---o---
"Call me Auntie!"
Following Stelle's sharp command, MK2000 was instantly stunned. The other large companions nearby were also stunned. Only Dan Heng covered his face, racking his brain for a good while before coming up with a retort.
"It's a Dromas. It doesn't speak our language."
Hearing someone explain on its behalf, MK2000 immediately let out a few whimpers. Even though it was the fastest and strongest Dromas, it still couldn't speak human language!
"Really? My brother actually didn't teach it how to talk? That's too irresponsible!"
Stelle complained, then began vigorously rubbing MK2000's head. "Then Auntie will teach you how to speak. First, say 'Auntie'!"
MK2000: "..."
Dan Heng: "..."
Tribbie: "..."
Dan Heng speechlessly watched Stelle tirelessly trying to teach MK2000 how to speak. He then turned to Tribbie. Since she and Phainon were unwilling to discuss matters regarding Fu Zhu here, asking about something else would have to do.
"Ms. Tribbie, could you tell me what the Flame Chase Journey is?"
Tribbie didn't refuse to answer this question.
"According to the divine oracle handed down by Lord Titan, the Chrysos Heirs must retrieve the twelve [Coreflames] and offer them in a specific sacrificial ritual to complete the Re-Creation and save the world. This entire overarching plan is the Flame Chase Journey."
Dan Heng nodded. He wanted to ask a few more questions, but Tribbie seemed to guess his thoughts and shook her head at him.
"This is not the appropriate place to discuss such things. Let us return to the Holy City first. Since MK2000 is fond of you, you two may ride it. We are setting off immediately."
"Alright."
Dan Heng agreed, then pulled Stelle along to mount MK2000. Tribbie and Phainon also climbed onto the back of MK2000.
The others didn't make them wait long. Soon, the entire Dromas caravan began to move.
Dan Heng originally thought that creatures with such massive physiques wouldn't be very fast, but when they started sprinting, he realized how wrong he was.
Reaching speeds of two hundred kilometers per hour was an absolute breeze for these Dromases. This was especially true for MK2000 beneath them; judging by its expression, this speed was merely a leisurely stroll.
At that moment, Tribbie offered an explanation. "Actually, aside from MK2000, the rest of the Dromases here are also more or less related to Fu Zhu. It's just that MK2000 is the most formidable Dromas bred by Fu Zhu himself. There is a world of difference in physical quality between it and ordinary Dromases."
Fu Zhu again.
Dan Heng was now incredibly curious about what his companion had actually done in Amphoreus for Tribbie and the others to classify his matters as highly confidential.
Not long after, relying on the speed of the Dromases, the group quickly saw the silhouette of the Holy City, Okhema. In less than a few minutes, they arrived at Okhema's city gates.
Looking down from MK2000's back towards the city gates, they noticed quite a few Iron Golems assisting in guarding the entrance. This confirmed what Tribbie and Phainon had said: there really was an entire army composed of Iron Golems in Okhema.
When Dan Heng and Stelle jumped down from MK2000, the Iron Golems that had been maintaining order immediately walked over and presented them with Poppies. This was the Iron Golem's way of expressing friendliness.
Beside them, Phainon couldn't help but gasp in surprise at the sight.
"So these big guys actually know how to give flowers? I've never received a flower from them."
Tribbie nodded in agreement beside him; not even she had received one before.
Stelle accepted the flowers while simultaneously leaning close to Dan Heng's ear, whispering excitedly.
"Dan Heng, doesn't this mean that with a single wave of my arm, I can immediately command all the Iron Golems to ascend the throne?"
Dan Heng froze. How was he supposed to respond to that?
If March 7th and Fu Zhu were here, they would definitely be able to fire back a retort at Stelle instantly.
"...I don't recommend doing that. Let's solve the main issue first."
Stelle pouted, but knowing that Dan Heng was right, she nodded.
Seeing that they had entered Okhema, Dan Heng immediately asked Tribbie and Phainon, "Where are we going next?"
"Follow us."
Tribbie and Phainon led the two into the city, heading straight for the Council of Elders in Okhema. After navigating a series of twists and turns inside, they finally stopped before a door.
"This is Lord Nameless's—which is to say, Fu Zhu's—room. Ever since Imperator bestowed the title of Lord Nameless upon him, the ownership of this room has not changed. You two may rest inside for now. I will go arrange some matters and come find you shortly."
"Okay."
Dan Heng nodded in acknowledgment. Beside him, Stelle impatiently opened the door and walked in.
As soon as she entered, Stelle immediately began searching the room for the iconic red single bed from her memories. If that red single bed was here, then her brother would definitely have a chance of returning to this spot. But unfortunately, after scanning the entire room, she didn't see that familiar red bed anywhere.
Dan Heng walked in and patted her shoulder comfortingly. "Don't worry too much. Either way, let's place down a Space Anchor first."
"Mhm..."
Not long after the two deployed the Space Anchor, there was a knock on the door.
Dan Heng walked over and opened it. Tribbie stood outside, smiling and nodding at him.
"Follow us."
"Alright."
Dan Heng and Stelle followed Tribbie out of the room, walking deeper into the inner courtyard of the Council of Elders. Before long, they were led to a massive bathhouse.
Tribbie thoughtfully introduced it to the two of them. "This is Okhema's grand bathhouse. The water here is spiritual water summoned by the Titan Phagousa. It is incredibly effective at relieving fatigue. You can come soak here later."
"Mhm," Dan Heng replied indifferently, showing no interest.
Stelle was somewhat intrigued, but she didn't show it. Compared to taking a bath, she was far more concerned about her brother's whereabouts.
Afterward, Tribbie led the two onto an elevator made of stone slabs, ascending to the top floor—a private bathing area exclusive to the Chrysos Heirs. In the very center of the bathhouse, a blonde woman of elegant and dignified poise sat in the pool. Wine and fruits were laid out on the table before her. Turning her head to see them, she smiled and waved.
Tribbie nodded to the two beside her. "Let's go."
The three walked over and took their seats by the table. Only then did the blonde woman begin to introduce herself.
"Greetings, esteemed guests. My name is Aglaea, representative of the Council of Elders and the Chrysos Heirs. My next actions may cause some offense, so please forgive me."
As she spoke, countless golden threads suddenly shot out from her sleeves, tightly binding Dan Heng and Stelle's wrists.
Dan Heng instinctively wanted to resist, but he forced himself to hold back.
Following that, Aglaea's faint, echoing voice raised a question to the two of them.
"May I ask, are you two truly Nameless Guests?"