Olive, Cast to the Conference Chair
Last updated 2026-04-21
Olive, Cast to the Conference Chair is the second part of the Trailblaze Mission chapter Through the Petals in the Land of Repose. It automatically begins after completing Spindle, Laboring to Weave the Tapestry of Time.
Steps
- Meet with the Council of Elders's messenger
- Follow Lygus and head to Dawncloud
- Walk around before the Messenger arrives
- Listen to Cerces's evaluations of their murals
- Follow the Messenger and meet with Elder Caenis
- Cross through Janus' Hidden Passage
- Follow the Messenger and meet with Elder Caenis
- Keep following Caenis
- Speak with Caenis
- Speak with Caenis and form an alliance
- Speak with Lygus
- Keep following Lygus
- Walk with the divine and ascend the Titan Cliff
- Continue climbing the mountain and investigate the phantoms that appeared when the soul left the body
- Continue your climb and have an audience with Kephale's divine vessel
Gameplay Notes
- This mission uses the Fate's Ensemble system, played from the perspective of Anaxa. The game provides him for use as a Story character.
Dialogue
- Not long ago...
- Anaxa: Hehe...
- Anaxa: I'm back here again.
- I remember this dream. This realm is covered in a silk-like fog, and the land is barren and harsh. The crowd of travelers leaves tracks everywhere.
- Anaxa: Hey! Excuse me — what is this place? Where in Amphoreus are we?
- Wandering Traveler: ...
- The mutters of the traveler are in a language that I'm unable to comprehend. Or perhaps, they're just distracted and ignored my question.
- Anaxa: Tell me, which Titan reigns over this land and how do I find them?
- Wandering Traveler: ...
- Wandering Traveler: ...
- Wandering Traveler: Hand of... Shadow...
- Anaxa: Hand of Shadow, Thanatos?
- Anaxa: Hmm, could this... possibly be the nether realm?
- Wandering Traveler: Not... nether realm...
- Anaxa: Then where is this? River of Souls? The outskirts of the nether realm? Are you heading downstream toward the nether realm?
- Wandering Traveler: The nether realm... Nothing but an illusion...
- Wandering Traveler: Titan... Rejects... You... Me...
- Wandering Traveler: Listen...
- Anaxa: What?
- The traveler lifts their wrinkled fingers and remains silent.
- I look in the direction they are pointing and listen closely. There, a massive shadow brought the sound of rushing tides.
- Anaxa: The sound of tides...?
- I can hear it.
- Anaxa: ...
- I hear it, deep within the tides, beyond the closed gates of the void world...
- A voice about to recount something.
- ???: Child of humanity...
- ???: ...is it death's embrace you yearn for with such urgency?
- Anaxa: ...!
- Cerces: Oh, you have awoken. Welcome back to the mortal realm.
- Cerces: Your consciousness is dissipating much faster than I expected... Ultimately, it seems like the Titan's Coreflame is incompatible with a mortal body.
- Anaxa: How much longer can my consciousness remain in the mortal realm?
- Cerces: In my estimation, at best, you'll see fifteen more Entry Hours.
- Anaxa: Heh, fifteen days and nights...
- Cerces: What is it? Are you finally starting to become attached to the mortal world now?
- Anaxa: On the contrary, fifteen days feel a little too long for solving a singular problem.
- Cerces: Hehe...
- Anaxa: Stop giggling. It's time for us to go. The messenger from the Council of Elders is almost here.
- Cerces: Let me ask you one more question, are you really planning to betray Aglaea's will?
- Anaxa: What betrayal is there to speak of when I was never loyal to her to begin with?
- Cerces: What about that white-haired student of yours? Acting so recklessly... Do you not care about what might happen to him?
- Anaxa: ...
- Anaxa: There will be a price to pay for blind faith. This is also a lesson for Phainon.
Meet with the Council of Elders's messenger
Mission DescriptionNow, the Coreflame of Cerces resides in your chest, which means that Aglaea will eventually extract it for the Flame-Chase Journey. It's easy to guess what will happen to you, who the Coreflame had revived.
To survive, and to seek, you need to find a power that can protect you and combat Aglaea and others — The messenger from Council of Elders has been waiting for you for a long time.
- Cerces: You truly are a strict teacher.
- Anaxa: Of course. This is how I've always been.
- (Enter the Garden of Life)
- ???: Sorry to keep you waiting, Lord Anaxagoras.
- (Approach Lygus)
- ???: It's been a while, Lord Anaxagoras.
- ???: I greet you on behalf of all the citizens of Okhema and express my deepest regret about what happened at the Grove of Epiphany.
- Anaxa: It's you? I never expected that you would personally come and meet me.
- ???: By Kephale and Talanton above, I have come as a testament to the justice of the Council of Elders.
- Cerces: There are Antikytherans here? They have been a rare sight ever since the Chrysos War.
- ???: I extend to you my utmost respect, revered Titan.
- Lygus: I am Lycurgus, though you may call me Lygus. Holding an honorary position within the Council of Elders in Okhema, and as the Theoros, I stand to protect the right of all upright citizens to express themselves freely.
- Anaxa: Heh... You can see them, too?
- Lygus: You know about us. We Antikytherans perceive the world through the amplitude and frequency of souls...
- Lygus: ...Just as I am conscious that Lady Aglaea is secretly listening in on our private meeting from afar. If necessary, Lord Anaxagoras, I can sever the golden thread to protect your fundamental rights.
- Anaxa: The demigod should know better, for such is her station. Spare those poor threads, and just let her listen to my words. They shall serve only to unveil her own folly.
- Lygus: May I interpret this as you having a countermeasure?
- Anaxa: I need not any plan, because she can do nothing other than petty espionage. As the citizens' assembly approaches and with Oronyx's fall, any attempt to capture the Coreflame within me will only usher chaos and calamity — a truth she undoubtedly comprehends.
- Anaxa: While I, Anaxagoras, serving as the Grove's special envoy to Okhema's citizens' assembly, have long known the extent of your abilities...
- Anaxa: Let's forego the formality of asserting authority, Lord Lygus. Lead the way.
- Lygus: Very well. Surely Lady Caenis would appreciate such assertiveness in an ally.
Follow Lygus and head to Dawncloud
- Step DescriptionThe Council of Elders dispatched a messenger, as you anticipated, to escort you to Dawncloud before Aglaea could make her move. Here, you will be under the Elders' protection.
There's still some time before the Messenger returns. Take a stroll around here, and let the curious Cerces, who resides in your mind, calm down a bit.
- Lygus: She's been waiting. Follow me, please.
- (Approach the marked location)
- Anaxa: ...
- Lygus: Is there something on your mind, Lord Anaxagoras?
- Anaxa: Nothing really. It's just a question that I contemplate every time before I ascend Dawncloud: For the Titans, does the falling equate to death?
- Lygus: A pondering truly deep. Time is on our side. Do you mind sharing your reflections with me?
- Anaxa: While all living beings must ultimately face their demise, Kephale has yet to meet theirs. Their journey continues unhurriedly along this long path.
- Lygus: Are you suggesting that Kephale may not have truly passed?
- Anaxa: Yes, for dying implies an ongoing process, an action, whereas death signifies a static state, a definitive termination.
- Anaxa: In contrast to mortals, Titans exist on a grander scale of space and time, thus elongating their passage into death. The notion of their "fall" is but a misinterpretation born of mortal ignorance.
- Lygus: An intriguing concept, albeit challenging to substantiate. After all, Kephale has maintained a profound silence ever since the Era Erasa, while scholars and priests alike have conveyed the message of the gods' imminent fall.
- Anaxa: Perhaps the gods, in their arrogance, deemed it beneath them to reveal their perspectives to mortals.
- Lygus: Could you elaborate on your statement?
- Anaxa: Cerces, the kin of the sky father as recounted in myths, now resides within my brain. Were I to inquire, Kephale would have no cause to refuse.
- Cerces: Oh...
- Lygus: That could very well be true, but what if the Worldbearing Titan still chooses to remain silent?
- Anaxa: Heh, in that case, the myths crafted by the people of Amphoreus are nothing more than pitiful jests.
- Lygus: It's worth a try, I believe, and I'd love to witness the fruits of your theory and the change it may bring to this imperiled world.
- Lygus: Because I completely concur with you on this aspect: If the Titan has indeed met their end, any response from them would be impossible...
- (Cutscene begins)
-
- Lygus: Please, professor.
- (Cutscene ends)
- Cerces: Heh... The children of humanity have indeed created a spectacle.
- Lygus: Welcome to Dawncloud. The atmosphere here carries a greater sense of solemnity than the mundane clamor of the Marmoreal Palace, with entry permitted only to the invited.
- Lygus: Only esteemed beings grace this place, and among them, I've received priests, scholars, warriors... And now, we even have the honor to be in the presence of a Titan. What a joyous occasion!
- Anaxa: Hmph... Once deemed a blasphemer, now a surrogate for revered divinity. The honor should rightfully be mine, shouldn't it?
- Lygus: I'll notify Caenis and the others of your arrival. Kindly wait for a moment. A soldier will be here to guide you shortly.
- Lygus: In the meanwhile, you are welcome to explore the vicinity, but kindly remain within the guards' view. Delaying the crucial meeting is something none of us wish to see, I presume.
- Anaxa: I'm well aware of Caenis' methods. There's no need to emphasize that.
- Lygus: As you wish. Your cooperation is much appreciated.
- Cerces: Alas... I had hoped for a brilliant plan from you, but it turns out you just left one cage to enter another.
- Anaxa: Save your concerns. I know very well what I'm doing.
- Cerces: Hehe, I shall depart to explore the surroundings, then.
- Cerces: Now that I look around... I wonder if there are any murals bearing my portrait around here. I'm quite intrigued to see how the children of humanity beyond the Grove perceive another Titan.
- Anaxa: Off you go. I won't be joining you.
- Anaxa: (This Titan appears to be quite at ease... I should investigate the Council of Elders' recent activities first.)
- Cerces: Be aware, I can hear you perfectly well from here.
- Anaxa: Tsk...
Walk around before the Messenger arrives
- (Approach the Young Scribe)
- Young Scribe: Professor Anaxa...
- Young Scribe: Over here...
- (Talk to the Young Scribe)
- Young Scribe: Professor Anaxa? Word has it that the scholars of the Grove valiantly perished resisting the black tide. To find you here safe and sound... Thank the fates!
- Anaxa: You could say it's the fates toying with us.
- Young Scribe: Haha, it's only the Kremnoans and Aidonians who chase glory through death. But your survival is a victory in itself! I'd settle for that gladly!
- Young Scribe: So, are you here to report the incident to the Council? I heard that after the black tide devoured the Grove, Okhema would be next in line. Even with the demigod of Strife standing alongside humankind...
- Anaxa: Tell me, how much does the Council of Elders know about the black tide?
- Young Scribe: Once Caenis and her followers learned of Cerces and Oronyx's fall, they proclaimed in the Council that the Flame-Chasers could no longer stand against the calamity alone...
- Young Scribe: Yet, when the crown prince ascended to godhood and repelled the black tide, she immediately altered her tune, declaring that all was resolved beyond Okhema, with the only remaining menace now being Aglaea and her adherents. They might well make their move at the upcoming citizens' assembly.
- Anaxa: No surprises there, those shifty opportunists... Thank you for your honesty, virtuous student.
- Cerces: Hehe, being an opportunist could very well be a facet of wisdom...
- Anaxa: Shouldn't you be searching for murals of yourself? I've had enough of your prattling.
- Cerces: I was really curious to see how you would find the middle ground between both factions, so I came to listen in.
- Cerces: But it seems as though this Caenis is much more ruthless than Aglaea... If so, why do you want to work with her? Could it be that perhaps you've decided to readily surrender this hollow shell of yours just because you feel like death is fast approaching?
- Anaxa: Hmph, I'm afraid you'll be sorely disappointed if that's what you truly think.
- (Approach the Wizened Priest)
- Wizened Priest: Hmph, even blasphemous scholars can come here, it seems?
- Anaxa: Looks like my presence here is quite unwelcome.
- (Talk to the Wizened Priest)
- Wizened Priest: Hah, Anaxagoras? I thought that you had died to the black tide, just like the other scholars.
- Anaxa: As Kephale's priest, are you not aware of the decorum of respecting the dead?
- Wizened Priest: Surely you jest! You blasphemous heretics are not worthy of respect from the supreme being.
- Wizened Priest: Let me remind you that you're currently in Dawncloud, so you had better keep your deranged language to yourself. I am no longer that altar servant from years ago who could only acquiesce to the commands of others. Now, I have plenty of ways to deal with people like you.
- Anaxa: I'm not sure whether I should laugh or cry right now... I can't believe that a follower such as you could have been made by a Creation Titan.
- Anaxa: As I see it, a dead Titan can't provide you with this level of confidence, right? Then who is it, exactly? Could it be Caenis?
- Wizened Priest: You...
- Wizened Priest: Hmph... Seeing how fond of you Elder Caenis is, I shall let that slide for now. Leave immediately and don't impede us from receiving the supreme being's blessings.
- Anaxa: (Seeing as we were able to hear of this matter from the mouths of others, it seems that Caenis is indeed quite sincere toward us. Perhaps this affair will proceed smoother than I had anticipated...)
- Cerces: Oh my, what a thrilling confrontation... As expected of one of Kephale's followers.
- Anaxa: ...Are you praising or insulting him?
- Cerces: Praising him, of course. As a believer of the god of Deliverance, it is only natural that he detests evil.
- Wizened Priest: Didn't you hear me? I asked you to leave! Go as far away from here as possible! Don't mutter to yourself like some sort of madman and disturb my meditation!
Listen to Cerces's evaluations of their murals
- Step DescriptionThe Council of Elders dispatched a messenger, as you anticipated, to escort you to Dawncloud before Aglaea could make her move. Here, you will be under the Elders' protection.
Will Cerces be curious about how they've been portrayed?
- Anaxa: (I've had enough of this... Could the 15th Entry Hour arrive any faster?)
- (Approach Cerces)
- Cerces: Oh my! Could it be that the Great Tree painted in this mural... is actually depicting me?
- (Talk to Cerces)
- Debating Scholar: Every plant, every tendril, no, even every leaf could be the embodiment of Cerces...
- Debating Scholar: As a result, mere mortals who did not know what the Titan actually looked like chose to paint them as a giant tree instead. Their wisdom was portrayed as fruit to symbolize how they shared their knowledge equally among the masses... Such exquisiteness indeed!
- Cerces: This mural is quite abstract.
- Anaxa: I really can't tell whether you are praising or demeaning yourself. Now I'm quite curious whether the Reason Titan has studied figures of speech before?
- Cerces: Heheh, of course I find such stylistic devices interesting.
- Cerces: For all we know, this could be the answer to the question, "What exactly are we?"
- Anaxa: Hmph, I, for one, am not willing to admit that I could look this ugly.
- Cerces: Heheh... Was this the reason why you failed in your attempt to refine my soul when you were ambushed at the Grove?
- Anaxa: Since you are aware of this, why did you save me back then?
- Cerces: From my perspective, this point alone was enough to separate you from the average person.
- Anaxa: ...How do two lunatics coexist in the same brain?
- Cerces: Therefore, it seems that your journey to Dawncloud this time is not just to seek protection...
- Cerces: ...What, then, is the intention behind your actions?
- Anaxa: The entire plan is stored in my memory, so why don't you look there?
- Cerces: Heheh, then don't mind if I do...
- Cerces: One year old, two years old...
- Anaxa: ...
- Cerces: Oh my, even a member of the preeminent Seven Sages must hug his dromas doll to sleep? How interesting...
- Anaxa: ...That's enough.
- Cerces: How unusual, your soul is actually trembling. This must mean that behind this toy hides a secret that nobody knows, right?
- Anaxa: Hmph... Since our days are both numbered, I don't mind telling you more about it.
- Anaxa: This is a present that my sister gave to me. It's a doll that was made to look like our family pet.
- Cerces: So, there are other members in your family, eh? Are they also living in Okhema?
- Anaxa: Don't you just love to pick through my brain? Go on, continue flipping through my memories.
- Anaxa: It won't take long... You'll discover the answer when you reach the memories of when I was five.
- Cerces: The black tide is everywhere... I can't bear to look.
- Anaxa: When I was young, I couldn't accept this outcome either. Georios, Aquila,
Kephale... and you, of course. Although I prayed to every Titan that I could think of for help, my efforts were ultimately futile. - Cerces: This... Could this be the inception of your research into alchemy?
- Anaxa: Indeed it was. Everything started from that verdant courtyard of yours. When I was pursuing my education there, I naturally also came to learn of Thalesus' theory as well.
- Cerces: Oh, I remember that person. He was the one to come up with the concept of "souls," right?
- Anaxa: Not only that, he also believed that life, as well as the composition, movement, and transformation of matter, all stem from souls themselves. This is why I thought that...
- Anaxa: Since all living things stemmed from the same origin, why could I not sacrifice myself in order to resurrect my nearest and dearest?
- (Screen fades to black)
- Empedocles: Anaxa, you...
- Anaxa: I did it, teacher.
- Empedocles: B—But this is absolute blasphemy... Regardless of how much freedom the Grove provides, such an act could cause you to be burned at the pyre...!
- Empedocles: Your beloved... Where is she now? Send her away from the Grove at once, to a place where nobody will ever be able to find her. Otherwise, the both of us will be judged by the Council of the Seven Sages...!
- Anaxa: Calm down, teacher. My sister, she...
- Anaxa: She's still not in the mortal realm... even to this day.
- Empedocles: What do you mean...?
- Anaxa: It was naive of me to think that I could snatch the deceased from Thanatos' grip by merely sacrificing one eye...
- Anaxa: Equivalent exchange... All I received for that price was but an opportunity to see her for one final time. Nothing more.
- Empedocles: ...
- Empedocles: Let it go, Anaxa. As one of my best students, I cannot watch you go down the wrong path without doing anything to stop it.
- Empedocles: Never do something taboo ever again. Don't disappoint the deceased and never harm yourself. If you can do that, this classroom will still be yours and you'll have a chance to live out your own life.
- Anaxa: Since I was able to see her one last time, I have no other desires...
- Anaxa: You're right, teacher. It's time for me to start a new life.
- Empedocles: I am sincerely glad for you, child. Now then, what topic would you like to study?
- Anaxa: I wish to continue Thalesus' research.
- Empedocles: Continue the research into souls? But you know that the Grove has long since understood his philosophy like the back of their hands. Even if you continue digging into this subject, your efforts will likely be futile...
- Anaxa: No, teacher. After my fleeting glimpse of the deathly fog, I finally understood a single truth: Since ancient days, our understanding of souls is but the tip of the iceberg.
- Anaxa: I may have lost an eye, but my view of the world has become clearer than ever...
- (Screen fades to black)
- Anaxa: I have grasped the truth with my bare hands... Watch as I turn this farcical world upside down.
- Cerces: Hmm... Who would have thought such a secret lay concealed beneath that hefty eye patch of yours?
- Cerces: However, this story doesn't seem to be connected to your plan... In fact, I'd say that they aren't related at all?
- Anaxa: The answer lies within my tale. If even you cannot understand it, perhaps you should relinquish the divinity of Reason to me? After all, it'd be a waste for you to hold onto it.
- Anaxa: My story ends here. Now, it's time for you to tell me your secret. After all, this is what equivalent exchange means, correct?
- Cerces: As expected, you laid a trap for me to step into...
- Cerces: Unfortunately, even if I was willing to talk about my past, I may not know more about it than you do.
- Anaxa: Oh? Are you saying that the renowned Reason Titan is now admitting a lack of wisdom? Your followers are going to be sorely disappointed by this.
- Cerces: Child of humanity, remember this: Being cognizant of one's ignorance is the greatest wisdom of all.
- Anaxa: Now I understand. No wonder you asked me to answer your random, nonsensical questions.
- Cerces: Not only that, you're the only one who can shed light on my query. As the saying goes, onlookers see most clearly.
- Anaxa: Hmph, is that so...
- Military Runner: Lord Anaxa...!
- Anaxa: Hmm...?
- Military Runner: I saw you muttering to yourself and was wondering whether you were caught in a delirium of reflective thought? I'm sorry to interrupt you, but time is of the essence...
- Military Runner: I have a message from Lord Lygus: Lady Caenis has met up with the Council of Elders and is awaiting your arrival, so please depart forthwith.
- Anaxa: Hmph... It's finally time.
- Cerces: Kephale, the one who created the world, and the one who bears the world...
- Cerces: If you truly have not met your end... how will you answer the challenges of those who defy you?
Follow the Messenger and meet with Elder Caenis
- Step DescriptionThe Council of Elders dispatched a messenger, as you anticipated, to escort you to Dawncloud before Aglaea could make her move. Here, you will be under the Elders' protection.
They await your arrival. Follow the Messenger to meet them.
- Military Runner: I didn't expect you to agree to Lady Caenis' invitation... What a wonderful turn of events.
- Military Runner: To tell you the truth, there are many people who hold grudges against that Lady Goldweaver...
Cross through Janus' Hidden Passage
- (Approach the Hidden Passage)
- Mocking Scholar: Isn't that the "dromas draped in finery"?
- Pious Scholar: ...Avoid his gaze. I don't acquaint myself with blasphemers.
- Mocking Scholar: Don't worry, he's too full of pride to pay us any attention.
- Cerces: Your nickname is "dromas" as well? You must really like those creatures.
- Anaxa: ...
Follow the Messenger and meet with Elder Caenis
- (After traveling through the Hidden Passage)
- Stern Councilor: A student of Empedocles? I hear that his views run counter to the Venerationists.
- Amiable Councilor: This is what being a scholar is about: A collision of ideas only occurs when there are differences in beliefs, and it is such collisions that lead to progress.
- Stern Councilor: Yet in my view, there are only right and wrong perspectives, neither of which can coexist with the other.
- Cerces: What radical thinking... I guess this is why the children of humanity always squabble with each other.
- Anaxa: How boring.
- Cerces: You seem to be avoiding that "Goldweaver" person. Why don't you address her face to face?
- Anaxa: I have nothing to talk about with her... Since you're in my brain, you can look for the reason yourself.
- Cerces: Oh... The leader of the Flame-Chase Journey and a demigod of Mnestia...
- Anaxa: You're really searching through my brain? What are you treating it as, some sort of toy?
- Cerces: Regardless, you think quite highly of her, no?
- Anaxa: That's because I'm a teacher who grades everyone fairly.
- (Approach the marked location)
- Military Runner: Lord Lygus and Lady Caenis are just ahead.
- Military Runner: I'll take my leave for now.
- (Approach Lygus)
- Lygus: Welcome to the Demigod Council, esteemed guests.
- (Approach Caenis)
- Caenis: Lord Anaxagoras! I've heard so much about you...
- Caenis: Head of the Nousporists of the Grove of Epiphany, notorious blasphemer, a Chrysos Heir who bears Cerces' Coreflame, a survivor of the Grove calamity...
- Caenis: Did I miss anything? If so, please be so kind as to enlighten me.
- Anaxa: Since Lady Caenis is already well acquainted with me, I won't waste any effort introducing myself again.
- Anaxa: But then again, perhaps the customs are different here? Back in my hometown, there is a form of etiquette known as "honoring guests": The host will welcome their guests with warm hospitality by treating them to fine wine and a cozy bed...
- Anaxa: And yet, ever since I arrived, I have not been welcomed with warm courtesy or ceremonial gifts. Instead, I am met with intense scrutiny. Even more absurd, the host has sharpened their blade and instructed their servants to lie in wait in the shadows...
- Anaxa: Perhaps you intend to cut open my heart, retrieve the Coreflame, and then hold a grand feast for all of the guests?
- Caenis: Everyone, stand down.
- Anaxa: Thank you for understanding. I am but a feeble scholar who is not used to the stench of avarice and blood.
- Caenis: No need to be humble, my lord. From my perspective, your courage and gumption are worthy of the reputation of the Seven Sages. Your bravery is more than adequate to accomplish our perilous endeavor.
- Anaxa: So, you wish to start a war?
- Caenis: Well, since the Chrysos Heirs are calling for war, we will respond in kind. Conflict is inevitable. Since Aglaea endeavors to suppress the virtuous commoners with blood of gold, we will not hesitate to display the rights and mettle that the citizens of Okhema are so entitled to.
- Caenis: As to your question of whether peace is still a viable option? Well, to that, I can only say this: Everything hinges on the next citizens' assembly and whether they have a sudden epiphany amid the clamor of the masses...
- Caenis: ...And since you, as a Chrysos Heir, accepted our invitation, you have indeed given us a glimmer of hope.
- Anaxa: Hah, what brazen arrogance. What you're saying right now is worlds apart from what you were saying before you retired your "cleaners."
- Caenis: I don't deny it. After all, they're responsible for cleaning up any threats and just a moment ago, you were on the side of the Chrysos Heirs...
- Caenis: ...But now that you're an ally of ours, we can continue talking somewhere else. As you know, these walls have ears.
Keep following Caenis
- Step DescriptionThe Council of Elders dispatched a messenger, as you anticipated, to escort you to Dawncloud before Aglaea could make her move. Here, you will be under the Elders' protection.
Caenis is like a cunning snake. Gaining her trust will not be easy.
- Caenis: I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to discuss a treatise about the Venerationists with your teacher, Empedocles.
- Caenis: Yet, it seems you subscribe to the Nousporists instead, Lord Anaxa? I've heard that this school of thought is one with many detractors.
- Anaxa: It's normal for ideas to have supporters and dissenters, just like how there are two types of people in this world — geniuses and dimwits.
Speak with Caenis
- Caenis: Welcome back to the hub of the Demigod Council, Lord Anaxagoras.
- Caenis: Surely you remember that countless eloquent orators have stood in this spot before and emerged victorious by stoking public sentiment with their words. And yet, there have also been innumerable blasphemous philosophers who set themselves up for failure because they refused to defend their actions.
- Caenis: This tiny stage is the most profound embodiment of Okhema in centuries. In fifteen days, this site shall also become the most important, as well as the final turning point in Okhema's history...
- Caenis: May the both of us carry out our duties with honor and lead the masses back toward the Era Chrysea, a golden age with no Death, Strife, or Trickery.
- Cerces: Oh my, fifteen days and nights... that aligns perfectly with the date of your demise. Could such a coincidence truly exist?
- Anaxa: Using death to prove myself fits my intentions perfectly.
- Caenis: What strong conviction you have! As expected of the hero who dared to stand up to the Goldweaver.
- Cerces: Hehe... As expected, she misunderstands you.
- Anaxa: That's enough, Lady Caenis. Dispense with the niceties. I only accepted your invitation so that I can serve the commoners alongside the members of the Council of Elders. Don't test my patience with such superfluous formalities.
- Caenis: You say that now, but surely you also require my aid as well, so that you can stay alive, even when being pursued by the golden thread?
- Anaxa: You worry too much. She won't show her hand too freely, as she still needs to garner support from the masses at the citizens' assembly.
- Caenis: Even someone like me can tell that only a sliver of her humanity remains. Surely you're not asserting that she will definitely act in a rational manner?
- Anaxa: As you're no doubt aware, Aglaea covets the Coreflame that I possess, which makes it the bargaining chip that allows me and the rest of you to negotiate with her. However, in return, I'll need the Council of Elders to support me as much as possible. Naturally, this includes the guards as well.
- Anaxa: You're well aware how valuable Cerces' Coreflame will be in the Era Chrysea that you are desperately pursuing...
- Anaxa: Talk is cheap, so you'd better act prudently as well.
- Caenis: I understand. After all, this battle of wits is just a means for each party to acquire what they need. As long as your request is reasonable, the Council of Elders never shortchanges its allies. Since we're both intent on mutual cooperation, let's not mince words and just speak plainly to each other...
- Caenis: Let us decide how much we can secure for ourselves and how much we're willing to sacrifice, like true philosophers — with our words and wisdom.
Let's begin, then.
- (Continues to next step)
I need some more time.
- Caenis: If you need to organize your thoughts, please go ahead. But please don't go too far away, lest... complications arise.
- (Exits dialogue)
- (Talk to Caenis again after exiting dialogue)
- Caenis: Let us decide how much we can secure for ourselves and how much we're willing to sacrifice, like true philosophers: with our words and wisdom. Are you ready, my lord?
- Let's begin, then.
- (Continues to next step)
- I need some more time.
- Caenis: If you need to organize your thoughts, please go ahead. But please don't go too far away, lest... complications arise.
- (Exits dialogue)
Speak with Caenis and form an alliance
- Caenis: Continuing from the earlier topic, let us discuss our common enemy: Aglaea.
- Caenis: She is the second-most experienced Chrysos Heir across the whole of Okhema, who has gradually lost her humanity to the ravages of time and the ablation of the Coreflame... A formidable opponent indeed.
- Caenis: Admittedly, there is ample reason for her to take your life. Yet, your previous reasoning is quite sound. As a seasoned political animal, it's unclear whether she will actually cross that irreversible boundary. Moreover, she still needs you alive so that the Titan's trial can be completed...
- Caenis: Is there anyone present who can swear by the sacred vow of Kephale and guarantee that you weren't in league with that woman before coming here? Are you just trying to pull the wool over our eyes and aid her in her savagery?
- She is prepared to execute me.
- Anaxa: I believe you're aware of Castorice the executioner. Long before I returned to Okhema, Aglaea had already dispatched her to monitor me. If I weren't able to reach this place in time, I would have been forced to meet Thanatos first.
- Anaxa: As compared to a comprehensive plan with uncertain results, if you decide to cut open my chest and remove the Coreflame, wouldn't that settle her nerves even more? Everything is in place — she just needs the right timing.
- She just needs vassals who will do her bidding without question.
- Anaxa: If Aglaea required a suitably intelligent Chrysos Heir, then I'm the best fit for her needs. However, it's quite evident that she has no need for a Chrysos Heir who could break free of her control at any time.
- Anaxa: Since I believe in neither Titans nor the prophecy, there's no way that I would willingly walk on the path that she extols. Given how rigorously she enforces her principles, how would she ever accept a heretic such as me?
- Caenis: Hah... I understand what you mean.
- Caenis: At the very least, the both of us agree that this tyrant who wallows in extravagance and greed is the greatest threat to achieving peace in Okhema. The Council of Elders is willing to defend your right to live, just as we defend every oppressed citizen.
- Caenis: However, I regret to say that sentiments in favor of the Chrysos Heirs and Aglaea are only growing in magnitude. The peace that we are aspiring toward, as well as everything that we hold dear, will be destroyed completely. The city will be burned to ashes and the citizens' blood will be shed...
- Caenis: Tell me, what are you willing to do for our esteemed citizens so that they can vanquish the enemies of our fine city?
- Garnering my support is equivalent to garnering the support of the entire Grove.
- Anaxa: Although the circumstances are rather unfortunate, from an objective point of view, it is an undeniable fact that ever since the Grove was attacked, I have become the de facto leader of the Grove.
- Anaxa: The Council of Elders needs more backing if it wishes to topple Aglaea and it's evident that the academy wields considerable influence.
- Anaxa: At the very least, I have served as the Grove's special envoy to Okhema for a significant amount of time. Of course, this also means that I will hold a crucial vote at the citizens' assembly.
- I will be the one to shatter Aglaea's self-righteousness.
- Anaxa: Aglaea's authoritarianism, conceit, and arrogance have granted her unfettered control for the most part. Yet, these traits are also her greatest weakness. If I can render her helpless by forcing her to experience the agonizing pain of betrayal, I am certain she will never recover from such a setback.
- Caenis: Heh, surely you don't believe that such a tiny betrayal will be enough to push her to her wits' end?
- Anaxa: What's more, there are many who remain silent, merely watching to see how much chaos I can unleash... Not to mention, you know full well that the Chrysos Heirs have never been a united front.
- Caenis: In the name of Kephale, Okhema thanks you for your sincere and valuable thoughts.
- Caenis: At this stage, it's clear that you and I understand the benefits to be won from this discussion. Let me put it plainly: The Council of Elders has always been renowned for its fairness, and that fairness is built on a foundation of sincerity...
- Caenis: The Council of Elders has vowed to all citizens of Okhema that it will always remain loyal to them. As for you, my lord, how will you guarantee that you will be able to live up to such earnestness and will not betray Okhema's indomitable citizens when the opportunity presents itself, just as you now betray Aglaea when it suits you?
- How absurd. My loyalty is unquestionable.
- Anaxa: Hmph, surely you jest. My loyalty does not need to be proven. The fact that the Council of Elders is asking for proof of my loyalty is itself akin to a form of betrayal.
- Caenis: Huh...
- Lygus: I am incredibly honored to have witnessed the both of you bury the hatchet in a civilized manner. However, I'm afraid that I must interrupt for a brief moment...
- Lygus: As the Theoros, I have observed the following: Lady Aglaea, the Goldweaver, is currently on her way to Dawncloud.
- Caenis: Oh? Well, I do believe that we might have a slight overabundance of guests today.
- Anaxa: Feeling dissatisfied, Lady Caenis? Despite the Council of Elders' lofty residence on Dawncloud, it must still tolerate the whims of the Chrysos Heirs.
- Caenis: Heh, so you were holding back just now? Seems like you are better at playing this game than I. In any case, I am glad that she's arriving here...
- Caenis: So, tell me, Anaxagoras: Now that you're an ally of mine, if Aglaea were to demand that I hand you over, what should I do?
- Anaxa: You can do as she says. Tell her that the Council of Elders merely wished to chat with me and had no intention of offending her.
- Anaxa: However, by doing so, the authority of the Council of Elders will be as thin as papyrus that has been soaked in blood. Not only can it be destroyed at the slightest touch, but the Council will also lose possession of a valuable Coreflame...
- Anaxa: No, more like two Coreflames. After all...
- Anaxa: At the next citizens' assembly, that young lady who is synonymous with death will also be standing on our side.
- Caenis: Oh? How can you be sure of that?
- Anaxa: Is that of importance to you? All you need to know is that I have a plan. In my opinion, you should be more worried about the impending threat.
- Anaxa: If Aglaea can seize me in full view of the masses today, she could also dismiss the entire Council of Elders in one fell swoop tomorrow. If that happens, the discussion that we've just had will turn into an utter joke instead...
- Anaxa: Is this the outcome that you wish to see, Lady Caenis?
- Caenis: Fine, I will handle this matter appropriately.
- Caenis: But you'd do best to remember this: Fool the people and karma will be on your tail. I'll overlook it this time, but don't count on there being a next time...
- Caenis: ...Unless, of course, you crave cruel punishment and consider suffering the perfect state to ponder the true nature of souls.
- Anaxa: Well, what do you know! That happens to be one of my rare talents.
- Caenis: We shall see, then.
- Cerces: Ah, I've got to say that you've managed to really impress me again. But... shouldn't you be going after more?
- Anaxa: Dying to know what I'm after, huh?
- Cerces: I mean... I'm the Reason Titan, after all. It is in me to ask and seek answers.
- Anaxa: Easy there, you'll learn the answer soon enough.
- Anaxa: I didn't bring it up with her purely because she doesn't have the means to give me what I truly want. It's as they say, onlookers see most clearly.
- Anaxa: The true master of Dawncloud has always been the Theoros, who watches over everything.
Speak with Lygus
- Step DescriptionYou reached out for protection and successfully gained Caenis's trust, forming an alliance with the Council of Elders.
"Seeking protection" — what a perfect excuse, enough to convince you, the Council, and the Chrysos Heir of its legitimacy. Unfortunately... the real reason you came here was something else entirely—
This requires the help of "Theoros" Lygus.
- (Approach Lygus)
- Lygus: ...An expected visitor. Welcome, once again.
- Lygus: You know, you could actually skip all the pointless debate and come straight to me to seek an audience with Kephale.
- Lygus: I have no reason to refuse you, do I?
- Anaxa: You may not, but Caenis has. Whoever gets hold of Kephale's Coreflame will get to rule over Okhema...
- Anaxa: She's wary of me, so naturally, I had to gain her trust. I would say that debate was not at all pointless.
- Lygus: Very true.
- Cerces: In my view, this individual has gone to great lengths to get close to Kephale. He might very well be plotting something nefarious against the Titan.
- Cerces: Are you still willing to let him pass knowing this?
- Lygus: Yes, very much so. All living creations are always free to visit Kephale's transcendent vessel. This comes with being the Worldbearer.
- Anaxa: Hmph, how convenient it is to be able to hear what they say...
- Lygus: It is truly my honor to speak to a venerated Titan in person.
- Lygus: Please, go ahead. Let me join you both on this journey.
Keep following Lygus
- Lygus: A bygone myth tells of an occasion where Kephale once answered their followers' questions on the peak of the holy mountain.
- Lygus: Their followers have since believed that scaling this Titan cliff is one way of being with the god.
- Cerces: Hear that? It's not every day that you get to climb a mountain with Cerces. You should sing me a hymn of praise.
- Anaxa: ...Titan hymns are beyond me.
- (Upon reaching the destination)
- Lygus: Go on ahead. Take this "Janus shortcut" and the long pilgrimage stairway will be waiting for you at its end.
- Anaxa: I have to admit I never expected you to not ask me anything, not even my motive.
- Lygus: Because I know very well what it is you are after. As the saying goes: A gentleman helps others achieve their goals. I have a feeling that your theory will be validated at the end of this journey—
- Lygus: I believe Kephale will not deprive you of your right to ask your question, especially now that you're on the brink of death... you must be closer to Kephale than anyone else, wouldn't you agree?
- Anaxa: Ha... I hope things go as you say, then.
- Lygus: Putting a child of justice into a farcical world is bound to turn it upside down...
- Lygus: It is my hope that you bring a much-needed change to this world which is on the brink of destruction.
Walk with the divine and ascend the Titan Cliff
- Step DescriptionThe Titan Cliff — the closest one can get to Kephale's mystic body in all of Amphoreus. You have been planning to seek an audience with the Worldbearing Titan.
To walk with the gods, and ascend the holy mountain.
- (Cross through Janus' Hidden Passage)
- Anaxa: Honestly, this is my first time going up to Dawncloud's peak...
- Cerces: What a splendid view... Isn't it about time you recognized the magnificence of us Titans?
- Anaxa: Hmph. Well, I don't see how this place is different from those temples in the city. All they have are magnificent facades...
- Anaxa: And even though I've come this far, I'm still doubtful about getting useful clues from him.
- Cerces: Hmph... I must be getting ahead of myself to be expecting to hear something nice from you.
- Anaxa: Oh? Haven't you been in my head for some time now? It's high time you get used to how I feel about things.
- Anaxa: Alright, we're just a short hike away from Kephale. No time to waste here...
- Anaxa: Urk...!
- Cerces: So, the intellectual debate from earlier was too draining for you, huh... If Amphoreus gets a new lease on life, you should focus on strengthening your body and stop shirking social interactions.
- Anaxa: ...Save your concern.
- Cerces: The Titan is in sight. Can you make it?
- Anaxa: Pfft... Why? Are you going to carry me up if I were to fall now?
- Anaxa: I know how far I can go, so just hold your tongue and come along.
- Cerces: Fine, then. I guess I won't say any more. I'll just wait till your soul dissipates completely to gain control over your body.
- Anaxa: (Wait, who is that...? Cerces?)
- Anaxa: Hey, look at that...
- Cerces: Hm? What should I be looking at?
- Anaxa: (Am I hallucinating...?)
- Anaxa: (Or do we even get to see souls when we're close to dying...?)
Continue climbing the mountain and investigate the phantoms that appeared when the soul left the body
- Step DescriptionThe Titan Cliff — the closest one can get to Kephale's mystic body in all of Amphoreus. You have been planning to seek an audience with the Worldbearing Titan.
Your body climbs the Sacred Path of Dawncloud, but your soul lingers at the shores of River of Souls... The souls along the mountain path — what do they want to tell?
- (Approach the mysterious "souls")
- ???: Oh? Why didn't you bring your favorite spear with you on this trip, Gnaeus?
- Anaxa: (Gnaeus? I know I've heard this name somewhere...)
- Gnaeus: Ah, it's unfortunate...
- Gnaeus: The black tide destroyed every last inch of my Kalyx.
- ???: How could that be...?
- ???: Even a creation of Georios, from their prized ores and molten fire, couldn't escape the fate of destruction...?
- Anaxa: Hey, Cerces... Do you know a certain Gnaeus?
- Cerces: Gnaeus? No, not that I remember. How did you even think up such a strange name?
- Anaxa: I just saw him. Gnaeus... a warrior-like figure who was just chatting with you here...
- Cerces: No, I have no such memory. Could you be hallucinating?
- Anaxa: ...
- Anaxa: (This is a... departed spirit...?)
- (Offer greetings to Kephale, optional)
- This is a pilgrimage platform dedicated to devout believers. But you, Anaxagoras, never kneel to false gods.
- (Approach the mysterious "souls" again)
- Anaxa: Hah, you two again...
- Gnaeus: Enough about me. Did Khaos ever reply to you?
- ???: Ahh, well, regrettably...
- Gnaeus: ...Seems like the price of becoming a demigod is a lot heftier than we thought.
- Anaxa: (Khaos? Demigod?)
- Anaxa: (I've never heard of this person... Which Titan's authority did he inherit?)
- ???: Look on the bright side, Gnaeus. Since we've come all this way, I doubt he'd snub his old friends, would he?
- Gnaeus: Hmph... Let's just hope we mean as much as the world to him.
- Cerces: Hey? Are you seeing that same hallucination again?
- Anaxa: Yes... It's still you and Gnaeus, but you're now talking about a certain Khaos. I'm guessing he's one of your companions?
- Cerces: Khaos? This name sounds just as strange to me...
- Anaxa: Never mind, I think I know what this is about. If things are as I thought, then they aren't hallucinations, but...
- Anaxa: The souls of people.
- Cerces: Wha... But if those are the souls of the dead, then what am I?
- Anaxa: Hmph, beats me... For all I know, you're just an illusion I conjured up in my dying moments.
- Anaxa: Let's just keep going. As long as I take in more sights and hear more stories...
- Cerces: Know your limits. Wander too far among the dead and even I might not be able to save you.
- Anaxa: I'm fine...
- Anaxa: If this is indeed as I thought... then this will be very amusing.
- (Approach the mysterious "souls" again)
- Anaxa: So, we meet again... I'm sure you wouldn't mind a snooping ear?
- ???: Hngh... Ugh...
- Gnaeus: Can you keep going?
- ???: O—Of course... I'm just...
- ???: Tsk... If I knew we had to climb a mountain, I wouldn't have come along with you...
- Gnaeus: I guess this also counts as one aspect of the Worldbearing burden. If Amphoreus does have a next life, you may want to get your body in shape.
- ???: Keep your sarcasm to yourself...
- Anaxa: (Tsk... I'm not getting anything of value from them.)
- ???: I... would sooner throw myself off this cliff and hit rock bottom... than exercise even a little.
- Calypso: I... I am Calypso of the eminent Seven Sages, after all... Training would make me no different from those Helkolithist barbarians...!
- Anaxa: (Calypso? She's one of the Seven Sages... A member of the Grove?)
- Anaxa: (No, she can't be. I would know her name if she really were one of the Seven Sages...)
- Anaxa: Hey, Cerces! Does the name Calypso ring a bell?
- Anaxa: ...Hm? Cerces?
Continue your climb and have an audience with Kephale's divine vessel
- Step DescriptionThe Titan Cliff — the closest one can get to Kephale's divine vessel in all of Amphoreus. You have been planning to seek an audience with the Worldbearing Titan.
Time to discover what lies ahead.
- Anaxa: They're gone?
- Anaxa: (Hmph. Doesn't matter... I can do this myself.)
- Anaxa: (Looks like I'm nearly there now... The land of the dead.)
- (Continue along the marked path)
- Cerces: "O beautiful old world, where are you now?"
- Cerces: "O legendary Era Chrysea, return to the mortal realm!"
- Cerces: "Splendid gods once walked the paths we walk."
- Cerces: "Alas, all that's left of that warmth is a hazy mirage."
- Anaxa: ...Why are you chanting that too?
- (Upon reaching the marked location)
- Anaxa: We're here, finally. So, I don't get to ask the Titan my question, but all of you make for a pleasant surprise, nonetheless.
- Anaxa: Very well, then. Let me uncover the truth for myself...
- Anaxa: Urk...
- (Screen fades to black)
- Anaxa: Did I... still fail to make it in time...?
- Anaxa: ...Huh?
- Anaxa: So, I'm back here again...
- Anaxa: This is...
- I can hear it.
- I hear it, from the depths of the tides, behind the closed doors of the void world — a voice ready to tell me something—
- (Screen fades to black)
- This time, the voice is a lot clearer than before.
- Gnaeus: Tsk...
- Calypso: Since we've come this far, let's just wait.
- ???: Lord Gnaeus and Miss Calypso? Are you both here to visit Khaos too?
- Calypso: Yes, and we've been waiting for quite some time now...
- Gnaeus: Regrettably, he hasn't answered us.
- Gnaeus: The worst-case scenario is that he's... already been overwhelmed and crushed by the Worldbearing burden.
- ???: You're overthinking, Lord Gnaeus. I can still sense Khaos' soul in the area.
- ???: And besides, we both know Khaos' nature. A Deliverer like him wouldn't fall so readily, much less give up on all that he holds dear, isn't that so?
- Gnaeus: Yes, I have faith in him.
- Calypso: That reminds me. Why are you making this trip alone, Polyxia?
- Polyxia: Oh, my sister needs more time to make sure the flowers are fine...
- Calypso: Heh...
- Calypso: Such a pity... Both of you have hearts kinder than anyone else, yet you are born only to take over Thanatos's divinity.
- ...
- Everything that I see and hear this time has left me shaken to the core.
- What may seem like a mundane conversation is, in truth, a once-in-a-lifetime exchange that has revealed the ultimate answer to Cerces' question.
- The conjecture has taken shape and must now be solidified into a theorem. Next, I only need to seek verification from Kephale. By doing so, I can answer Cerces' question and reclaim my body...
- (Screen fades to black)
- ...But no, I will not do that. That isn't important.
- Because another one of my conjectures — one that I have always dreamed of proving — has been proven right this very instant.
- Fusing a mortal's soul with that of a Titan to replace said Titan... is not a ludicrous idea after all.
- Switching to Dan Heng's POV...
- The most straightforward way to maintain a data bank... is to visit the local data bank. Dan Heng knows this well...
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | Olive, Cast to the Conference Chair |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 橄榄啊，请掷向议厅之主 |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 橄欖啊，請擲向議廳之主 |
| Japanese | オリーブの枝よ、議会の主に捧げられよ |
| Korean | 올리브여, 의회의 주인에게 던져다오 |
| Spanish | Oliva, lánzate hacia el dueño del salón ceremonial |
| French | Ô olive sacrée, sois jetée au maître de l'assemblée |
| Russian | О оливка, брошенная мастеру церемоний |
| Thai | มะกอกเอ๋ย จงโปรยหาประธานโถงพิธี |
| Vietnamese | Cành Ô Liu Ơi, Hãy Đưa Về Phía Người Chủ Trì Sảnh Nghị Sự |
| German | O Olive, dem Meister des Konferenzsaals zugeworfen |
| Indonesian | Zaitun, Hempaskan pada Pemimpin Balai Sidang |
| Portuguese | Azeitona, Lançada à Cadeira da Conferência |
Change History
Released in Version 3.2
