Lies.

Amid the platform's faint, indistinct rumble, Tales stood stunned for a full three seconds.

During those three seconds, as he gazed at Ricky under the firelight, Tales's mind flashed through scene after scene of facing the "predecessors" of old:

Ashida's calm elegance.

[It isn't just me. Every Magic User in the world can use their methods to... destroy the world in an instant, with a flip of their hand, effortlessly...]

Giza's horrifying smile.

[You are walking farther and farther down the road of misfortune... Magic User, this isn't a talent or a blessing... It's a curse and calamity.]

Toros's mysterious figure.

[Remember, child. Guard oneself... Even if you think you've already controlled it... you still must not let your guard down.]

The rising platform trembled slightly, jolting the distracted Tales back to his senses.

"So what do you mean?"

The startled Tales pressed urgently:

"Magic Users didn't kill the Gods? That was a lie they made up themselves? Or were they deceived too?"

But Ricky only gave a faint, mocking laugh.

Sakrael stood to the side, watching them in deep silence.

Tales remained unwilling to give up.

"Or are you saying the Calamities never surpassed the Gods, and the Gods' power was far above the Magic Users'? Exceptionally powerful?"

Ricky said nothing. He merely closed his eyes, as though savoring the urgency and confusion on Tales's face at that moment.

"Haha..."

Under Sakrael's thoughtful gaze and Tales's questioning stare, Ricky's shoulders began to shake violently as he released his irrepressible laughter.

"Hahahahahaha..."

Ricky raised his head amid his long laughter and looked at Tales, who had no idea what was so funny.

"Kill, surpass, far above, powerful?"

"Look at the words you chose."

At that moment, Ricky's smile slowly faded. His gaze grew razor-sharp, as though it could pierce straight