Chapter 1469

Battle of the Twin Cities.

「Polka founded the Ninth Agency…… She chose the 【Emptiness】 Path. And those two inorganic emperors, Rupert I and II, could they ascend the throne of 【Destruction】? Does Zandalar mean they could have become… Star Gods? 」

Jesse's voice trembled slightly, he stiffened his neck, and in disbelief he gazed up at Zandalar in the sky.

Just how much similar information does he still know?

Casually throwing out a few…… is enough to stir up a huge commotion across the entire universe.

However, compared to Jesse's shock of being unable to speak coherently, Victor was noticeably calmer; he leaned on his cane, limping to the blackboard, and began writing and drawing with chalk.

「Jesse, I think the most chilling part of what Zandalar just said is here——」

Victor drew two simple gears on the blackboard; Jesse knew this was his usual emblem for the two 「emperors」. 「If Rupert II's 【self-awareness of inorganic life】 is being interfered with by a star god, which star god do you think it is? 」

「Wisdom? 」

「No, I think it should be a star god of the 【Mystery】 or 【Balance】 Path. 」 Victor said, 「If what Zandalar said is true, then it means the universe itself is a giant chessboard, with star gods silently moving pieces, using the power of the Paths to covertly alter the fates of those who can change the universe's course. 」

Jesse frowned, lowered his head and recalled: 「I remember… similar words were also said by Mirrorflow, but I initially didn't pay attention. When she said that, I thought the 【gods' confrontation chess game】 only existed between 【Abundance】 and 【Hunt】. 」

Victor let out a long sigh, his already bloodless face grew even paler: 「Looking back, this chess game involves far more than just two or three star gods; all star gods are participating, and the game had already begun even before Nanok's birth. 」

「Those influential figures who can sway the galaxy's fate believe they are changing the galaxy's destiny through their own 【free will】, unaware that they have already been subtly influenced by star gods, unknowingly becoming pieces in their hands. 」

——

「「We have no intention of chatting idly with you. Logic: delaying time only proves you're helpless. 」 Screw Gum directly interrupted his speech. 」

「「Hehe… 【helpless】. Yes, looking back, it has always been the norm in Zandalar's life. 」 Zandalar wasn't tense; instead his tone grew more relaxed, 「But precisely because of that, patience will become my most powerful weapon. I have waited a long time, and I can wait longer. 」」

「「Do not doubt… the resolve of a dead person spanning thousands of amber ages. 」」

「Black Tower let out a light sigh: 「…Exactly, if we keep going like this it'll never end. The club members are all strong-willed; we weren't planning to rely on persuasion to 【open】 your mind. Since the debate has reached a stalemate……」」

「「It's my turn to step up, right? 」」

「A voice both triumphant and arrogant came from behind; behold, a golden‑shining man had actually appeared so brazenly behind Zandalar. 」

「The key is, that person is…… Nake Xia?! 」

「Zandalar's usually calm tone finally stirred a ripple; he turned his head, incredulously looking at the man behind him: 「Anakrasagoras? 」」

——

Princess Kaguya wants me to confess.

「Na! Ke! Xia! Lao! Shi——! It's actually Old Master Nake Xia!! 」

Fujiwara clung desperately to Miyako's sleeve, and when she saw that familiar figure reappear, her nose prickled and she almost burst into tears.

This feeling of closeness…… She never imagined she could see him again outside myth!

Could it be that, aside from Hesyin, the Golden Heir of this generation isn't entirely dead?

""Natsuka-sensei… How did he manage that? And this radiant golden body……"" Ishigami couldn't help but size him up from head to toe; that unruly, unrestrained aura…… undoubtedly was him.

"Baiyin Yuxing was equally baffled: "I don't know where he popped out from? Xilian aside, why can he also come to outside myth?"

"Whether it was first stealing the heart of the Fire-Thief on the Divine Wisdom Tree Court, or snatching the fire seed from the opponent's hand in the ritual sword, or even elucidating the truth of the Urpharos world…… Professor Natsuka always manages to spring an "unexpected delight" where they least expect it."

"This "unexpected" is perhaps a bit too big, leaving him somewhat at a loss."

"Moreover, it looks like he had already reached an agreement with Black Tower and Screw Gum beforehand? When exactly was this plotted?"

——

""… Oh, I see.""

"Before Natsuka could even explain, Zandaru instantly grasped the principle."

""Exactly, that's the benefit of dealing with smart people—no need for many words, the answer is just as you thought——""

""Time rewinds to before, Natsuka thus instructed Safei'er: "Tell the plan to Hesyin, let her join the battle. I will beforehand refine myself into the Philosopher's Stone, inscribe it into the spell…… At that time, she will shatter me and scatter the dust sand into the heart of the vortex ocean.""

""So what exactly is the effect of your spell?""

""This is the climax of the play—how could we possibly spill the beans?""

"Natsuka crossed his arms, chin lifted proudly: "To torment an Antithean person, I have ten thousand methods. And during that Fire Pursuit Journey in the stars, my past self already gave the optimal solution."

""Just as a Titan resides in my mind, I can also, through alchemy, fuse with your incarnation. Who knows without trying—it's incredibly splendid, being able to peruse a genius's knowledge library like flipping through a book…… Then, at the most fitting moment, take the stage and end a long debate with truth.""

"At this point, Natsuka burst into proud laughter: "Hahaha… just like I always manage to leave the audience speechless."

""… You've lain dormant in the data flood for a hundred years?""

""This universe is worth my investing so much time.""

"Now even Zandaru couldn't help but express astonishment: "How absurd, yet marvelous. To actually bypass the surveillance of "Wisdom" and secretly layout within the world—it seems my judgment on the experiment still had a slight loophole…"

""…""

"Zandaru's words halted, he seemed to suddenly realize something, softly uttering an "Oh": "Perhaps the loophole isn't just one?"

"Black Tower frowned: "Not just one?"

""It was I who underestimated the means of "Memory". This negotiation is about to be intervened by a third party.""