Cyrene raised her head toward the faintly glowing runes high above the altar and recited in a lilting voice, as though chanting a poem:
"Gods, behold. Amphoreus has won her victory. Re-Creation is at hand—"
"That glorious soul has come to this land, walking through the bustling night."
"He brought golden fire and blood, and strode victorious into the daylight—"
Cyrene stepped gently aside, her warm gaze beckoning Yan Huan forward with the final Core Flame in his hand.
It flickered quietly in his palm, giving off a warm, powerful light that drove away some of the chill around them.
"Partner, it's time..."
"Set Amphoreus's frozen hands moving forward once more—"
Gray inscriptions of the Twelve Titans appeared one by one on the ancient stone wall. Their patterns brightened, as though sleeping giants were awakening.
Yan Huan slowly stepped forward, his feet meeting the cold stone. Behind him came familiar footsteps, distinct and drawing nearer.
Tribbie, Tine, and Trianne skipped past him, their faces lit with innocent laughter. Like dancing points of light, they carried an air of carefree joy.
"Together, to the flower-scented end of the west wind—see you tomorrow!"
They walked into the stone wall as easily as spirits returning home. The inscription for [Gateway] slowly lit up with a gentle glow.
Kryudera approached from behind and gave his shoulder a solemn pat.
"I never thought you really were doing something worthwhile."
"Now the people of this world need no longer be bound by a single rule. They can become their own [Law]."
She passed Yan Huan and stopped before the wall, standing tall and resolute, her bearing commanding.
"Caesar may seem small before the stars, but she is more than enough to become the world's Cornerstone—and build the greatest empire."
Hysilens quietly came up behind Yan Huan.