At the same time, somewhere in the Cloudstone Celestial Palace.
Mydei looked around with lifeless eyes, lost in unknown thoughts.
"Don't worry, Dee." Tribbie slowly walked up behind Mydei. "This kind of situation isn't the first time. A long time ago..."
"I'm not worried about him."
"Oh… Okay. But you seem a bit quiet."
"My apologies. I shouldn't be so rude. That man can pull through. I know it in my heart."
Then Tribbie suddenly mentioned what Mydei had encountered during the trial.
Hearing Tribbie ask such a question, although Mydei looked very wild on the surface, he was actually very delicate inside.
Like a fierce tiger in the heart, yet delicately sniffing the roses.
Tribbie simply wanted to guide him through the trial.
From how quickly Aglaea had reacted earlier, he had already guessed. "Aglaea knew Phainon might fail… and wanted me to be his backup. That was your original plan."
After being exposed, Tribbie instead smiled. "Mm. Looks like you understand everything."
"I have no intention of condemning you. The Flame-Chaser journey is not child's play. I was aware of that long ago. With the fall of 「Strife」, the threat of the Black Tide has intensified once more… If Cerydra and Oronyx are also affected, the consequences will be unimaginable."
"Yes. They are the only two remaining Titans who still retain their sanity and are willing to coexist with humans."
"Unfortunately, the key to completing the trial does not lie with me. To overcome that fear, I need the help of other Castrum Kremnos people. Give me some time to talk with my clansmen… It won't take long."
[I understand now. Mydei is afraid that if he becomes a demigod, the people of Castrum Kremnos will clash with the people of Okhema?]
[I don't know.]
— —
"Oh, there's strength in numbers, right? But the demigod trial ultimately falls on the individual... Dee, your clansmen… have always been hoping for a new king to be crowned, haven't they?"
Tribbie looked at Mydei with a smile. "If you were the one to take on the divine authority, they would definitely follow you willingly… because you are the hero of Castrum Kremnos."
"I once was. And that, Lady Tribios... is the deepest fear in my heart." Mydei slowly took a step. "See you later. I will come back."
Seeing his gradually departing back, Tribbie couldn't help but speak. "Dee."
"Hm?"
"No matter what happens, we will stand behind you."
Mydei turned his eyes slightly. A smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. "Mm, thank you."
...
Mydei arrived at the high-temperature bathhouse and happened to see several children.
Although they were all born in Okhema, they still held the aspiration in their hearts to return to Castrum Kremnos and become warriors.
The vibrant Castrum Kremnos children made Mydei ponder the future of Castrum Kremnos once again. He decided to find the veteran Craterus for a talk.
...
Not long after.
Mydei had already arrived before the Veracious Lion Mouth, but he was blocked by two Okhema soldiers.
"Oh no, it's him, the Castrum Kremnos crown prince..."
"What are you panicking for! With the Council of Elders' orders, even the Chrysos Heirs wouldn't dare do anything to us."
Mydei raised his hand and cracked his knuckles. "Council of Elders' dogs, get out of the way."
"Uh... O-Okhema's military police are carrying out official duties. Please do not approach casually!"
"I don't want to say it a second time."
"This time, uh… this time we'll let you pass. N-Next time won't be forgiven!"
After driving away the soldiers, Mydei silently stood in front of Craterus.
He saw Craterus chatting casually with the Veracious Lion Mouth.
"You think you know everything ancient and modern? Then let me test you. Do you know how the Golden Lion Head of Castrum Kremnos ended up mounted on the wall?"
The Veracious Lion Mouth smiled honestly. "I… I don't know, my lord. Haha… How did it get up there?"
"Hahahaha, then let me tell you. Back then, the founder of Castrum Kremnos led a group of warriors on a hunt for a male lion in the suburbs of Treto City...
That sharp-toothed and sharp-clawed beast had harmed the area for many years. The pile of bones in its lair was even taller than the mountains surrounding Okhema.
But guess what? The moment the beast poked its head out, the Castrum Kremnos warriors immediately charged forward. In a flash of lightning, they wrestled it to the ground and smashed its knee with a single strike. Then..."
"Before it even got to the exciting part, why is your face already red?"
"You, my lord, you described it so vividly. It made me full of energy! Please continue, my lord..." The next moment, he suddenly changed the subject. "—Oh my, isn't this Lord Mydei?! Long time no see, ha, haha..."
Craterus snorted coldly, turned around, and saw Mydei. "Oh? What wind from Okhema… actually brought the son of Gorgo before me?"
Mydei's attitude was sincere. "Craterus… my teacher."
"Let's talk somewhere else, Mydeimos. I'm already tired of talking to this stone head."
"What about the Council of Elders' spies? No need to mind them?"
Craterus shook his head slightly. "Two pretentious hyenas that only know how to scavenge carrion. They don't even have the ability to bite. Let's go. It doesn't matter if they follow."
With that, the two left the area.
Leaving only the somewhat confused Veracious Lion Mouth. "So, how exactly did that Golden Lion get on the wall?"
[Still thinking about this, bro.]
[This Veracious Lion Mouth is indeed quite amusing!]
[Your lion is named Veracious, yet what you're thinking about is how to eat melons!]
[I want to know too!!!]
[You still want to cliffhanger content from the web drama?]
— —
Craterus led the way ahead, not forgetting to provoke the soldiers monitoring him. In the end, he and Mydei arrived at a secluded corner.
Even the two shadowing soldiers were somewhat puzzled. "W-Why did we stop?"
Craterus carefully looked around and confirmed no one would pass by. "This place is good. Suitable for a private conversation."
Mydei understood. "Shall we take action, my teacher?"
"Come on—"
Mydei clenched his fists and approached step by step.
Only the two soldiers were left, their eyes gradually clearing up. "W-What are you trying to do?!"
"C-Come quickly, save—"
Mydei threw a punch at each of their faces.
Next shot.
The two were already lying on the ground, fast asleep.
[Young people really have good bodies. They fall asleep as soon as they lie down!]
[Peaceful!]
[Transient!]
— —
Seeing the trouble had been resolved, Craterus got straight to the point. "Hmph… Now it's quiet enough. Speak. What matter do you want to discuss with this old man?"
Mydei: "I want to discuss with you… the future of the Castrum Kremnos people."
"Interesting. I heard that the Coreflame of the 「Lance of Fury」 has already returned, yet it was not handed over by you personally. You even wanted to give away Nikador's divine power — is this true?"
Mydei pondered for a moment. "Those rumors are not fabricated."
Craterus did not seem surprised by this answer. "In other words… you once considered giving up the throne of Castrum Kremnos and giving up leading your clansmen."
"Divine power is not the same as royal authority. The path for our clan is not limited to just 「Strife」."
"Playing with words!" At this moment, Craterus completely lost his composure. "Those Castrum Kremnos orphans who left their homeland with you, and their descendants… What has supported us until now is the longing for past glory.
If they knew that the crown prince they respected had the thought of giving up… Mydeimos, how would you explain this to your deceased mother?
Don't forget, she died at the hands of Euripon (the previous king of Castrum Kremnos, Mydei's father)'s treacherous plot — all for you, for the sake of reviving Castrum Kremnos's glory!"
Mydei raised his voice a few degrees. "Since we've already spoken to this point… let me ask you, who killed my father?"
"Are you insulting me, Mydeimos? I may be old, but I'm not yet senile. Of course I remember. Euripon died in the encirclement of the Castrum Kremnos orphans… It was you who personally pierced his chest with a spear."
"But that was only the result." Mydei argued with reason. "Haven't you seen it clearly yet, my teacher? What sent my parents and the entire Castrum Kremnos clan to their doom was the 「Strife」 we speak of, the pursuit of so-called glory, and the slogans of 「Better to die in battle than return in shame」...
It is the obsession of every Castrum Kremnos person, whether right or wrong."
Craterus let out a heavy breath. "Ridiculous. The only thing that can kill a king is a spear. Even the infants of Castrum Kremnos understand this truth.
I once swore to your mother that I would defend your crown with my life. But I never imagined that the son of Gorgo would take the lead in questioning… betraying the spirit of Castrum Kremnos.
「Gorgo」… Your mother shared the same name as the founder of Castrum Kremnos. Her actions were worthy of the weight of that name. But you — if you want to distance yourself from her glory and become a deserter… forgive me for being unable to offer my loyalty any longer, Mydeimos."
Mydei helplessly shook his head. "I originally wanted to discuss the future of our clansmen with you. But… now doesn't seem to be the right time."
"Go then, Mydei — that's what those Chrysos Heirs call you — walk the path you believe is correct. You are a willful warrior at heart. Once you make up your mind, no one can stop you.
But do not attempt to deny Castrum Kremnos's traditions… We may be in Okhema, but we will forever be the people of 「Strife」."
"In an era on the verge of destruction, talking about bloodline is meaningless." Mydei did not want to waste any more words. He turned around dejectedly and left the area.
[Phainon's back looks so lonely.]
[Sigh, actually Mydei just doesn't want the people of Castrum Kremnos to continue living in slaughter.]
[Even if Mydei were willing to lead his clansmen to rebuild Castrum Kremnos, if the people of Castrum Kremnos wanted to attack Okhema, would Mydei take action or not?]
[Indeed. If he ends up crossing swords with Phainon at that time, that would be interesting.]
"Young master, remember: Never show your weaknesses to others. A lion should never mingle with its prey… especially when it is capable of dominating the entire hunting ground."
Craterus watched Mydei walk further and further away and spoke slowly.
— —
The next moment, the screen went black.
An ancient-looking mural appeared.
A king was holding an infant in his arms. The woman behind him knelt on one knee, tears streaming down her face.
The soldiers behind them all knelt together, lowering their heads.
The woman's voice sounded. She was Gorgo, Mydei's mother.
"Euripon, this child (Mydei) has done nothing wrong! This is murder! Do not let the innocent blood of an infant stain the glory of Castrum Kremnos people — do not expose your weakness to your enemies!"
Previous King Euripon: "Enough! My decision is final. Nikador's battle soul must be continued with this child's life. We… must save Castrum Kremnos."
"Absurd! His hand can't even lift a spear tip. Do you think he can threaten Castrum Kremnos? If you really do this, that is truly cutting off Castrum Kremnos's bloodline — turning our thousand years of glory into a complete joke!"
"You forgot that Castrum Kremnos people do not believe in bloodline. Our kings can only be born from bloody duels...
As for Castrum Kremnos's thousand years of 「glory」, that was originally a joke — killing is killing. Murderers who rejoice in vanity are no nobler than the fiercest beasts in Amphoreus."
Mydei's mother angrily shouted, "How shameless! You, and all the kings of Castrum Kremnos — which of your crowns was not taken from your father's corpse... But now? Do you want to use a few short sentences to wash clean your blood-stained hands?"
"No, quite the opposite: I am about to end this bloody cycle… starting with this child — ending it in my blood-stained hands."
Mydei's mother kept provoking Euripon. "You can't do it, Euripon! You are just a coward, a despicable villain who only dares to swing the butcher's knife at his own flesh and blood, a beast who kills his kin..."
The next moment, she raised the weapon in her hand, attempting to incite the surrounding soldiers. "Champions of the King's Wing, governors — you cannot stand by and watch! If you are still the glorious sons of Gorgo, then take up your spears and follow me. End this bloody farce!"
[Sigh, I don't know what you all saw, but I saw a great mother.]
[Love your mom. See you tomorrow!]
[This old bastard. Is this Euripon really Mydei's father? How is he so stupid?]
[It's modeled after the West. Actually, this kind of thing is quite normal.]
[This person is just afraid of death.]
— —
Hearing Gorgo's words, Euripon smiled smugly. He swept his eyes across everyone. "Is there anyone else… who raises an objection? If so, take up your bronze spears and come forward to prove yourself!"
However, as the countdown ended.
No one responded.
Mydei's mother gripped the spear in her hand tightly. "No one dares to follow me? You cowards. Has that crown made you all so weak?"
"It seems no one raises an objection. Based on the Council of Elders' principle of 「unanimous silence」, this matter requires no further discussion." Euripon nodded in satisfaction. "Under the witness of all citizens present, this child shall sink into the underworld sea: to feed the 「Lance of Fury」, the Strife Titan, and join the heroic souls between heaven and earth. May fate and the honored gods await you..."
He walked step by step to the edge of the cliff and raised the infant in his hands high. "My son… Mydeimos."
"Stop!" Gorgo's voice already carried an angry sob.
"Speak. For the sake of us being born and dying together… I'll give you one last chance."
"By the 「Lance of Fury」 above, and with the joint witness of all the generals and soldiers of the Council of Elders: I, Gorgo, hereby propose a 「Challenge for the Throne」 according to Castrum Kremnos law —"
The sound of a spear rang in the background. Everyone could imagine the mother pointing the spear tip at the hypocritical king.
"Unworthy king, in the name of the Council of Elders, I order you to duel me!"