Chapter 132: Deceiving the World
You stood before the Cloud Stone Sky Palace, looking at the two familiar figures. "Welcome to Amphoreus," you said with a gentle smile.
Everything proceeded as it had the first time—you led them to meet Aglaea, and in the public bathhouse, you displayed the history of Amphoreus.
"Please promise me, do not reveal the existence of the world beyond to the citizens," Aglaea requested, the Golden Thread shimmering at her fingertips. Star and Dan Heng exchanged a look, then solemnly agreed.
Afterward, you proactively offered to show them around Okhema. Star excitedly recounted various wondrous experiences. Just as they were about to take a photo—
"Wait," you suddenly interjected. "Let me take it for you."
"Alright!" Star generously handed over the camera.
This time, no accidents occurred. The Express Crew did not violate their agreement with Aglaea, earning the trust of the Chrysos Heirs from the very beginning. In the days that followed, you became true friends. Star would drag you around to rummage through trash cans, and Dan Heng would discuss the history of Amphoreus with you.
"Orion, you're truly a good person!" Star often said. You merely smiled, calculating the timing in your heart.
Finally, on an ordinary afternoon, you found Star wandering alone.
"Star, there's something I want to talk to you about."
"Hmm? What's so serious?" She bit into a freshly bought pastry, tilting her head to look at you.
You led her to a secluded corner. "What I'm about to say might sound absurd."
"Go on, what are friends for?" Star casually patted your shoulder.
You took a deep breath. "Amphoreus... is in a cycle of reincarnation."
Star's movements froze.
"And this isn't our first meeting." You told her a part of the truth—about the reincarnation, about what was about to happen, about everyone's fate. Her expression shifted from surprise, to shock, and then to thoughtfulness.
"How... do you know all this?"
"You wouldn't want to know what I've experienced. Just wait for it to be verified. When you see everything I've said come true, you'll believe me. Then... help me uncover the secret of Amphoreus."
You waited for her to question you. However—
"Alright!" Star suddenly hooked her arm around your neck, flashing a brilliant smile. "Good buddy, of course I believe you! Tell me, what do you need me to do?"
You were stunned. After countless reincarnations, this was the first time you were shaken by such unreserved trust. "You... just believed it?"
"Yup!" Star nodded vigorously. "Although it sounds bizarre, I've encountered many such things... And, I also vaguely remember that this isn't my first time in Amphoreus."
You abruptly took a step back. She couldn't possibly remember how I had manipulated her last time, could she?
"But I only remember—" Star continued, "You're my good buddy! Trusting you is the right thing to do!"
Her smile remained pure, without a trace of shadow. You breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you, Star."
"What's there to thank? Hurry up and tell me your plan!"
"No rush," you shook your head. "When the time is right, I'll tell you everything."
The following days proceeded as usual. Star helped Mydei and Phainon kill Nikador, then went to the Mind-Awakening Tree Court to rescue Anaxa, encountering the Thief of Fire. Subsequently, the Thief of Fire was repelled by Sersis. Everything unfolded as you remembered.
Until—on the path where the wounded Thief of Fire fled.
The black figure stumbled forward, the wound from Sersis's penetration still on his chest, but no blood flowed out.
"I've finally waited for you."
The Thief of Fire turned sharply, seeing you standing there.
"You don't have to continue," you said, as if speaking to a weary traveler. "I have found a way to destroy this false world. After so many reincarnations... you should rest."
However, your only response was a mechanical movement. The Thief of Fire raised his black sword.
You sighed. "Still can't understand human speech, huh? So be it."
The same black sword appeared in your hand. Two figures confronted each other in the night.
Then—in just an instant.
A black sword light streaked across the night sky. The Thief of Fire maintained his sword-drawing posture, but his body had already stiffened. He looked down at the blade piercing his chest, and beneath the shattered mask, a hint of relief appeared on the face similar to Phainon's. Then, he turned into black ash, dissipating in the wind.
Only the mask remained, lying quietly on the ground. You bent down and picked it up. After a moment of silence, you put it on your face.
In the days that followed, the Thief of Fire still appeared. Trinnon went missing in the Abyss of Fate; everyone hunted the Thief of Fire in Xuanfeng City. Everything proceeded according to the predetermined trajectory.
Later, on the day "Mother" Caenis arranged to meet you.
"My child..."
You looked at her coldly. Then, before she could react—a dagger precisely pierced her heart.
"Why..."
"I never had a mother," you said coldly. After her body fell, you impersonated her, continuing to manipulate the Council from behind the scenes.
Afterward, Castorice successfully passed the Death Trial, and the resurrected Star returned with the Flame of Death, then passed the trial and gained the authority of the Titan of Ages. Anaxa completed the Trial of Reason and, in the presence of everyone, handed over the Flame and perished.
Finally—the time was ripe. You found Star again.
"Is it time?" she understood from your expression. You nodded.
"Everything that's happened these past few days has indeed been as you said," Star said earnestly. "I absolutely trust you, good buddy!"
"Then—" You took a deep breath. "Please leave Okhema."
"Leave Okhema?" Star's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
"I want you to use the authority of the Ages to go to the past. To find the Chrysos Heir of the past, and... your companion."
Star's breathing quickened. "Companion? It couldn't be..."
"Yes," you nodded. "March 7th."
"March 7th?!" Star practically jumped. "How could she be in Amphoreus?! How could she be in the past?!"
Her brain seemed to have crashed. "Calm down," you said, pressing her shoulders. "Listen to me."
"Your companion arrived in Amphoreus even earlier than you did. She left traces in the past... just go, and the Ages will guide you to her."
"Then..." You leaned close to her ear and whispered something.
Star's eyes widened even further. "This... how is this possible..."
You stepped back. "This is the only way."
It took Star a long time to digest this information. Finally, she gripped your hand tightly. "I understand! Don't worry, I'll definitely complete the mission! I'll go tell Dan Heng right away, then set off!"
You watched her hurried figure depart. As long as she completed her mission, everything could change.
After Star vanished into the torrent of time, you took her place and continued the Journey. Aglaea was assassinated, and Hyacine and Phainon killed the Sky Titan.
Then—you, as the Demigod of Deception, were pierced by the Thief of Fire's black sword while protecting the Flame of Burden.
Subsequently, the dawn machine, sustained by your lies, extinguished, and eternal night descended upon Okhema. Cifera brought back your corpse. At this moment, the Thief of Fire attacked again, Mydei died in battle, and Dan Heng stayed behind to cover the retreat. Phainon obtained the Flame of Burden from Zagreus.
Everything in Okhema collapsed as the Black Tide struck... Immediately after, Phainon went alone to the Re-Creation.
In the Vortex of Genesis.
"Long time no see, Phainon," Lygus turned elegantly.
"How are you here?" Phainon asked warily.
"As a spectator of the divine ritual, I naturally must witness your re-creation—"
His words abruptly stopped. Because he saw the extra figure behind Phainon.
[Inorin Note:
If you wish to support me so I can continue to survive and afford proper food, you can join my membership on Patreon [patreon.com/InorinTL]. Be sure to check out "The Founding Pillars"—a special, limited-time tier that offers all the benefits of "The Plot Uncoverer" at a discounted price! Slots are limited, so grab yours before they run out. Besides membership, you can also donate via Ko-Fi [https://ko-fi.com/inorintl].
I hope I am still worthy of your support. My life truly depends on this... haha, I know I'm so shameless.]