"What's wrong with pursuing true love?"

"The way he looks at you is also very special."

Castorice covered her burning face. No, she couldn't think like that. Orion was Aglaea's lover. She couldn't… But. But Hyacine was right… they weren't married yet. And Orion really was special to her. He would specifically come to the Tree Garden to see her. He would hold her hand. He would look at her with such gentle eyes.

'What if… what if I were more proactive…?' All sorts of thoughts began to surface. 'No, Castorice, what are you thinking?!' She shook her head vigorously, trying to shake off the thought. But once a seed is planted, it will take root and sprout. Especially in the soil of love.

In the days that followed, Castorice began to change slightly. She would even actively create opportunities to be alone with him. "Orion, I don't quite understand this theory, could you explain it to me?" "The library here is very big; let me take you to find the book you need." "The weather is so nice today, do you want to go for a walk together?" She cherished every moment they spent together. Because she knew that such times might not last long. But at least for now, he was by her side. That was enough.

One day, during a class, the one-eyed scholar stood on the podium, toying with an exquisite alchemical device in his hand.

"Someone asked me why I don't believe in the Journey of Chasing the Flame." Anaxa's voice was calm, yet carried a certain sharpness. "My answer is—I never believe in anything. Belief is the privilege of the lazy. As for me, I only accept verified truths."

The students below listened with bated breath.

"As you all know, the so-called Chasing the Flame is based on that ethereal divine revelation, hoping that the Chrysos Heir can take over the Titan's authority and create a new world without the Black Tide. But please consider one question—"

He turned and wrote a word on the blackboard: Verification.

"In this world, who has ever verified the accuracy of that divine revelation?"

A student replied, "But many of the Titans' divine revelations have come true before…"

"No, that doesn't represent anything. Every matter, every problem, must be viewed independently… and those divine revelations cannot mutually corroborate their authenticity. This is the biggest fallacy of the Journey of Chasing the Flame." Anaxa turned around, the alchemical device humming softly in his hand. "It is built on an unverified premise—that the Chrysos Heir collecting the Kindling and recreating the world can solve everything. But what if the root of the problem is not about who saves the world, but that our understanding of this world is inherently flawed? What if the appearance of the Black Tide precisely proves that the existing world needs to be overthrown and rebuilt?"

The classroom was silent.

"So, rather than blindly believing a divine revelation that demands everyone sacrifice themselves, why not first ask: Do we truly understand this world?" He glanced at Castorice, finding her diligently taking notes.

"Teacher." Castorice suddenly raised her hand, "If the Journey of Chasing the Flame is not the answer, then how should we face the Black Tide?"

Anaxagoras revealed a subtle smile. "Good question. At least better than those who only recite dogmas. Tell me, Castorice, what do you think the Black Tide is?"

"Is it… a disaster? A curse?"

"Wrong." He shook his head. "The Black Tide is first and foremost a phenomenon. And when facing a phenomenon, what we should do is not fear or dread, but—understand. If we can understand the essence of the Black Tide, find the reason for its appearance, then, perhaps there exists a solution that doesn't require sacrificing anyone."

"But teacher," another student raised a hand, "Aglaea says…"

"Aglaea…" Anaxa repeated the name, his expression complex. "She is an admirable madwoman."

The whole class was in an uproar.

"Quiet." He tapped the podium. "I say she is admirable because she can maintain her original intention for hundreds of years without changing. But I say she is a madwoman because, in her eyes, everyone is merely a tool to reclaim the Kindling. Including herself. What is this obsession of objectifying oneself if not madness?"

After class, you and Castorice walked under the shade of trees.

"Do you think Teacher Anaxa is right?" you suddenly asked.

Castorice thought for a moment. "I don't know… but what he said does make sense. Why sacrifice all Chrysos Heirs to pursue an ethereal divine revelation? And it's an even more unverified divine revelation…"

"Exactly." You sighed. "Actually, I've always wondered if the so-called Chasing the Flame and recreation of the world are just the last straws people grasp onto in despair?"

"What do you mean?" Castorice tilted her head.

"Think about it, the Black Tide is spreading everywhere, and city-states are falling one after another," you said slowly. "People are panicked, desperate, and urgently need hope. At this time, someone says: as long as the Journey of Chasing the Flame is completed, a new world without the Black Tide can be created. Even if the cost is great, desperate people will believe it."

Castorice was thoughtful. "So you think… this might be false?"

"I don't know if it's true or false." You shook your head. "But I'm thinking, what if…" You stopped walking and looked at her seriously. "What if there's another theory now that says the Black Tide can be cleared while preserving the current world? Which one do you think people would choose?"

Castorice paused. "Of course, to preserve the current world…"

"Right?" You smiled. "So the key isn't whether the Journey of Chasing the Flame is right or wrong, but whether there's a better option. But…" Castorice frowned, "Is there really such a method?"

You thought for a moment, then seriously said to her, "Maybe… I can find it?"

"You?" Castorice looked at you in surprise.

"Imagine." Your voice was enticing. "If I really found a way to eliminate the Black Tide… Would people treat me as a Savior? Would they flock to me and make me the king of the new world?"

Castorice was stunned by your words. "Then… do you have any method?"

You smiled mysteriously. "I'm still looking, but… there's already progress."

After speaking, you turned and left, leaving Castorice to ponder alone. She watched your retreating figure, complex emotions surging in her heart. If Orion could really find a way… If he truly became the new Savior… Then could she… stand by his side?

You walked back to your room, a cold sneer playing on your lips. Clearing the Black Tide? Of course, you were just tricking her.