"Promise me you'll use the Core Flame as fuel, raise a blaze, and keep fighting the Black Tide."
"Of course." Yan Huan smiled. "I'll always fight for good people."
Castorice nodded too. "On behalf of all the Chrysos Heirs, I accept your request."
At their answers, Gnaeus seemed to relax. He slowly walked beneath the golden soul.
He turned to face them.
After a moment of silence, he suddenly shouted, breaking the stillness.
"I am the Spear of Heavenly Punishment, Nikadori! The herald of troubled times, the Embodiment of Strife!"
"Remember—I am a wound this world needs!"
All of Castrum Kremnos shook violently. The ceiling collapsed, and the golden soul became a Golden Spear that plunged mercilessly into Gnaeus's body, erupting in dazzling light.
At the same time, the fluctuations of time grew stronger. The blinding light formed a giant cocoon of golden locks, as large as a building.
Time and space rewound.
"It's you—!"
Standing nearby, Mydei's robes whipped in the surge of energy. Bracing against the gale, he called to the suddenly returned Yan Huan and Castorice:
"How did it go? Did you succeed?!"
"No need to ask." Phainon tightened his grip on his sword. The terrifying pressure around them made sweat bead on his forehead.
Golden claws tore through the chains, revealing the true form of Strife.
For a moment, it seemed as though heaven and earth trembled.
The former God of Strife broke free of its chains, its fierce gaze and imposing presence filling the chamber.
Somewhere beyond hearing, Castorice heard Gnaeus cry out.
Defeat me—give me the end a warrior deserves!
Phainon's eyes widened. "This is Nikadori's true form? Unbelievable..."
A glazed crack suddenly tore across the ceiling.
The last embers of dusk froze upon the shattered golden Cracked Fragments. Their retinas seemed to burn