"You've killed us all..." Craterus's voice trembled.
His eyes were clouded. He could scarcely believe Mydei's decision.
The faith of the Xuan Feng people... had crumbled.
Destroyed by the young lord they revered most.
"No. I've given you a new life."
Mydei tossed a signet ring into Craterus's lap.
"This is...!"
"My mother's signet ring," Mydei said gravely.
"It was once proof of kingship. Now I'm giving it a new meaning."
"Take it and gather those who have lost their place."
"Tell them that Mydeimos, who has ascended to godhood, proclaims to the world—"
"They need no longer chase after fleeting glory or see death in battle as their only end."
"But they must change. They must become part of the city they once looked down on."
"Amphoreus faces a brutal tomorrow."
"Before the enemy we face, even the most glorious dynasty is nothing but rubble."
"But you will take the only path forward. At its end lies a new world."
Seeing Mydei's resolve, Craterus pressed a hand to his forehead and asked, torn:
"Why make me your messenger? Why won't you explain it to them yourself?"
"Because only people can lead people down the path they must take," Mydei said solemnly.
"Not 'people' who covet a god's power and descend into madness..."
"But people willing to raise their shields and protect the lives behind them."
"..."
"I couldn't save that child." Craterus's voice was hoarse.
He meant Trianne, of course, who had been turned into a rag doll.
"That doesn't matter." Mydei shook his head. "As Demigods, they knew what they were facing."
"What matters is that you were there, standing in front of her."
At that, Craterus lowered his hand and asked:
"That night... were you the one who persuaded Aglaea to let me go, Mydeimos?"
"I was,"