Chapter 116: Aglaea's Trial
You arrived at Cloud Stone Sky Palace. Here is Ohema's most renowned public bathhouse.
"Please follow me." You led Stelle and Dan Heng towards a more private pool. Aglaea was already waiting there, her golden hair shimmering faintly in the mist.
"Welcome, guests from afar," she said elegantly. "You must have many questions about Amphoreus."
Stelle looked around curiously. "This place is so beautiful!"
Next, Aglaea showed the two the history of Amphoreus—the Twelve Titans, the invasion of the Black Tide, and the mission of the Chrysos Heir.
"So you are collecting sparks to recreate the world?" Dan Heng mused.
"This is the path guided by divine revelation."
"I have revealed my heart to you," Aglaea suddenly said, Golden Threads shimmering at her fingertips. "Now, I only ask for one promise from you. Please promise me not to reveal the existence of the outer world to the citizens."
Stelle and Dan Heng exchanged glances. "Why?" Stelle asked, puzzled.
"The people of Ohema have already endured too much," Aglaea sighed. "False hope will only bring deeper despair."
Finally, under the witness of the Golden Thread, the two agreed to the request. Afterward, the two Trailblazers toured Ohema.
You happened to encounter Stelle and Dan Heng in the marketplace.
"What a coincidence." You showed a gentle smile. "Are you two out shopping?"
"Orion, what a coincidence!" Stelle greeted happily.
"How about I show you around?" You suggested. "I am very familiar with Ohema and can give you a tour."
They readily agreed. Along the way, you acted like a dutiful tour guide, introducing various attractions.
"By the way, since you are from outside... Before coming to Amphoreus, you must have been to many places, right?" You asked casually.
"Hmm... quite a few!" Stelle counted on her fingers. "There's a frozen planet, super cold! And a super large battleship, where people live forever!"
"There's also a dream planet," Dan Heng added. "It's called Penacony."
"Dreams?" You asked with some curiosity. "What is it like?"
"People there can live in their dreams!" Stelle said excitedly. "There are all sorts of wonderful things; as long as you have money, you can do whatever you want there..."
As you listened to her speak, ripples formed in your heart. The outside world…? If you had been born in Penacony, perhaps your childhood wouldn't have been so miserable. You wouldn't have struggled to survive at your uncle's house. You wouldn't have met Cipher. And you wouldn't have…
"Orion?" Stelle's voice interrupted your thoughts.
"Sorry, I got distracted." You resumed your smile. "Do you want to take a photo as a souvenir?" Stelle suddenly asked. "This spot has a pretty good view."
"A photo? Sure!" You found a passing citizen. "Excuse me, could you help us take a photo?"
"Of course." The person took the camera Stelle brought. Just as he was taking the photo, he accidentally scrolled through previous pictures.
"This... this is..." His eyes widened. A pink-haired girl, a blue dress, and sights he had never seen before…
"Hurry up and take it." You urged, pretending not to notice his abnormality. After taking the photo, the person left in a daze. Soon, rumors about the "Pink Cloud Goddess" and the "Outer World" would spread throughout Ohema.
That night, Aglaea lay in bed, seemingly deep in thought.
"Aya?" You turned your head, noticing she was sitting up. Her complexion was off, so you asked, "Is something bothering you?"
"Yes, there is something... Can you help me think about what to do?"
"What is it?" You sat up to listen.
"Those two outsiders... broke their promise," Aglaea said directly. "Rumors about the outer world are already spreading in the city."
You showed a surprised expression. "They actually…"
"Today, all of Ohema is discussing this outer world," Aglaea rubbed her temples. "Although most people don't believe it yet, some have already started to question..."
"This is indeed a breach of trust." You frowned in thought. "Should we deal with them directly?"
Aglaea was silent for a moment. "They might still have value… Moreover, Phainon values them greatly and believes they can help us complete the Journey of Chasing the Flame."
"Then how about we test them first?" You suggested.
"Test?"
"Use your Golden Thread. If they truly have ulterior motives, they will naturally reveal themselves. If they fail the test, then let Castorice..." You made a gesture.
Aglaea mused. "That is a method. If they truly harbor ill intentions, resolving it there won't cause a commotion."
"Mm." Aglaea made up her mind. "Let's do that. Orion-kun, thank you."
"It's what I should do," you responded gently.
The next day, as expected, Aglaea immediately summoned them. At the Vortex of Genesis, she bound the two with Golden Thread.
"This is no joke... but an interrogation." She stared at Stelle and Dan Heng, her voice as cold as ice. "Castorice stood silently before them. The fate of Ohema is as fragile as a thread… To eliminate misfortune, I must be cautious. I will give you two another chance to regain our trust. These Golden Threads will make the judgment for me: honesty lives… deception dies."
"Four questions," Aglaea said. "Each time the Golden Thread trembles, Castorice takes one step forward. After four steps, it will be your end."
You watched from the side, wondering if these two would fail Aglaea's test. You only wanted to test them, but if Aya really executed them… it wouldn't matter.
However, after four questions, Castorice was already standing behind them. "I regret to say, you two have failed the Golden Thread's test."
"Castorice," Aglaea ordered. "See them out."
Just then— "Wait!" Phainon's voice rang out. "Aglaea, I brought them here. I am willing to vouch for them."
Castorice also spoke softly. "I... also think it shouldn't be so rash."
You also stepped forward at this moment. "Aya, I also want to say a few words."
Aglaea looked at you, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Although they did make a mistake, but..." You glanced at Stelle and Dan Heng. "I spent time with them yesterday and could feel that they harbored no ill will. Perhaps they are just new here and not yet accustomed to our rules."
"Orion-kun..." Aglaea looked at the gaze you conveyed to her, seemingly understanding something.
"Give them a chance," you said. "If they make another mistake, I will personally take responsibility."
Aglaea was silent for a long time. "Since all three Chrysos Heirs are willing to vouch…" She sighed. "Then so be it. But remember, there won't be a second time."
Stelle and Dan Heng were relieved and came over to thank you.
"Thank you, Orion." Stelle looked at you gratefully.
Dan Heng also nodded in acknowledgment, the wariness in his eyes lessened a bit.
"It's nothing." You smiled gently. "Between friends, it should be like this."
"Yes, friends! All friends!" Stelle laughed.
After everyone dispersed, you stood alone at the Vortex of Genesis. Never mind, they don't pose a real threat right now. Moreover, keeping them and gaining their trust might lead to interesting information… As for matters outside, you yourself had never considered them.