"The Flame-Chase is a journey of constant loss, among which even life itself holds little value."
The first to say so was the Titan of Passages— Janus.
Next, would be the Holy Maiden who wields their Coreflame, bringing prophecies across a thousand bodies— Tribbios.
Later, would be the first and only Monarch of the Eternal Holy City Okhema, who was the Law, and Law was her— Cerydra.
After her, would be her successor who wielded Romance and golden strings, weaving dresses and perhaps even fate— Aglaea.
And lastly, would be a nameless swordman, who would bear the world, ushering a new dawn—☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐
This passage, was, and would be carried on through each mortal and Chyrsos Heir—bearer of golden ichor— who was willing to stake their life and cause to the Flame-Chase.
To willingly burn themselves in the flames until the dawn of the new world— "Era Nova," was accomplished through the retrieval of all 12 Coreflames which held the divinity of each Titan.
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How long ago was it?
"Child of Light."
Yes, that was once I was called.
But why?
"You shall kindle all flames—"
I could no longer remember.
It had been far too long since I had left Hyperborea.
I wonder, how was the kingdom doing? Was everyone okay? Was that one able to achieve our promise?
Before I could continue with my thoughts... A 'Screech' had echoed out throughout the now deserted and roughed town—clearly a sign of the coming Black Tide.
Fortunately, all of the people here had already evacuated, taking heed of my warning.
Standing up from the rubble I once used to sit on, I summoned a spear of pure red like blood. The tip, gleaming with sharpness that was ready to pierce through anything in its way.
With that, a few runes started to crackle and flare to life. Their effects ready to be brought down into reality with a simple gesture by me.
Then, with a flourish of my spear, I leapt towards where the sound came from, immediately seeing the horde of Black Tide creatures that would have consumed this place and its inhabitants if I hadn't arrived and warned them.
As I thrusted my spear, it gave a delicate yet dangerous glow. The same energy as the runes running along its entirety, completely compressed to my limit, shot out like a rail gun.
Like one of the Myths that had long circulated in Amphoreus—the man who parted the sea with the blessing of one of the Titans, I had now done a feat similar within the Black Tide's ranks.
Their screeches grew louder, I only hummed in return.
Truly...
Today, would once again, be long.
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"I'll keep it brief and simple, join me in this journey, and I shall grant you, your wish by its end. Only state it, and you shall have my word."
She had once said to me as I defended a village at the end of what the Black Tide had not yet claimed.
Truthfully, it was an interesting offer, or rather, order if her tone was anything to go by.
However, I only gave my ever gentle smile and responded, "Could I ask for your name first, Little one?"
Hearing how I addressed her, the young woman, short in stature, couldn't help but scoff as she shook her head. The crown adorned on her, stuck to her silver-white hair that would faint into cyan by the ends of it like glue.
"That is no way to greet royalty." She replied, and then continued, "Since I understand your predicament of having always stayed near the edges of Amphoreus to fight against the Black Tide, I shall allow it just this once. But to get rid of your naivety, I'll allow you the opportunity to hear of who I am."
To be frank, I already knew who she was. For the longest time, I had.
I just wanted to poke some fun, no harm done or so I thought.
Though, she didn't need to know that.
"'Flamebearer,' 'Tyrant,' 'Empress,' 'Supreme Commander,' 'Imperator'..."
"Since you've left, the world has given me countless titles. But, for you, Child of Light, you may call me just as you had all those years ago—"
"—Cerydra," I continued for her, which earned a huff from her.
"Hmph, so you do remember me. You and your tricks... It seems like even with the passing of time, you have not changed."
Hearing her remark, I chuckled, "But I cannot say the same for you. Who told you to become such an overbearing person now?"
Cerydra only huffed once more and shook her head, "Enough of that, my offer still stands."
"Come. Let us pioneer a future where the propecy of Kephale— the Era Nova, is realized."
She offered her hand to me, naturally having to look up to meet my gaze.
'If it was back then, it would have been me who would have to look up just to do the same.' I couldn't help but think nostolgically.
Her gaze was resolute and orderly, yet, it showed the warmth from those years ago. Her smile, just as confident. Although there was a very small trace of... was it doubt? Perhaps because of the chance of me refusing? I would not know now, and perhaps in the future, still would admit the same.
I sighed internally at that, and how time really does change people.
It really has been far too long.
I took her hand, smiling ever so fondly, "At your service, Cerydra."
Hearing my agreement, her expression beamed— warmth, relief, and joy. It was a clear sign that she was happy that I would join her in a campaign that unbeknownst to us, would last for lifetimes that even Chyrsos Heirs would not live to see the end of.
Cerydra coughed, masking her reaction as her expression returned to a more neutral one. Where what could be seen was the hint of regality and wisdom of a strategist.
"That's good then." She said, her voice not being able to hide what she truly felt.
In the future, perhaps someone would be able to coin a term for such a behavior.
Regardless, it had been truly too long.