"Is it really possible?"
Khaslana found it hard to believe. Although Dan Heng and Stelle had demonstrated power he had never seen before, it still wasn't enough to topple The Irontomb.
Looking at this other version of himself, so full of despair, Phainon only felt a pang in his heart. But after being inspired by Dan Heng and Stelle's words, his conviction was unshakable. He firmly believed that this time, the tragedy would not be repeated!
"Khaslana, this time, everything will be different, just as the beginning of this cycle has been different from all your previous experiences!"
Khaslana silently met Phainon's gaze. Without a word, he quietly rose from the sickbed and turned to face Aglaea.
"This time, what was your original plan?"
Aglaea, having collected herself, began to analyze the situation.
"Despite what you've said... some of which is quite grim, I am also willing to believe that with the Nameless Guests here, this cycle will be different. So even if we don't proceed with the Re-Creation ritual, the Coreflames must still be in our hands. We cannot allow Lygus to get what he wants."
They couldn't guarantee that Lygus, upon discovering they weren't following the original script, wouldn't intervene to forcibly complete the Re-Creation himself. Therefore, the Coreflames had to be in their possession.
Once all the Coreflames were gathered, they would be handed over to Fu Zhu.
This time, they were staking all their chips on Fu Zhu, betting that he could change everything!
Khaslana nodded in understanding. Although he didn't hold out much hope, he had to accompany them as a failsafe. If their plan failed, he would immediately take all the Coreflames and restart the cycle.
---o---
"I'll go too. I've fought Nikador several times in past cycles. I can be of help."
But just as Khaslana offered to join, Anaxagoras immediately objected, "Your physical condition won't allow you to fight. The moment you use the power of a Coreflame, your spirit will be eroded. Its complete annihilation is only a matter of time."
Anaxagoras had gone to great lengths to save Khaslana, not so he could be an expendable fighter.
His value as an intelligence source was far greater than his value as a disposable warrior.
Dan Heng agreed with Anaxagoras's reasoning and advised Khaslana, "We're here this time. You shouldn't have to fight unless it's absolutely necessary. We still need you to provide more information."
Khaslana fell silent for a long moment before finally nodding in agreement.
"...Understood. But as a precaution, I hope you can promise me one thing. When all is lost, hand over the Coreflames. Let me, or Phainon, take them and restart the cycle."
Then, Khaslana turned to Phainon and said solemnly, "I fear I can no longer bear the burden of so many Coreflames into the next world. When the time comes, you may have to be the one to inherit them."
Phainon nodded without hesitation, just as solemnly assuring Khaslana.
"I promise you, if it truly comes to a point of no return, I will take the Coreflames, restart the cycle, and await the next chance to save the world."
"Good."
---o---
Seeing that matters were settled, Aglaea immediately adjusted the lineup for the expedition to Castrum Kremnos.
Originally, the plan was for Phainon, Dan Heng, Stelle, Hyacine, and Trianne to go. But now, considering Khaslana would be joining them, she turned to Anaxagoras for the sake of caution and asked him to accompany the group as well.
Anaxagoras didn't refuse her at such a critical juncture and nodded in agreement.
At the city gate, the group and the army of Iron Golems had finished assembling. Phainon and the others who were about to depart stood before Aglaea.
Aglaea lifted the hem of her skirt and offered a sincere blessing to the group.
"Then, I wholeheartedly wish you all a safe journey."
Everyone nodded. Then, their gazes fell on Trianne. She stepped forward, raised a single hand, and began reciting a prayer. A massive Infinity Gate opened before the army.
Phainon took a deep breath and gestured to the Iron Golems. One by one, they marched into the portal, followed by the group of Chrysos Heirs and Nameless Guests.
Finally, Phainon glanced back at Aglaea with a solemn nod before he and the others leaped into the Infinity Gate. The portal then closed behind them.
At the city gate, Aglaea stood with Tribbie, Castorice, and Cipher, watching the army's silhouettes gradually disappear into the gate. In her heart, she prayed for their success.
After seeing the army off, Aglaea turned to Castorice and Cipher beside her.
"Cifera, Castorice, I have one more thing to ask of you two."
"What is it, dressmaker?"
"The [Strife] and [Sky] Coreflames I have decided to let Phainon's group retrieve. The remaining [Time] and [Earth] Coreflames, I'll have to trouble you two to collect. Please make a trip to Phainon's hometown and inform Lady Cyrene of what's happening here. I will send a letter to notify Hysilens."
---o---
Castorice nodded. Cipher, on the other hand, gave a cheerful OK sign with her hand, but then added, "But before that, dressmaker, you need to withdraw the golden threads from the city. Don't ask why."
Aglaea naturally understood that Cipher intended to use the authority of [Trickery] to deceive some people and enhance her strength, so she readily agreed.
"Alright. I will have the golden threads removed within the next 24 hours. Is that enough time?"
"More than enough! Just wait for our good news!"
Cipher grinned and nodded, then turned her head to whisper to Castorice, "Homebody Princess, get your scythe out!"
Castorice obediently took the Scythe of Death in her hand. Only then did Cipher satisfyingly grab her arm and start running into the city, calling out as they went.
"Later, Homebody Princess, you'll be my wingman. No matter what I say, you have to believe that everything I say is true. After all, we're good partners! I'd never lie to you!"
"Mm, I believe you."
"Right, that's the spirit!"
"...I really do believe you, Cifera."
---o---
After passing through the Infinity Gate, Phainon and the others arrived on the plains outside Castrum Kremnos. Looking from a distance, the once-prosperous city was now engulfed in the smoke of battle. They could faintly hear cries of battle, a testament to how dire the situation inside was.
Khaslana looked at the scene, and it inevitably brought back memories of Aedes Elysiae.
"Back then, Aedes Elysiae was just like Castrum Kremnos... the living wielded butcher's knives against those they once called family."
Phainon, who was standing beside Khaslana, heard his words and couldn't help but say with some surprise, "Aedes Elysiae? It's perfectly fine, isn't it? Although it was attacked by the Black Tide back then, Okhema fortunately sent reinforcements, so nothing major happened, and no one was hurt."
Khaslana froze, then whipped his head around to face Phainon.
"What did you say? Aedes Elysiae wasn't destroyed?"
Author's PS: The ending has been modified regarding Khaslana's surprise that Cyrene didn't die.