The Title Alchemist carefully placed the fragment of divinity he had removed from Vincent onto the Crystal Egg, watching as the two slowly fused into one.
His gaze was gentle, as if he were reminiscing about the past—or had found a long-lost friend.
He lightly stroked the Crystal Egg. A brighter glow rippled across its surface, bathing him in the same iridescent light.
In Edward's eyes, the Title Alchemist seemed to have acquired a glowing outline effect, and his entire appearance was becoming more and more anime-like.
Howard's expression suddenly hardened. He turned and fixed his gaze on Edward.
"Are you still hiding a fragment?"
"How could I be? I've already given you everything." Edward smiled.
Howard stared at his face for a moment, then turned away.
"It doesn't matter. It's only a one-in-ten-thousandth shortfall. It won't affect the ritual."
He looked up at the sky, as though he could see the endless stars beyond the ruins' outer walls. Then he turned to Edward.
"There's still a little time before the ritual begins. Let's keep talking. Do you want to know why I'm so interested in you?"
Edward was a fish on the chopping block now. If the chef wanted to chat for a few minutes, all he could do was humor him. He nodded obligingly.
Howard continued:
"I'm not like the others in the organization. I wasn't one of those beings who needed faith to sustain their divinity. Most of them were born after the Magic Empire.
"During the Magic Empire, I was called a Primal God.
"Actually, by my own understanding, I should be called a 'spirit,' not a 'god.'
"I'm a natural being native to this continent. I became a supernatural creature thanks to the 'Mother's' favor.
"Before I met you hairless monkeys, I didn't even understand