"...There's a question I've always wanted to ask."
Richard looked at the Titan King, his expression extremely solemn.
"What exactly did you stay behind for? With the great war imminent, I don't think there's any need to keep this secret any longer."
The Titan King fell silent for a moment, as though considering his answer.
"...There is no harm in telling you. I am the insurance. If It uses the Final War to ascend to Rank Eight and a Half once more, I will appear and strike It down again.
"I originally had only one chance to act, but that little fellow you gave me last time has granted me more power."
"So now you can act twice?" Richard asked.
"No. It only means I am more certain of striking It down."
The Titan King rose to his feet, a trace of gravity in his voice.
"If I fail, or if something arises that neither of us anticipated.
"Then everything will have to depend on you."
Richard nodded slightly and smiled. "Trust in fate. It will favor me."
"No, Richard, it is not about trusting fate." The Titan King spoke solemnly. "Fate is merely an aid. It will push you toward a predetermined direction. But if you cannot follow that direction, then even with fate driving you onward, it will be difficult for you to reach that predetermined goal.
"Richard, fate is only an auxiliary. People are what matter.
"I believe in you."
Richard was slightly taken aback, then nodded earnestly.
"I understand."
After leaving the Abyss Archives, Richard went straight to the Furnace Dimension to undergo his final trial.
"Is the Final War about to begin?" The Dimensional Avatar looked at Richard. "I see slaughter and destruction upon you. It seems there is not much time left before