As I've Written/Mailbox.exe
Last updated 2025-12-13
Farewell, All You Master Chefs
Unlocks upon completing Trailblaze Mission Fallen Petals, Leave Fading Traces of Fragrance in the chapter As Tomorrow Became Yesterday[Any other requirement?]. This mail is starred.
Sender Cyrene
Recipient Demiurge
*This page of the story... comes from beyond the endless cycle of suffering, a gift I give to you. Imagine, if Amphoreus were as ordinary as the countless stars, where people's joys and sorrows wove the smiles and tears of everyday life...*
"Grand Chrysos... is unparalleled!"
Cipher tossed a red banner onto the table. "Found this outside the shop."
All eyes turned to the deliverer of the kitchen. Phainon flailed his hands in protest. "Guys, you know me, if it were me..."
"It would've been a purple-and-gold banner. So it wasn't you." Cipher cut him off, flipping the banner over. Everyone leaned closer, only to find a line of small print on the back: "But if foes come from beyond the sky... can you still hold onto first place?"
Signed... "Astral Food Express."
"This is a challenge letter."
The room fell silent. Not long ago, the master chefs had fended off the conservative food critic group, the "Council of Cheddars," and later defeated the gourmet Intellitron, "Sacred Glutton" Lycurgus. Grand Chrysos was riding high, and challenger chefs flocked to its doors, yet none had prevailed.
"But the 'Astral Food Express'... is clearly not like those petty rivals." Aglaea began to explain the challengers from beyond the sky to everyone. Rumor had it they traveled the stars aboard a peerless food truck, creating a Star Rail Map of astral routes that linked every culinary tradition across the cosmos.
"We have no reason to refuse!" Phainon clutched the banner tight. "This is a priceless chance to share the true essence of cooking with master chefs from beyond the sky...!"
Castorice, who had stayed silent for a long time, lifted her head. "Lord Phainon is right. Becoming a chef... means offering all of yourself up to satisfy the taste buds of others."
"In the Kremnos family's dictionary, too, there is no word for fear."
Seeing the fire rekindled in their eyes, Aglaea nodded with quiet satisfaction. "I'll help you prepare everything. Perhaps, it's time to visit an old friend..."
That day, under cloudless skies, the entire staff stood guard at the entrance. Soon, an express appeared in the skies above Okhema. Like a meteor, it glided for a moment before landing squarely in front of Grand Chrysos.
The doors opened, light spilling out, and the first to step down was a gray-haired (boy/
Phainon felt an instant bond with the gray-haired (boy/
"...Honored guests, welcome to Grand Chrysos. Please, allow me to show you to your seats..."
The other master chefs tactfully ignored the starry-eyed exchange between Phainon and the gray-haired (boy/
To welcome the challengers from afar, Grand Chrysos invited a hall full of diners to join the feast, even bringing the long-retired culinary legend "Imperator" out of seclusion to serve as chief judge. The Astral Food Express's navigator, Himeko, shook hands with Aglaea, investor of the Grand Restaurant, as their representative.
"The banner (Trailblazer) snuck up at your door was an exaggeration. We come without hostility. The Astral Food Express is here to share knowledge with Amphoreus chefs, and to bring the interstellar cuisines we've gathered to your people."
"Miss Himeko, you're too kind. Chefs under heaven are one family. Friendship first, competition second. There is, however, another matter where we need your help..."
"Let's skip the pleasantries while the Imperator is here." Cerydra swept her hand, and a squad of Flame-Chase Army marched in, carrying stoves and cookware into the hall. Mem and Pom-Pom, who had been happily devouring Express Special Hotpot, scrambled to wipe their mouths clean and sat up stiffly in their mascot seats.
"I hereby declare the culinary showdown between Grand Chrysos and Astral Food Express has officially begun!"
First round: The theme "Desserts" was announced by judge Hysilens. As the master chef who pioneered the "musical restaurant" concept, her every movement carried the calm confidence of an older generation of chefs. But when she opened the envelope with the theme, her face stiffened. "...The theme has been changed at the last minute to 'Banquet.'"
"Last-minute change?" Cipher started to rise in protest, but under Hysilens's sharp gaze, she instantly sat back down.
"What's wrong, Little Ciphy?" Tribbie asked. Cipher looked regretful. "I was planning to take out one of their heavy hitters by switching the theme to something I'm good at...'fish.' But it turns out this 'Dux Grill-at-us' really can't bear to see fish suffer, just like the rumors say..."
"...Little Ciphy, aside from how you'd even make a dessert out of fish, it's still better to win fair and square."
Soon, both sides selected their first contestant. For Grand Chrysos, the manager Castorice stepped forward herself. Her dish: Antila Frost Sugar Pudding Tower, also called... "An Embrace from Beyond." "As the sweet ending of a banquet, pudding is like a final embrace before saying goodbye."
From the Astral Food Express, a pink-haired girl in festive dress took her place. She fumbled a little in the kitchen, then proudly held up a strange drink. "My entry is this: the "Overlord Shaky Cup Juice"! At the end of the banquet, clinking glasses with this will make the night complete!"
"March... why is your juice salty?"
"I–It's supposed to be! It's inspired by a drink called 'Salty Lemon Seven Up'!"
"She just mixed up salt and sugar again, Dan Heng."
Castorice's pudding was showered with praise, but to everyone's surprise, March 7th's juice... also won unexpected approval.
"The bitterness of the Antila flowers soaks into the pudding and balances out the sweetness. What a perfect match! To think the bizarre chef formerly known as 'Hand of the River of Souls' has grown this much..."
"As for Chef March's drink... at first sip, it's bizarre, but the more you drink, the more addictive it gets. Could this be some secret recipe from beyond the sky...?"
The diners whispered among themselves, and even the judges were excited, jotting down scores with spoons and straws in their mouths. The only one looking wistful was Hysilens. "Why does everyone's creativity end up focused on the end of a banquet...?"
The Second round: the theme "Cold Dish" was announced by the judge, the Seismic Walking Dragon, Terravox. This hermit, master of archaic cuisine, gave a low rumble as he declared the subject: "Betrayal."
Grand Chrysos sent out master chef Mydei, matched against the Astral Food Express's master chef Dan Heng. The two stoic men exchanged a single glance, then silently went to work. After forty-five minutes, Mydei was the first to present.
"Chilled cream Dulu Bird Cutlets, please enjoy."
"Chef Mydei, may I ask... how does this relate to the theme 'Betrayal'?"
"If you taste carefully, you'll notice an unexpected sweetness. It comes from a 'betrayal': a trusted friend once added sugar to my personal milk powder jar..."
"Stop, Mydei. Just stop."
Then came Dan Heng's dish. "This is Cold Marinated Scalegorge Jellyfish, titled 'Transmutation Arcanum.'"
"The refreshing taste... it really feels like transforming into one of the Vidyadhara..."
"Though it doesn't really seem connected to 'betrayal' either."
"But judge Terravox ate it with tears streaming down his face. Wait, aren't dromas only supposed to eat redsoil...?"
Third round: the theme "Main Course" was announced by judge Anaxa from the Grove of Epiphany Culinary School. He ripped the envelope to pieces, took the cup of water Aglaea handed him, and drank deeply. "As for this round's theme, without a doubt, I will choose the drom-"
Before Anaxa could finish, his throat seized, his eyes widened, and he toppled straight backward. The Flame-Chase Army, already prepared, rushed to catch him and carried him back to his seat.
"So the theme is 'drom'...?"
"What happened to Professor Anaxagoras... wait, that cup! It's the Express' exclusive paper coffee cup..."
Aglaea stepped forward. "Professor Anaxagoras has suddenly fallen ill. I will announce the final theme in his stead — 'Trailblaze!'"
"Wait... isn't that the motto of the Astral Food Express!"
"Lady Aglaea really is treating this more like an exchange than a competition..."
By now, each side had only one contestant left... Naturally, it was Phainon and (Trailblazer).
"Both last to appear... looks like you and I are the same kind of kitchen deliverers!" Phainon had already rolled up his sleeves.
"Deliverers attract each other. You said it perfectly!" (Trailblazer) already had a spatula in hand.
As the crowd erupted in cheers, Aglaea and Himeko exchanged a look, each thinking the same thing. "This is going to be a blazing journey of 'Trailblazing' indeed."
...
Epilogue
Unlocks upon completing Trailblaze Mission Fallen Petals, Leave Fading Traces of Fragrance in the chapter As Tomorrow Became Yesterday. This mail is starred.
Sender Demiurge
Recipient Cyrene
Hey Peach, I miss you.
Through thirty million cycles, every time we met, you left me a story. Even when bound by the weight of fate, it still felt like something out of a fairy tale.
Little by little, I stopped being just a listener. I began to long for poetry and to learn how to write. With the pen you gave me, I recorded the tales of the Flame-Chase Journey, writing down Amphoreus' ending... a fairy-tale ending.
On this final page, I left a gift for everyone. For the cosmos, a blessing: "Hello, World." For the heroes, an eternal page of "Telling Tomorrow."
And of course, for (Trailblazer), I hid our most precious reunion in Cyrene's homeland.
So... Peach. Castorice once wrote a story called The Grand Restaurant. I borrowed the style everyone loved and let my imagination run wild to continue it. As for the ending... I heard (Trailblazer) wants the whole cosmos to read As I've Written, so why don't we make a wish together? Let's hope people dream up the most perfect ending for this story.
How wonderful. This is the gift Peach gave me, and also the gift I want to give Peach: a gentle flower, forever smiling, forever loving.
And so, the flower fades at the journey's end, only to take root again at the journey's beginning. It leaves "love" as yesterday's conclusion.
When people see that ending of "love," they then set out on the Flame-Chase Journey. And those who chase the flame let the flower bloom anew tomorrow.
If: A Successful Flame-Chase
Unlocks upon completing Trailblaze Mission Gods, Sound the Anthem of Creation in the chapter Back to Earth in Evernight.
Sender Cyrene
Recipient ███████████████
*This page of the story comes from the 4,048,128th Eternal Recurrence, an almost perfect Flame-Chase Journey. Imagine if the war to conquer the oceans had not failed, if the Empress of Flame-Chase had not fallen, but instead achieved her grand ambition...*
"General."
Cheers and chatter ebbed and flowed throughout the tavern. The girl playing chess yawned and tossed the Queen piece onto the board.
"As agreed, 100,000 Balance Coins. Pay up."
"No way... a little girl like you? You must be cheating!"
The candlelight flickers, casting the shadow of a towering opponent. In the corner, the musician stops playing the violin, revealing a subtle smile.
"You seem unfamiliar with proper etiquette, sir? Fortunately, I know a thing or two about swordplay."
The sore loser roared in rage, snatched up a stool and lunged forward. In the ensuing chaos, bystanders who got caught in the crossfire joined the brawl with gleeful laughter. The musician weaved through the crowd like a predatory fish — of course, no one was seriously hurt, as she didn't see any reason to use her real strength here.
Only when the tavern floor was littered with bodies did the chess-playing girl finally emerge from behind the sofa, skipping merrily towards the counter.
"Do you understand now? This here is the Princess of Sea Sirens, Nemesis of the Black Tide, the Bone-Eating Megashark, First Musician of Amphoreus, and I am her loyal chess master. Now, prepare our rooms and meals."
The girl glanced from the corner of her eye at the news clipping posted on the counter. It had already yellowed with age. After all, it was from years ago. The headline was brief and to the point:
"The Flame-Chase Journey Comes to a Perfect Close."
Yes, we won that war called Flame-Chase.
The nobles pacified the roaring tide of Ocean, healed the scars of Earth, followed by Strife, Death, Sky... People united as never before, and the Council of Elders proclaimed that the perfect Era Chrysea had returned once more.
However, the Era Nova never came. And the Imperator, along with her loyal Gladius, vanished without a trace... No one knows where they are now...
"Now that we've won all this travel money, where to next? I suggest Paphas. I heard they're starting up the golden apple beauty pageant again. Epos isn't bad either, with those majestic mountains... we should make it a point to conquer them every now and then..."
The blue-haired girl brought over a basin of water, washed her hands, then sat down on a chair and broke a loaf of bread in half.
"I want to take a break for a while." The sea siren princess stroked the strings through her gloves. "I'm planning to write a book. I've already collected quite a few musical phrases."
"Looks like my days as a wandering chess master end here. I look forward to your melody, since you're a genuine princess as well as a fake bard."
Fire crackles and dances in the hearth.
"The hostage's clones remain unscathed, the golden trout's weaving workshop is a sight to behold, and the four dukes carry their duties with honor and revered by all... Yet you and I have kept our identities hidden, as if forgotten by the world... Which Law did you modify back then to achieve such prosperity?"
Fire crackles and dances in the hearth. The silence was only broken when another piece of bread was finished.
"Like I said, all I want is fairness." The girl leaped down from her chair. "They sacrificed for the Flame-Chase, and now they each get their happiness. That's fairness. You once pledged loyalty to me, and now I serve as your follower, isn't that fair too?"
"Yeah, that's fair," the princess mumbled, slumped over the bed, her hair falling down.
"Well then, my beloved Highness, if you have no other commands, I actually have a question of my own."
"What question?"
"This chair's too tall. I need a footstool..."
...
Breeze of Fleetfoot Seizes Gold
Unlocks upon completing Trailblaze Mission Gods, Sound the Anthem of Creation in the chapter Back to Earth in Evernight.
Sender Cyrene
Recipient ███████████████
*This page of the story comes from the 6,269,299th Eternal Recurrence, an unexpected inheritance of divine authority. Imagine if it were Zagreus who received the divine authority of Law, and the swift-footed feline thus ascended to the pinnacle of power...*
The Law Titan, Talanton, happened to fall on the Spirit Day, and the Trickster Titan seized this opportunity to usurp divine authority. They proclaimed their laws to the world — "Gambling."
"A ruler wants to expand their territory? Put power and land to the bet! A mortal seeking divine authority? Go roll the dice with the gods!"
And so, the mountains, rivers, cities and people of Amphoreus all became mere stakes in the game. Overnight, countless aristocrats fell from grace, while nameless figures began to rise to prominence.
Among them, the Followers of Zagreus became the agents of the gods, acting with absolute impartiality and neutrality. The followers established gambling houses across different city-states, faithfully executing the Law with the authority of the Titan.
Among all followers of Zagreus, at the pinnacle stands the demigod known as "Wind of Dolos" — Cifera.
Legend has it that Cifera once gambled against Kephale and won everything they bore. After that, Okhema became the world's largest gambling den. Countless gamblers climbed Dawncloud with hope in their hearts, trying their luck at winning precious metals, jade, and territories... only to leave disappointed.
"Cifera always has the last laugh" — people took these words as gospel.
...On that day, a little blonde girl in tattered clothes knocked on the door of the Dawncloud Casino.
"Hey Cifera, wanna make a bet?"
Despite her misfortune, the girl carried herself with extraordinary grace. "I am Aglaea, the last noble heir of Okhema. I have come to reclaim everything that is rightfully mine from your hands."
A breeze swept by, and Aglaea knew the curious cat had perked up its ears. She pointed to the bath beside her.
"The water here flows constantly. Let's make a bet about this outlet on whether a golden laurel leaf will float by within 30 seconds... I bet there will be."
A gentle breeze lifted the hem of Aglaea's tattered dress as a giggle was heard, "Then I bet it won't happen."
Neither had placed their wager, and Cifera hadn't even shown up, yet the gamble had already begun. The onlookers at the grand baths held their breath in anticipation, while Aglaea slowly lowered herself to sit by the water, as if knowing exactly what was to come.
"...25 seconds, 24 seconds..."
A golden laurel leaf appeared in the bath above the water outlet, spinning with the flow, as if still hesitating.
"...15 seconds..."
The golden laurel leaf suddenly drifted downstream with the current, quickly approaching the water outlet.
"...5 seconds...4 seconds..."
A sudden gust of wind stirred up ripples, and the laurel leaf that was about to fall into the drain vanished into thin air before everyone's eyes. At the same time, Cifera appeared in front of Aglaea with a playful smirk.
"...3 seconds...2 seconds...1 second."
Aglaea plucked off the golden laurel leaf on her head — the only valuable thing she carried — letting the water from the outlet wash it away.
"Zero seconds. I win." Aglaea said with a straight face.
"What's the point of winning a gamble with no stakes?" Cifera didn't even bother pointing out the girl's "cheating."
"At least you showed up."
"Heh... Tell me, little girl with nothing to your name, what could you possibly bet against me?"
"I'm not empty-handed. I can bet 'myself.' And what I want... in that same vein, is 'you.' Fair deal, wouldn't you say?"
"Hahaha, interesting. I have no reason to refuse, but before we start a proper gamble... you'll need to dress up properly. Tsk tsk, came here barefoot? Here, take these boots. Consider them a welcome gift."
Then, Cifera scooped up the small girl like picking up a kitten and walked deeper into the baths.
...
Castrum Kremnos: Age of Firearms
Unlocks upon completing Trailblaze Mission Gods, Sound the Anthem of Creation in the chapter Back to Earth in Evernight.
Sender Cyrene
Recipient ███████████████
*This page of the story comes from the 8,128th Eternal Recurrence, a wondrous exchange of lives. Imagine if the blond crown prince of Kremnos had become a Sage of the Grove, while the frail heretical scholar had taken part in the Kremnos Festival...*
...
"Mother, I have arrived at the Grove of Epiphany. All is well, please do not worry." The blonde youth wrote a letter home after meticulously arranging his new living quarters.
"My fellow companions at the Grove have been very kind to me. However, there's one thing that puzzles me: People often say, 'There are no words in Castrum Kremnos's dictionary.' What's that all about? Also, there's a school in the Grove called Helkolithism that focuses on physical training, seeking to discover the Self through muscle conditioning. I'm quite drawn to it."
"My child, do you remember how my name comes from Gorgo, the first founder of our city? Legend has it that someone erected a monument in their name while they were still alive. When Gorgo discovered it, they personally erased all the text from the stone. The Kremnoans revere ancient customs, and since then, only blank stones could tell of great deeds. There's another theory: No descendant believed their achievements could surpass that founder, so none dared inscribe their own deeds. Over generations, this somehow evolved into Kremnoans being perceived as martial powerhouses who look down on the written word. That's also why I sent you to study at the Grove. I hope you will return to bring the winds of cultural revolution to Kremnos. As for which school to choose, Mother supports your decision."
His mother wrote back a long, flowing letter. The young man was lost in thought until a cold voice interrupted—
"Wrong! Only now do I understand. Having no words in their dictionary is the Kremnoan's true foresight. Rigid text only holds back human progress."
"Anaksa! What are you...?" The blonde youth recognized his classmate, a loner whom none of his companions had ever gotten his name right.
"Call me Anaxagoras!" The green-haired youth sneered with displeasure.
The young man tugged at his eye patch, his uncovered eye brimming with equal parts mockery, indignation, and arrogance, plus a hint of unfathomable depth. "The truth is already in my grasp. Watch as I turn this decrepit world upside down!"
The blonde youth unconsciously sized up those hands that held "Truth." By Kremnoan standards, with such feeble strength, one couldn't preach any "Truth" to anyone. After all, Truth only exists within punching distance.
"Mother, I have been pursuing my advancement under the Helkolithist school. Something interesting happened recently. The Grove expelled a student who allegedly attempted to resurrect the dead through alchemy, violating the ban. I find it rather regrettable. P.S. I've attached a preliminary draft of the dictionary with this letter."
Mother's reply came late. "My child, your father has recently restarted the Kremnos Festival, but he still hasn't found a 'King's Aegis' champion that satisfies him. I don't understand his intentions, but I can smell the fog of war in the air... I received the dictionary and it brings me joy. You know, I've never wanted you to become a puppet of 'Strife'..."
A long time passed...
"Mother, the Council of Sages will nominate me as the Helkolithist Sage. I heard that my father, Eurypon the King, is gathering warriors to ignite the Chrysos War, raising arms against former allies, and will soon attack the Grove of Epiphany. I am deeply ashamed of this. The Council of Sages has decided to send a letter of peace negotiations. If it can survive the flames of war and reach my father's hands, I implore him to reconsider his military actions..."
There was no response to the letter.
When the Kremnos army finally arrived at the gates, Mydeimos, the Helkolithist Sage, led his fellow scholars to defend against the enemy. At last, he saw with his own eyes the new "King's Aegis" leading the army — a man with green hair and an eye patch. Though dressed as a Kremnos warrior, Mydeimos recognized him instantly: his former classmate, Anaxagoras!
"How?" The blonde man was filled with confusion. "Was he the one who won the Kremnos Festival? With such a frail physique... Has Kremnos really fallen this far?"
"Hahaha hahaha—" As if hearing his thoughts, the green-haired man twirled his gun while letting out a maniacal laugh.
"Alchemy has brought Castrum Kremnos into the age of firearms! Now, let's show these old-fogeys what the King's One-Turn-Kill School is made of!"
...
Daythunder Knight, Vanquisher of Tyranny and Chaos
Unlocks upon completing Trailblaze Mission Gods, Sound the Anthem of Creation in the chapter Back to Earth in Evernight.
Sender Cyrene
Recipient ███████████████
*This page of the story comes from the 18,250,001st Eternal Recurrence, a chance encounter between two solitudes. Imagine if Seliose, the exiled Daythunder Knight, had met not the innocent winged beasts in the wasteland, but rather the Dromas King who had walked among humans for a hundred years...*
Years later, as she watched Hyacine the Chrysos Heir ascend to the heavens, Seliose the Daythunder Dromas Knight would remember the moment when she was exiled to the surface by her people, and her encounter with that walking mountain.
At that time, Terravox, the Dromas King, had been wandering alone in the mortal realm for nearly a century. It silently watched over the myriad lives during the Chrysos War, occasionally witnessing spectacular sights, like when the radiance of the Lance of Fury struck down a floating fortress, raising waves of dust that engulfed buildings.
However, on that day, a young girl stumbled out of another fallen fortress. Her short jacket was soaked in golden blood, yet before losing consciousness, she managed to raise her broken blade with trembling hands at the approaching dromas.
Perhaps it was loneliness, perhaps it was the determination in the girl's eyes, or perhaps the sight of a life perishing like this was too much... Terravox took in the girl named Seliose.
Seliose was a girl of few words. The only hobby she had was to hone her skills. Among all the Chrysos Heirs that Terravox had encountered, none possessed such extraordinary talent as Seliose. Years later, when Terravox sparred with Seliose and found themselves evenly matched, the beast realized that this Skyfolk with golden blood would surely leave her mark in history. However, seeing the stubborn determination buried deep in Seliose's eyes, Terravox began to worry that this exceptional power might bring her not only glory, but perhaps even greater tragedy.
One night, Seliose sat atop Terravox's head, quietly gazing at the moon that flickered in and out of the clouds, and the floating fortress that appeared as tiny as an ant. After a long silence, Terravox finally spoke.
"Grumph... We've journeyed together for so long, yet we've never truly had a heart-to-heart. Seliose, I wish to know your aspirations."
The girl tightened her grip on the short blade. "I have witnessed hearts fall into the abyss of evil because of absurd beliefs. One day, I will return to the Fortress of Dome, kill Aquila, and set humanity free."
"Would killing the god be all that takes to set humanity free?"
The girl remained quiet, her stubbornness filling the silence.
"Seliose, you've only met those who worship the Sky, but I've been to hundreds of city-states. I've witnessed lands of Death where entire cities voluntarily set themselves aflame, and I've seen city-states that also worship Death practicing austere penance in the ice and snow."
"Th-That... all the more proves they're all prisoners of the Titans!"
"If you were like me, born from the bosom of the Titans, you would understand that Titans are more pure-hearted than humans. They hold neither preference nor hatred for their creations. They have long since handed over the power to choose our destiny to us."
"Easy for you to say! What am I supposed to do?"
"Look, kid, I've told you. The choice is in your hands."
Dark clouds obscured the moon, and the floating fortress suddenly vanished, as if it too were terrified of that shadowy presence. Then, as the clouds retreated, the fortress was nowhere to be found, while the moon remained unchanged, shining ever brighter in the girl's eyes.
"Terravox, I've made up my mind. I want to go down to the mortal realm, just like you! I'll save humanity the human way, and until then, let the Eye of Twilight cling to life a while longer!"
The Dromas King responded with a gentle growl.
Years later, a warrior goddess emerged in Amphoreus. Her name was Seliose, said to be a descendant of both the Sunfolk and Rainfolk. Not only did she possess the strength of ten thousand men, but she was also accompanied by a dromas as indomitable as a mountain. People regarded her with reverence, bestowing upon her the title Daythunder Dromas Knight.
Around Light Calendar 3920, the Daythunder Dromas Knight met with the Imperator in Okhema, where she stayed for several days before joining the Flame-Chase Journey as an auxiliary force.
In Light Calendar 3957, Terravox, the Daythunder Dromas Knight's most important companion, fell in battle during the battle against Georios.
In Light Calendar 3960, the Flame-Chase Army achieved a costly victory in the expedition against the Ocean, with only Seliose returning alive. The Council of Elders claimed that Seliose had killed the Imperator and others in an attempt to seize power. She gave no response to this, but swiftly purged the Council with lightning-fast brutality. She then supported Aglaea's rise to power in Okhema, where humanity ruled itself.
...
Though not a demigod, Seliose had lived for nearly a thousand years. Rumors said her old friend Terravox shared their lifespan with her.
Yet unknown to all, after watching the young Chrysos Heir named Hyacine ascend the rainbow bridge to the sky, the Daythunder Dromas Knight, who had fought all her life, passed away while standing atop Dawncloud.
...
If You Are Destined to Become the Blazing Sun...
Unlocks upon completing Trailblaze Mission Fallen Petals, Leave Fading Traces of Fragrance in the chapter As Tomorrow Became Yesterday.
Sender Cyrene
Recipient
*This page of story comes from the 23,570,001st Eternal Recurrence, in an eternally peaceful Aedes Elysiae. Imagine, if the prisoner of flames subjected to ceaseless suffering still resolved to protect himself once pure self, even if just for once...*
The bulrush withered, the wheat fields burned, and wind chimes swayed amidst the monsters' roars.
The scorching soil burned the young man's skin. Before losing consciousness, the last thing he saw was the tall swordmaster in black raising his gleaming blade amidst the black tide...
"Phainon, Phainon... Wake up!"
"...Cyrene?"
The white-haired man startled awake beneath the shade of the tree. The sunlight spilling through the dense leaves stung his eyes. In his momentary daze, he mistakenly thought his childhood friend was standing right before him.
"Was I hearing things...? Well, I should go meet Cyrene now. Can't miss something important just because of an afternoon nap."
Phainon stood up and dusted off the dirt on himself. After strapping on his sword, he walked toward the shore. Villagers greeted him along the way, "Hey, Phainon, want some freshly baked bread? Don't be shy."
He knew that Livia had gotten better at baking. So, he didn't hide the bright smile on his face as he jogged over and took the bread basket.
"Mmm... Smells great! Our grapes are in the usual spot, so why don't you go grab some too?"
Piso, who was working in the wheat field nearby, straightened up. "Mr. Phainon, make sure you avoid the colorful bread at the bottom of the basket. That's Livia's new recipe. Even the little chimeras in the village didn't want a bite..."
"Even the little chimeras... won't eat my bread?"
Piso realized his mistake and rushed over. He dug out the colorful bread from the basket and stuffed it into his mouth. His eyes and mouth were all scrunched up as he struggled to swallow. Finally, he barely managed to utter a compliment, "...but I love it the most!"
Phainon doubled over with laughter. "Piso, you're in your forties now. Stop calling me 'Mister.'"
"No way, you are the one who protected Aedes Elysiae's peace all these years. So what if you age slower, Mr. Phainon? Even when my hair turns gray and I can barely walk, I'll still call you that!"
"There are rumors outside the village about a war called Flame-Chase raging wildly. Who knows? Aquila might come crashing down any day now..."
"Even if Aquila falls, I'll help hold things together for all of you." His sincere gaze seemed to indicate this was no empty promise.
After saying goodbye to Livia and Piso, Phainon continued towards the seaside. Humming a tune under his breath, he soon arrived at the dock.
His childhood friend's grave lay here.
The man cut away the weeds around the grave with his sword, carefully wiped away the dust from the engravings on the tombstone, and placed the bouquet before the grave. After finishing all this, he slowly took out the still-warm bread from his basket, enjoying a moment of rest while gazing out at the ocean.
The sea breeze suddenly turned fierce. On a nearby hill, the man glimpsed a figure in black, an old acquaintance with a sword, gazing in this direction. The white-haired man swallowed his bread and rushed towards the black-clad swordmaster.
Unexpectedly, this time, the figure in black didn't vanish like before, but stood their ground, waiting for his arrival. Dark waves rippled across the distant horizon. As they faced each other, the bulrush beneath the black swordmaster's feet was burning.
After a while, Phainon was the first to break the silence.
"...I've been wanting to tell you this: Thank you. Back then, you drove back the black tide and protected Aedes Elysiae. Piso, Livia, Pythias... all these years, we've always seen you as our 'Deliverer.'"
"Not... a 'Deliverer.' I am... but a prisoner of flames."
"But I've always been on your heels." Phainon said firmly, raising the sword in his hand, which was identical to the one wielded by the black-clad swordmaster. "Look, I had it forged by a renowned Grand Craftsman."
The black-clad swordmaster slowly exhales. "Tell me... its name?"
"Dawnmaker!" Phainon said with a laugh. He watched as the fragmented waves drew closer to the edge of the sky. "With it, I've been protecting Aedes Elysiae from the black tide, time and time again."
The black-clad swordmaster sighed again, muttering under his breath. "Hyacinthia... your advice, I've taken it to heart. I tried to protect my sense of self, but look... Khaslana's wish has never changed..."
"What are you talking about? The black tide is approaching from afar. Prisoner of flames... no, Nameless Hero, will you join me in protecting Aedes Elysiae?"
The black-clad swordmaster gazed at the tranquil Aedes Elysiae before him, and at the white-haired man who called him a hero — those eyes still held their pure cornflower blue.
"Wouldn't hurt. After all, it's just this once..."
Unconsciously, he held his sword across his body as a faint flame kindled in his chest. At least, for now, this flame was no longer hollow.
...
Run Forward, Trity
Unlocks upon completing Trailblaze Mission Fallen Petals, Leave Fading Traces of Fragrance in the chapter As Tomorrow Became Yesterday.
Sender Cyrene
Recipient Demiurge
*This page of story comes from the 100,003rd Eternal Recurrence, a gentle blessing from the edge of the west wind. Imagine if Tribios did not shatter into a thousand pieces, but instead ventured towards the many realms after bidding farewell to the three familiar companions...*
The first ray of Lucid Hour's sunlight pierced through the stained-glass windows of Janusopolis temple, gently illuminating the red-haired girl's face. Tribios awoke from her slumber, rubbing her sleepy eyes...
"Tribbie, Trianne, Trinnon... you're all here?"
"Trity!" The three tiny messengers let out cheerful voices.
Looking at the three children before her, Tribios recalled the night when she first heard Janus's prophecy.
"You shall shatter▀▄█... shatter█▄... sha... tter▀▄█..." The Titan's voice paused several times before abruptly cutting off. Tribios was utterly confused: What exactly was I supposed to shatter?
As her thoughts drifted far away, she felt a gentle tug at the ends of her hair. Looking down, she saw her long red hair curling and spreading like the branches of a flame tree, with its tips knotted together, tenderly cradling three children no bigger than dolls.
"Trity!" The children laughed, swinging on her hair like a playground swing. Tribios smiled too. Even though their unclear speech could only pronounce the two syllables "Trity," Tribios had known since childhood that they were her best playmates, the ones who understood her heart the most.
However, while Tribios grew day by day, the children remained forever the same size.
Over countless days and nights together, Tribbie, Trianne, and Trinnon slowly discovered that "Trity's" personality was as enigmatic as the sky governed by Aquila. Every time they woke up after a night's sleep, the "Trity" they saw seemed like a complete stranger.
Sometimes Tribios was the happy Trity. She imitated the rhyme her mother Mortis taught her, singing for the three children a variation about sailing all the way to the moon.
Sometimes Tribios became the angry Trity. She would smash the offerings brought by the trainee priest, scream and order him to leave the temple by walking backward, simply because she mistook the ornament on the priest's waist for a cold blade used for assassination.
Sometimes Tribios was just the timid Trity. She liked to stay in corners, with a shy gaze, not good at making eye contact with children, but enjoyed watching small beetles crawl out from the corner of the wall, carefully breaking off pieces of moldy bread to feed them.
...
The children learned how to interact with different versions of "Trity," carefully remembering each "Trity"'s favorite things and manner of speech. They also discovered that none of the "Trity" knew each other, nor were they aware of each other's existence.
Why was Trity different every day? One of the children flew past the towering temple walls that stretched beyond sight, went to the Grove, and brought back the cold diagnostic conclusion from a Helkolithist scholar: It's all in the mind! Just get plenty of rest and she'll be fine!
"No, that's not it."
"Trity is a kaleidoscope, it's like there are a thousand Tritys inside her. And every single Trity is our wonderful companion!"
And today's Trity... is an exceptionally gentle and somewhat melancholic Trity.
Another Month of Gate had come, the festival to honor Janus. Tribios listened to the distant laughter of the crowd, while the children gazed at her in wonder. Their young hearts suddenly realized: Trity had never left this room deep within the temple. She had no wings, nor could she open a "gate" to a world thousands of miles away like they could. She could only remain confined here day after day.
"Trity!" The children understood. Let us help you escape from Janusopolis.
"You shall shatter▀▄█... shatter█▄... sha... tter▀▄█..." On this day, Tribios heard the Titan's prophecy once again, still unclear, as if choked by the black tide, but she already knew which direction she must take.
...
The first ray of Lucid Hour's sunlight pierced through the stained-glass windows of Janusopolis temple, shining into the chamber where Holy Maiden Tribios was imprisoned. The room was empty, save for three dolls. They were named Tribbie, Trianne, and Trinnon, the remnant fragments left behind after all their powers were given to Tribios.
From then on, wherever Tribios went, the voices of children would echo in her ears.
"With the heartfelt wishes of Tribbie, Trianne, and Trinnon..."
"You shall possess graceful white wings, keen senses, and a direction that never leads astray."
"You shall leave Janusopolis, and along with the many versions of yourself hidden within your body, transmit the Titan's prophecy to the world."
"Bye, Trity!"
...
Little Ica, You Should Eat Less
Unlocks upon completing Trailblaze Mission Fallen Petals, Leave Fading Traces of Fragrance in the chapter As Tomorrow Became Yesterday.
Sender Cyrene
Recipient Demiurge
*This page of story comes from the 8,668,666th Eternal Recurrence, a scientific experiment that went all the way. Imagine what would happen if an accident during Hyacine's test of Little Ica's appetite triggered its dormant gluttony gene buried deep within...*
"It all began... with a scientific experiment."
Back then, to measure the appetite of Little Ica, offspring of the winged beast, a girl named Hyacine fed it a total of forty-five wild apples. Little Ica only contributed a long, satisfied burp to the observation report, completely unaware that the girl's purse had already gone slim.
Just as Hyacine was about to end the experiment, a breeze swept by and Little Ica vanished!
The anxious girl plastered missing pet posters all over the Grove. "It's a chubby, always-hungry winged beast!" Unfortunately, none of the Grove scholars knew of its whereabouts.
About half a month later, Hyacine woke up early to find Little Ica at the entrance of the Twilight Courtyard, though it seemed... a bit rounder than before. Along with it was a phantom thief's note that read: "Thought a winged beast descendant would be worth something. Turns out it's a money pit. Such a glutton! SUCH A GLUTTON!!! In just a few days, it nearly emptied my wallet. Here, take it back. We Dolosians don't do money-losing deals."
Having Little Ica back filled Hyacine with joy, but she noticed that her winged beast companion seemed somehow different from before...
"Today it's already devoured two baskets of alfalfa, over a dozen wild apples, and half a bag of rice, but it's still smacking its lips at me like a hungry baby bird. This has never happened before..."
The troubled Hyacine brought Little Ica to the Caprist research lab, asking the Sage for a diagnosis. The Sage fiddled with some instruments, then buried himself in research reports, frantically searching through them. Finally, crossing his arms, he regretfully explained to Hyacine.
"Little Ica has developed a rare acquired genetic mutation. Its stomach keeps mutating due to excessive food stimulation, creating a feedback loop to the brain that amplifies its hunger. At the current rate of mutation... in a year or so, forget about your supplies, even all the food stored in the Grove combined won't be enough to satisfy its appetite."
"Doot... doot-doot-doot?"
While Little Ica remained carefree, Cinny's brow was clouded with worry. Looking at the rejected funding request form from the Nousporists, the young girl tossed and turned before finally deciding to leave the Grove with Little Ica, determined to find a way to heal it... or at least keep it well-fed.
"Don't worry, Little Ica, as long as I have a bite to eat, I'll..."
"Doot-doot-doot, doot-doot!"
What Little Ica really meant was: Blah blah whatever, I'm just gonna steal that bread right out of your mouth.
One day, the starving Hyacine saw Little Ica gobbling up rocks that had rolled down from the mountaintop. "No... Little Ica... you can't... eat those!"
Strangely enough, Little Ica didn't get indigestion from it, and Hyacine suspected its diet had changed. "Could it be... it awakened the ability to digest redsoil? Which dromas ancestor blessed us? I'm truly grateful for that."
For Hyacine, this was absolutely fantastic news. It meant she no longer had to worry about feeding Little Ica, and wouldn't need to wander around the world anymore.
By now, the lone rider and her horse had journeyed to the edge of Amphoreus, where countless city-states had fallen to the black tide.
"I... I can't just turn a blind eye to patients now that I'm here!"
But what could a mere physician do? Hyacine rushed into the city-state engulfed by the black tide to save the surviving children, only to find herself surrounded by monsters from the black tide.
"I'm sorry, Little Ica, that I couldn't give you a proper meal..."
No sooner had the words been spoken than Little Ica, triggered by the keyword "a proper meal," immediately rushed forward and swallowed the monsters whole. By now, its stature was as majestic as a dromas, and the black tide monsters seemed no more than a tart wild apple in its eyes.
Before long, Little Ica, burping contentedly, burst through the encirclement with Hyacine and the shocked children in tow. Hyacine stared up at Little Ica in disbelief for a long while, "I... you... this... so... are you full now?"
Years later, news arrived from Okhema that the "Twilight Knight," savior of countless city-states in times of crisis, would visit the holy city. Aglaea, leader of the Chrysos Heirs, personally went out to welcome her. As Aglaea focused her gaze, she spotted a familiar face atop the giant winged beast.
"H—Hyacinthia?"
Looking at Aglaea, Hyacine's eyes welled up with tears, "Miss Aglaea, this... all of this... it all began with a scientific experiment..."
...
Blooming Season: Letters to the Nether Realm
Unlocks upon completing Trailblaze Mission Fallen Petals, Leave Fading Traces of Fragrance in the chapter As Tomorrow Became Yesterday.
Sender Cyrene
Recipient Demiurge
*This page of story comes from the 309,785th Eternal Recurrence, in a tranquil place where flowers bloomed. Imagine if the girl who returned to the nether realm wasn't completely cut off from the mortal world, and the Netherwing, retaining Polyxia's remaining sanity, ferried her back and forth across the River of Souls...*
"The dragon's here, the dragon's here again...!"
The skies of Okhema suddenly darkened as the Netherwing's massive silhouette circled above the Marmoreal Market, blocking out the sun. With powerful wingbeats, it descended upon Kephale Plaza, unleashing an earth-shattering roar. The residents frantically rushed back to their homes, retrieving items they had prepared in advance. This had clearly become the holy city's newest custom, as people eagerly crowded around the Netherwing, afraid of being left behind.
"Please give me a Mortis flower! In exchange, please take this candlelight to Lady Castorice on the other shore!"
"Me too! I'd like a few bunches of Antila flowers to decorate my little shop. In return, I'll give you some seasonal fruits. They're super fresh, just harvested a few days ago!"
The Netherwing lifted its wings, revealing two large flower baskets tucked beneath. The Holy City Guards did their best to maintain order, but they couldn't hold back the enthusiastic residents. In no time at all, the flowers carried by the Netherwing were "exchanged" completely, with satisfied residents departing while the baskets were filled to the brim with gifts from the holy city's inhabitants for the demigod of Death.
After their busy work, Guardians Zeph and Mnemosyne let out a long sigh and gently patted the Netherwing's neck. "Every time you come, it's such a grand spectacle... You've really outdone yourself, Miss Polyxia."
A gentle purr resonated from the Netherwing's throat. It shrugged its neck, shaking loose several letters from beneath its plated scales.
"Miss Castorice's letter from the netherworld... still as weighty as ever, I see. Oh right, there's only one reply letter for Miss Castorice this time, please keep it safe, Miss Polyxia."
The guards tucked the delicate letter behind the neck of Netherwing, who gently nuzzled the two before slowly taking flight, circling above the Marmoreal Market for a moment, before flying off toward Styxia.
The far shore of the River of Souls remained as tranquil as ever.
Yet it was not only the azure Antila that bloomed here. Beneath the gentle radiance of the Moon Cocoon, the sea of multi-colored iridescent flowers spread like a vast, warm embrace, tenderly cradling the slowly descending Netherwing.
At the center of the sea of flowers, a girl in white ran toward Netherwing. She was the owner of the flower shop "Spring of the Underworld." "Welcome back, Polyxia!" She wrapped her arms around Netherwing's neck. "...You've brought back so many things again this time. Thank you so much."
Netherwing rumbled softly.
"Let me see what replies my companions sent me... Huh, only one letter?"
The girl stared blankly at the letter in her hands. Netherwing softly nudged her shoulder, urging her to open it.
"In this letter... there's just a group photo taken with a photostone. It's wrapped in golden thread. It must be Lady Aglaea's..."
The moment she touched the golden thread, a vision suddenly stirred within her mind. The Chrysos Heirs had gathered in the Marmoreal Palace, and the white-haired youth at the front cleared his throat. "Thanks to Professor Anaxa and Lady Aglaea's joint research, the 'letter' this time not only lets Lady Castorice hear our voices, but also see our faces. Everyone, have you decided what you want to tell her?"
The haughty scholar was the first to speak. "The alchemy matrix to reach the underworld is nearly complete, Castorice. You may await the good news..."
"Our Great Performer is indeed a genius, if only he would speak with a little less swagger. Cas, I asked someone to drop off some clothes for you. The nether realm is cold, and even as a demigod, you need to take care of yourself," said the blonde weaver.
"Alright, my turn. Castorice, here's something fun: Mydei lost to me two weeks in a row. Next time, bring me a bunch of yellow and purple hyacinths. I remember the flower's meaning is 'try again after failure'..."
"...According to the records in my family's great library, yellow and purple hyacinths mean 'to concede defeat.'"
The girl burst out laughing. Then Hyacine, Tribbie, Chartonus... all those familiar faces left their precious images. She had never imagined she could read a letter this way.
Netherwing laid down at the girl's side, silently watching her joys and tears, just like it had done in a distant past, blurred and half-forgotten in memory.
The visions woven into the golden thread slowly faded into silence. The girl leaned against the giant dragon, clutching the photo to her chest as the west wind stirred waves across the sea of flowers.
"Polyxia, let's plant more flowers. The Flame-Chase isn't over yet... maybe one day, my companions will come here."
"When that day comes, it will be an embrace after a long parting, and this gentle sea of flowers will be my truest blessing."
...