"Phainon of Aedes Elysiae, step forward."
Tine, Trianne, and Tribbie reached toward the altar together. "Join us—"
Phainon nodded and began reciting with them.
"Solemn Twelve Titans, pillars that uphold the world—"
"We ask for divinity here, to mend the cracks in the world—"
"Fill mortal flesh with Golden Blood. Let it run dry in service of the oracle—"
Tine instructed Phainon:
"Offer the Core Flame, Chrysos Heir."
Phainon nodded and held out his hand, releasing the Core Flame into the enormous basin.
The Core Flame sank beneath the water. An astonishing power erupted at once, spreading through the entire Genesis Vortex Heart.
Among the stars nearby, the one symbolizing Strife slowly lit up.
"Why is the Vortex Core so silent?" Phainon asked, puzzled. "Have you faced anything like this before?"
"You're too impatient, Phainon," Aglaea warned. "Don't make us question this decision."
Gradually, a figure appeared behind the great basin.
Castorice recognized him.
"Lord Gnaeus...?"
Tine spoke:
"I'm afraid he isn't the person you know, Castorice."
"That is the Embodiment of Strife, an echo of Titan Divinity. He has come to examine the Chrysos Heir who would inherit divine authority."
The Embodiment of Strife watched Phainon in silence. Only after a long while did he speak:
"Mortal who seeks to take up a god's authority..."
"Your strength and character have both been tested..."
"But your will still wavers..."
"If you are to carry on Nikadori's struggle against the unspeakable Black Tide..."
"You must undergo the trial of divinity..."
"Prove that your will cannot be broken... Vanquish the fear rooted deepest in your heart..."
Phainon was bewildered.
"Vanquish... the fear in my heart?"
He raised his head, his expression growing resolute.
"Then bring it on—"
"Whatever you intend to put in my way, I'm ready."
"For the tomorrow foretold in