfortunately, during one of my earlier adventures in Sumeru, I was attacked by some random, uncivilized scoundrel. To prevent such a thing from happening again, I've brought these two along with me."

Dottore's expression was unreadable behind his mask, but Azar looked very slightly uncomfortable at your mention of that incident. He masked his discomfort by clearing his throat, "Ah, a wise choice. The wilderness of Sumeru is wildly unpredictable, but it's an unfortunate fact that those without wisdom would choose to turn to such methods."

"Unfortunate indeed," Dottore practically hissed, "Never mind that. You're here to oversee things with your 'Khaenri'ahn wisdom', was it?"

"That's correct," you nodded approvingly, "But first, I'd like to learn a little more about this project. You said something about wanting to see past the false sky, correct?"

Azar affirmed, "That is correct. Our intention is to create a new God of Wisdom, one who is not bound by the limitations of the Heavenly Principles."

"I see," you looked to Dottore, "And I'm assuming you have some ulterior motive in doing this."

Dottore flashed an obviously forced smile, "Whatever do you mean? I'm a scholar, my primary interest is in the pursuit of knowledge. Having the Balladeer translate Forbidden Knowledge without being subjected to madness in the way organic lifeforms would be is an interesting experiment."

You eyed him carefully. There was no way he wasn't after the gnosis, and is was pretty apparent that somebody here was going to be betrayed. Well, you were totally going to betray the both of them, but it felt as though either Azar or Dottore would backstab the other without a second thought.

"Whatever you say," you shook your head slightly, glancing over to Azar, "I don't suppose you're willing to let me into the Sanctuary of Surasthana to let me speak with the Dendro Archon?"

Azar's eyes narrowed at you, "I'm afraid such a place is simply off limits right now."

"Oh, that's a shame. I was looking forward to getting the chance to speak with another Archon, that's all," you faked a sad sigh. You'd find a way to collaborate with Nahida, but Azar had been willing to let you into the Sanctuary, you could probably break her out with you and just handle things from there. The general population likely wouldn't understand any reasoning for keeping the Dendro Archon imprisoned.