"Do you remember what you saw on the sacred mountain? Heroes like Calypso and Gnaeus, reaching the end of their fate, departed one after another, leaving only the twins to take their place in 'death'."
"Unfortunately, even if their journeys are somewhat similar to ours, and even with your and Calypso's, Nikador's and Gnaeus's corroboration, it can only outline a blueprint for the conjecture of 'reincarnation.'"
"Although it has been a long and arduous journey to get to this point, I had already given up all hope of proving it."
"After all, the past is the past. To try and prove that we are the successors of the heroes of yesteryear is nothing but a pipe dream..."
"Until... we met the girl named Polyxena and her sister."
At that Anaxa recalled the scene, " Castorice —if she really was a being sent from the past to the present by the Titan out of selfishness..."
"Therefore, with Styxia as the 'node,' having personally experienced two cycles, she will surely become the 'bond' connecting everything."
"If the 'death' twins can transcend two lifetimes and reunite at the Abyss of Fate —my conjecture will no longer be mere speculation, and your question will be answered."
"That's good. But how can you be so sure? What if this guess is wrong? Wouldn't the girl be disappointed?" Cerces asked.
"Hmph, so what if I'm wrong?" Anaxa sneered. "The most important quality for a scholar is reckless impulsiveness."
"If you are always cautious and never dare to take the first step, then no change will ever happen."
"Moreover, I, Anaxagoras, am destined to overthrow this world that defies the natural order."
At that Anaxa turned around and said to Cerces behind her, "Let's go, let's teach those poor bastards their final lesson."
" Demigod Council " at Dawncloud Cliff, the First Scene of the Citizens' Assembly
At that Anaxa looked at the white-haired youth standing not far away and smiled:
" Phainon... he's the one getting the final debate."
Then, Canis's repulsive voice rang out. "Let them hear it—those Chrysos Heirs who waged a brutal war—!"
"Let them hear the voice of the people!"
As soon as he finished speaking, enthusiastic cheers resounded throughout the crowd.
"That woman is as adept as ever at manipulating people."
Xia walked to Phainon's side at that Anaxa, which surprised him somewhat:
" Anaxa... Teacher? I thought you weren't planning on showing up."
"Votes must be cast, otherwise this conference would be meaningless."
"Teacher, do you really think... it's the right thing to entrust the fate of the world to a single conference?"
" Okhema has stood firm under this system for a thousand years, which naturally proves its Reason," Anaxa, touching her blindfold. "But I think that's not what you want to ask."
"What truly confuses you is... whether it was the right decision for Aglaea to entrust you with the chance to decide the fate of the world."
A sigh escaped Phainon's lips, "... Always so incisive."
"After all, I've been teaching you for so long; others graduate in four years at most."
"Haha~ To be honest, I don't feel like I'm going on stage to give a speech, but rather like I'm going to the execution ground."
Phainon looked at Anaxa, "So, the answer is?"
"I can't answer that question for you—" Anaxa followed Phainon's gaze and looked back, "—because this question has absolutely nothing to do with you."
"Is it right for Aglaea to entrust the opportunity to you? Don't make me laugh, isn't that woman's own problem?"
Why do you consider these things for her? Or have you always seen yourself as just a tool for her?
This three-question barrage successfully stumped Phainon.
"Listen carefully, reverse your thinking—how should 'I' decide the fate of the world to make the right choice?"—that's what you should really be thinking about.
"There's still time. Think carefully about how you'll answer, and don't tell me... go tell those who are begging the gods for salvation."
"... I understand." Phainon placed his hands in front of him. "Thank you, Teacher Anaxa."
Anaxa corrected him repeatedly, saying, "Call me Anaxagoras."
"Which side will you... vote for?" Phainon couldn't help but ask.
"Judging by your performance... may Cerces defend your principles."
Shifting the focus back to the citizens' assembly, the onlookers were discussing the matter animatedly, and their voices grew louder and louder...
"Elders, citizens, please be quiet." ' Lygus ' stepped forward, "In the name of the Audience of Divine Ordeals, I see—"
"--The upright citizen of Okhema, Phainon of Aedes Elysiae, will deliver the final speech at this assembly!"
"Thank you, Your Excellency Lygus."
Seeing this, an arrogant citizen in the audience put his hands on his hips and exclaimed, "I remember this guy, the poor boy who carried Aglaea's shoes!"
Where is Lady " Goldweaver "? Why was this guy sent to put up a show of strength? Is the Journey of Flame-Chase really coming to an end?
"A mere brute? Can this kid keep Canis in check...?"
The onlookers continued to chatter, but after spending so many days with Xing and the others, Phainon Guild to 'selectively ignore' it, and continued:
" Kephale, citizens of Okhema— " he addressed the crowd, raising his voice, "I see, all your eyes are on me."
"Your eyes are filled with worry, not only about the growing rift between the Chrysos Heirs and the Senate, but also about the tomorrow that this holy city is about to enter."
"Now, I would like to urge you all: before contemplating such grand questions as 'the fate of the world,' please open your eyes wide... look beyond the horizon illuminated by Kephale and see clearly the crisis we face!"
"My hometown Aedes Elysiae, is a village forgotten by time."
"The breeze there was as refreshing as mint, and the wheat fields stretched as far as the Ocean... I firmly believed that I would enjoy peace and tranquility there with my neighbors and friends forever."
How I long to invite you all to see that secluded and wonderful place! But I cannot—
"Because she and everything she nurtured, everything I deeply love, have long been swallowed by the Black Tide —I am homeless!"
"I will always remember the day the Black Tide arrived: my father, Hieronymus, fought to the last moment with his broken sword for his child."
"My mother, Odetta, had her chest ripped open by a monster so that I could stand here and beg you all!"
' Lygus ' listened quietly to the sound, seemingly lost in thought.
"The hunter Galba, with his outstretched arms, finally embraced his beloved infant son Piso, and both of them died."
" Pisces, the children's teacher, desperately saved all her students, but the burning beams crushed her spine..."
"But what about her daughter Livia? Did she escape?"
Phainon answered his own question, "No: her, Piso, and many other children, my closest childhood playmates... they were all swallowed by the Black Tide and turned into twisted creations!"
"Not to mention, I will never forget the little wooden cart in the courtyard of a senior who briefly accompanied me during my childhood."
"As for that senior... I think he probably also became a creation of the Black Tide..."
Suddenly, Silver Wolf's sarcastic remark echoed in ' Lygus's ear, "Wow~ the ' Script ' you've set for yourself is really tragic..."
"It's all for the sake of the plot."