The next morning, Nino arrived at the Sanctuary headquarters, meeting Salomo.
Salomo returned the Distilled Sense.
"What did you find?"
"Initially, it appeared as a normal human believer's Distilled Sense; no impurities; the remaining sense was unusually sparse; nothing remarkable," Salomo said, taking a drink.
"So, nothing?"
"No, there's something," Salomo said, "My analysis only reached the basic composition, but seeing your concern, I consulted Andemiriya's contacts."
"The result: the Distilled Sense had its internal information manipulated."
"Is that possible?" Nino looked astonished.
"Yes, and it's not particularly difficult. A Self miracle called 'Echo' can do it, but it's quite ancient and rarely used."
Salomo explained the miracle.
Echo was a simple miracle; but if every mystery novelist knew it, detectives would be redundant.
Used before death, it created an incomplete Distilled Sense, with less extra-normal sense than usual, excluding other magical energies.
In exchange, it allowed the user to implant memories.
However, the implanted memory was extremely limited.
Sense, miracles, symbolic understanding, and memories—all obtainable from a Distilled Sense. Using the Echo miracle, one could largely eliminate the first three, manipulating the final memory component.
"What could Navida have left behind?" Nino exclaimed.
Salomo nodded.
"Thank you, Salomo!"
"Don't thank me yet. A Distilled Sense merges with the absorber; purity is crucial for a believer; even a short foreign memory can have negative effects. Anyone who uses this recklessly is insane; think carefully."
Salomo suggested finding someone else to absorb it, like someone from Enchanting Land; they were less sensitive to extra-normal sense and often obtained more value from Distilled Senses, such as repairing broken life locks.
"No time; I'll do it," Nino shook his head resolutely.
Salomo opened his mouth but said nothing.
Nino gripped Navida's Distilled Sense, absorbing it.
A brief memory flashed—Navida placing a mirror in a drawer of his study and closing it.
"A mirror!" Nino exclaimed.
"What?"
Nino described the memory.
Salomo considered, "It might be a magical artifact; Navida left this memory for a reason; something is hidden within."
Nino didn't speak further, leaving immediately.
Salomo sighed, checking a Sanctuary communicator.
Miss Orph is coming; hopefully, things won't worsen.
...
Nino reached Sun City's library; it was open to the public; he encountered no obstacles.
After explaining his purpose to some scholars, they led him to Navida's study.
Navida's study had been searched after his arrest, but finding nothing of value, the guards had left.
Thanking the scholars, Nino watched them depart; then, he found the mirror in the bottom drawer.
It was an ordinary mirror; only the frame's details might have historical value.
Unsure how to use it, he used his sense to probe it.
As his sense enveloped the mirror, the reflection changed.
Nino's blurry image transformed into Navida.
Nino was startled, gripping the mirror.
"So Nino found the clue? I escaped detection, but my luck wasn't bad," Navida smiled knowingly.
"Navida? You're not dead?" Nino exclaimed.
"Nonsense. My sense is gone; how could I be alive? I'm not that powerful. I merely used this mirror to create a record resembling a post-death message," Navida shrugged.
Nino regained his composure, "Why this record? Why use a Distilled Sense as a message? You betrayed Sun City; there's more you haven't told me; what are you hiding?"
"I merely worked for my ideal Sun City; Wengerson and his followers were naive. In this era of lingering Wandering God chaos, their approach was doomed to fail."
"What do you mean?"
"Xyrin above us is alive; the initial signs appeared over a decade ago. The craftsmen maintaining Xyrin discovered the problem, reporting it to Mayor Wengerson; a secret meeting of core members followed."
Navida continued, "It was a heated debate—I didn't witness it; I heard it from a deceased teacher who'd attended. They concluded that Xyrin was severely outdated and needed a new interpretation—our solution."
"Xyrin's 'aging' was actually activation!?" Nino exclaimed.
Navida continued, "Initially, they opted for slow observation. Then, good news arrived. The aging was real; it hampered Xyrin's activation; its consciousness couldn't fully form within the old body; but the activation tendency meant a power buildup, potentially turning Xyrin into a bomb hanging over Sun City."
That's good news?
Seeming to understand Nino's thoughts, Navida laughed, "It was good news; it forced Wengerson to confront the issue and decide how to handle Xyrin."
"He chose to prolong Xyrin's life; thus, the new Xyrin project began."
Nino paused, processing the information, "How does this relate to your actions? You secretly contacted the Night Hunter Church, hindering the new Xyrin project."
"You found the mirror, suggesting you've guessed," Navida said, "My actions weren't betrayal; they were part of a plan to advance the new Xyrin project."
Provoking conflict, creating opposition, solidifying faith!
"We can't replicate Xyrin's miracle; even if our technology surpasses it, the gap remains. Rising Sun City uses a Wandering God to fill that gap; we… might also have a readily available Wandering God," Navida's smile was enigmatic.
"…If that's all, it's acceptable… but you planned to summon an ancient being to destroy the old Xyrin—that's not part of the new Xyrin project." Nino stated calmly after considering.
"Ah, your thinking is simple but not foolish, Nino," Navida chuckled.
"…Don't emulate your former master," Nino's eyes twitched.
Navida's smile faded, "I'm willing to sacrifice everything for Sun City, even bearing the blame, to make the old Xyrin a Wandering God, embedded in the new Xyrin's brilliance."
"But I won't let Wengerson offer Sun City to that Wandering God, truly worshiping it."
"What!?" Nino exclaimed, shocked.
Using a Wandering God as the core of the new Xyrin wasn't unacceptable; Rising Sun City had done it successfully.
But even Rising Sun City kept the new Xyrin's core a secret.
A Wandering God cannot become a true god!
This was a lesson from the Wandering God's chaos.
Using a Wandering God and respecting a Wandering God were entirely different.
"So, while continuing the new Xyrin project, I added my own idea. This is a chance to escape Xyrin's constraints; there will be upheaval, but those who survive will stand strong. Wasn't that how Sun City's ancestors rose?"
Nino started to speak.
But Navida continued, "I know my idea is unfair; I'm making the choice, but Sun City will bear the consequences. But I won't change my mind."
"If the old Xyrin becomes an uncontrollable Wandering God, ruling Sun City as a false god… it's better to destroy it."
Do Wandering Gods have benevolence?
Though there's little record, cautiously, one could say "perhaps." But the greatest threat from a Wandering God isn't itself, but its uncontrollable influence.
Frenzy, assimilation, curses…
The history of the Forty-Four Pillar Gods era is a hazy myth; the chaos of the Wandering Gods remains a mystery.
Beyond the temporal distance and historical clarity, the difference between the powerful Pillar Gods and the complex Wandering Gods is the key.
"…Did you discuss this with Wengerson?" Nino asked after a pause.
"Not before you apprehended me; I wouldn't openly reveal my position. However, he noticed some of my actions; otherwise, he wouldn't have sent you and Mithra to investigate."
There was no "inside contact"; the investigation was baseless. Wengerson had likely noticed Navida's actions.
With the new Xyrin project underway, Navida continued his plan, Wengerson suspicious but hesitant to risk a conflict, deciding only to send investigators.
Perhaps he also considered giving the recently dismissed Nino a chance at redemption.
Wengerson's suspicions were keen, but his actions lacked decisiveness; he was a step behind Navida.
But Mithra, an outsider from Enchanting Land, thwarted Navida's plan.
Navida could only marvel at Wengerson's luck in finding Mithra.
"So Wengerson killed you."
"According to my plan, I should have committed suicide. The Echo miracle is difficult to control after a killing; I would have committed suicide to atone and maintain secrecy."
"Was it necessary…"
"Before that, I wanted to confirm his intentions. If I'd died by suicide, it would have confirmed their resolve. I left the mirror after hearing about you; I also arranged for someone to retrieve my Distilled Sense and deliver it to you."
Though Nino, unexpectedly, became the first to discover Navida's death and obtained the Distilled Sense without that help.
Navida hadn't considered that honest Nino would report it.
Navida continued calmly; he was merely an echo, unaffected by his simulated death; he was just a recording.
Nino was silent, lost in thought.
Navida wasn't surprised, "I'll disappear in half an hour; time is running out. Nino, Sun City's future is no longer my concern; it's up to the living."
"Will Sun City become a Wandering God's domain, protected by Xyrin? Or will Xyrin's empire and other forces destroy the Wandering God, leaving the city in ruins? The choice is yours."
The mirror shattered; Navida vanished; the reflection became a normal mirror, showing Nino's stunned reflection.
...
Back in the familiar living room.
Salomo entered, finding Nino distraught.
"Anything?" Salomo intended to offer comfort, but decided against it.
Nino looked up, sighing, relaying Navida's message.
Salomo's brow furrowed deeper with each word.
After Nino finished, Salomo slammed his fist on the table, "We need to confront Wengerson."
"That would be unproductive and dangerous," Nino said dejectedly.
He'd wanted to confront Wengerson but considered the risks, seeking Salomo's advice.
"Damn it!" Salomo cursed; his calm demeanor belied his temper; recent events had pushed him to the limit.
"We heard Sun City was struggling; the new Xyrin was supposedly beneficial; the Sanctuary invested heavily; and now we learn we funded a Wandering God!? What a joke!?" Salomo was furious.
Nino sighed, "You should have sent craftsmen as advisors."
Salomo sighed, "We did send advisors initially, withdrawing after the initial assessment; we didn't understand Xyrin."
"Inform the other ceremonial groups, especially Kimio; we need his support to confront Wengerson," Nino suggested.
Salomo nodded, "Wandering Gods touch upon the very fabric of this era; while some distant places do worship them, it's never good."
Darkness deepened, but neither felt sleepy; they prepared to find the ceremonial groups.
But they weren't in their quarters.
Inquiring, they learned that Mayor Wengerson had invited them to view the completed new Xyrin.
Nino and Salomo sensed something was wrong.
The new Xyrin was incomplete; access for ceremonial craftsmen had been restricted due to confidentiality agreements.
Yet, Wengerson invited them to observe it?
Something was amiss!
Nino and Salomo rushed towards the Xyrin technology park.
Salomo contacted the Sanctuary headquarters for backup, prepared to use force.
As they reached the park, a loud explosion echoed from within.
The ground shook violently, like an earthquake.
Cracks appeared in the ground.
Before they could react, the ground beneath them collapsed; they fell into an underground structure.
The fall wasn't far; they were unharmed.
"We've fallen into the underground Xyrin facility… What happened?" Nino looked anxiously at the dark ceiling.
Salomo closed his eyes, sensing carefully, then opened them, "A faint, unique heartbeat… it's the Heart of Light!"
"Heart of Light?"
"The Wandering God's power within the Xyrin Great Maul! Kimio is using the Xyrin Great Maul; something's happened!" Salomo responded quickly.
He ran towards the source; Nino followed closely.
They saw a blinding white light, clashing violently with undulating light waves.
The source was the Xyrin Great Maul in Kimio's hands.
The light emanated from a strange, pale pillar.
The light was dazzling and cold; it induced a sense of unease.
[I am… Xyrin… I have endured countless years… I will continue to protect… I will continue to guard…]
A cold, mechanical voice murmured repeatedly.
Salomo used Stabilize; Nino reacted, also using Stabilize to steady his mind; his face was grim, "That's…!"
"A fragment of Xyrin! A projected manifestation!" Salomo continued.
A scream echoed; a figure attacked them.
Nino swiftly subdued the attacker—a craftsman!
Salomo knocked out a guard.
They weren't the only targets; besides Kimio, other ceremonial members were dealing with craftsmen and guards.
It was harassment; the attackers weren't a threat, but they were clearly affected by something; the ceremonial members couldn't easily harm them.
But more people were gathering; the situation worsened.
"Nino? Why do you insist on interfering? You've done your part; Wengerson gave you chances; yet, you choose to wallow in the mud,"
Someone noticed Nino.
It was the Guard Captain.
His gaze was complex; his tone was one of regret and resentment.
"Kebo…" Nino said, "You know what's happening."
"Of course! This is our choice! Sun City's future depends on this battle. Inaction is slow death! Nino, you still have a chance; Wengerson values you; join us, show them Xyrin's greatness!" Kebo, the Guard Captain, said passionately.
Nino shook his head, his expression complex, "Where's Wengerson? Let him explain!"
"…Then there's nothing we can do; if you can't understand Xyrin, you'll die here."
Light enveloped Kebo; he attacked Nino.
Nino's face changed upon engaging.
He and Kebo were evenly matched; but Kebo's unleashed power far surpassed his, overwhelming him!
Salomo intervened, but could only temporarily slow Kebo down; they were both overpowered.
"His miracle is strange! It's light-enhanced!" Salomo said, gesturing to the pillar.
They were forced towards the ceremonial members.
The guards were also affected; their miracles unleashed, overwhelming attacks forcing everyone into a desperate defense.
Scritch scritch—
Suddenly, a mechanism activated.
Several steel rings emerged, forming a cage around them.
A beam from the pillar entered the cage; a translucent white barrier formed, trapping them.
Kimio struck the barrier with his maul, but it was easily deflected; the Xyrin Great Maul flickered, then died.
Kimio's face darkened, "It cut off the Xyrin Great Maul's power!"
Kebo stood outside, wiping his hands.
"You can't experience Xyrin's glory, but that's fine. Consider this carefully. By midday, when Xyrin's power is fully unleashed, you'll understand."
He left; the craftsmen and guards followed, ignoring them.
...
Nino learned what happened from Kimio.
Invited to see the new Xyrin, they'd been brought to the underground facility.
Unexpectedly, the pale pillar appeared, attempting to enthrall them.
Kimio, wielding the Xyrin Great Maul, countered, initiating a clash.
Two incomplete Wandering God powers clashed underground, causing a massive disturbance.
Nino coughed, covered in dust; Kebo hadn't shown any mercy.
Salomo was worse, his face bruised.
Nino relayed his findings.
Everyone was shocked.
Sun City's secrets were revealed; Nino didn't hesitate to suppress the ceremonial members, attacking Kimio; the deception was over.
There was no point in hiding it.
"Sun City is insane; relying on that unknown Wandering God?" someone scoffed.
Their precious craftsmen were endangered; Sun City's ambition had backfired; this diplomatic incident was a disaster for Xyrin's empire.
"We're the last variable; they want to eliminate us; this is their preparation. They've trapped us; waiting for midday, when the Wandering God is born, to deal with us," someone analyzed.
"The Sanctuary has sent word; though their power is limited, they'll hinder Xyrin's transition; the Aurora Saintess's order will arrive at dawn," Salomo added.
"The Aurora Saintess… at least there's hope; she's renowned."
Most faces brightened; at least there was hope; the Aurora Saintess was highly regarded.
Still, the feeling of helplessness persisted.
They tried to break the barrier, but normal miracles were ineffective.
After investigating, Salomo concluded, "This barrier is a magical artifact; its nature is similar to Xyrin's fragment; it uses Xyrin's power; only divine miracles can break it…"
They looked at Kimio.
Only Kimio's Xyrin Great Maul possessed Wandering God power.
But Kimio shook his head, "Identical power; the Xyrin Great Maul is severely suppressed."
The maul lay inert.
They waited anxiously.
Time passed quickly.
Dawn broke.
It wasn't a gradual change, but an instant illumination of the darkness.
The commotion outside intensified.
Unable to see what was happening, they anxiously awaited developments.
As Nie Hong's advance team returned to reality from the city's defenses, they were shocked by the fervent atmosphere.
The city's defenses were completely empty; only the inexplicably reduced number of Eternal Night creatures prevented a total rout.
But this change was unsettling.
Shortly after emerging, the Sanctuary reinforcement captain checked his communicator, frowning.
After a moment, he announced gravely, "Don't relax; Xyrin is about to be born! We have work to do!"
"What?" Nie Hong, despite knowing much, found this rapid progression shocking.
He felt the urge to find Mithra.
"We're going to stop the Wandering God's birth? Seriously…"
"No, that's impossible; we're rescuing Salomo and the ceremonial members; they've been ambushed and trapped by Sun City."
Relieved, yet anxious upon hearing about Salomo and the ceremonial members, Nie Hong breathed a sigh of relief.
This was bad.
His largest experience was Ember City; but he'd been a passive observer; he'd merely helped some people escape.
But this time… it felt like a crucial mission!?
"Let's go; I need to save my people," Daphne said, preparing to depart.
Outside, chaos reigned.
People rampaged uncontrollably; violence erupted; the guards, instead of maintaining order, joined the chaos; released Eternal Night creatures wreaked havoc.
Xyrin's cold light illuminated the scene's disorder.
In the distance, at the Sun Square, guards clashed with Sanctuary members.
Suddenly, someone attacked the advance team.
Nie Hong reacted swiftly, dispelling the attack with protective Ki; using Ki Attraction, he pulled the attacker close, striking his abdomen, then knocking him down.
But they were swept away by the crowd.
The Sanctuary members, fearing escalation, avoided conflict.
Daphne hesitated, but her impatience grew, her bestial aura flickering.
Nie Hong acted first.
Deathly Ki spread outwards.
Those affected turned black, dizzy, and collapsed.
"Go!" he shouted.
But his action drew attention, "He's cursed! He has an ominous aura!"
"Enchanting Land! Cursed Enchanting Lander!"
"Kill him! Kill the Enchanting Lander!"
Nie Hong broke out in a cold sweat, unsure if these people were insane, stupid, or both.
With so many people, escaping without casualties was impossible.
Thinking quickly, what would Mithra do?
Nie Hong's eyes turned cold; this would be a large-scale slaughter; most were civilians, but… he didn't care about those Planet Blue people!
Don't be a pushover!
Deathly Ki and Life Ki cycled rapidly; Nie Hong downed a small bottle of strong alcohol; his skin glowed red-hot, like burning flames.
"Nie Hong-sama!" the team noticed his actions.
"It's alright; let the damned Enchanting Landers bear the consequences," Nie Hong said; his body shifted; his arms spread wide; he unleashed large-scale stasis.
But this wasn't simple stasis; it infused the surrounding people with Ki Combustion and Deathly Ki.
A wave of crimson and black spread outwards, engulfing the crowd.
Screams echoed.
Either their internal cycles were disrupted by Deathly Ki, or they were burning internally, externally, or both.
For quickly eliminating weaker lifeforms, Ki miracles were top-tier.
A guard, burned by Ki Combustion, lunged at Nie Hong; his eyes burning.
Nie Hong disarmed him with a small blade, then grabbed his throat.
Ki Absorption Hand.
The attacker's Ki was drained; his cycle ceased; he died.
Nie Hong discarded the body, using the absorbed Ki to expand the stasis field.
The path ahead was clear; only fleeing "fire people" and corpses remained.
The advance team stared, swallowing hard.
They couldn't believe the cheerful, seemingly harmless Nie Hong had created this scene.
Nie Hong took a deep breath, stabilizing his Ki.
Ki miracles disrupted others' Ki while balancing their own.
"Let's go," he said calmly, using Stabilize.
They moved quickly.
As they were leaving, a loud explosion echoed from behind.
They looked back, stunned.
In Sun Square, a massive Xyrin, somehow moved, ascended towards the old Xyrin in the sky, unsupported.
Its colossal shadow cast a chilling effect.
Soon, the double-sun image appeared.
Though one remained dark, everyone in Sun City and the surrounding areas were captivated.
Was this a historical moment?
...
Though trapped underground, Nino's group sensed the external turmoil through the barrier's power fluctuations.
Kimio's Xyrin Great Maul emitted a weak light, conveying a message.
"It's time," Kimio set down the maul, his voice heavy.
Everyone looked at him; they could only accept this news.
Then, a commotion echoed from outside the barrier.
The advance team arrived.
"Mr. Salomo! Mr. Nino!" Nie Hong called out.
Salomo and Nino approached the barrier, "Nie Hong? You're alright."
Though Salomo had sent a message for help, the chaos made him unsure who would come.
The advance team, who'd entered Eternal Night searching for Mithra, arrived at the perfect moment.
The Sanctuary members began examining the barrier.
Soon, they discovered, "It's modeled after Xyrin's fragment; but it's makeshift; its external flaws are easy to exploit; time is short; destroy it from outside!"
The team followed instructions, attacking the barrier.
Quickly dismantling the basic protection, Nie Hong and Daphne shattered the barrier; the light faded.
Bang!
As the barrier vanished, a loud explosion echoed; Kimio leaped out, running towards Sun Square.
The others followed, contacting their respective forces.
Nino and Salomo joined the advance team.
Salomo said, "Unexpectedly, it's you. How was the Eternal Night situation?"
"Where's Mithra? Did you find her?" Nino anxiously asked.
"Yes! But she said she had something to do in Eternal Night… so she didn't come out," Nie Hong replied.
Though Mithra hadn't returned, knowing she was safe relieved Salomo and Nino.
Meanwhile, Maikon, the high priest of Gulan Sacrifice Tower, and Daphne stood silently.
Daphne touched her right eye, saying nothing.
Maikon nodded, his voice indistinct, "She's gone; the long-suffering soul finally rests. Your safe return is the best tribute."
Daphne nodded vigorously; the distress on her face lessened.
They departed for Sun Square.
Emerging from the underground, seeing the double suns, everyone felt a heavy sense of foreboding.
Soon, intense fighting erupted in Sun Square; Kimio and the ceremonial members clashed with Sun City's forces.
The intense energy fluctuations indicated a fierce battle!
Reaching Sun Square, Nino and the others saw the scene—civilians trapped and killed amidst the fighting.
Yet, more people gathered, unfazed.
Several pale pillars, Xyrin's manifestations, suppressed those opposing it; blinding white light swept the area, causing physical destruction.
Nino and his group joined the fight.
Kimio fought three pillars alone; the Xyrin Great Maul's power was still limited, but better than before.
He unleashed his Illusion body, maximizing his power; a powerful blow shattered several pillars.
But before he could rest, Kebo attacked again.
Though vastly superior, Kebo's fervent zeal put immense pressure on Kimio.
Nino's gaze pierced the crowd and blinding light, spotting Wengerson on a platform, along with core members and Kim Jeong-gang, the chief designer of the new Xyrin project.
Kim Jeong-gang and Wengerson were arguing.
Nino seized an opportunity, charging towards them.
A pillar blocked him, but Nie Hong's Deathly Ki disrupted it; Salomo provided cover.
...
"You're insulting our technology… using it as a stepping stone for a Wandering God!" Kim Jeong-gang shouted angrily.
"Mr. Kim, your work was to create a body for Xyrin; you saw Xyrin's activation; you accepted the project; nothing exceeded your expectations," Wengerson said calmly.
"I accepted a Wandering God as a solution, but not as part of the new body! I joined for Xyrin, not some nameless Wandering God!"
"That's incorrect, Mr. Kim," Wengerson calmly observed Kim Jeong-gang's anger, "You knew the key issue from the start; you're a leading authority, even in Rising Sun City. You should have foreseen our ambition, the outcome; you didn't report to the Rising Sun City Craftsmen's Association, but persisted alone."
Kim Jeong-gang's anger turned to astonishment; he was speechless.
"We didn't restrict you, giving you full authority and freedom. The choice was yours; you knew the risks yet participated… the one who tainted your technology is you."
Kim Jeong-gang collapsed.
Kim So-yang anxiously supported her grandfather, her gaze fixed on the chaos, the double suns, and her distraught grandfather.
She couldn't believe the craftsmen she respected had unwittingly created a breeding ground for a Wandering God.
Perhaps, as Wengerson said, her grandfather knew the consequences yet persisted; but why? Wasn't it for their family?
"Wengerson!" a voice called out.
Wengerson sighed, turning to see Nino, battered, emerging from the chaos.
A pale pillar blocked Nino; it was meant to protect Wengerson.
But Wengerson stopped it.
"Don't harm him; let him come… we're all Sun City citizens."
The pillar rotated, floating to the side.
Nino, recovering from the Wandering God's pressure, strode towards Wengerson.
They stood a few meters apart, locked in a tense silence.
"… I presume you want to ask, 'Why'?" Wengerson spoke, seeing Nino's silence.
"…Yes… why?"
Wengerson nodded, "Do you remember what I said to Miss Mithra?"
Nino remained silent but clearly remembered their recent encounter.
"Promoting a Wandering God's birth, using it as the new Xyrin—even then, our approach was conservative. I was considering certain things while pushing Navida to incite stronger faith."
"Even Rising Sun City's method would eventually face the same problem—outdated technology, threatened by their core Wandering God. For them, it's manageable; they have the capacity and stability. But for Sun City, the consequences are clear."
"Didn't you say the future is for future generations?" Nino pointed out.
"That's irresponsible," Wengerson chuckled.
Nino was speechless.
"Wandering Gods are immortal… possessing terrifying power. If a Wandering God could permanently protect Sun City, Xyrin would have no hidden dangers," Wengerson said.
"You know they're dangerous, yet you believe a Wandering God can protect us!?"
"Why not?" Wengerson countered, "Wandering Gods have their logic; if we can manage their birth, with sufficient faith, transforming a Wandering God into a guardian deity aligns with their rules. I've researched this, Nino, extensively."
"What about the potential dangers?" Nino pressed.
"We'll overcome it; there will be sacrifices, but it's insignificant compared to a true, eternal Xyrin."
Nino looked at Wengerson, sensing something amiss.
Wengerson's logic seemed sound, but…
"Wengerson, you wouldn't casually sacrifice citizens! Look at them now!"
"It's not casual; people change, Nino. We all have flaws."
"You're quiet, reserved, but practical and efficient. I have vision and strategy, but lack decisiveness as mayor; I'm too cautious."
"You made significant contributions yet suffered political attacks; without my help, you'd be ruined. I'm stuck in the past, unable to change Sun City's decline; I've missed countless opportunities…"
"In the end, we're ordinary people, Nino. In this era, in Dreamland, ordinary people don't have a place on the stage…"
Wengerson's voice was calm, yet his eyes were red-rimmed, filled with sorrow.
"Xyrin's Wandering God enthralls…" Nino managed.
"…I know; I've been affected since I first encountered it," Wengerson wiped his eyes, "But this change… feels right, Nino. I can finally do something meaningful in this city, this world."
"But—"
"Nino!" Wengerson interrupted sharply.
"As ordinary people, support true heroes. I've found my god; what about you? Sun City needs a god!"
Wengerson turned towards Sun Square, shouting,
"Xyrin forever!"
...
"Xyrin forever—!"
"For Xyrin!"
"We need Xyrin!"
"Xyrin protects Sun City!"
A wave of fervent enthusiasm swept through the crowd; the chaotic citizens, under Xyrin's cold light, were unified, chanting in unison.
The sound was deafening.
Even Nino felt the urge to join, praising Xyrin's birth.
Xyrin's power intensified.
Kimio, already struggling against Kebo, was suddenly attacked by several pillars; blinding light struck him, sending him flying.
Cracks appeared on his Illusion body; he fell, his Xyrin Great Maul dropping; the faint light was overshadowed by Xyrin.
Whoosh whoosh!
Light whips extended from the old Xyrin, pulling towards the new Xyrin.
They rapidly approached; the light intensified!
Then, golden aurora enveloped them, momentarily dispelling Xyrin's cold light.
A platinum sword appeared between the two "suns."
The old Xyrin's whips were severed; the approach was slowed.
Salomo's eyes widened, "Saved! Miss Orph is here!"
"Orph… ah, the big sister from Gross town!" Nie Hong remembered the woman who'd treated him.
Landing gracefully, her grey-black robe billowing, her long black hair flowing, Orph's seemingly plain sword shone brilliantly.
A translucent, shimmering sword; golden light swirled within.
"Everyone, protect yourselves!" Orph's voice echoed in everyone's ears.
She unleashed a light miracle, severing two approaching pillars.
Kimio stared, astonished, "I thought she mastered light-based miracles; she's performing exceptionally well under Xyrin's suppression…"
He could only use half his power against Xyrin; the Aurora Saintess performed far better.
After the brief exchange, Orph gathered her strength.
Salomo approached, "Miss Orph!"
He quickly explained the situation.
Orph nodded, "Understood. I'll try to incapacitate Xyrin; the civilians are affected; minimize casualties."
"Yes!" Salomo replied.
"Right, where's Mithra?" Orph suddenly asked.
Salomo hesitated, "Miss Mithra is still in Eternal Night; we found her, but she wants to stay…"
Orph frowned, "Fine. If she can handle it, staying away is best."
Salomo nodded.
Splash!
A sound echoed above; massive shadows fell around Sun City; a large object landed in Sun Square.
Parts of Xyrin.
The outdated remains of the old Xyrin!
Looking up, they saw the old Xyrin's form shifting grotesquely; shedding its outdated components, its form became unstable.
Light whips extended from the white sphere, resembling a giant luminous jellyfish.
It continued reaching towards the new body.
It needed to maintain its Xyrin form; only then could its faith be maximized; the new body was essential.
Orph attacked swiftly.
A dark gold Illusion body manifested; though primarily light-based, it transcended typical classifications.
Darkness briefly fell.
Despite Xyrin's power, Orph momentarily absorbed some light; then, within the aurora, a translucent sword light erupted.
Swish swish!
Golden sword marks appeared on the new body, creating massive wounds.
Crack—
Xyrin trembled, emitting a strange sound.
It couldn't ignore this small being anymore.
Pillars of light struck Sun City; the supreme light judged the earth, unleashing the Wandering God's wrath.
Many civilians knelt, praying for forgiveness.
Orph attacked again; but Xyrin reacted; light whips blocked her; they clashed violently.
Nie Hong stared, "Even an incomplete Wandering God is this strong?"
"You can't generalize. While it's incomplete, consider what it was before becoming a Wandering God. Xyrin, a symbol of past glory, embodied the thoughts of countless people for millennia; a fully formed one might easily be among the strongest recorded Wandering Gods!"
"So Miss Orph is also incredibly powerful to match it," Nie Hong said.
"Miss Orph is the most accomplished Saintess in generations; her strength is beyond our comprehension… but the situation is dire. Xyrin's power surpasses her; the light miracle's suppression persists; prolonged combat is unfavorable; and…"
Salomo pointed towards the untouched new Xyrin body.
Orph's attack on the body disrupted its birth, but the body wasn't the key.
The old Xyrin could fully manifest at any time; but its consciousness made it cling to the body.
Only then could it fully utilize Sun City's faith.
Orph's strategy was sound, but continuing this way might result in complete destruction.
But they could only watch anxiously.
The battle was far beyond their reach.
Though various forces had likely contacted their allies, distant help wouldn't arrive in time.
Who could immediately intervene and counter Xyrin?!
...
Kimio sensed something; he looked back at the Xyrin Great Maul; it was gone!
"What!?"
Before he finished speaking, a figure appeared on the platform, wielding the maul.
Protective pillars attacked.
Bang!
They were overwhelmed by the maul's sudden power surge; they were smashed to the ground.
Kimio: ???
The maul had acted on its own!?
Nino saw the figure beside him.
Mithra stood, wielding the maul, turning to Nino, "Long time no see. In good spirits, Nino. Anything exciting happen?"
Her expressionless face and calm tone remained unchanged.
Nino chuckled wryly, "This isn't exciting."
Wengerson frowned at Mithra's sudden arrival, "Miss Mithra, you returned safely from Eternal Night."
"Yes," Mithra shrugged, "But forget the payment."
Wengerson: ?
Mithra approached Nino, "What did you decide? I'm curious to see Sun City under a Wandering God's protection."
Nino looked at Wengerson and the other officials.
Below, the citizens worshipped the grotesquely transforming Xyrin.
Ordinary people need true heroes, true gods…
He closed his eyes.
"Desperate measures… destruction… if you can… Mithra."
"Fine."
Mithra replied flatly, turning.
She took the Xyrin Great Maul and an Eternal Night crystal, striking the crystal against the maul's head.
Two powerful forces clashed; the maul unleashed its full power.
Kimio was astonished.
He'd fought alongside the Xyrin Great Maul for years; under suppression, its power was limited; then, she used Eternal Night power, the opposite of light, to forcefully unleash its potential!?
No way, man!
While the method was effective, was this alright for a God-killing weapon!? Even a good-natured one like the Xyrin Great Maul would object…
Mithra swung the maul; a powerful heartbeat resonated—the Heart of Light, clearly felt!
Instantly, the citizens' hearing and sight were overwhelmed by another light.
This was Xyrin; the more faith, the stronger.
The enthralled citizens couldn't distinguish the light, continuing to pray.
Xyrin Great Maul's light intensified!
It was working perfectly! Why did the simple method work so well?
Kimio was utterly bewildered.
He felt like an outsider.
"What are you doing!?" Kebo roared, unable to accept Mithra's actions, charging forward.
Mithra raised the maul; its light overwhelmed Kebo's senses.
It wasn't simply blindness and deafness; this overwhelmed his Unified Sense, weakening his miracles.
And obscuring his mind; if the Heart of Light could do that, why not this?
Kebo, disoriented, was struck on the head, then slammed to the ground, his head crushed.
Mithra swung the maul, clearing away the flesh, then shouldered it.
Then, a commotion above; Orph descended, creating a crater.
She adjusted her breathing, preparing to continue…
"Orph?"
Orph turned, seeing Mithra behind her.
"Mithra?"
"Rough," Mithra said politely.
"You… wait! It's dangerous…"
"That's the Xyrin Wandering God," Mithra said calmly.
"…Yes, but this isn't an ordinary Wandering God; leave it to me; non-targeted power is difficult…" Orph said anxiously, facing Xyrin.
But before she finished, she sensed an ominous presence behind her.
She turned.
Mithra held a long, inky black stone fragment, resembling a spear.
"That's…!"
"Targeted power; not bad."
Orph was stunned.
Mithra had returned from Eternal Night to find a way to defeat Xyrin!?
"You're stronger; provide cover," Mithra said, approaching Xyrin.
"But…"
"Orph, don't waste my time," Mithra said without turning.
"…Forgive me. I'll provide cover; leave Xyrin to me!" Orph took a deep breath, raising her sword.
She launched another attack.
Mithra looked up.
["Eternal Sunset": It was once the symbol of the light that dispelled Eternal Night; its light is brighter than Michelle's for humans. In an uncontrolled miracle, it embodies countless years of longing, existing within the light. It is both Xyrin and a resurrected Wandering God.]
Mithra looked ahead, her sense flowing into the pillar fragment; her other hand casually sheathed the Xyrin Great Maul.
Miniature Eternal Night!
Eternal Night darkness spread, a rift to Eternal Night opening up where Mithra struck.
Mithra held seven Eternal Night crystals.
[Event —— "Shattering Xyrin"]
[Anderet's Gift: Fully utilizes the "Darkness" Pillar Fragment. The price: From now on, in Eternal Night, even without the Auxiliary Light Lantern, you may encounter the Herald of Eternal Night.]
[Accept?]
"Accept."
Knowledge flooded Mithra's mind; her hand moved instinctively.
Eternal Night Faith Totem flickered in her Night Eyes; the pillar fragment trembled, dark purple veins appearing.
Seven Eternal Night crystals were pierced by purple energy, forming a ring behind Mithra.
Xyrin, entangled with Orph, sensed something—a genuine threat!
It shifted its focus, seeing the inky blackness below.
Crush it!
Light whips lashed downwards; judgment pillars struck.
Boom!
A deafening explosion; an area was obliterated.
But as the dust settled, Mithra moved swiftly through it.
The attack was powerful; a direct hit would have vaporized her.
She couldn't use Ashes Flame Father; flames interfered with Eternal Night.
Beast transformation and the Hunter miracle were also unsuitable.
The Stranger was out of the question; its mind would likely act impulsively.
Orph's sword flashed, protecting Mithra, diluting Xyrin's attacks.
The diluted attacks were like a fine rain of light.
Mithra moved swiftly, constantly using Miniature Eternal Night; she appeared shrouded in black smoke, leaving a long trail like a black brushstroke.
Scritch scritch— Scritch scritch—
The pillar fragment felt the impact intensely.
More intense than its resonance with Livnis!
Shatter Xyrin!
Kill Xyrin!
Avenge Xyrin!
For this moment! It recognized Mithra as Anderet's successor!
The fragment's power surged.
It was time.
Mithra moved precisely, slipping into a gap between light beams.
Her body arched back; her Night Eyes aligned perfectly with Xyrin.
Tzu—!
The pillar fragment's power surged, transforming into a divine spear.
Finally.
Launched!
Swish!
A dark purple thread pierced through everything; the black energy overwhelmed Xyrin's light rain.
Xyrin frantically extended its light whips, dispelling the energy, even abandoning the new body.
But it was useless.
The pillar fragment pierced through Xyrin's final struggle, staining the cold white with warm black.
Mithra stood calmly, as if she'd done nothing, turning and walking away.
Behind her, a solar eclipse occurred.
From the eclipse, Eternal Night spread outwards; though limited in range, it momentarily halted the long-lasting daylight.
For now.
The Night is Eternal.