The body of the Black Tide was spreading and expanding in an irreversible manner, as if intent on dragging the entire world into eternal silence.
Finally, Mydei's low voice broke the suffocating stillness. "The Black Tide will ultimately sweep over everything. It cannot be stopped. It cannot be destroyed."
He paused, mentioning the theory now circulating throughout Okhema. "Based on the research published by that professor... Anaxagoras, Re-creation is not an empty dream."
"As long as the twelve Titan Coreflames are gathered and returned to the Vortex of Genesis, the laws can be remade, heaven and earth reshaped, and Re-creation achieved."
"Mydei, you can't possibly mean to..." Phainon, tempered by these days of blood and fire, had long shed the immaturity and naivety from his brow, replaced by steadiness and resolve.
"You guess correctly, Deliverer," Mydei turned, his eyes burning with a desperate flame.
"I will lead the remaining elite forces of the allied army to make our stand here, and then... fight a retreating battle. Our objective will no longer be victory, but to inflict the maximum casualties upon the Black Tide and slow its advance! Even if only by a single second!"
The flame chase journey had almost reached its end. In all the world, only the Coreflames of the three Titans—'Sky', 'Time', and 'Worldbearing'—remained unreturned."
His gaze swept over Phainon and Phaethon. "The Coreflames of 'Time' and 'Worldbearimg'... I presume arrangements have long been made for them. I need not worry."
"But that Sky Titan, suspended high in the heavens... I'm afraid you will have to challenge it yourselves to reclaim the final authority."
"As for me, and the Okhema Allied Army, we will buy you this final, most crucial period of time."
Phainon took a deep breath of the air, thick with the scents of scorched earth and darkness. His voice was heavy, yet unshakably firm.
"Mm... Harsh reality forced me to abandon impractical fantasies long ago. I understand. The future cannot be some idyllic land bathed in a gentle zephyr, awaiting our peaceful entry."
"That brand new dawn... we must fight for it with our own hands! Phaethon and I... we will definitely reclaim the 'Sky' Coreflame and bring a true dawn to this world!"
"Go, Deliverer." Mydei nodded, pointing towards a faintly glowing portal behind him. "Hyacine left Castrum Kremnos in secret several days ago to make preparations for challenging the Sky Titan and inheriting the 'Sky' divine authority. Given her efficiency, she should be nearly ready by now."
Phainon took one last look at the lone city that was to become their final line of defense, and at the steadfast friend before him who stood firm as bedrock. Finally, he turned and walked towards the Infinity Gate leading to Okhema.
But standing at the edge of the swirling light, he couldn't help but glance back, his eyes betraying unconcealed worry.
"Do not worry for me, Phainon." Mydei crossed his arms, deliberately striking a relaxed and heroic pose. "This kind of life—fighting while retreating, measuring the battlefield with the soles of my feet—is something I grew accustomed to long ago, back when I led the Kremnoan Detachment!"
He grinned, showing a fierce smile. "It's you I'm concerned about! If you fail to defeat the Sky Titan and come slinking back in defeat, I will laugh at you without mercy!"
"Heh..." Phainon's sorrow at parting was diluted somewhat by these words, his tone lightening a little. "Mydeimos, don't you go and die. Otherwise, when I return, I'll be the one laughing at you."
"As for challenging the Sky Titan..." He glanced at the silent Phaethon beside him, and confidence returned to his eyes. "Have you forgotten? We still have Phaethon."
Mydei was taken aback for a moment, then laughed wryly. "That's true... Phaethon will be with you. Then... there really is nothing to worry about."
His gaze finally settled on Phaethon, who had been unusually quiet since earlier. His tone became solemn.
"Alright, Phaethon. Time is short. The main body of the Black Tide has advanced to less than 5000 meters from the walls of Castrum Kremnos. Close this Infinity Gate. Make sure nothing follows you through."
Mydei paused, his voice steady as a mountain. "When you return victorious from your challenge... we will be waiting on the other side of the gate, ready to hear your good news."
Phaethon started, as if roused from some deep contemplation.
He looked at the heaven-and-earth-devouring Black Tide behind Mydei, yet before his eyes flashed the warm candlelight that once danced on a birthday cake.
As if moved by some unseen force, he asked a question utterly incongruous with the apocalyptic scene before them:
"If... if the war truly ends, in the new world... would you be willing to come to the Golden Eatery and be a chef with me?"
The question was so abrupt that even someone as bold as Mydei was stunned for a second. Then, he burst into a hearty laugh, as if trying to dispel all the gloom:
"Ha! I won't be a chef with you! I'll open a 'Castrum Kremnos Kitchen' right across from your Golden Eatery! Specializing in our Castrum Kremnos-style hearty dishes! Using the biggest woks, the fiercest flames! I'll steal all your customers!"
Mydei's words left Phaethon silent for a long while. But then, a sincere smile slowly blossomed on his face.
He chuckled softly and nodded. "Mm... It's a promise, Mydeimos."
Even though he knew it was a promise almost impossible to keep. At least... not in this lifetime.
The next moment, he hesitated no longer. Raising his hand, he channeled his power. The light of the Infinity Gate rapidly contracted, dimmed, and finally vanished completely as the gate shut, utterly severing the beacon fires of Castrum Kremnos and the Black Tide on the other side.
"Phaethon, Phainon~ You're finally back."
Cyrene's voice, like a soft evening breeze, sounded behind the two of them. It carried a trace of undetectable fatigue, yet she struggled to maintain her usual gentleness.
Phainon turned. His face, tempered by war, had shed its last vestiges of childishness, his eyes settling into a deep-water calm.
He looked at Cyrene, his voice betraying little fluctuation. "Mm, Cyrene. It seems you are prepared as well."
"Yes, I am prepared," Cyrene gave a slight nod, though her gaze lingered on Phainon's eyes, etched with the trials of his journey, revealing a touch of heartache.
"But Hyacine's side seems to be lacking a little. Phainon, could I ask you to go check on her? She might need some help right now."
"Leave it to me, Cyrene." Phainon asked no further questions. Simply uttering these words decisively, he turned and headed towards the location, his back resolute.
Then, Cyrene turned her gaze to Phaethon, who had been unusually quiet since their return.
She walked up and gently took his slightly cool hand, her voice softening further. "Phaethon, will you walk with me through Okhema for a while?"