Chapter 1103

Maidemos hands a golden ring to Kelatus.

"This is..."

"My mother's signet ring. It was once the proof of a king; now I will give it a new meaning." Maidemos said, "Take it, gather those who have lost their status. Tell them, the Maidemos who has ascended to godhood proclaims to the world—no need to chase illusory honor anymore, nor to treat death in battle as the sole refuge. But you must change, integrate into this city-state that once regarded you with cold eyes."

"Wengfalusi will face a cruel tomorrow. With the great enemy before us, even the most glorious dynasty is nothing but rubble. But you will tread the only path out, whose end will be a new world."

——

fate/zero。

"Oh? This kid actually gave up the power within his grasp? He directly announced the downfall of his own dynasty?"

Rider, who had announced the downfall of countless other dynasties, now felt only genuine astonishment—astonished at this kid's bold spirit, and astonished at his vision, transcending other rulers, after he ascended to godhood.

A 2,400-year dynasty is equivalent to extending his Macedonian empire, which once spanned three continents, directly from then to today. Rather than saying it ends a dynasty, it's more like ending a tumultuous chapter of history—just savoring that unique feeling, Rider could hardly contain the eager beating in his chest.

"Having personally ended a dynasty of over 2,400 years, wouldn't he himself feel regret…"

Weibo muttered softly. As a student, he had never seen in any history book a ruler comparable to Wandi, making it impossible to analyze his actions with "historical experience." Merely watching an ancient civilization come to an end by his own hand, voluntarily relinquishing immense power… he instinctively felt regret.

"Of course not. Kid, don't tarnish his ideal with power. Those who cling to power could never be so decisive." Rider slapped the master's shoulder hard, the great force making Weibo grit his teeth.

"This kid has been waiting for this day for a long time; this thought probably took root and sprouted as soon as he led his lone army into Xuanfengcheng. The last time he and Bai'e held talks within the vortex core, I actually guessed somewhat at his idea—he wanted to learn from the mountain folk and become the pioneer of Xuanfengcheng's new history. But I thought he would do it more smoothly…"

Now Rider, looking back, couldn't help but feel wistful. Wandi's decision, deciding everything, had its traces, but no one expected him to be so resolute. The fall of a dynasty that had endured thousands of years ought to be earth-shattering, ought to be announced before myriad people… yet it happened on a quiet afternoon.

No bloodshed, no sacrifice… perhaps this is the best final stroke for a dynasty steeped in blood and strife.

——

"Kelatus pressed his forehead: "Why make me your mouthpiece? Why don't you explain all this yourself?""

""Because the path people walk can only be led by people. Not by coveting divine power and falling into the madness of 'people'…" Wandi paused, his tone suddenly softening, "…but by being willing to raise the shield and protect the lives behind one, the 'people'.""

""…""

"These words seemed to pierce Kelatus's heart; he guiltily shook his head: "I couldn't save that child.""

"Wandi said firmly: "This isn't important. As fellow demigods, they've already come to realize it. What matters is that you will be there—standing in front of her.""

""That night, convincing Aglaea to release me… was it you, Maidemos?""

""It was me.""

""She isn't that easy to compromise with. What conditions did you offer?""

""I put my mother's reputation on the line, guaranteeing to her the integrity of your soul… and… I promised her that I would devote everything of myself to the crusade against the flames.""

""And now, Maidemos?" Kelatus asked in a trembling voice, "You… where are you headed?""

""To fulfill my promise, return to where I ought to be. The madness that tormented Nicadoli, the darkness that devoured all of Wengfalusi… now it's my turn to oppose it.""

——

Original God。

""Because the path people walk can only be led by people…""

Inside Natlan's Sacred Flame Arena, Ying absentmindedly chewed over those words, not even noticing that Paimon had cleared the plate of Luo Luo berry fruit salad beside her.

""How are you, Traveler?" Maralani waved a hand in front of Ying's face, "Did something come to mind? Something you saw or heard on past travels?""

""Hmm… it's Wandi's words that reminded me of what I saw and heard during my travels in Natlan… the first fire god, Xibalak.""

Upon hearing that name, everyone at the gathering grew solemn, except Mavika—after all, her battle with Xibalak seemed not so long ago, and many scenes of her dealings with the first fire god remain vivid in her mind.

""Xibalak… Xiba… huh?? Is it, is it about Xibalak's weaving?""

Clutching her wine cup, her face flushed crimson, Xitlali instantly sobered somewhat. In Natlan's history, the records left about Xibalak are all of wise and dignified people, with other information scarce. She shot to her feet with a "whoosh": "…Traveler, could it be… could you have found other records about Xibalak?"

""Well, they're some documents found in Oqikanata. As for their content…"

Almost all of the inscriptions left by Oqikan are related to Xibalak; the content is intensely fervent, yet it suffices to prove that Xibalak forged a path for 'people' in Natlan. Afterwards, although the 'half-dragon, half-human' Oqikan was made leader of the Natlan Confederacy, he ultimately deviated from Xibalak's vision of peace between people and dragons, descending into madness.

Surely, in the historical records of Xuanfengcheng a few thousand years from now, Wandi will likely become a pioneer like Xibalak. Although history may not immediately give a timely and fair judgment, time does not lie.

——

""Upon arriving at the Celestial Palace, Aglaea had already been waiting here for him a long time.""

""You've come, Maidemos… it seems you're ready.""

""Hmm.""

""You helped Aohema overcome yet another obstacle; no words can express my gratitude.""

"Wandi said indifferently: "Isn't this exactly what you wanted?""

""Not everything goes according to my plan. In today's world, I can only proceed step by step. Moreover…" Aglaea paused, "Even without a promise to me, you're prepared to give everything of yourself, aren't you?""