From Goredolf, Angel and the others learned how to end the upheaval facing the city "ahead of time."
The method was to use Anne's abilities as a Balancer to accommodate the Sequence 1 Beyonder characteristic before the Hand of Order rebuilt its order, using her own intelligence to control this enforcer that could only act according to a predetermined program.
"In fact, this wouldn't make her a true Sequence 1. She would simply be using that characteristic much as she would a Sealed Artifact. Of course, the connection would be closer than in normal use... and only a Beyonder of the same pathway could accomplish it."
Goredolf spoke with easy confidence, then pointed directly downward and continued:
"Directly beneath City Hall lies the Night Emperor's tomb, which is also that empire's Memorial Hall. The Hand of Order is in its deepest depths. Normally, it's protected by other restrained Sequence 2 Beyonder characteristics, making it difficult for even angels to approach. But now..."
He glanced at the increasingly chaotic scene around them and chuckled.
"Heh, it's completely undefended."
"You know every arrangement in this city so well. Why haven't you tried stealing those Beyonder characteristics yourself?"
Angel frowned as she challenged him.
"Analyzing all this is the core ability of a Cipher Scholar... as for why I didn't act sooner, naturally, it's because I couldn't possibly swallow all those spoils. It would also cause the entire city to collapse, burying me along with it in the depths of the Spirit World, just like what's happening now..."
Goredolf clicked his tongue as he replied, as though disappointed that he hadn't succeeded.
Only now did he seem a little like Amon the Blasphemer.
Of course, the solemn expression befitting a consul soon returned to Goredolf's face. He continued explaining the precautions for entering