Lord of Mysteries: My Identities Echoes Across Time [Completed]

As one of Lynn's closest friends, Klein was somewhat aware of Lynn's plans. He knew about Lynn's reform of the Church of Steam and Machinery. Unlike using the citizens of Silver City and Moon City as anchors and believers, Lynn's approach was more straightforward—he simply seized an existing church.

And the unfortunate target was none other than the former God of Steam and Machinery.

"It's pretty much done. You know, during this period, the only figures of significance within the Church of Steam and Machinery—besides Artisan—were the pope and Roselle," Lynn said casually. "Since Artisan switched sides, the former pope didn't hesitate to follow."

"With these three biggest insiders working from within, it was really easy to reform the church," Lynn remarked, turning toward Klein. "You've done something similar before with the Church of the Sea God."

Klein was silent for a moment, unable to deny Lynn's reasoning.

Transforming a church from the bottom up could be difficult, but doing it from the top down was much easier. It was even simpler than taking over a country. Sequence 0 figures and angels naturally held overwhelming power, and religions already leaned toward fanaticism.

So when the church's god supported a transformation, taking over the church became a straightforward task.

Indeed, the reforms of the Church of Steam and Machinery had progressed smoothly with the three insiders' help. Though little time had passed in Lynn's main world, the time difference between realms meant that in the current reality, years had gone by. Lynn and his closest subordinates had thoroughly reshaped the church to fit their vision.

Now, the Church of Steam and Machinery essentially worshipped Lynn himself.

Understanding this, Klein quietly accepted that the church now belonged to Sotos. However, he asked out of curiosity, "So, what do you plan to rename the Church of Steam and Machinery?"

"I originally thought of calling it the Church of Machinery, but that felt too similar to the old name. So, I decided to name it the Adeptus Mechanicus instead," Lynn said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Klein: "…"

"That's a Warhammer reference, isn't it?"

"Exactly!" Lynn nodded in confirmation.

Klein tried to suppress his expression using his Clown powers. "So, you're now the Omnissiah?"

"Correct!" Lynn replied with a bright smile.

Klein was at a loss for words and could only say, "Aren't you worried that future transmigrators will come looking for you?"

"No problem. Let them come. I can help them with their work schedule by introducing them to 24/7," Lynn said with a mischievous grin.

Klein: …

He truly didn't know how to respond to that.

Lynn suddenly remembered something and added, "Oh, today isn't just the renaming ceremony for the church. It's also the inauguration of the new pope—Roselle."

Klein wasn't surprised by this announcement. "So, Roselle is going to be working 24/7 now?" he joked.

"Not really. Roselle managed to drag Bonova into helping out. If anyone will end up working 24/7, it'll probably be Bonova," Lynn explained with a shake of his head.

Klein: "…"

'What's with all of you delegating everything to others like outsourced 24/7 working corporates?'

"Don't you do the same?" Lynn asked, having noticed Klein's thoughts.

Klein was silent for three seconds before admitting that Lynn was right. If he could, Mr. Fool would love to outsource as well—after all, no one enjoyed working 24/7.

While they were chatting, the two of them unknowingly arrived at the headquarters of the Church of Steam and Machinery. In the grand hall, the church's leaders and promising young members had gathered. The outgoing pope stood on a high platform, reading the divine message from the new god.

"... From today onward, the Church of Steam and Machinery shall be known as the Adeptus Mechanicus. We shall revere our Lord as the Omnissiah. A new angel will also join our Lord's side—the Angel of Steam, who has served our Lord since the Fourth Epoch, though they had been lost for some time…" the pope declared calmly, showing no sign that he was already in on the truth.

Though the announcement stirred some murmurs, the years of reform had left most attendees relatively composed.

After announcing the church's new name and angel, the pope proceeded with the ceremony to inaugurate the new pope.

This part of the ceremony came as no surprise. Over the years, Roselle's contributions to the church were undeniable, and he had earned widespread respect. Most considered him the ideal candidate for the position.

As Roselle accepted the crown from the former pope and placed it on his head, Lynn couldn't help but smile.

From now on, the Church of Steam and Machinery would be a thing of the past. The Adeptus Mechanicus would take its place, becoming one of the deepest marks Lynn had left on this world.

"Not bad at all," Lynn murmured, his thoughts drifting.

There was only one last thing he needed to do, one more event to witness.

Klein, gazing at the spirited Roselle on the platform, felt a bit dazed. He glanced at Lynn beside him and suddenly said, "As long as I'm here, the Adeptus Mechanicus will always be your anchor."

Klein knew that Lynn would soon leave to face his destiny. He wasn't sure when—or if—Lynn would return. But as Lynn's closest friend, Klein vowed to protect this important anchor, ensuring no one else could take it away.

Lynn paused, then smiled—a radiant, sincere smile, free of any danger yet full of joy.

"Thank you, Mr. Fool," he said warmly.

...

Meanwhile, in the Fifth Epoch—

Roselle, who had been planning when to visit his youngest son, suddenly froze, his expression shifting.

A moment later, Roselle received a "call"—a prayer from Bonova.

"Ahem, Bonova, what's the matter?" After a few seconds of hesitation, Roselle answered the prayer.

(End of Chapter)