On March 7th, we successfully passed the "trial of Years " and then turned our attention back to Dawncloud Cliff.
At that Anaxa followed the messenger to the " Demigod Council " and successfully met with Lygus and Canis.
"Welcome, everyone, to the ' Demigod Council '."
Canis stepped forward first. " Anaxagoras! I've heard so much about you—" She extended her hand to Anaxa.
The leader of the " School of Wisdom Seeds " of the " Grove of Epiphany," the infamous " Blasphemer," Chrysos Heirs possessing the Core Flame of Cerces, and a survivor of the Grove massacre...
"I wonder if there's anything I've overlooked? If so, I hope you won't hesitate to enlighten me and fill in any gaps."
"It seems Lady Canis already knows me quite well, so there's no need for introductions," said Anaxa.
"However, perhaps it's a difference in customs? In my hometown, there's a custom called 'guest-host': the host should be warm and hospitable to the guest, offering fine wine, water, and a warm bed for a peaceful sleep..."
"But when I came this time, I didn't see my master offering me gifts; instead, I was questioned. Even more absurdly, this master had sharpened a butcher's knife and instructed his servants to wait in the shadows—"
Anaxa frowned and couldn't help but ask, "Do you intend to cut open my heart, extract the Core Flame, and then hold a grand banquet for our guests?"
Upon seeing this, a flash of ruthlessness crossed Canis's eyes, and she ordered the surrounding guards to leave.
"Everyone, you may leave."
"Thank you for your understanding. I am but a weak scholar, unaccustomed to the stench of money and blood."
Before he finished speaking, Cerces turned to look at him. Fighting a powerful Flame Reaver alone—and you call that a 'weak scholar'?
"No need for modesty, Your Excellency. In my opinion, your courage and boldness are worthy of the name of the Seven Sages, and you are more than capable of undertaking our bloody and arduous task."
"You want a war?"
" The Chrysos Heirs call for war, and we will respond with war." Canis said, hands on her hips.
"Conflict is inevitable: since Aglaea attempts to suppress the good people with the power of golden blood, we will not hesitate to uphold the rights and pace that the citizens of Okhema deserve."
"You ask me if there is still a glimmer of hope for peace? I can only say: everything depends on the next citizens' assembly, whether they can be awakened by the voice of the people—"
"--Your presence, as a member of the Chrysos Heirs, has brought us a glimmer of hope."
Anaxa chuckled softly, "Ha, how arrogant. The words your loyal ' Purgers ' heard just now were probably quite different from these."
"To be honest, that's exactly right," Canis admitted. "After all, their job is to clean up pests. And just now, you were on the Chrysos Heirs's side..."
"... Of course, you're one of us now. Please, to avoid being overheard, let's continue somewhere else."
"I had the privilege of discussing the ' School of Worship ' with your teacher Empedocles. Anaxa Excellency belonged to the ' School of Wisdom Seeds '? I've heard that it's a faction with many opponents."
"It's normal to have support and opposition, just like there are talented people and fools in the world." Anaxa didn't even use the word 'fool' in her reply.
The three walked to the center of the " Demigod Council," where Canis turned around and said, "Welcome back, Anaxagoras."
"I'm sure you remember: countless eloquent orators have stood here, triumphantly returning with their swaying words; and countless blasphemous philosophers have also stood here, who, for refusing to defend themselves, drank poison and died."
"This small stage is the most profound microcosm of Okhema's history over the past millennia. And in fifteen days and nights, this place will become the most important and final turning point in Okhema's history..."
"May we both live up to our mission and lead the world back to a golden age free from 'death,' ' Strife, ' and ' Trickery.'"
Upon hearing this, Cerces turned to look at Anaxa: "Ah, fifteen days and nights... that was precisely your death day. Is there such a coincidence in the world?"
"To prove one's truth through death is exactly what I desire."
"How resounding! No wonder she's a hero who dares to stand up to ' Goldweaver '." Canis cast an admiring glance at Anaxa.
"Hehe~ She really misunderstood."
"Alright, Lady Canis, let's skip the formalities. I've come here to work with the Senate on this important task; don't test my patience with these empty formalities."
"That's true, but you'll need my help to save your life from the Golden Thread's pursuit, won't you?"
"You're overthinking it. She still needs to garner public support at the citizens' assembly; she certainly won't act rashly."
Canis scoffed and engaged in a heated debate with Anaxa: "Even I can see that she has almost no humanity left. Can you really be so sure that she will play by the rules?"
"As you can see, Aglaea covets the Core Flame within me."
"This is my, and everyone else's, leverage in dealing with her, but in return, I need the Senate to provide all the support, including security."
" The Core Flame of Cerces, you know better than I how much it means in the Golden Age you so desperately seek..."
Anaxa stopped there, saying, "Further words are useless. Take care of yourself."
"Of course, I understand. The so-called game is nothing more than each side getting what they want. As long as the demands are reasonable, the Senate has never treated its allies unfairly."
"Since we both want to cooperate, let's be frank and speak openly—"
Let us, like true philosophers, use words and wisdom to decide how much we can fight for ourselves and how much we are willing to sacrifice.
"If you need to clear your mind, please do so. However, do not stray too far, lest... complications arise," Canis 'reminded' her.
"Then let's begin." Anaxa.
"Continuing our previous topic, let's talk about our common enemy, Aglaea."
Canis began the Senate's 'test': "She is a senior elder among the Chrysos Heirs of Okhema, who has gradually lost her humanity through the erosion of Years and the burning of the Core Flame... a formidable and respectable opponent."
"Admittedly, she had every reason to kill you, but your further comments are not without merit."
"As a seasoned political animal, it remains to be seen whether she will truly cross that line. Besides, she still needs you to complete the Titan's trial..."
"Who among those present can swear to the Covenant of Kephale that you did not conspire with that woman before this meeting, merely to cover for others and encourage her tyranny?"
At that Anaxa replied easily, "If Aglaea needs a Chrysos Heirs of sufficient wisdom, then I am the only one suitable."
"But it's obvious she doesn't need a Chrysos Heirs who could easily slip out of her control."