Arcanum: Chaos Path

Chapter 317 Bonova Wants a Hug

“But…” Bonova’s expression was conflicted. He clearly regarded the god he believed in as an uncle or aunt, which was inconsistent with his long-held beliefs. However, his instinct as a devout believer made him want to obey the god of steam and machinery.

After struggling for a while, Bonova seemed to finally make up his mind and said, "Okay, Master... Uncle?"

Bonova had a particularly difficult time pronouncing the last word.

“Wait, why can’t it be ‘uncle’?” Rosell suddenly spoke up, raising an objection, “Normally, a father’s friend should be addressed as ‘Uncle So-and-so’, right?”

Upon hearing this, the God of Steam and Machinery glanced at Rosell, but truly had no intention of arguing with him over such a trivial matter. He smiled and looked at Bonova, saying, "Then listen to your father and call me Uncle!"

"...Uncle." Perhaps because of the previous address, Bonova called out the title more smoothly this time, but it was still a little difficult.

Bonova hesitated for a moment, then looked at the God of Steam and Machinery and asked, "Uncle, what should I do? How can I regain my humanity?"

"Uh..." This question stumped the God of Steam and Machinery. Although His humanity was not low, if you asked the God of Steam and Machinery how to gain humanity, He really couldn't answer.

Yes, the God of Steam and Machinery is actually quite human. He simply has a different set of values ​​from Roselle, but his humanity is still quite abundant. Otherwise, how could he be so obsessed with Roselle?
How did I acquire humanity?

The God of Steam and Machinery subconsciously began to recall that His humanity had not always been so good. At least before Roselle appeared, the God of Steam and Machinery's humanity was abundant, but it was only a few steps away from being half-mad.

There was nothing he could do; when the God of Steam and Machinery ascended to Sequence 0, he hadn't even fully digested the Sequence 1 potion he was carrying! The fact that he didn't go half-mad on the spot and successfully ascended to Sequence 0 was already an act of incredible luck.

After Roselle appeared, with the advent of steam and mechanical technology and the rise of the Steam Church, more and more people worshipped the God of Steam and Machinery. With this increased number of anchors, the God of Steam and Machinery had better resources to resist madness and divinity, giving his humanity more breathing room, and naturally, humanity became more active.

At the same time, Roselle himself became an important anchor point for maintaining His humanity. As their relationship deepened, this anchor point became more and more profound, making the humanity of the God of Steam and Machines more and more abundant.

At this point in his recollection, the god of steam and machinery, meeting Bonova's slightly expectant gaze, suddenly stammered.

Because He simply couldn't explain this to Bonova!

Is He going to tell Bonova, "I won because of your father's influence"?
Even the god of steam and machinery cannot afford to lose face like this.

So the god of steam and machinery hesitated for a moment, then coughed lightly and said, "My experience is not of much reference value to you. In this regard, perhaps you should consult someone more experienced."

The God of Steam and Machinery, having said this, looked around at the people, his gaze sweeping over Ocycus, not daring to look at the Sun God, and then skipping over Amon. He hesitated between Rolin and Rosell for a moment, then seemed to have thought of something, looked firmly at Rolin, and said:
“Mr. Lucifer, since you’ve decided to help Bonova regain her humanity, you must have plenty of experience in this area, right?”

As for why Roselle wasn't chosen, the reason is simple—although the God of Steam and Machinery unconditionally trusted his old friend's abilities and had just witnessed how full of humanity his old friend was, considering Roselle's actions after becoming an angel, the God of Steam and Machinery felt it was more reliable to consult Rolin.

“I wouldn’t call myself very experienced, but I have handled a few similar cases,” Rowling said honestly. Then he looked at Bonova and smiled, “Are you willing to put on the mask now?” Bonova looked back at him and this time did not refuse. She nodded and said, “Although I still do not understand the meaning of humanity, since both the Lord and the Father want me to obtain it, then I should give it a try.”

After a pause, Bonova said earnestly, "Thank you for your help, Lord Lucifer."

“It’s not much trouble. Helping you regain your humanity isn’t meaningless to me either.” Rowling smiled, then raised his hand and snapped his fingers.

"Snapped--"

"How are you? How are you? Bonova, how are you feeling?" Before Bonova could react, Rosell, who was standing next to her, leaned over and asked nervously.

"...It's rather strange." Bonova's expression was somewhat bewildered. After carefully assessing his own condition, he said, "I'm not sure if this is what you call love, but..."

Bonova pursed his lips, looked at Rosell, and said, "Father, I suddenly feel like hugging you. Is this love?"

Unlike Adam, Bonova is not entirely devoid of emotions. His humanity has been excessively suppressed, resulting in a thin emotional capacity. Furthermore, his constant association with the god of steam and machinery has led to a lack of clear understanding of many emotions, making him appear like a purely divine puppet.

Therefore, when the god of steam and machinery minimized his influence on Bonova, and when the Persona began to take effect, Bonova's humanity began to truly take root and sprout.

Although Bonova still doesn't understand what family affection is, just as He once felt happy for Rosell's return, He now instinctively wants to give his old father a hug.

Rosell's eyes widened instantly, and without any hesitation, he stepped forward and hugged his youngest son tightly.

Unlike the previous time when Russell took the initiative and Bonova simply didn't refuse the hug, this time Bonova finally responded to his elderly father like a real child.

Seeing this, Luo Lin also curled up the corners of his mouth. No matter what, he was always happy to see such a happy ending. This was one of his few hobbies, and also the kind of fun he tirelessly pursued.

"So what exactly is the mask?" Osekus asked in a low voice at this moment. As an outsider, he really knew nothing.

In fact, not to mention Him, even the God of Steam and Machinery was quite bewildered, not understanding what Rolin had done, and why Bonova seemed to have suddenly become much more human.

"One of my abilities." Roland glanced at them, not intending to hide it, and explained with a smile.

After hearing this, Ocycus and the God of Steam and Machines both had complicated expressions, probably thinking, "My God, is there such a broken ability in this world?"

The higher you stand on the extraordinary path, the more you understand the importance of humanity and anchor points, and the more you realize just how flawed the Persona really is.

(End of this chapter)