: Phainon's leader-like presence is getting stronger and stronger!
: Debating against the whole crowd, seriously impressive!
: Didn't expect this kid to be such a good speaker!
: That was so satisfying!
: I remember someone said before, something about him being a championship-level debater.
: Caenis' face is about to go completely dark, hahaha, got called out and scolded directly!
....
The comments flooded the screen.
Phainon's harsh criticism of Caenis practically voiced everyone's pent-up frustrations.
The audience was exhilarated.
On screen, the camera swept across different groups of people.
Aside from Caenis' die-hard supporters, most others had fallen into deep thought.
And Phainon, seeing the crowd waver, did not continue to pressure them with words. Instead, he softened his tone and spoke sincerely:
"Yet, no matter what your answer is, and no matter who your vote goes to... rest assured that you have nothing to fear."
"For Aglaea, Tribios, and I will remain your faithful guardians and pledge our lives to upholding your decision."
"And this vow will stay true until the end of our days, where it will be passed on to future Flame-Chasers..."
"...A steadfast and unwavering promise that shall endure through the ages!"
By the end, his voice had become resolute and stirring.
The audience beyond the screen was left in awe. This young man had delivered a perfect speech.
In fact, by the time Phainon finished speaking, many of the participants in the citizens' assembly already had a clear answer in their hearts.
The reason was simple, Caenis had been using fear, limitations, constantly suggesting what would happen to Okhema if they didn't choose the Council of Elders.
Even the so-called "Era Chrysea" carried a strong sense of manipulation.
From beginning to end, she used these methods to guide and pressure people into choosing.
She insisted on placing herself in the position of a leader, determined to control the citizens.
But Phainon was different. After saying what he needed to say, he completely handed the right of choice over to the citizens.
He never once said what would happen if they didn't choose him. Instead, he told everyone that even if they didn't choose him, they would still stand by them.
Phainon's stance was that of a protector. The noise within the assembly grew louder and louder.
Citizens began casting their votes one after another. Leaders from different cities threw their votes into either side of the towering scale.
And as the camera followed the scene, it became clear that some who had previously mocked Phainon and the Chrysos Heirs chose to cast their shards in his favor.
This speech had truly turned the tide. Many who had been neutral ultimately chose to vote for the Chrysos Heirs.
One must remember, this citizens' assembly had been convened by Caenis herself.
Before it began, she had surely struck private deals with many to secure an advantage.
Yet Phainon managed to overturn the situation through his speech, reclaiming many votes for the Chrysos Heirs.
As more votes were added, the balance no longer swung drastically.
The Chrysos Heirs and the Council of Elders, these two factions both had deep-rooted foundations in Okhema.
Their supporters were firmly set. Beyond those voters, there remained a group who could be swayed, those who could be influenced by threat or persuasion.
Phainon's speech had already drawn out the full potential of that group.
In the end... The citizens' assembly that Caenis had been confident of winning turned into a deadlock.
"At the present time, on the scales of Talanton, those who call for the continuation of the Flame-Chase Journey and those who demand its suspension..."
"Each faction holds an equal share of the votes, resulting in the perfect balance."
Lygus, who had been standing by the scale, spoke slowly.
The two great forces of Okhema had fought to this point, yet neither could claim victory.
So... the next vote was of utmost importance.
And this final vote, naturally belonged to the Grove of Epiphany, and its current nominal leader, Anaxagoras.
The hall fell silent. Everyone turned to look at Anaxa.
Caenis stared at him as well.
If this scholar cast the crucial vote according to their prior arrangement, then she would win.
At this moment, Anaxa seemed completely unaware of the surrounding gazes as he walked straight toward the scale.
"And now, it's your turn to vote, Lord Anaxagoras."
"Cast your vote with care, for your decision will break this impasse."
Seeing Anaxa approach, Lygus nodded slightly and spoke.
"I have long since made a decision."
Anaxa glanced at Lygus, clearly unwilling to engage further with this theoros.
Faced with Anaxa's disregard, Lygus did not grow angry. Instead, he calmly said:
"Very well. May you bring much-needed change to this farcical world."
The audience, who had been eagerly waiting for Anaxa's vote, after hearing Lygus's words, felt a subtle unease arise in their hearts.
····
: This ceremonial observer is kind of strange.
: Feels like he's hinting at something.
: What does he mean by a farcical world, and Anaxa bringing change… It feels like he knows something about Anaxa.
: That's not even a hint anymore, that's basically spelling it out.
: Damn, this seemingly insignificant observer might actually know the most!
: But from the start until now, there hasn't been much info about him.
: Very mysterious, definitely hiding something!
....
The more perceptive viewers grew suspicious of Lygus's strange words.
They were already certain, this man was no ordinary figure.
But just how extraordinary he was, they couldn't tell.
On screen, Anaxa took out his vote.
But did not cast it immediately.
Instead, before countless watching eyes, he looked toward Phainon.
"You've done well, Phainon. Given the circumstances, delivering a rousing speech to stir up emotions was a prudent move."
After praising him, he turned his gaze across the crowd.
"Thank you all for your patience. On behalf of the Seven Sages of the Grove of Epiphany and the scholars of Amphoreus, I, Anaxagoras, am ready to cast my vote."
"But before that, in the interest of fairness, Lady Goldweaver, I pose a question to you before all who are gathered here:"
"Will you, as Phainon has promised, stand by the decision made in the assembly, regardless of outcome?"
As he spoke, Anaxa's gaze settled on Aglaea within the crowd.
Aglaea narrowed her eyes. In those pupils that held little trace of humanity, there was no emotion, only cold detachment.
She replied calmly: "In the interest of fairness... I make no promises, lest it should influence your decision."
The corner of Anaxa's mouth curled slightly. "Heh, very well. I thank you for your honesty."
With that said, he once again stepped up to the scales.
On the left side of the balance was the Council of Elders; on the right was the Chrysos Heirs.
"I cannot help but wonder: Is every hardship in the world something you will exploit and use to your advantage?" Cerces emerged from within Anaxa's mind and asked.
"Heh, how else am I supposed to make use of this situation where my body and soul are separated?" Anaxa replied in his thoughts.
As his words fell, a faint breeze indeed began to stir.
It crossed an unknown distance, from the far shore of death, it carried back Castorice's message.
When the wind brushed against Anaxa's face, his body, already half a step into death, allowed him, for a brief moment, to see Castorice standing within a gentle sea of flowers.
"Professor... I completed the proof you wanted."
In his arms, Castorice smiled as she spoke.
Even Anaxa couldn't help but widen his eyes slightly, stunned in place when he saw that Castorice had proven his hypothesis.
The next second, the sea of flowers, death, and the breeze all vanished.
Anaxa stood before the scales, still a bit dazed. And Caenis, who had been waiting for his vote, could no longer hold back.
"Anaxa… don't forget…"
She stepped forward to the front of the audience, staring directly at him, gritting her teeth as she reminded him.
But before she could finish, Anaxa, snapping back to his senses, cut her off.
"Thank you, Castorice."
"The answer is plain as day."
The shard flew from his hand.
Under countless gazes, it traced an arc through the air before landing in front of Aglaea and Phainon.
"My vote goes to-"
"The Flame-Chase Journey and nothing else!"
His voice rang out at the same moment the shard hit the ground.
He spread his arms wide, completely unconcerned with the so-called vote.
Immersed in the ecstasy of having his doubts answered by Castorice, he threw his arms open without restraint and burst into wild laughter.
"I have deciphered the truth of this world-"
Watching the madly laughing Anaxa, the Citizens' Assembly fell into brief silence.
Then, the people on Aglaea's side erupted into frenzied cheers!
"The Flame-Chase Journey!"
"We will continue the Flame-Chase Journey!!"
This was the jubilation of the victors. But on the other side, Caenis was in no such mood.
Her expression shifted from shock to pale, then twisted with fury.
In the end, she clenched her fists so tightly they seemed about to break.
"Anaxa! What have you done!? Have you lost your mind!?" Caenis was furious beyond measure.
She couldn't understand what benefit this decision brought him.
To make an enemy of the Council of Elders for no reason, was this madman not afraid? Did he feel no fear at all?
Even if he sided with Aglaea, what could that inhuman woman possibly give him in return?!
But at this moment, she neither understood nor cared to.
With venomous rage, she roared at him:
"I hope you are prepared for the harsh punishment awaiting you! Mark my words, I will make sure that clever head of yours never forgets the price of betrayal!"
Blinded by fury, Caenis completely abandoned her composure.
...
The prestige of the Council of Elders, her own dignity, everything had been trampled into the dirt by Anaxa.
All she wanted now was to kill him. To torture this scholar mercilessly!
But the more hysterical she became, the more satisfied the onlookers were.
For a villain, nothing was more gratifying than seeing the other side reduced to such a state.
Moreover, none of her rage stirred even the slightest fear in Anaxa.
"Have you forgotten? I told you, that happens to be one of my rare talents."
He mocked her openly.
"I may be paranoid by nature, but I've always been known for my honesty."
"If you really understood me, Lady Caenis, you'd realize that I never had any interest in your pathetic little game of politics. Factions, standpoints... they are jokes in my eyes. I have never once switched sides..."
"Because I, and I alone, am the truth."
At this moment, the audience had completely understood Anaxa.
This arrogant man, who looked down on everyone, had always been like this.
...
: So satisfying! That's the kind of madness!
: That idiot Caenis needed someone like Anaxa who doesn't take anyone seriously to deal with her.
: Anaxa: Who the hell are you?
: Always loyal to himself, mocking everyone equally, that's his unique charm!
: Well said, only loyal to himself!
: Blasphemy, defiance, rebellion, his entire path has been one long act of defiance!
: But damn, it's so thrilling!
: Watching Caenis get wrecked like this today is so satisfying!
...
The comments flooded past, offering their praise to this uniquely charismatic man.
And Caenis's humiliation wasn't over yet. Just as she was about to disrupt the assembly and make Anaxa pay on the spot, Lygus stepped in front of her, his mechanical form composed and unmoving.
"Lady Caenis, with all the citizens here as witnesses, we should honor the spirit of democracy and respect the decision of this assembly."
"...I have observed that Okhema has chosen her destiny! This citizens' assembly has resolved to continue the Flame-Chase Journey. This resolution shall be put up on the Wall of Heroes such that all citizens are aware of the city's way forward."
Looking at the Theoros before her, Caenis raised a trembling finger to point at Lygus, nearly fainting.
Could anyone just step on her now?
Yet facing Lygus, she wanted to lash out and regain her dignity, but found herself unable to say anything.
From the moment she entered the Council of Elders, even before that, Lygus had already been here.
In the end, Caenis was so enraged she nearly collapsed to the ground.
If not for the guards reacting quickly, she truly would have become a complete joke.
And at that moment, Anaxa, who had already finished voting, suddenly spoke to Lygus:
"It seems not everyone is ready for the assembly to end. Very well, let me entertain you for a little longer."
"Why not let me add one more stroke?"