Silence enveloped the altar, broken only by the wind whistling across the cloud crag and the faint hum of the rotating Coreflames.
Welt Yang remained silent for a moment, his gaze behind his glasses as deep as an abyss. He tightened his grip on his cane, exchanging a look with Dan Heng and Stelle. Determination was reflected in each other's eyes.
"If the Sky Titan is the barrier obstructing Trailblazing and imprisoning the beings of this world," Welt's voice was steady and powerful, carrying unwavering resolve, "then, based on our shared objective, we accept this covenant. The Express agrees to assist."
Aglaea, who had been silently sensing, now gave Cerydra a slight nod, confirming the truthfulness of their promise.
The layer of icy sternness on Cerydra's face finally melted slightly, revealing a trace of genuine easing.
"Excellent. Then, from this moment, you are allies recognized by Okhema, and true friends of Amphoreus. As a welcome, all your reasonable expenses within Okhema city can be charged to my..." Her words hesitated uncharacteristically, as if weighing something.
Aglaea at her side stepped forward appropriately, a graceful smile of understanding and slight helplessness on her face as she took over:
"...Better charge it to 'Golden Weaver' under my name. The balance coin belonging to the Demigod of Law should be used for more valuable purposes. Let the costs of entertaining friends be borne by Romance."
As the Express group descended the altar steps, the familiar figure of Phainon was already waiting below, his face beaming with enthusiasm.
"Partner! I knew you'd stand on Amphoreus's side!" Phainon strode up to meet them, his tone filled with certainty and delight.
"Perfect timing! We just received good news from Teacher Trinnon—she has precisely pinpointed the lair of the Strife Titan Nikador, the specific coordinates of Castrum Kremnos are now clear!"
His burning gaze swept over the three Express members, finally settling on Stelle as he issued a solemn invitation. "So, how about it? Will you join our expedition right now, participate in this campaign to subdue Nikador?"
Stelle instinctively looked toward Welt Yang in the team. The experienced elder adjusted his glasses and spoke steadily:
"Remember, our original intention in coming to Amphoreus is 'Trailblazing.' 'Trailblazing' means exploring the unknown, connecting civilizations, and offering aid when necessary."
"While we did make an emergency landing here, if you believe this matter is worth doing, then proceed following the will of 'Trailblaze.'"
Hearing this, a bright smile spread across Stelle's face. She turned to Phainon and nodded. "Alright, we're in! Participating in this expedition is part of Trailblazing!"
"Fantastic!" Phainon laughed. "With you joining us, this battle is assured! We'll start preparations immediately. Do you need to return to your lodgings to fetch anything? Be quick. I'll go summon Cyrene and Mydei now. We'll assemble later at the 'Droma Ranch' outside the city!"
"Droma Ranch?" Stelle was somewhat curious about this meeting point.
"Of course!" Phainon explained. "How could such an important expedition have only us few as combatants? Okhema is dispatching the Demigod of Earth—Terravox. He will fight alongside us."
"And... our guide, Teacher Trianne, is also there. Only through the 'Infinity Gate' she opens can we traverse the vast distance and instantly arrive at Castrum Kremnos."
Outside Okhema City, the Droma Ranch.
It was brimming with immense vitality.
Gentle giant beasts, their size comparable to small hills and clad in rocky armor, ambled leisurely across the vast pastures. Each breath they took carried the scent of earth and grass, their hooves landing with deep, resonant thuds.
The Demigod Terravox, moving like a walking mountain range, stood there with his arms crossed.
He looked down at the Express members whose height barely reached his chest, a touch of emotion showing on his bronzed face.
"You've come. Aglaea messaged that Okhema had gained allies from beyond the sky, but I didn't expect you to choose to stand and fight with us so swiftly." His voice resonated like an echo from deep within the earth, full and powerful.
Then, his sharp eyes fixed on Dan Heng, his tone carrying a trace of surprise. "You... around you lingers an aura very... close to nature. Serene and profound."
"Perhaps, you would be quite popular with the big fellows here in the ranch." He extended a massive hand, pointing towards a nearby Droma that was watching them with gentle, large eyes. "Want to try feeding them by hand? They seem quite expectant."
"Um... no need, thank you for the offer." Dan Heng seemed somewhat unprepared for this sudden evaluation regarding "affinity." After a slight hesitation, he politely declined.
However, Terravox's seemingly abrupt remark successfully attracted the attention of another presence in the ranch.
"Oh?" came a voice tinged with intrigued amusement. "Terravox, this is the first time I've heard you assert so definitely that someone would be liked by the Dromas. On what grounds?"
Everyone looked toward the source. A handsome man in elegant robes, with emerald-green short hair, walked over gracefully. He had a scholarly air, yet his eyes gleamed with the sharp light unique to the wise. His gaze swept over the three Express members, revealing a knowing smile.
"Ah, you must be the visitors from beyond the sky. I've heard you've obtained the privilege of charging expenses to Aglaea's name?"
A slightly mischievous curve lifted the corner of his mouth. "Take my advice, such a rare opportunity, you might as well charge a bit more. That 'Romance' demigod has a very substantial family fortune."
As if anticipating the Express group's questions, he launched smoothly into his self-introduction. His pace wasn't fast, yet carried an air of unquestionable authority:
"As for who I am? I am one of the Seven Sages of The Grove, founder of the Nousporism school, and the one among the Chrysos Heirs destined to wield Reason—Anaxagoras. Those close to me prefer to call me Anaxa."
He paused, emphasizing specifically: "However, first, I would prefer you address me by my full name—Anaxagoras. Second, when conversing with me, please remember—silence is golden, and do not casually interrupt my speech." Though his words carried admonishment, his tone retained a thread of gentleness.
"By the way, since you come from the starry sky beyond, perfect, I have accumulated many questions about the world beyond..." The one calling himself Anaxagoras, Anaxa, naturally struck up a conversation with Dan Heng.
Surprisingly, these two equally rational and knowledgeable beings found their exchange quite congenial. The atmosphere was harmonious, without any sense of discord.
"Partner! You actually arrived faster than us? Mydei must have been walking too slowly the whole way." Just then, Phainon's voice rang out again. He was approaching with Cyrene and Mydei from not far away.
Hearing this, Mydei habitually gave a light hum, retorting sarcastically: "I hope your movements are sharper than mine later when we subdue Nikador at Castrum Kremnos and sever its wicked head. Otherwise, the one to first obtain a Coreflame and ascend to the position of demigod will probably be me."
"I won the last contest. This time, the outcome won't change either!" Phainon shot back undaunted, his fighting spirit blazing.
"Alright now, boys." Cyrene interrupted their usual rivalry with a soft, amused laugh. Her clear gaze swept over the assembled group, ready for departure.
"Save the reminiscing and competitive spirit for the journey. It's time we set off." With that, she took the lead, walking towards Trianne who stood apart in the distance.
But at that moment, Stelle suddenly noticed that Dan Heng didn't seem to be moving to follow.
Sensing Stelle's questioning look, Dan Heng turned to her and explained calmly: "With Mr. Welt accompanying you, your safety is assured. Therefore, I have decided to remain in Okhema for now."
"And..." His gaze shifted to Anaxa beside him. "From my brief exchange with Professor Anaxagoras just now, I found he possesses... well... extremely unique and profound insights regarding the origin of the Titans, the nature of prophecies, and the fundamental rules of this world."
"This might help us understand Amphoreus's predicament faster. You handle the frontline action. I will stay in the rear, delving deeper into the secrets of this world. We split our duties, each responsible for our part."
Seeing Dan Heng had already made his decision, and with sufficient reason, Stelle said no more.
Together with Welt, Phainon, Cyrene, Mydei, and the Demigod Terravox, she took firm steps towards the Infinity Gate leading to Castrum Kremnos.