Galactic Hall
Interstellar Citadel
Imperium Astra
Gozon
July 2nd
Year 1054 (50th GC)
'I'm bored.'
That phrase echoed in Evan's mind for the umpteenth time as he glanced at the throng of Interstellar Dignitaries gathered in the hall.
Just as galaxies were incomprehensibly vast, so was this hall, designed to host one of the grand parties of the Annual Gozonian Interstellar Summit Phase 2.
Seventeen days had passed since the pivotal moment when Evan discovered—no, confirmed—that the one responsible for sending him back in time by 10,000 years was none other than Artemisia's best friend, Beatrix Xagna.
The future goddess of Space and Time, who would take over the position after her mother, along with the vast majority of the older generation Aidosian Race Kings vanished for a reason Evan still didn't know.
Reflecting on the days since that revelation, one thing stood out: Jamie and Arthur were making no effort to hide their attempts to keep Beatrix away from him.
'Can't blame them. If I were in their shoes, I'd keep her away from me too.'
Their motives weren't hard to deduce. The current Evan was a danger to Beatrix's life.
Though both were Inferior Legendries, Evan was vastly stronger. One full-powered attack from him could easily end her.
Knowing Beatrix was the goddess behind future Gozon, the one who had placed him in this annoying situation, Evan had entertained the thought more than once.
Besides that, the days passed with surprising normalcy and Evan didn't act any different and went on exploring the Imperium Astra with Arthur, making it his goal to play every single type of game he encountered.
It was almost as if the weight of his newfound knowledge had been set aside, allowing him to focus on the present.
But in truth, one question still gnawed at him.
Who did, What, When, Where, Why, How?
He had answers to everything but one: Why?
Why had future Beatrix sent him back in time?
He doubted he'd be able to find that answer until he was blasted back to the future, though.
The Annual Gozonian Interstellar Summit proceeded as scheduled, keeping Jamie and the other Demon Rulers exceedingly busy.
The summit's demands left little room for idle conversation, and those Demon Rulers who wished to speak with Evan—particularly the Demon King of Time and Demon Queen of Flames—found themselves too preoccupied to do so.
After another seven days, the Battlefront worlds completed their reports to the Demon Rulers, concluding a significant portion of the summit's agenda.
On the final day of this phase, Gozon's Interstellar Empire officially updated its Star Map, reflecting the addition of more than a dozen new High-Level Worlds.
A three-day intermission followed, granting participants a brief respite before the Summit's Second Phase began.
During this pause, preparations commenced for a series of grand celebrations—sixteen lavish parties designed to honour individuals who had earned new merits and distinctions. These events also included the official conferment ceremonies for those honours.
The schedule for the celebrations was rigorous, with two parties held daily—one in the morning and another in the afternoon—spanning seven days.
The eighth day culminated in a grand, all-day event marking the summit's conclusion.
These gatherings were not limited to the Demon Kings. Rulers from allied races—including Dark Elves, Dwarves, Dragons, Humans, Beastkin, Devils, and Giants—were also invited.
The Kings and Queens of these races, who maintained strong alliances with Gozon and its 72 Demon Kings, attended.
Additionally, some 'Supreme' Race Rulers participated, either in person or by sending Deity-Level subordinates as representatives.
As the days passed, the summit's celebrations unfolded spectacularly.
Gozon's Interstellar Empire showcased its might and prestige, highlighting the new High-Level Worlds added to its dominion and granting honours to those who had accomplished remarkable feats.
These grand events served as both jubilant celebrations and subtle assertions of Gozon's unyielding strength and influence across the Universe.
As Arthur's 'Official Aide,' Evan attended several of these parties, where his title, 'Masked Rogue Hero,' quickly began to spread.
Rumours circulated about his origins—some claimed he was a Hero from a conquered world, while others speculated his home planet had been destroyed by Gozon.
Unsurprisingly, Jamie's familiarity with Evan fuelled gossip, leading many to label him as the culprit behind the destruction of Evan's supposed 'home world.'
Having endured the repetitive nature of the party proceedings, Evan found himself growing increasingly bored and contemplating leaving the hall.
Earlier, Jamie had stepped out with a Dwarf King, while Arthur was somewhere amidst the crowd, mingling with the Race Kings and Queens of the Universe.
'There's no reason for me to be here anymore. I might as well head back to Jamie's penthouse and play with Arcades.'
With that thought, Evan stepped out of the hall. As he passed by a restroom, an unexpected urge hit him, and he decided to take care of business.
Afterwards, as he washed his hands, his eyes caught sight of a smear of cake icing on the side of his face.
'How did that even get there?'
He raised a brow at his reflection, but since the mystery wasn't about to solve itself, he simply washed it off.
'Might as well wash my whole face while I'm at it.'
Grabbing a face towel, Evan wet it and began wiping away the sweat from his face. When he was done, he ran his damp hands through his hair, glancing at his reflection in the mirror.
A soft sigh escaped him as the reality of his situation struck him again.
He was on Planet Gozon, far removed from his own time, a full 10,000 years in the past.
'Five years ago, I wouldn't have even thought this was remotely possible.'
Leaning on the sink, he sighed again, his thoughts wandering to the companions he had left behind in the future.
How were they faring?
Was his absence causing them any trouble?
Were his plans moving forward as intended?
Questions spiralled in his mind, their answers elusive. Evan shook his head, banishing these thoughts spiralling down the drain of negativity.
Instead, a mischievous glint sparked in his eyes as his thoughts veered onto a different track.
'Since I'm already here, why not mess with Roselia and the others?
Leave something behind to confuse them for ages until they get to Aidos and meet me.
Then, when I have no idea what they're talking about, they'd be even more confused.'
A grin spread across his face as his playful side reared its head, free of any restraint.
Was there any real reason to mess with the future Deadly Sins? Absolutely not.
Was he going to do it anyway? If the opportunity arose, without a doubt.
If Evan wanted his prank to endure across the thousands of years ahead, he needed a reliable way to ensure its survival.
After a moment of brainstorming, the solution became clear—he already knew the perfect 'person' to help.
"Gozon, you're watching, right?"
Silence reigned.
Evan didn't buy it though.
Recalling how quickly 'Gozon' had reacted to his and Arthur's presence when they first arrived, as well as the strange event later that day when Arthur mentioned something about Gozon being "doomed to forever remain a Prime World," Evan highly doubted the planet's consciousness would leave him unobserved.
And he was right.
The next moment, he blinked—and when his eyes reopened, he could now see the reflected image of a frowning 'woman' staring back at him in the mirror.
[…what is it?]
The gruff voice contrasted sharply with 'her' appearance, but Evan was all smiles beneath his mask as he replied.
"So, I was wondering if it'd be possible for me to do something here and now that would benefit a group of demons who'll be born in about 8,700 years.
They'd go on to help you conquer worlds for around three centuries.
Just thought I'd lend a little hand to them…"
He paused, his tone shifting as he revealed his true motive.
"…and mess with them while I'm at it."
Although 'Gozon' frowned at his words, Evan continued speaking.
"After thinking it over, I realized you'd be the best one to make it happen."
For a long moment, 'Gozon' regarded him with half-lidded eyes, the silence stretching for what felt like an eternity before 'she' finally spoke.
[I can help you.]
Evan raised an eyebrow, gesturing for 'her' to continue.
[But I wouldn't.]
"Thought so."
Evan wasn't remotely surprised.
"And here I thought I could cut a deal with y—?"
The words caught in his throat as his eyes widened in sudden realization.
Memories surged to the forefront of his mind. Specifically, a conversation he'd had with 'Aidos' on the day 'she' informed him of Conroe's death.
'She' had mentioned something peculiar, something that had left him puzzled at the time.
'Aidos' had said he had a deal with 'her,' but that he hadn't yet made said deal.
Evan had brushed it off back then, filing it away amidst the chaotic events that followed. Now, however, the meaning of those words became crystal clear.
'I see. For some reason, I'll probably end up on Aidos, and that's where I'll strike this deal. The one she later mentions.
Of course, I haven't made it yet because I'll make it when I get sent to the past.'
Evan exhaled, running a hand through his hair as he shook his head with a sigh. Then, turning back to 'Gozon,' he spoke a simple word of unexpected gratitude.
"Thanks, Gozon."
[…what?]
The planet's consciousness sounded genuinely baffled.
Why was Evan thanking 'her'?
Hadn't 'she' just refused his request for help?
Was the boy even in his right mind?
Though Evan could practically see the invisible question marks hovering above 'her' head, he chose not to acknowledge them. Instead, he calmly used magic to dry his hands.
As he did this, 'Gozon' seemed to rationalize his odd gratitude and finally broke the silence.
[If you're so thankful, then hurry up and get back to your time period.]
"Haha. We both know that if I could leave this very instant, I WOULD."
His tone shifted at the end, dropping into a deeper pitch as he turned and hopped onto the sink, settling himself there casually before continuing.
"You and I both want me to return. I'm guessing if you could send me back, you'd have done it already. But since you haven't, that means you can't."
[…]
"The Authority keeping me in the past is not something you can override, is it, Gozon?"
[…]
Again, the planet's consciousness was silent.
Evan's words hit all the right marks.
After a long pause, 'Gozon' finally spoke, 'her' tone laced with a mix of curiosity and derision.
[I was genuinely curious how you ended up being sent 10,000 years into the past.
But after seeing your knack for aggravating others, I'm not curious anymore.]
The statement was accompanied by a scoff, but Evan remained unfazed. Leaning forward, he locked eyes with 'her' and responded smoothly.
"Speaking of curiosities, I've got one myself. Why do your inhabitants go after Prime Worlds like they're some kind of rare delicacy that can't be resisted?"