Cloud Stone Heavenly Palace, Chrysos Heirs' Baths
Dan Heng and March 7th finally arrived and saw the group of people who had been waiting there.
Fulisina was still wearing the plain robes of the local priests of Amphoreus, and one could infer the stance of the " Church of Eternity " from her attire.
"Welcome, two ' Trailblazer ' from outer space. It's heartening to see you both so spirited after the hard-fought battles you've endured."
" Okhema had no choice but to involve the three of you in the Battle of Nikador, placing you in such a perilous situation. We are deeply grateful for your Trailblaze act and wish to express our gratitude with the highest honors of Okhema."
Aglaea handed a bottle of honeydew to Xing. "This is called ' Divine Blood Nectar.' Legend has it that only twelve bottles exist, brewed from crops watered with the blood of the Titan. The only three remaining bottles are now stored in the Okhema Treasury."
"In an era still brimming with vitality, every city-state fortunate enough to discover it regarded it as a treasure, and unsealing it during diplomatic ceremonies symbolized the highest honor."
"Now, Okhema wishes to follow tradition and offer a drink to the visitors from outer space as a token of our sincerity."
Xing trembled as she took the " Divine Blood Nectar " and sniffed it.
"Um... is it alcoholic? I'm too young to drink this."
Is that what you're focusing on?
March 7th also leaned over to smell it, " Divine Blood Nectar "... Just hearing the name makes it seem very precious, no wonder Xing's hand was trembling slightly as she held it.
"Ms. Aglaea's gift of such value must have been more than just a token of gratitude, right?"
"You are very perceptive, Lord Dan Heng. The three of you have already demonstrated your goodwill through your previous actions—we are willing to use this cup of Divine Blood Nectar as proof to forge a preliminary alliance with the Trailblazer."
"Excuse my bluntness... but does allying with the Chrysos Heirs mean we'll be drawn into Okhema's internal strife?"
Xing added from beside Dan Heng, "It was just a sudden burst of Curiosity, so I asked briefly."
Please don't misunderstand, we will still provide as much assistance as possible to the Journey of Flame-Chase, within our capabilities.
"However... I've heard there's a conflict between the Chrysos Heirs and the Senate of Okhema, and as outsiders, we don't want to take sides in this struggle..."
The First Eternal Recurrence, Dawn of the Dawncloud Cliff
" Goldweaver and the hostage, you've been waiting for a long time."
Hysilens led Khaslana to Aglaea and Tribbie, while Ye Yan hid behind a stone wall not far away.
Seeing the familiar faces, Khaslana felt a sense of relief. "It's you..."
"You know them? That makes things easier."
"Before that, I'm more Curiosity something else: Her Cerydra, where is she?"
"To avoid any misunderstanding, Nameless Swordsman: Although we've chatted and laughed along the way, I've never said you had the right to see her."
Caesar decreed. "A ' Savior ' will never appear in this era; be wary of suspicious individuals."
After Hysilens, Tribbie and Aglaea stood on either side of her.
"Come on, you two, let's do what we have to do."
"Ah... it was a trap." Khaslana shook his head helplessly. "I had no intention of fighting. So, please remember, Hysilens: if my sword becomes dull because of pity..."
Don't thank me—thank them instead.
Ye Yan, who was eavesdropping behind the wall, took out the manual. He was very satisfied with Khaslana's words: valuing his companions and being decisive in killing. He gave it full marks!
"No, you misunderstand. 'We' don't want to see the Chrysos Heirs hurt each other. Just a little time, let 'we' ask you a few questions."
"Then, Moneta's 'golden thread' will make the cut and pronounce your fate."
Khaslana didn't say much more, "... As you see fit."
"White-haired swordsman, if what you say is true, then you must know the fate of the world perfectly—so, how much do you know about the prophecies 'we' read from the Prophecy?"
Without the slightest hesitation, Khaslana recited Tribbie's prophecy:
"You will shatter into a thousand pieces, withering in a foreign land."
"... Is that right, Ms. Tribbie?"
Aglaea looked at Khaslana in disbelief. "This..."
"How is that possible...?"
Compared to Aglaea, Tribbie's reaction was clearly more surprised.
He was right?
"Yes. But the prophecy never mentioned his appearance, at least... he doesn't belong to this era."
"You must listen to me, Aglaea, Teacher Tribbie: The ' Phainon ' of this world has not yet been born. In the distant future, he will appear before you, guided by Prophecy— "
"But don't go looking for him—because ' Re-Creation ' is a complete scam."
"I will tell you everything truthfully, and you will surely understand why humanity must abandon Prophecy and find another path of ' Re-Creation '..."
"Because I believe that no matter how history changes, the beliefs of all of us whom I know will remain unchanged."
Thus, the rock strata began to reverse, and history was rewoven anew.
Through Hysilens's introduction, Khaslana met Cerydra, the leader of the Journey of Flame-Chase, and engaged in a difficult and lengthy negotiation.
In a secluded corner of Khaslana, an intriguing scene is unfolding...
The "Holy City" of Okhema, also located in the Cloud Stone Heavenly Palace, at a different point in time, within a bathing palace...
"You've barged in here without a word. Who are you?"
Hysilens held her sword to the black-clad man before her; the moment she saw him, instinct compelled her to draw her weapon.
"Hiss... Why resort to swords, madam?"
Ye Yan gently pushed away the blade pressed against his neck, his tone remaining calm.
"Like that white-haired swordsman, I am a traveler who has journeyed against the current of time."
Ye Yan deliberately lowered the brim of his hat, feigning mystery.
"I think you might want to be more explicit," Hysilens, not sheathing her weapon, remaining wary of the man's actions.
"It's very simple. I wish to see that ' Caesar,' no, you, Caesar's personal bodyguard... Could you perhaps make an exception?" Blake asked with a smile.
"If that's why you've come, then please leave."
"You will sleep eternally amidst the roar of the waves, having completed your conquest of the sea that marks the boundary between heaven and earth."
Ye Yan uttered the prophecy about Hysilens, and to prevent Hysilens from misunderstanding, he specifically explained:
"Of course, a short prophecy proves nothing."
"As for the truth about ' Re-Creation,' I'm sure Khaslana I won't waste my breath."
"But... that man didn't mention the ' World Beyond the Sky ' to you, did he?"
Seeing that Hysilens did not respond, Ye Yan's lips unconsciously curled up slightly.
"It's alright." Ye Yan shook his head. "I've come here only to remind Caesar to be wary of a well-mannered Antikythera; that fellow is the mastermind behind the tragedy of Amphoreus."
Hmm... does this count as a soft spoiler?