Baldas’ frantic explanation finally made Micah stop walking, and he faced Baldas with a smile.

“That’s better.”

“Urgh!”

Baldas realized he had played right into Micah’s hands, but there wasn’t anything he could do about it now. The only thing he could do was to tell Micah what he knew.

“Every person has a different limit, but when humans absorb pol, their bodies grow physically stronger. And when they finally reach that limit, there is a chance that they can awaken their innate ability. Though, very few actually succeed.”

“And what happens if you absorb pol past the limit? Does it increase your chance of awakening your ability?”

“Nope, it just stockpiles, and you become a walking treasure trove since most, if not all, excess pol leaves your body if you die. But you don’t have to worry. I, Baldas, the- Nevermind. I will personally help you awaken your ability.”

Micah was curious about what Baldas had been about to say, but he could tell that it would be futile to ask any questions since he wouldn’t get any answers, so he politely ignored it.

He would have to wait a few days, but Micah was already looking forward to his ability. Being able to use magic or something similar was quite exciting. Micah was about to ask Baldas another question when Baldas spoke first.

“I don’t know if I’m supposed to tell you this. But I don’t think it will do any harm. You were chosen as the Project Manager because of your accomplishments on Earth and the methods and ethics you displayed. But another reason that’s not known to everybody related to the project is….”

While he spoke, Baldas flew closer to Micah’s ear and began whispering.

“...your innate ability’s potential.”

“Huh?”

“Now, of course, you can’t tell what a person’s innate ability is before they awaken it. It’s impossible unless you’re the Creator. But, using a couple of devices and the abilities of a few high-ranking demons, it is possible to gauge a person’s potential based on their soul.”

“So, you’re telling me…?”

“Exactly. You and I are both looking forward to when you get that silver coin.”

Micah didn’t really know what it meant that his innate ability had great potential. But anything with great potential is simply great, no matter what it is. Micah even started hoping that Rego and Bunt had a lot of friends to bring with them tomorrow.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

But Micah didn’t have any intentions to change his plans at the moment, even after Baldas showed up or after the talk about his potential. When he left Vanitapolis, he walked toward Pride’s Mansion since that was where the target of his First Task was located. And he continued walking toward Pride’s Mansion.

The only thing that changed was that Baldas had shown up and could perform his duties as guide and assistant by giving him information regarding the system, the Task, and Pride. And since he was planning to visit Pride, Micah naturally needed some information about them.

“So, what can you tell me about Pride?”

Baldas thought for a few moments before answering.

“Not much, really.”

“Wow. I’m glad I didn’t get my hopes up.”

“Hey! Isn’t that a little rude?”

“Hey! I wouldn’t be rude if you weren’t so useless.”

Baldas clicked his tongue. Since Baldas technically didn’t have a tongue, Micah was pretty sure he made the sound manually.

“And here I thought we were starting to get along.”

“Good for you. It’s just that I’m used to having assistants that contribute to my work.”

“Oh, I’m sooo sorry for not meeting your standards, your highness. Please forgive me.”

Baldas’ voice dripped with sarcasm as he mockingly apologized.

“Don’t worry about it. Very few actually do. And it wasn’t like I expected you to meet my standards.”

Unfortunately for Baldas, Micah responded with sincerity to Baldas’ sarcasm. Baldas felt the underhanded insult sting his pride and harrumphed as he looked away. If he couldn’t win, it was better just not to play at all.

But Baldas kept pace with Micah as he walked toward Pride’s Mansion. And shortly after they passed the roadsign, Baldas sighed.

“I can’t tell you much since I don’t know much. No one does. One day, Pride simply started holing themselves up in their mansion and letting go of their garden until it reached its current state.”

“Their garden?”

“Right, I guess I can tell you about their ability. Basically, Pride’s innate ability is to manipulate plants. And his Authority as the Sin of Pride makes him stronger the more proud he is.”

“Seems simple enough. And that’s all information you think I can use?”

“That’s all the information I have.”

“Nothing about their personality?”

“Well, I didn’t interact much with any of the Sins before their fall. But from what I heard, Pride was like you would expect. Prideful. But they weren’t as rude as some people. I know that much. However, things are likely different now. The only reason for Pride to lose their strength is if they lost their pride.”

While he spoke, Baldas threw a pointed glance toward Micah, which Micah promptly ignored as he sank into thought.

“So, nothing about how his power stems from how many people speak his name?”

“What kind of fucking bullshit are you talking about now?”

“I heard it from my friend back in town.”

“Did your friend get dropped a lot as a child?”

“No idea.”

Since Baldas probably knew Pride’s abilities better than Rego, Micah was more inclined to believe the eyeball demon over the human. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t curious about where Rego had gotten his information from. He felt that there had to be a reason why he was so scared to say his name. Almost as if Rego wholeheartedly believed that saying or even thinking about Pride would help him recover his strength.

Maybe he would get his answer after talking to Pride. With that hope, Micah stood in front of the cast iron gates leading into the estate surrounding Pride’s Mansion.