The Mechanical Emperor was a tall, blond man. His features were refined without looking soft, his bearing steady and forceful. He wore plain silver-gray armor, with no sign of mechanical modification.
This was his historical appearance from just after his advancement to Mystery Demon. He did not look as old as the statue before the Central Tower.
As Abner transformed, he also opened the Pure White Eye. Using the imprint Evans had left behind, he influenced the statue outside the Central Tower, making it sound a Mind Broadcast that proclaimed the Mechanical Emperor's return.
Annik, Eleanor, and Olmos had watched the Oracle before them turn into the Mechanical Emperor. They should have had doubts about his identity.
But the Mind Broadcast from the Mechanical Emperor's statue dispelled them. All three dropped to their knees and recited the Honorific Name and words of praise Abner had taught them on his last visit:
"Great Pure White Eye, Lord of Fate, Emperor of Knowledge and Machinery...
"When you return, you will lead Morning Star City out of darkness and into the World of Light..."
Abner, still in the Mechanical Emperor's form, glanced at the three rulers of Morning Star City as they devoutly recited his Honorific Name. He nodded to himself. The Mechanical Emperor really did alter the souls of Morning Star City's residents. Otherwise, three well-traveled Demigods with such resolute wills could never have lost all doubt the moment they heard a Mind Broadcast...
And the memories I received when I touched the imprint contained no details of the mechanical modifications... Hah. Looks like I was right. Evans's contingency is almost certainly hidden there.
Too bad I saw through it... This is as far as you go.
His thoughts settled. In the Mechanical Emperor's imposing form, Abner solemnly declared:
"The Oracle is