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Morgunov needed a moment to deconstruct that statement. But only a moment. “Oh. Right. Because I’m also an inventor. And we’re the worst by default, according to your twisted logic. Of course.”

“There is far more to it than merely that, and I think you know that.”

“Oh yeah? So you’re tellin’ me that I’m worse than Arnel the Terror? Really? Look, I know I’ve done some messed up things, okay? But that guy literally cooked people alive and ate them in front of their horrified family members.”

Germal paused. “...Okay, well, I never met Arnel. And I said that you’re the worst I’ve seen. Not the worst to ever exist.”

“Wow, what a cop out. And still definitely untrue! You must’ve met Hada, right? Oh, unless you are him, I suppose. In which case, dang. You’ve really got no room to be calling me names.”

“Hada does deserve admonishment, true. Which I have provided, on many occasions. In fact, it might be my single greatest pastime. But Hada is also a god, which affords him special consideration. You, however, deserve no such thing.”

“Oh, so that’s how it works. I’m not part of your privileged little club, so off with my head, eh?”

“In essence, yes. Ah, but now, perhaps you are thinking that you might like to join?”

Morgunov stopped on that notion for a bit. After all he’d just heard, there was no more repulsive idea to him than what Germal had just suggested. “Yeah, sure, man. Do I have to learn a secret handshake?”

“No. Unfortunately, there is no set path to godhood. No advice that can be granted. ‘Tis something that one must arrive at in solitude. Or become a vessel and agree to incarnation. Might you be interested in that?”

“Oh, you mean giving up my corporeal form and sense of self in order to transform into an entirely new being?”

“Indeed. If you are amenable to the idea, then I can arrange it. There are many of us who are awaiting new vessels.”

“Interesting! You can do it just like that, huh? Simple and easy?”

“Quite.”

“And you’re sure I’d make for a suitable vessel? I’m not too messed up or unworthy or anything?”

“Of course. You would do fine.”

“Well, alright then! Let’s make that happen, pal!”

“Truly? I thought you would be more--”

Morgunov waited. He would’ve smiled if he could've.

“...You’re lying,” said Germal. “You have no intention of incarnating with anyone. As soon as I free us, you will try to kill me.”

“Well, duh. That was always going to happen, Germy. You’re the one who decided to put your balls on the table and confront me. You can’t honestly expect that I’m gonna let you get outta this unscathed, can you? But I do find it funny that you almost didn’t realize it in time! You must be really eager to find vessels for all your little buddies! How quaint!”

“You are a bastard.”