CD-RN1106 (Oct 29, 2023)
Puzzle
“The Devil’s in the Nomenclature.”
Sahir Trivia | 1 Word
Clue
Hover over the clues if you require!
Clue 1: What, in CaD terms, is the Devil classified as? DD-TMS06 in Open Doors should help.
Clue 2: So he's an Archon, huh? Have we heard that term before? In Debt Come Due, perhaps?
Clue 3: Next, where does the term 'Archon' originate from? In Gnostic theology, what are those? Additionally, think about the Devil - the embodiment of evil - in general. Which Archon would he most likely be?
Clue 4: You've heard this name before - the only Archon to have his actual name revealed. In a certain set of stones, perhaps?
Answer and Explanation
Answer: Abraxas
Explanation: Abraxas, according to Basilides, is the 'Great Archon'. These Archons are generally seen as 'flawed' (and, in Manichaeism, outright evil). Furthermore, the Devil (in CaD) is described as an Archon, making him and Abraxas the only two known Archons in CaD - and given what the Devil is, it makes sense that he would be the leader of the Archons.
Summary of Receipt
Summary
Transcript
Receipt: CD-RN1106
Author: Sahir
Status: Cafe Diner
Subject: Another Debt
I will miss having that ring. Though, can you really consider it a connection if we hadn’t even met? Plus, Lilith wasn’t alone—The Devil was there too. I’ve decided to chalk it up as a fair price to pay to network with those two. Daichi asked to tag along while the Angel went to speak with Uriel. Overall, though, the news is good even if the company is often considered not. The Devil and Lilith will keep Eve distracted for around a week, hopefully, more than enough time to get Joy out of her web.
Devil: Ah—we have a guest.
Lilith: A guest?
Devil: And a human one at that. What’s the score, Mr. Bali? What brings you to this wretched realm between?
Sahir: Apologies for the intrusion. I had a ring to return.
[Sahir raised the back of his hand to show Lilith’s Ring.]
Lilith: Ah—I was wondering where that old thing ended up. Leave it on, dear. Once you remove it, you won’t be able to stay here—After all, this is no realm for humans or demons. So, I assume you’ve come seeking some sort of reward in exchange for the ring, yes?
Sahir: I’ve come to seek… counsel.
Devil: Counsel? Counsel about what, pray tell?
[Daichi slithered out from beneath Sahir’s blazer.]
Daichi: Hey… bosssss.
Devil: Ah, if it isn’t the Serpent.
Daichi: Lisssten, I’ve got some bad newsss—
Devil: I already heard. It’s unfortunate, truly. But don’t stress over it. You’ll have another chance at the big leagues soon enough.
Sahir: Unless Joy, the Simulacrum of Eden, is prematurely awakened. To my knowledge, that would put an end to your plans permanently, wouldn’t it?
Devil: You’re a bold one, aren’t you, Mr. Bali? Coming all the way to the edge of your own existence to threaten Ol’ Scratch.
Sahir: Ah, no, you misunderstand me. This is the counsel I, or we, have come to seek. Eve is the one who wishes to unite the land, sea, and sky of Eden to awaken its Simulacrum’s power.
Lilith: Is that so? How foolish can she be?
Devil: You’d be surprised. Well, Mr. Bali, the counsel I can offer is this: the Universe is nearing its end. Once this game between the Bird and I comes to an end, so too will the Universe. One way or another. Besides, Eve has already blundered this latest monkeyshine of hers by knocking off her Simulacrum. As the Serpent is well aware, they only have one human chance to—
Daichi: Ssshe didn’t die. Ssshe’s in stasisss.
Devil: You mean—?
Daichi: Ssshe’s ssstill as human as it getsss.
Devil: Well, that changes things. What a fool I’ve been—thinking I actually had a chance this time around. He never plays fair, does He?
Lilith: Abra, you can’t—
Devil: I must. There is no choice but to concede. I need the Bird to rewind the Pocketwatch. Otherwise, what has it all been for?
Sahir: If I may be so bold, there is another way. We want to save Joy from Eve. If anything, perhaps it will buy you enough time to see your wager through?
Devil: Now, why would you want that? Isn’t the Cafe and Diner allies of the Bird?
Sahir: Ah—we aren’t the Cafe and Diner anymore. Truth be told, we are doing this only to save Joy. She is one of us, after all.
Devil: So… you are neutral parties then? Who among you is your leader?
Sahir: I’m… not sure we have one. Not officially, anyway.
Devil: Humor me. If you had to pick one.
Sahir: I suppose it would be Amber Ingram, the last Shaka.
Devil: Ms. Ingram? I see… Okay. Good. Maybe I should see this wager to its end after all. When are you planning on saving Eden?
Sahir: As soon as possible.
Devil: Lily, would you be a doll and keep Eve occupied for our little neutral party?
Lilith: In what way?
Devil: I’ll leave it to your twisted imagination; just don’t hurt her.
Lilith: Mentally or physically?
Devil: Would it really be too much to ask for both? Ah—I suppose there isn’t much more harm you can do to her psyche.
Lilith: Well, you must give me something to work with, Abra. I doubt Eve, in her current state, would willingly go for a picnic with me.
Devil: You’ll have your ring back, won’t you, Lily? I’m sure you can find some way to swing it.
Lilith: I see… You know, you’re rather fiendish when you want to be, Abra.
Devil: I am the Devil, after all.