Chapter 122: I Have Explained the Truth of the World
Not long ago, deep within Styxia, Anaxa's soul finally confirmed his conjecture after seeing Castorice's sister, Polyxena.
"The truth of the world, I have unraveled it—"
"The Chrysos Heirs of the past became Titans, and today's Chrysos Heirs, bearing the flame, will also become new Titans after the Re-Creation!"
"Phainon, that boy who bears the world, will reshape everything with memories. All souls will attain eternity under kephale's protection…"
His voice echoed above the square, filled with the fervor unique to a scholar. "This is the truth! The Journey of Chasing the Flame is not destruction, but sublimation!"
In his eyes, the journey was no longer destruction, but the necessary path to a new cycle of rebirth.
However, not long after this, Anaxa lost contact with Castorice.
1 day, 2 days, 3 days…
Not only Castorice, but Stelle also vanished without a trace.
Okhema, Weaving Workshop.
Aglaea paced back and forth in the room, the Golden Thread uneasily coiling around her fingertips.
"It's been 7 days," she stopped and looked at you, who were sitting beside her. "Castorice and Stelle, why aren't they back yet?"
You also showed a worried expression. "Perhaps the trial is more difficult than imagined, and Castorice failed?"
"No…" Aglaea shook her head. "Even if the trial failed, Castorice should have returned to report." Her voice carried a rare anxiety. "Did Stelle not revive? But even so, what about Castorice? Where did she go?"
"And the flame of death… If the trial succeeded, the flame should have been brought back by now."
You stood up, walked to her side, and gently held her cold hand. "Don't worry too much, Aya," you said softly. "Let's wait a bit longer, perhaps they were just delayed by something."
"The Underworld is a special place after all; the flow of time might be different from the outside world."
Aglaea leaned into your embrace, showing a rare vulnerability. "Orion-kun, I have a bad premonition…"
You gently stroked her golden hair, but a cold smile, unseen by her, curled at your lips.
Of course they won't come back, you thought.
Before Castorice even left, you had already given her clear instructions—to keep Stelle in the Underworld forever. That Trailblazer from beyond the heavens, that unpredictable existence, must not be allowed to continue interfering with the Journey of Chasing the Flame.
Your killing intent had long since risen; you were just waiting for the right opportunity. And this time, it was a heaven-sent chance.
Stelle, oh Stelle… You recalled her radiant smile, your heart filled with boundless pleasure. May you forever sleep in the Underworld.
This is good too; at least dying in the most beautiful place in legends is more dignified than dying by my hand.
As for Castorice… that girl who deeply loved you would surely obey your command. Even if it meant betraying everyone.
A hint of madness flashed in your eyes. Very good, the plan was proceeding smoothly.
Without Stelle, Dan Heng alone couldn't stir up any waves. The flame of death could not be returned for a short period, and the divine authority of the Age Titan had no one to inherit it.
The progress of the Journey of Chasing the Flame was successfully delayed by you again.
As for that Anaxa…
You thought of the truth he had enlightened, almost laughing aloud.
Just because he saw that the Titans were once humans, he concluded that the Re-Creation would definitely be exactly the same and succeed? This logic is simply absurd to the extreme.
What inevitable connection is there between the past and present reincarnation of those Titans and the success of the Re-Creation? Who can guarantee that this time will not fail? Who can guarantee that this time will be the same as before?
A foolish scholar, his head muddled by his own ridiculous theories.
Your belief had never wavered… The so-called divine revelation, the so-called Re-Creation, were all just deceptions. And you would never let this lie continue.
You wanted to prove to Cifera that the Re-Creation was nothing but an illusion.
Days later, Castorice and Stelle still had not returned. The Council elders finally grew restless.
"Castorice has betrayed Okhema!"
This news quickly spread from the Council throughout the city.
"She took the flame of death but refused to return it!"
"This is a betrayal of the Journey of Chasing the Flame!"
The citizens discussed animatedly, some angry, some confused. After all, how could that girl, who was always so cautious and afraid of hurting others, do such a thing?
In fact, it is so, you thought. But this is just the first step.
Castorice's "betrayal" would shake people's confidence in the Journey of Chasing the Flame. If even the Chrysos Heirs began to question, how could ordinary people continue to believe?
Aglaea had already sent Cifera to Styxia. But you knew she wouldn't find anything. The entrance to the Underworld had been sealed by Castorice; unless she actively opened it, no one could enter.
"Still no news."
That day, Aglaea leaned back in her chair, exhausted. "Cifera searched all over Styxia, but couldn't even find the entrance to the Underworld." She rubbed her temples, her voice full of anxiety. "What's worse, Stelle can't be found either."
"If something really happened to them… Without the flame of death, and with no one to inherit the divine authority of the Age Titan, the Journey of Chasing the Flame will…"
You listened quietly, then slowly began to speak. "Aya, there's no need to worry so much. Regarding the matter of Age… it's not without a solution."
She looked up, her expression turning to you in confusion.
"The divine authority of Age…" You looked into her eyes and said seriously, "Perhaps there is another candidate."
Hearing this, Aglaea was stunned. Only then did she realize, as if waking from a dream.
Yes… you were also a Chrysos Heir. And, you were the person she trusted most.
Besides you, who else could fill this void?
Phainon? He already carried the flame of bearing the world. Hyacine? She was already designated as the Titan of the Sky. The other Chrysos Heirs were either already demigods or lacked the qualifications.
Only you…
A wave of relief suddenly welled up in her heart. At this critical moment, when everyone else was disappointing her, at least… she still had you.
"Orion-kun…" She stood up, walked to you, and gently took your hand. "Are you willing to inherit the divine authority of the Age Titan?"
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