When the plot-skips players into the game world

"So this is how it is..."

Aiwass was moved: "Actively removing one's fangs and claws, thus igniting the fire of civilization..."

It's not about accepting constraints, but about actively relinquishing power.

Choosing peace rather than hegemony.

And that is not weakness or surrender... but unparalleled confidence, the confidence that should circumstances change, one could awaken once again. Because the Country of Devotion, from the moment of its birth, has been the core of "civilization."

At that moment, Aiwass felt as if a tide surged within his heart—he heard the sound of ocean waves.

As if a river shimmering with countless rays of light was emerging within him, appearing before him.

In that transparent, glass-like river shining with golden light, there existed the will of all beings. Countless runes glowing with golden light rose against the current, spinning upwards with whispers and radiant splendor.

Above the river, the monumental achievements of civilization appeared like a mirage—massive buildings, sturdy castles, farmers tilling in the fields, roaring machines...

It seemed that if Aiwass wished, he could step forward and immerse himself within.

"...Aiwass," Isabel suddenly said softly beside Aiwass, "I rather think... you don't need to take this path.

"You are not an Elf, humans are not the children of Devotion, but descendants of Love and Transcendence... How can someone who does not love themselves ever love this world? You do not need to sacrifice yourself for others... Take care of yourself first."

For some reason, Isabel suddenly felt a strong sense of fear.

It was as if if she didn't hold onto Aiwass now, she would never see him again.

She had felt similarly before... it was the day her father left without a word.

"Ah... I understand."

Aiwass reawakened from his thoughts, and the illusion of the river dissipated accordingly.

He nodded slightly: "Don't worry, Isabel... If it were half a year ago, perhaps I would be shocked by the Elves' resolve to burn themselves. But now, I will not be confused anymore.

"I will not walk the path of pure devotion. Even though Candle Master gave me these antlers... if I merely walk the paths others have trodden, I cannot explore the potential for a future.

"What I need to consider is not 'civilization,' but 'hope.' In its presence, I will always remain humble... and always confidently uplifted. Only by believing in the birth of miracles, and the existence of possibilities, can there be the chance to break fate."

Saying this, Aiwass looked towards Hebashia and revealed that secret—the secret that was not a secret to many.

"Only through the power of the two Source Rivers, achieving Miracle Eleven... will it be possible to break through Holy Number Ten, the cage of the Void.

"That is the force of a desperate situation that can even erode the Pillar God—the reason we don't feel it is because the Eternal Self and Amber have borne this hardship on our behalf."

...Is that so.

Witnessing all of this, Hebashia and Sherlock... These wondrous beings on the Path of Wisdom at this moment already fully comprehend: Aiwass, by saying this, has abandoned his potential in the Path of Devotion.

Aiwass, being the Son of Candle Master, could effortlessly become the Celestial Marshal of the Path of Devotion if he wished. He could even inherit Candle Master's position and become a Pillar God.

Yet Aiwass decisively rejected this possibility.

Not because he was ignorant of the truth, nor because he did not understand to cherish it.

Even with Hebashia giving him opportunity and enlightenment, and fully elucidating the thoughts and choices of the Holy Nation of the past, he still refused the chance to synchronize his thoughts with the Source River of Civilization.

If it were anyone else, Hebashia would think them foolish beyond measure—even though synchronizing with the Source River would cost many possibilities, only the present reality is the tangible truth, while the future is merely untouchable illusion.

But if it were Aiwass... Hebashia would be willing to believe in his possibilities. Believe that everything he says is true.

After all, he saved his daughter, accomplished nearly impossible feats...

In a daze, Hebashia recalled what the Eternal Self said to him before becoming the Moon Angel and completely abandoning everything to become the Eternal Self... this is what she said to her former friends:

"—The Prime Pillar has already fallen into the Abyss, doomed to hopelessness.

"Just like old scenes, the sun sets and the beasts are born."

"People say demon beasts run rampant and cause disasters, but who knows this is also the path of Creation?

"The struggling beast in darkness and pain is always better than burying everything in the void. Just, I think... humankind has another way to live."

Back then, they did not understand the meaning of the Eternal Self's words, only that these were her pity for the Beast Master, as an Angel Envoy to the Beast Master. Even though later on they became Angel Envoys themselves, they never had the chance to gather again. Nor could they know what secret the Eternal Self had learned at the time.

Back then, the Beast Master fell in love with the Eternal Self and willingly transferred the Seat of the Pillar God to his Angel Envoy... Initially, they thought this was the Eternal Self's strategy to seize the Beast Master's power, to end the demon beast calamity, and bring peace to the barren land.

... But now, looking back, how could the love that births the Path of Love come solely from the Beast Master?

The Eternal Self's love was undoubtedly genuine—she indeed truly fell in love with the Beast Master.

It's just that they couldn't accept it back then... How could their pure and exalted Moon Goddess fall in love with an indescribable beast?

Now, Hebashia has belatedly realized some truths.

The first Source River is doomed to hopelessness... If the Source River must reach eleven to achieve "miracle," then the first Source River could never reach miracle. Because there is no tenth Source River in this world.

So, whether it's the Sun Path, Beast's Path, or Path of Love... they are destined to hopelessness.

This is a road to certain death.

... Perhaps that is why the Eternal Self fell in love with the Beast Master.

And perhaps, it is precisely for this reason... the Beast Master hesitated to retreat, and instead tried to grasp the Path Power once more. He may not be doing it to seize power but doing it for love... because he could not bear the Eternal Self to endure everything alone.

"... But if, this is a disaster that even the Pillar God cannot resist..."

Krokos muttered: "How could mere mortals possibly..."

She looked at Aiwass, with admiration mingled with awe in her eyes.

—At this very moment, Krokos felt she might understand the Eternal Self.

That indeed was the Sun Inheritor, dazzling to the point of intimidation. On Aiwass, there was no Holy Light, yet he was more radiant than the Paladin beside him.

"Don Quixote is the embodiment of my will. Like the first card of the Tarot Cards, 'The Fool'... Even facing the cliff, I will step forward."

Aiwass spoke softly.

He looked towards Don Quixote.

No words were needed; Don Quixote understood his master's intentions.

The gigantic silver-white Paladin dissipated with the light, leaving only a great sword.

This sword floating in the air was the traveling form of Don Quixote.

Just like Aleister with his absurdity—Aleister was in the form of the Son of the Moon, while Don Quixote had simply become a sword. Although able to float alongside Aiwass, Aiwass still had to wield the sword himself to use it normally in battle.

Floating in the air, it suddenly began to speak, being more talkative than in its knightly form: "Even if only this remnant remains, my Master—I will protect you!"

"I also need your protection, my loyal Knight."

Aiwass responded gladly.

Now, with the assistance of Don Quixote, Aiwass's team's weaknesses were initially covered. He was even more confident in defeating the Blood Celestial Marshal.

—Now there was only the final step left.

Just need to ask the Eternal Self about her stance on the Blood Celestial Marshal... as long as the Eternal Self did not refuse, the most troublesome capabilities of the Blood Celestial Marshal would be thoroughly countered by Aiwass.

This is the intelligence of Aiwass! If he loses, it means the intelligence is not enough.

He still remembered the name of the Cardinal Archbishop who served as the vessel for the Eternal Self. She had then stuck closely with Cardinal Galatea, the one serving as the Gemini Mirror's divine descent, leaving a deep impression on Aiwass.

Just when Aiwass reached the Holy Nation, he had already arranged a meeting with that Cardinal through Pure White.

The Eternal Pope could know everything happening within the Holy Nation at any time, so Aiwass only needed to speak into the air.

Her name was Hecate.