Hyacine wasn't unfamiliar with Merlin's tales. She had heard of the man who created the divine artifacts they wielded. Her Fenghuang Down came from him. The divine artifact that brought their victory against the Sky Titan… Hyacine was grateful for it.
As for the ensuing troubles—the memories and corruption she had seen—she attributed it all to her. Hyacine pushed it to her weak self… on her weak will.
Little did she know about the Black Tide, much less the Nihility. The ones who can withstand THEIR influence are rarer than certain low-probability cosmic events.
"That Black Sun came from me."
"..!"
Hyacine's entire body froze. She almost could not make sense of what he was saying.
"Once, I was trapped in the origin of the Black Sun, something others know as Nihility. I spent an untold amount of time in its vicinity, constantly facing the erosion of meaninglessness. It pushes me towards the pit of worthlessness, convincing me that life is not worth living."
With every word, Hyacine listened intently. Her ears never wanted to miss even a single syllable from it.
What Shi Tian narrated was not just a simple story, at least to her perspective.
"Hysilens once experienced it, too."
"Dux Gladiorum..?"
Hyacine did her fair share in reading Okhema's history. She knew that the Dux Gladiorum was a fearless warrior, a siren hailing from the depths of the sea. She responded to the Imperator's summons, becoming her lifelong guard.
"It's fine to be broken." He said. "All that matters is your willingness to stand up again."
Not everyone possessed his capability to remain unchanging in the face of everything. Shi Tian considered this aspect and converted his experience into something Hyacine can empathize with.
"The burden of the world… of Nihility's ever-present existence, is not for one to bear. There will be others who can share the same burden as yours. Others who will bear the weight of the world alongside you."
He spoke from experience. The main reason he got out of Nihility was due to everyone's help. Kiana and Seele showed up during that decisive battle, staving off Nihility's influence. Shi Tian dealt the final blow by manifesting everyone's wishes into a single strike, severing Nihility completely.
"If you find its weight unbearable, think of your friends. I am sure they are more than willing to help. If it does not suffice, I can also offer my hand."
Hyacine fell silent. The inexplicable depression coming out of nowhere slowly receded. His words enlightened her dazed mind, letting her find a moment of serenity. Momentarily, she returned to her usual self.
"...Thank you, Sir Merlin."
"It is I who should trouble you."
Hearing his words, Hyacine was all ears. She thought of Shi Tian's past actions—of his intentions in giving them the divine artifacts—before it all made sense. His arrival here was not just to offer her words of consolation.
Still…
"Please tell me if I can do something."
…Hyacine felt no ill will against him.
"I believe you have heard of the truth. That Amphoreus is but an endless cycle of destruction and struggle. The Flame Reaver is the Phainon of the previous cycle, carrying the will of every other prior to this cycle."
"Phainon. He is… the Deliverer." She muttered.
"He fought alone for fifteen million cycles. The chance I am giving to you is relevant to Amphoreus' salvation as well as himself."
Shi Tian dropped her role:
"You are to join the Earth and Reason Demigods to keep watch of Amphoreus' cycles. I will be separating this cycle from the rest, stripping the world of its memories. Once the right time comes and everyone recalls its existence, that would be the time for Amphoreus' salvation. Remember that these cycles span millions. You will watch Phainon's endless struggles alongside others. I will wait for yo…"
"I accept."
Shi Tian was silenced by yet another approval.
'Everyone… did not question my plans one bit.'
His chest felt heavy. The trust placed in him stemmed not because of his mystical abilities, but his long-standing history with the Imperator, Dux Gladiorum, Tribios, and Aglaea. Still, this does not make it any less significant.
Willingly stepping into an endless samsara, all to save one's world, is worthy of his respect.
"I thank you… and wish you good luck, Miss Hyacine."
He bowed as he cupped his fist with his other hand.
'Their sacrifices… I will not let them go to waste. Amphoreus shall see a new dawn… a new ending.'
*****
Castorice and Polyxia, the twin sisters bearing the identity of the Death Titan.
Ever since other identical twins took over their role and held together the River of Souls, they did not hesitate to join the battlefield.
"The Maiden of War…"
"Madam Aglaea's cute bodyguard..!"
"There are two of them…"
"...even better!"
The heat of the battlefield gradually got to the soldiers. They cheered as they fought alongside this era's Death Demigod/Titan. Polyxia's sudden transformation into a huge dragon caught everyone in a huge surprise—a welcome one.
The addition of a huge dragon breathing death towards the Black Tide creatures boosted their morale. The collapsed city walls mattered less as their reinforcement is a freaking dragon.
"Let's finish them in one go."
"Mhm."
A clear voice responded inside Castorice's mind.
Okhema's four directions are being fended off by four Demigods. The North was left to Anaxa and the Grove's scholars. The East was left to Mydeimos and the Castrum Kremnos' army. The West was left to the two sisters, while the South side was assigned to the Imperator and her Black Knights.
Aside from external threats, the growing numbers of Black Tide creatures inside Okhema is a matter of concern. Aglaea is barely holding onto the chain of command, with Cipher by her side to help her resolve any urgent troubles.
Castorice was worried about the backline's situation. She wanted to leave this post for a while but cannot find a perfect time to do so.
Just then, the world halted.
Polyxia's wings remained flapping. Castorice could act as usual. It was the world that turned gray… before shifting towards the familiar environment of the River of Souls.
In front of them, an unfamiliar purple-haired man stood.
"This Merlin came here to ask for your assistance, Regulators of Amphoreus' samsara."
******
A/N: It's currently our finals week. The chapter I missed from yesterday will be made up in the following days, next week at most.
PS: If there are any Star Rail players here who hasn't participated in the recent web event (SW Lv. 999 Theme Car as a prize atop anything else), I want to ask for your help for the link referrals. I'll paste my link down below, though I'll also do a paragraph comment here later. Thanks!
Honkai: Star Rail's Third Anniversary Grand Opening! Log in and participate in the web event to win a share of a massive pool of Stellar Jades and in-game rewards. Send a third anniversary blessing to Aha for a chance to take the "Crown of Aha" Silver Wolf LV.999-themed car and other spectacular prizes home! https://hsr.hoyoverse.com/3rdAnniversary?inviter=GAFF5VCFAN&hyl_landscape=true&hyl_auth_required=true&hyl_hide_status_bar=true&win_mode=fullscreen&target_page=prize&utm_source=share&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=web