"Two Coreflames!?"
The Chrysos Heirs gasped in unison, their pupils contracting sharply. At this moment, everyone in the bathhouse held their breath. It was simply inconceivable.
"This... how is this possible?" Cerydra murmured.
In her excitement, she stumbled into the "Wallpaper Room," raising her hands to carefully cradle and feel the energy. A blazing, ancient light pulsed continuously in her palms. Taking a deep breath, she slowly closed her eyes, sensing the majestic rhythm of authority within the Coreflame.
It was as steadfast as rock, as solemn as heavenly law.
A moment later, she snapped her eyes open. The glow of the Coreflame was reflected in her gaze, but her face was filled with shock and disbelief.
"How is this possible? The power of the two Coreflames is exactly the same?!"
"If I hadn't been watching closely, I wouldn't have been able to tell which one was the real 'Coreflame' at all!"
"It's as if they were born from the same source, like twin Coreflames?"
As she spoke, she suddenly looked up at Ryuga, her eyes burning with a fervent intensity.
"Heh~."
"Did you know? Outside, the Aeon of 'Order' was actually 'twins' before ascending to godhood."
Ryuga smiled. Order had always persecuted twins. Penacony was the same.
"In that case? Does that mean the Titan won't have to die again?"
Cerydra didn't understand the Aeon of "Order." She only knew that since the "Journey of Flame-Chase" was a hollow lie, the Titans—once considered mortal enemies—had now become allies walking side-by-side. If she could secure one more portion of power, it would be a crucial weight to tip the scales of fate.
"Yes."
Ryuga pondered for a moment and nodded slightly. His original intention was actually for Hysilens' younger sister, Polyxia.
In the flower fields of the Underworld, Hysilens once told the Trailblazer: "My name in the mortal realm is Hysilens. Now, I am the Demigod of 'Death,' the living aspect of Thanatos."
And the trial of "Death" was originally meant to involve killing one's kin. The Coreflame was in the Underworld, which meant it was with the younger sister. At the moment she embraced Polyxia, the sister (the Titan) died, allowing the Coreflame to be retrieved and brought back to the Genesis Whirlpool by the Trailblazer.
As for the Polyxia who appeared beside Hysilens when Castorice cast her vote for the Flame-Chase? Hey, this is the Underworld. Is it strange to remain in the Underworld after "Death"?
Moreover, that was mainly to prove to Castorice that his theory was correct—confirming the hypothesis that Titans were once human.
Now, with two "Coreflames," Polyxia's life could be preserved. Titans exist by relying on their Coreflames. Of course, he could also use "Time Interaction" or Dragon Remains. In short, he had several backup methods.
Saving Hysilens wasn't the issue; the key was to hide it from Lygus's watchful eyes. However, with "Lies 800" and the "Omni-Pass," everything was no problem. Even Cipher could be deceived with lies; "Lies 800" was even more powerful.
As his voice fell, everyone's faces lit up with joy.
"However, the 'key' to all this depends on Cipher."
After Ryuga finished speaking, everyone's eyes turned toward the little "Haki-Sai."
"Me?"
Suddenly becoming the MVP of the scene, Cipher felt her whole body stiffen. Her ears perked up instantly, and her tail fluffed out. She subconsciously shrunk her neck, pointed at the tip of her nose, and opened her eyes wide in total confusion.
What the heck? Me? Did you guys get something wrong? I'm just a little kitten; kittens don't understand anything.
"The authority of Zagreus, the 'Titan of Trickery,' uses 'Lies' as a blade to sever the cage of perception and reshape the boundaries of stories."
"Cipher, you need to hurry up."
Ryuga spoke unhurriedly. To be honest, Cipher was essentially "telling a story" using lies. If people believe the story, then it becomes true.
She was practically Loki, the God of Stories. Although their abilities and methods were different, the effects they achieved could be similar. Even if the universe were destroyed, Loki could preserve life from destruction by keeping a part of the story in some corner. Truly "the teller of stories, the shaper of reality."
Cipher had similarly woven a story with lies, deceiving the Ascension Trial and saving Zagreus's life.
"I see, so it's 'Lies'?"
"As long as Sepharia inherits the authority of Trickery and tells a perfect lie, even the existence of a 'Titan' can be concealed or altered."
Aglaea was the first to react, speaking thoughtfully.
"Yes." Ryuga nodded.
Cipher had used her trickery to successfully deceive Lygus, and then Castorice used herself as a refinement matrix to seal Lygus. So, it wasn't strange for her lies to hide a Titan. In the worst-case scenario, if that wasn't enough, wasn't there still "Lies 800"?
"You should have said so earlier! Turns out I'm so useful, huh? Hmph~"
Hearing this, Cipher immediately puffed out her chest, her tail held high. She stood with her hands on her hips, her nose in the air, her face full of pride.
Elysia winked mischievously, her eyes full of smiles: "But can't 'Lies 800' achieve a similar effect? We don't necessarily have to rely on Cipher, right?"
"Hey, hey, hey!"
The little kitten couldn't stand hearing that. Cipher immediately bristled, her ears pinning back as she stared in protest.
"Don't delete my job! I'm a Chrysos Heir too, you know!"
"Heehee~ Alright, alright, I was wrong."
Elysia chuckled, covering her mouth and winking slyly. She was just teasing Cipher.
"..."
Realizing she had been played, the little "Haki-Sai's" cat ears drooped, looking a bit deflated. No wonder Ryuga said her acting skills were still a bit behind Elysia's.
"So, Cipher, you'd better go and train properly at the Epiphany Grove. Only by growing up quickly can you take on greater responsibilities."
"The moment we truly face off against Lygus will not be any easier than this."
Ryuga reached out and rubbed Cipher's head, smiling.
"Yeah, yeah, I know, I know."
Cipher curled her lip and turned her head away, crossing her arms arrogantly. At the same time, she deliberately glanced at Elysia, a smirk playing on her lips.
(Hmph, I'm the one Lord Demon God loves the most.)
Ryuga said no more, patting the cat's head before closing his eyes to sense the power of the two Law Coreflames.
In an instant!
A power as vast as ten thousand galloping armies spread out in his consciousness. A nearly perfect "Authority Mapping."
One must understand that only full-fledged Titans require a Coreflame to survive. The Chrysos Heirs who pass the trials and gain authority to become demigods do not need to be bound to a Coreflame for survival.
Furthermore, the Coreflame, the authority, and the trial should be viewed separately. Retrieving the Coreflame is only to return it to the Genesis Whirlpool. Initiating the trial is to become a demigod. These two things are independent.
You can return the Coreflame first and then take the trial, or vice versa; it doesn't matter. Also, the Coreflame and the trial are not directly linked. Hysilens completed her trial and gained authority, and only then did she have the Trailblazer return the Coreflame to the Genesis Whirlpool.
If a Titan can be contacted directly, they can initiate the trial. If the Titan is dead, the Coreflame initiates it. To become a demigod, simply put, requires the Titan's recognition—a "nod" is enough.
Tribbie passed the Threshold Trial, and the Trailblazer was resurrected in 15 days. Additionally, Cipher's trial was likely initiated directly by Zagreus. Afterward, she deceived the Ascension Trial, obtained demigod authority, and used lies to save Zagreus.
After all, if the Coreflame were taken before the trial, Zagreus would have died. Coreflames are the souls of fallen Titans. Using lies then would be meaningless.
"Take it."
"This one, I'll keep."
Ryuga handed the original "Law Coreflame" back to Cerydra. The "bootleg Law Coreflame," perfectly replicated by the "Copy Mirror," was left in the Wallpaper Room.
The "Wallpaper Room," adorned with the "Omni-Pass," would not be recorded by the Scepter, meaning the Wallpaper Room effectively didn't exist. Lygus wouldn't be able to find the replicated "Law Coreflame" even when observing the Scepter's records.
The two of them walked out one after the other. Ryuga looked at Hysilens standing by the bath: "Get ready. In a while, we will head to Styxia to resurrect your sister."
Suddenly hearing of her homeland, Hysilens sighed softly and lowered her eyes.
"Yes, I will be ready."
Hysilens folded her hands over her abdomen, closed her eyes, and nodded gently. But in the next instant, she snapped her eyes open in shock.
"Lord Demon God, what did you just say?"
"Resurrection?"
"Isn't it about retrieving the Titan's Coreflame? I remember you said the trial of 'Death' involves killing one's kin... then I must kill Polyxia with my own hands."
Her voice trembled slightly. "Resurrection or whatever... how is that possible?"
Polyxia? Cerydra, Aglaea, and the others were all startled for a moment before realizing he was referring to the "Death" Titan of the previous cycle.
"Otherwise, who do you think that 'Law Coreflame' was prepared for?"
Ryuga let out a light chuckle.
"Ah? You want to use the 'Law Coreflame' to replace the 'Death' Coreflame? Is... is that really feasible?"
Cerydra's eyes widened, looking at Ryuga in disbelief. Everyone around them was equally stunned. Feeding one Titan's Coreflame to another? That's outrageous. Such a thing had never even crossed their minds.
"It's possible."
"Don't forget, they are both among the Twelve Titans of Omphalos. And the Coreflame is the core that maintains a Titan's life and divinity."
Ryuga nodded with certainty. Zagreus had survived thanks to Cipher's lies and had lived comfortably with the "Big Sis" for a thousand years. Although Cipher left first, Zagreus managed to maintain his life by relying on the Coreflame of Kephale, the World-Bearing Titan, in his stomach. Once it was removed, having lost both the support of the lies and the Coreflame, Zagreus had nothing left to rely on and completely returned to dust.
"But it doesn't matter. I'm only using the 'Law Coreflame' to temporarily sustain her life. After the Death Coreflame is removed, I'll just use the 'Copy Mirror' to replicate one and return it to her," Ryuga explained.
I see. Everyone was suddenly enlightened. In fact, the same effect could be achieved using "Lies 800" to maintain Hysilens' sister's existence. Ryuga just wanted to verify an idea he had in mind.
"Then, Hysilens thanks Lord Demon God on behalf of her sister."
Hysilens stared blankly at Ryuga, her eyes reddening. She placed her right hand over her heart and suddenly bowed deeply.
"Don't be so quick to thank me."
"When I grow stronger, or after I obtain the authority of the Scepter, I will be able to elevate Omphalos into true life."
"At that time, Omphalos will no longer be just a cage of cycles," Ryuga said.
The phrase "true life" ignited a long-lost, fervent flame in the eyes of the Chrysos Heirs. The path ahead was no longer a fog. In thirty million endless cycles, they were seeing for the first time the possibility of life shattering its shackles and fate severing its chains.
"Do you need me to rewrite the Ultimate Protocol?" Cerydra suddenly spoke.
Ryuga was startled and blurted out, "Are you crazy?"
He then raised his hand and gently rubbed the top of her head, speaking solemnly, word by word. "There's no rush for this. The trial of the 'Law' Titan must be saved for later."
"That requires the death of a demigod."
Suddenly being patted on the head, Cerydra trembled. Feeling the burning warmth of Ryuga's large hand, a flush of crimson appeared on her cheeks. But she did not dodge; she only tilted her head up, looking at Ryuga with a determined and fervent gaze.
"I am fearless. As long as it brings a future to Omphalos, I would not hesitate even to offer my life."
"I believe that the 'me' in all thirty million cycles would have made the same choice."
The other demigods also had determined and resolute gazes.
"If needed, you can use mine as well."
Aglaea stepped forward, gently covering her heart, her beautiful eyes shining brightly.
"And me."
Tribbie's youthful face was filled with determination.
"Me too."
Hysilens looked over.
"Uh, although I'm not a demigod yet, I can also..."
Just as Cipher raised her little hand, before she could finish, Cerydra shot her a sharp look.
"Not you!"
Having witnessed the power of "Lies 800," she was well aware of the function of the "Trickery" divine authority. Ryuga looked at them quietly and smiled.
"No need."
"I plan to use puppets to create Chrysos Heirs, and similarly use puppets to create Titan demigods. When the time comes to rewrite the Ultimate Protocol, your lives won't be necessary."
He shook his head firmly.
Puppets? The Chrysos Heirs were all a bit confused. Like the ones the Dressmaster makes?
"Oh~" Elysia's eyes suddenly lit up as if she had realized something. "I know, you want to use Dr. Ein's puppet technology, right?"
"Yes, but I need a portion of Chrysos Heir blood. Not much, ten milliliters will do." Ryuga nodded.
Then, he would directly use the "Copy Mirror" to replicate it. Actually, he could completely copy a Cerydra to die in place of the original, but wouldn't it still be the Empress dying? So that idea was rejected.
As soon as he finished speaking, Cerydra raised her hand to bite her fingertip, and the other Chrysos Heirs did the same.
"Stop!"
"Have your subordinates give me a portion; don't use yours!" Ryuga hurriedly raised his hand to stop them.
Creating puppets with their blood and then killing them with his own hands? It felt a bit awkward, not much different from directly copying a "1.3" version. These were all his "wings," after all.
"Fine!"
"I will have the 'Shattered Blade Duke' offer a portion of golden blood."
Cerydra obediently withdrew her hand but still stood tall.
Ryuga: Poor "Shattered Blade Duke" Rabinus.
"Then, tomorrow I will join the Duke of Destiny in issuing an edict announcing the start of the Journey of Flame-Chase."
"I know you need time, right?"
"I can only use the reorganization of people's livelihoods, supplies, and conscription as an excuse to delay. To avoid arousing Lygus's suspicion, we must set out for the first Titan in three years at most."
Ryuga looked at her and nodded slightly: "Yes, that's fine, as long as the trial of 'Law' is placed last."
"Additionally, you can go find 'Discord.' He should have completed the Soul-Splitting Ritual by now. That is to say, the Titan of 'Discord' is unkillable."
At the end of the Golden War, the city of Castrum Kremnos held its final festival. The Titan of Discord split apart at this time, becoming an immortal being.
"I understand."
Hearing this, Cerydra's heart was shaken. Even if they failed time and again, with the Dragon World-Eater present, the other city-states would not dare to harbor any dissent.
"Elysia, you go back first." Ryuga suddenly looked at Elysia.
"Eh? I haven't seen Xilian yet." Elysia pouted, unhappy.
"Xilian cannot be 'touched' for now, and the timing isn't right. There will be opportunities in the future."
"Besides, you've been away for a month. Who knows what changes have occurred with the Honkai over there."
Ryuga cupped Elysia's small face and spoke seriously.
"Alright, I'll listen to you then."
Elysia suddenly felt a bit worried too. She wondered how much time had passed back home. She didn't want to go back and find her home gone.
...
The next day, Cerydra announced the start of the Journey of Flame-Chase.
And Ryuga, carrying Vill-V and Hysilens, flew toward the Underworld.
To be continued…
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