Star Iron, conquer the world from Omphalos

"Aglaya, do you have something to ask me?"

Xiadie looked at the blonde woman in front of her with mixed feelings. This was their first reunion since she was called here as an 'envoy'.

"Xiadie, it's been a while since we last met, and I just wanted to chat with you." Aglaya smiled faintly. "How have you been staying in Shurima?"

"War may come at any time, and death is everywhere in this land. Well...it's not a suitable description." Xiadie said softly.

"If you feel unwell, you can always come back. I asked you to come to Shurima to convey my message because I thought you knew Ash and would be able to see him under such circumstances. After all, you know that Ohma had a conflict with them. If someone else came, I'm afraid they wouldn't even be able to see Ash."

Aglaya raised her head and looked at the towering city standing in the distance. "I just didn't expect you to stay here. And that small village has become like this now. It's incredible."

"Is this the only reason?" Xiadie asked.

"What?"

Aglaya withdrew his gaze and looked at her calmly.

"Just because I know Ash?"

Aglaya was silent for a moment, then shook her head gently. "I didn't mean to lie to you. My purpose has been simple from the beginning. Ash's abilities are very special. The oracle told me that he would become the Golden Child who would save the world, and the most perfect Golden Child to date."

"People like this shouldn't be enemies, but the Senate's scheme has put us on opposite sides. That's why I asked you to come because he tried to recruit you. I know you weren't willing, but I had no choice. For the future promised by the oracle, we sometimes have to face our inner weaknesses."

Xiadie's eyes flickered slightly.

The Golden Descendant in the Oracle.

"Is it like Bai'e?" she asked.

"No, he's even better than Bai'e," Aglaya whispered. "Bai'e still needs to grow. A few days ago, he went to Aili Secret Pavilion, searching for memories of the past. That land was once his most painful dream. I asked him why he went there, and he said that Ash's appearance had shaken him, and he needed to become stronger."

Xiadie frowned: "But Ash is not of Golden descent."

"he is."

Xiadie raised her eyes.

"The future foreseen by the oracle bears his presence," Aglaia continued. "The Golden Descendant is a broad term. His power originates from the unknown side of the world, just as the vague aspects of the oracle are unfathomable. But light cannot lie. His power to summon the sun is a gift from Heavenly Father and a symbol of salvation."

Xiadie looked at Aglaya, trying to catch something from her eyes, but she failed.

No one could tell what Aglaya was thinking or whether he was telling the truth or a lie.

But that doesn't matter anymore.

The important thing is that as long as Xiadie knows what Aglaya wants, she will know what she can hear from the other party.

Because whether it was true or not, it was all within Aglaya's calculations.

The difference was that, as a 'companion' before, she hadn't considered the reasons behind these words. But now, upon learning that Aglaya wanted to see her, Xiadie's first reaction was... she had an effect.

Yes, Xiadie knew in her heart that for Aglaya, "function" was the most direct and effective standard to measure a life unit.

She was sent to Shurima to see Ash because she was useful.

And now, it’s because it works.

There really hasn't been any change.

"Aglaya, what exactly do you want to talk to me about?"

"I just wanted to ask when you'd be back," Aglaya said with a smile. "My master has been asking me that question lately, as has Bai'e. Last time, he blamed me for letting you come to Shurima, saying it was too dangerous. He's been worried about you. But I've never forgotten the days you spent with us. You were our precious companion."

"So, while I'm in Shurima, I want to take you back with me."

Xiadie shook her head slightly: "Sorry Aglaya, I plan to stay in Shurima."

"Why?" Aglaya wondered. "You should hate conflict and death, but in this land, the war will not cease, at least not yet."

"Precisely because death is everywhere, I am here. Restless souls need my guidance, to guide the boats bound for the Styx... Aglaia, this is the meaning I have found in Shurima."

"significance..."

Aglaya was really surprised this time.

She originally thought that it was Ash's 'sweet talk' that made Xiadie stay here.

She had not contacted Xiadie before because of the rapid rise of Shurima, and Xiadie would be more useful here.

She knew Xiadie very well and was confident that she could get the latter back to Ohma, where Xiadie's presence would play an important role in weaving the golden thread of her destiny.

But now...meaning, the meaning of self, that's the thorny issue.

"What's the point? Congratulations on your success." Aglaya raised her hand, revealing a letter. "I was still thinking about how I could help you find Him, so you wouldn't get lost on the Styx again."

Xiadie looked down: "What is this?"

"Another Fate Weaver gave me a clue. She had spied on Senatos's whereabouts. I know you've been looking for her, so I asked for her to come over."

Aglaya raised her hand and handed the letter over. "Perhaps it can still be useful to you now."

Xiadie looked at the letter and heard the name Senatos, her emotions surged uncontrollably.

The wind blew through the treetops, bringing a rustling sound.

Aglaya didn't say anything, but just looked at Xiadie, expecting her to take the letter from her.

After a while, Xiadie stretched out her hand.

Her fingers touched the letter, and then a mysterious force wrapped around it and spread to the letter under her urging.

Like black fire, it began to burn from the edge of the letter and spread all the way towards Aglaya's fingers.

Aglaya's pupils dilated slightly. She looked at the black fire spreading towards her fingers. She finally couldn't help but let go until her fingers felt the coldness of death.

"Xiadie, what are you doing?" Aglaya was startled. "Isn't Senatos the one you've been looking for?"

"I'll leave the other half of me that was taken away with me with Him for now. I believe in the guidance of fate. One day, Senatos will appear before me. Then... I will ask Him again."

After saying that, Xiadie changed the subject and said, "Do you have anything else to say? If not, I'll go back. Ash might look for me. There's a lot going on in Shurima lately."

Aglaya: "..."

Negotiations...failed?

"Alright." She breathed a sigh of relief. "Xiadie, as long as you've made up your mind, whether it's in Shurima or Ohma, as long as we move forward together on the path to salvation, we will always be companions."

Xiadie paused, nodded slightly, turned around and prepared to leave.

But the next moment, two figures descended from the sky.

"Aya, we're here!"

The yellow sand dissipated silently, and Ash landed beside Xiadie, looking at the latter with some surprise.

"Are you here too?"

"King Yaxiu..." Xiadie was slightly stunned, then realized something, "I came to talk to her..."

"It's okay, I know." Ash smiled faintly, "After all, you were once in Ohma, and they probably haven't seen you in a while. Do you want to go back now? How about waiting a little longer? After I finish talking to her, we can go together."

Xiadie looked at Ash, making sure that the latter did not doubt her, and nodded.

She was worried that Ash would think that she and Aglaia were plotting something.

But is Ash that stupid?

The first time he saw Xiadie, he knew Aglaya's purpose.

Deliberately arranging "chance encounters" and misunderstandings is a cliché in romance dramas. Only Ash would think so unless he is an idiot.

"Are you Aglaya? You're quite brave, coming here alone." Ash's eyes turned and he said calmly, "Tell me, what's your purpose?"

This was the first time they met, but they had actually met before during the game's PV. Although Aglaia's appearance did indeed astound Ash at first sight, if she had invited him to join Ohma when he had just crossed over, he would have agreed more than 90% of the time. But now... Ash only had the development of Shurima and the loyalty of the people of the empire in his mind.

A woman? This will only slow down my Great Crusade!

"King Ash." Aglaya said calmly, "Congratulations, Shurima has successfully established itself."

"Congratulations?" Ash narrowed his eyes. "Are you congratulating me for the fact that nearly two thousand of our people died on the day Shurima was founded, or for the fact that my city was nearly destroyed by Nicadori's arrows?"

Aglaya said calmly, "I just want to congratulate you on becoming king. There's nothing else to say."

"Oh~ Who knows? Only you know what's going on in someone like you." Ash said bluntly, "Let's stop being hypocritical. Tell me your purpose before my patience runs out."

Aglaya's eyes flickered slightly. This was her first meeting with Ash. Although she had anticipated this before, she still felt a little uncomfortable with Ash's unconventional nature.

After all, everyone Aglaya had come into contact with so far was very "rules-abiding" or behaved rather reservedly in front of her. She liked to put herself in a superior position, controlling everything, and hated "exceptions" outside of the plan.

"Hanging Blade City." Aglaia stated her purpose. "I've heard they want to gain Oronis's power."

"Oh."

Ash looked indifferent.

"As far as I know, Nicadori was seriously injured due to something. King Oripon wanted to obtain Oronis's power to recover. He sent an army to the Abyss of Fate, but because Ohma sent troops, the plan was suspended."

"Oh?"

Ash's mind moved.

So, Nicadori's injury was likely caused by the divinity embodying the sword. It seemed the situation was more serious than he had anticipated. And as a Titan, Oronis's miracle might truly restore Nicadori. Even more so, the Crimson Blade could use this to trace back to the memory of time where Hatonus had tampered with Nicadori and continue Nicadori's immortality.

"So, what the hell is this to me?" Ash said calmly. "Since you, Ohma, have sent troops, then go ahead and fight. Isn't this the holy city that claims to be the savior of the world?"

Aglaya shook her head slightly. "King Ash, now that we've come to this, let's be frank. You and I both know that there are three factions in Omphalos: Hanging Edge, Ohma, and Shurima. I must acknowledge your strength, so I hope Shurima can join forces with Ohma to destroy Hanging Edge City."

"Huh? Sorry, I didn't quite catch what you said."

"I say..." Aglaia extended her right hand. "King Ash, let's join forces. I won't force you to join Ohma, but the City of the Blades is our common enemy. If Nicadori recovers, his madness will plunge all of Omphalos into a massive disaster. It will be difficult for Ohma to destroy it, and only if we join forces can we do it."

"You're right, but..." Ash said with a cold look, "I refuse!"

"Why?" Aglaia frowned slightly. "Shurima was nearly destroyed by Nicadori's arrows. Once he recovers from his injuries, he will immediately choose to destroy Shurima. You should have no reason to refuse. If you are angry about Ohma's previous actions, I am willing to hand over the elder who gave the order to attack to you. This way, you will have an explanation to the people of Shurima."

She already controls the Senate, and although handing it over to Shurima will cause some chaos, it will not shake the foundation.

Even if it could calm Shurima's anger and allow them to join forces to destroy Xuanfeng City, it would be absolutely worth it.

However, she was wrong about Ash.

"Why? You ask why?" Ash couldn't help but ask, "Aglaia, don't you have any idea? Ever since I arrived in the territory of Tilkas, Ohma's malice has never ceased! You ask me why I refuse? It's simple! Because the dead people of Shurima won't agree! And I can't stand your condescending attitude, always trying to control everything. You say it's all the Senate's fault? Do you think I'm a fool?"

"Aglaia, don't think you're the smartest person in the world. After all, you've never acknowledged the existence of Shurima. It's just that for you, the biggest enemy right now is the Xuanfeng. Once they're destroyed, Shurima will be next, right?" Ash sneered. "Join forces? Ha~ A proud woman like you won't truly trust anyone except yourself. You won't let Shurima become the 'exceptional' that can save the world, because you believe that only you, the Golden Ones, can save the world. Everything else is an unstable factor!"

Aglaya: "..."

"King Ash, you misunderstood Aya. Aya is actually a very good person." Tibao said with some disapproval.

"Yes, she's very good. I didn't say she's bad." Ash shook his head lightly, "But her kindness is only to those who are worthy. In her value system, anything can be used to achieve her goals, even herself. For such a person, good or bad is no longer important. She has lost her humanity and become an emotionless machine. She may be great to the Ohma people, but she is nothing to me!"

"Good? You say to a person that his enemy is good? That's ridiculous. What does it matter to me whether she is good or not? Those Shurima people who died, weren't they good? They were the husbands of a wife, the mothers of a child, and the children of a father! Were they not good? Did anyone care whether they lived or died?"

"Don't tell me about that bullshit salvation talk. I don't care! Aglaya, I don't think there's anything wrong with what you're doing, but we're enemies after all. Since we're enemies, you and I should be prepared accordingly. Do you think you can just forget everything you've said and done, just like playing house?"

"..."

"..."

After a short silence.

Aglaya breathed a sigh of relief.

"I understand, King Ash. Is this your attitude?" Her golden eyes looked at Ash without a trace of emotion. "You are indeed like Strife, destined to bring disaster to this world."

"Disaster?" Ash laughed. "Aglaia, stop flattering yourself. Do you think calling yourself a savior means you're righteous? If you can't do it, why do you think others can't do it? Why do you think we Shurimans can't bring peace to Omphalos?"

"It's no use talking more."

Aglaya's eyes turned away. She had given up arguing with Ash. This was a clash of completely different ideas. When it came to saving the world, Ash and she had completely different ideas.

If that's the case, there's no need to waste energy.

"Xiadie, is this what you think too?"

Xiadie was silent for a moment: "The elegy of death echoes on the Styx. In this deserted place filled with silence, I see the hope of new life..."

Aglaia raised her head and looked at the Shurima sun hanging in the sky.

"The light...it's so beautiful, what a pity."

"Master, let's go."

Tibao nodded: "Okay, Aya."

The Hundred Worlds Gate to Ohma opens.

Ash raised his hand and fired a spear of condensed yellow sand, but it shattered before it reached the Gate of the Hundred Realms. Glowing golden threads wove into a visible web outside the gate. Aglaya turned, gave Ash a deep look, then she and Tibao stepped through the gate and disappeared.