As the scene of the three conversing gradually faded, Cyrene stood beside Yan Huan and explained in her clear voice:
"In Light Calendar 3960, Kryudera used the expedition against Fagina as a pretext to sacrifice the lives of five hundred Chrysos Heirs, completing the trial of [Law]."
"This tragedy shook all of Amphoreus. After all, producing five hundred Chrysos Heirs at once had been an astonishing number in itself..."
"After Laigushi exiled you, Madam Aglaya, the [Goldweaver], took over as leader. Humanity's resistance began with great difficulty, teetering on the brink of collapse..."
Cyrene led Yan Huan slowly down from the platform and onto an enormous plaza on the outskirts of the Cloud Stone Celestial Palace.
This had once been one of the Holy City's most prosperous districts, but it was now scarred everywhere by the aftermath of battle.
The phantom of memory emerged once more, and this time, the scene was even more harrowing.
Aglaea was drenched in blood. Weakly, she knelt on one knee, supporting herself with a slender sword.
Before her stood Laigushi, his metal-constructed figure cold and indifferent as he looked down upon her.
His arrogant voice echoed across the deathly silent plaza:
"[Eternal Holy City]... How can its eternity ever measure up to what the poems describe?"
Laigushi surveyed the Cloud Stone Celestial Palace, now reduced to ruins, without the slightest ripple in his electronic eyes.
"The Cloud Stone Celestial Palace has been reduced to rubble. Countless mortals have died in vain because of your pointless resistance."
"It is time to face the price of refusal. Now, answer my question again..."
His icy gaze fell upon the barely living Aglaea as he asked in a deep voice:
"Where is Kephale's Core Flame?"
At those words, Aglaea struggled to raise her head. Though her face was