After the milk tea competition ended, Fulisina patted her belly, hugged the gilded trophy, and slipped away with Xing to the " Pink Fairy " milk tea shop.
"Ahem~ Priestess, may I interview you? What was your mindset when you came to compete for the milk tea competition?"
"Um?"
As the mimicry baseball bat was almost touching her face, a black line flashed across Fulisina's forehead.
If I had to put it into words, did he create a black hole in his mouth, then throw all the milk tea in, and win the championship purely through sheer skill?
No, she actually won the trophy using such a disrespectful method towards Lord Yite! It's a disgrace!
Fulisina's ears drooped instantly as she looked at the gilded trophy in her hand...
Wait, upon closer inspection, I realized that the trophy looks exactly like her; it's a scaled-down figurine of the Elf Priestess.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Cloud Stone Heavenly Palace
"To sever my karmic ties, the late king cast me into the Abyss of Fate, but little did he expect that this act would instead create my immortal body, bringing him the vengeance of fate."
"After his death, I wanted to lead my people back to their homeland. But by then, Kremnos was a desolate wasteland, where only darkness and madness could grow."
"Despite the opposition from many, I left the Kremnos in Okhema. But I understand that their glory can never be erased."
"... The time for ' Strife ' will eventually come."
Phainon looked at Mydei: "Once you accept Nikador, you must embark on a journey home."
"So, you think it's a better choice to let your people stay in the Holy City?"
"..." Mydei was silent for a moment, "But because I was never crowned king, those five were never officially recognized... and no one knows of their glory."
"... It's really complicated, your situation." Phainon crossed his arms. "I can hardly offer any useful advice. Perhaps... you could talk to more people, like the High Craftsman. Hatonus's people must have experienced similar predicaments."
"And your teacher, Craterus..."
Just then, a scream came from behind them from Tribbie:
" Little Di —something's really bad, really bad!"
"Teacher Tribbie? What happened that made you so panicked?"
"Quickly, Trinnon her! Trinnon has been kidnapped by Craterus!"
"What?!"
Mydei and Phainon were initially startled, then quickly followed Trinnon to the Vortex of Genesis, where they saw the wounded veteran of the Kremnos, and in front of him, Aglaea was coldly scrutinizing him.
"... Craterus! What's going on?" Mydei demanded.
"Ah, Mydeimos..." Craterus wasn't surprised by the appearance of the Mydei. "I didn't expect that I would expose my weakness first... Heh."
" Aglaea! Give me an explanation."
"This man held Trinnon at weaponry and forced her to bring him to the Vortex of Genesis."
"Then, he actually dared to step into the trial of the ' Spear of Divine Retribution '... of course, it ended in failure."
Mydei looked at Craterus, "Is what she said true? Why did you do this?"
"Because I can't wait any longer; your hesitation is agonizing. If you want to escape your destiny as king, then run. Someone will always step forward to fill the void left by this ' Strife '... and lead my people back home."
"My teacher, how could Years have made you so ignorant!" Mydei glared at Craterus. "Haven't you seen it yet? The reason I'm so confused is precisely your recklessness and impulsiveness, ingrained in your very bones."
Aglaea stepped forward. " Craterus, do you truly believe you are qualified to meddle in the trials and blaspheme the Prophecy?"
"Is the mission of us Chrysos Heirs something to be treated so childishly in your eyes?"
"Want to know what you look like in the eyes of the Kremnosians, Aglaea?" Craterus scoffed. "Hypocrite... Ambitious schemer! The Prophecy of Creation, the Journey of Flame-Chase, are nothing but excuses you use to seize power."
"Shut up, Craterus! Do you know what you're saying?"
"Are you going to defend this woman, Mydeimos? For the past thousand years, how many wars have been fought and how many city-states have been destroyed in connection with her and the Prophecy they proclaim?"
Even if the so-called " Creation " truly exists, will the Kremnos Clan have a place in the new world?
Mydei fell silent. Aglaea continued, "Are you finished speaking?"
"According to the agreement reached between the Chrysos Heirs and the Senate, those who trespass into the Vortex of Genesis need not be tried by the council; I can decide their fate myself."
" Craterus, your actions are unforgivable. I hereby pronounce your sentence..."
Trianne suddenly interrupted her, " Aya! Wait a minute."
"We... have a proposal. This conflict between city-states must be resolved by someone stepping forward."
Trinnon nodded, "Lord Craterus did not use violence to harm 'us'. 'We' can sense that his anxiety stems from his concern for the future of his people."
"Please, Aglaea, listen to 'our' thoughts first."
Aglaea turned away helplessly, "... I'm listening."
"I apologize, Lord Craterus. We have been so preoccupied with interpreting fragments of prophecy that we have neglected those who are not favored by the Prophecy... Your accusation, though harsh, is reasonable."
"We want your trust, and the trust of the Kremnos Clan. I think the best way... is to take you to witness the source of the prophecy firsthand."
"... How will you make me see something ethereal and Nihility?"
Faced with Craterus's question, Trinnon chose to invoke the legendary figure of the Star: "You've heard about the stranger, haven't you? For some reason, she established a connection with Oronyx and can perfectly recreate the landscapes of the past."
"We will ask for her help. Tomorrow, in the Abyss of Fate, at the temple of Janusapolis... Craterus, we are willing to show you that ancient Remembrance, without reservation."
"The elven Saintess who dwells within the Vortex of Genesis can also recreate the former Kremnos for you," Tribbie added.
"... That sounds fair. I accept the offer."
"But before that, you will be deprived of your freedom of movement. This is my bottom line, and there is absolutely no possibility of compromise."
"Ha, this isn't the first time I've been someone's prisoner. Do as you please, 'demigod'."
Mydei couldn't understand Craterus's actions. "My master... why did you go to such lengths?"
"I'm sorry, young master... I can't endure this any longer. Since your father's death, my people and I have been waiting for the opportunity to revive Kremnos. We have placed all our hopes on you, but we have received no response."
"The obsession with returning home has become the root of our people's problems! You are so wise, I don't believe you can't see the simple truth..."
Craterus looked up. "You are very clear-headed, and that's why you're so lonely. The wise can only choose to succumb to the ways of the world."
"If you can truly lead your people to break free from this blood-stained fate, then prove it to me once again, Mydeimos."