"Red, I don't understand any of the things you said."
The man stroked the throne's armrest and looked up at her, his gaze calm. He had never been intimidated by her forcefulness or presence.
He merely said, "But I understand you, my child. If you truly decide to join forces with Lioz, don't think about casting him aside after you've used him up."
"Otherwise, Lioz—that man with nothing—will unleash a power that will make you tremble."
"And do you think Lioz truly reached this point alone? My child, his power does not belong to him alone, nor is it something Morphedria alone can provide. Behind Lioz stand countless beings like him. It was the people who personally placed power in Lioz's hands. You must never take that power away from him, or what follows will be a towering tidal wave."
"It isn't just Lioz, Red. How many people have you driven into ruin? You took everything from them, even borrowing against what they never possessed."
"Do you truly think someone like you is qualified to possess eternity? Do you still intend to betray others? Even someone like Lioz—you intend to betray him too?"
Red said nothing.
The scene at his side seemed to confirm the man's accusation.
"Let time judge right and wrong."
Red turned away, and emerald radiance swiftly destroyed the dream.
"And I need only transcend time."
Behind her, the man on the throne watched her leave with a smile. As the dream shattered, he gradually dissolved into a wisp of smoke and drifted away on the wind.
Redenia opened her eyes.
He rose upright from the divine throne. Below the platform, the phantoms of the nine apostles instantly took their positions, kneeling on one knee in silent welcome for the Goddess's awakening.
"How long was I