"Not only was it hunting Titans, it was also stripping them of their Core Flames...?"
After hearing Phainon relay Anaxa's discovery, Trianne's eyes widened, her face filled with disbelief and her voice heavy with concern.
At last, the Flame Reaver's true purpose in killing Titans—the Black-Robed Swordsman's true purpose—had come to light.
Who knew how terrifyingly powerful the Flame Reaver had become after seizing Oronis's Spark of Chronos?
Phainon nodded solemnly and said in a deep voice:
"Yes. It is exactly like the Journey of Flame-Chasing... Teacher Naxia believes that the Flame Reaver's appearance may be a sign that the Black Tide is spreading further."
Aglaea's voice remained calm and unruffled. Clearly, she had not immediately accepted Anaxa's conclusion.
"Leaving aside whether that deduction is true, it is far more menacing than we imagined."
A sharp glint flashed through Phainon's eyes as he spoke firmly.
"But this madness is also our opportunity. Since Core Flames are its target, humanity can lure it into a trap."
"While we were heading to the Deep Abyss, Teacher Naxia had already left the Holy City with Sersis's Core Flame and rushed ahead to prepare the battlefield."
Aglaea's gaze was piercing. A trace of displeasure at Anaxa's unilateral decision showed in her slightly furrowed brows.
"Tell me, then. What makes you think the outcome will not be the loss of yet another Core Flame?"
Phainon turned toward Stelle, who stood beside him with her arms crossed over her chest. His gaze was filled with complete trust.
"Because this time, the power of Beyond the Sky stands with us as well..."
"The key is her."
Stelle's golden big gazelle eyes immediately widened, her face full of confusion.
She tilted her head and thought for a moment, tapping her chin with a fingertip before asking:
"I have