The world in Bruno's eyes settled back into stillness.
The alley was the same alley, and the raindrops had resumed their straight descent.
Qin Chuan and Dies Martin stood before him as if they had never moved.
But he knew everything had changed.
He no longer needed logic to understand the world, because he himself had become the end of logic—a living paradox.
"What can a god forged from lies still protect?" Bruno repeated his earlier question under his breath, but his tone was entirely different.
There was no more confusion, no more struggle.
"I understand now." He raised his head and looked at Qin Chuan. "Use a greater lie, one that can never be exposed, to protect a fragile truth. That is my path."
Dies Martin laughed, genuine delight ringing in his voice.
"Congratulations, my Divine Selection. You've found a more interesting answer than mine."
Bruno ignored the god he nominally served. His gaze stayed on Qin Chuan.
He gave Qin Chuan a slight bow.
The gesture had nothing to do with faith. It was a sign of respect.
Qin Chuan nodded without another word.
"Let's go. Your allies are waiting."
Light and shadow flickered, and the three vanished from the dark alley at once, leaving only the patter of black rain that seemed as though it would never stop.
Magic City Stronghold, Apex Guild council chamber.
When Qin Chuan and Dies Martin reappeared, Dragon Soaring World had only just recovered from his brutal inner struggle.
He was soaked through and gasping for breath, but his entire presence had changed.
Before, Dragon Soaring World had been a roaring blaze. Now he was an invisible web of contracts, and anyone who approached him instinctively felt the binding force of rules.
On the other side of the room, Idith stood