Xingyue, is Xiaokai also considered Kai?

"You damn bird brain, what do you know about fighting bravely, indulging in pleasure, and dying fiercely? If you don't intend to shed blood, then get out of my sight. This world doesn't need anyone who can't get hurt. This is a world where everyone has to pay a price, a world where everyone will sacrifice themselves."

"...One day, when I return from the sea, I will deny all of this."

"Honestly, you never think before you act. It's completely impossible now."

At that moment, the Smoke Mirror spoke to the departing Feathered Serpent God in an extremely indifferent tone.

In that instant, a scene like a kaleidoscope appeared in Favia's vision. In countless worlds, the land of this ancient people would be conquered by outsiders, and countless people born on this land would be slaughtered in various ways... This was the 'future' she had foreseen long ago.

Favia then realized that the legend of the return of Quetzalcoatl would be replaced by outsiders, a fact that the Smoke Mirror had foreseen long before the decline of the pantheon in Central and South America.

"Hmm, no wonder I've been observing you for so long. You have the connection to the 'mountain' and some other inexplicable connection. You're not an outsider who originally came here, but rather a more special existence. No wonder you can accept the perspective of God and thus your memory is not saturated."

For some reason, Smoke Mirror said with great joy.

Because in the Type-Moon universe, in the world seen by God, the past and the future are parallel. Not only that, but what actually happened and what didn't actually happen are also parallel. In other words, the game is a state where you know every possible route.

This is why it was difficult for humans in the age of gods to communicate with the gods. After all, for humans, the future and the past are unique, but in the eyes of the gods, they exist in countless forms.

Don't assume that because they are gods, it's natural for them to have a huge amount of information. In fact, the fundamental scale is different. Just like the things and information that people in the two-dimensional and three-dimensional worlds can see are completely different, even in the same situation, the information that humans and gods perceive, understand, and experience is completely different.

Tens of thousands of different fates exist, just as there is more than one future, and even more than one past.

In the Age of Gods, the gods would intentionally choose one path for humanity out of tens of thousands of fragmented routes in the game.

That's the gist of it, but most gods in a pantheon don't intentionally target any particular person.

"I see. So even you yourself don't know the specific reason you came out."

Through the perspective provided by the smoke mirror, Favia finally understood how he appeared in the smoke mirror's eyes.

Although the gods could no longer intentionally change the 'future' after the Age of Gods, they could still see countless futures. However, the Age of Gods was led by the gods, while now it is up to humans to move forward. In the eyes of Favia through the smoke mirror, she could see nothing at all; it was pitch black.

Moreover, having known since the Age of Gods that the Aztec world would be destroyed by outsiders, he did not see Favia arrive at this time.

For example, it's like a hidden route suddenly appearing in a game where the routes are already well-defined.

But the reason the smoke mirror appeared was that he was called upon by the Central and South American world itself, and even he himself didn't know why.

However, according to the Smoke Mirror's speculation, perhaps the 'human sacrifice' will be abolished, but the Aztecs will still live. It should be noted that in any previous Sun Age, no humans would exist in the end.

The fifth sun did not emerge in the fifth sun age, so the rule that "only by offering something important can the world be stabilized" replaced the "sun god." Abolishing human sacrifice was tantamount to dimming the sun, thus leading to the destruction of the world.

Under normal circumstances, the Spanish would have indeed destroyed both human sacrifices and the people of Central and South America. However, with Favia now in existence, it is highly likely that only human sacrifices will be destroyed, while humans will survive. This violates the rules of the Central and South American world.

But this is just Smoke Mirror's speculation; it's hard to say for sure whether it's true or not. This is also why he said to Favia, "It could be you, or it could not be you."

"That's right, that's exactly it. It's so comfortable to talk to someone who uses God's perspective. Although it's not impossible to talk, this is the only way to make it convenient."

Smoke Mirror's expression brightened and he smiled.

"Well, in your opinion, the dimming of the sun signifies the end of the solar age, and that humanity cannot survive, right?"

"Of course, this is how it has always been in the previous solar eras; this is the rule of this land."

For Smoke Mirror, this is an extremely normal way of being. Even though he already knew that this land would be destroyed due to the internal cause of abolishing human sacrifice and the external cause of outsiders, he would not say much, because he himself would not interfere with this decision. In the end, this is very similar to the situation in many myths where the gods of fate cannot manipulate fate itself with their own will.

However, the First Sun Society ruthlessly criticized them for ultimately being defeated by the conquerors' guns and cannons.

After all, he doesn't need any heroes, he only wants warriors. He doesn't like guys who are willing to bleed. For the First Sun, the Central and South American world doesn't need anyone who can't get hurt.

This idea is not malicious at all, because in Smoke Mirror's view, the struggle for survival is the order, and he regards it as the good that keeps the world running smoothly.

To the cruel world of Central and South America, whether it be Quetzalcoatl, Favia, or Montezuma II, anyone who sought to abolish human sacrifice was a heretic who shook the rules that had never changed since the age of gods.

"If we were to compare the world of Central and South America to a ship, the sun would be the captain, whom everyone reveres. When the sun dims, it means the captain is about to die. Therefore, for the captain, as long as he himself survives, he can sacrifice everything on the ship to keep it going. He doesn't care where the ship is headed, which is quite normal."

".....oh?"

Favia's statement made Smoke Mirror narrow his eyes slightly. For some reason, when he saw the calm determination in the depths of the silver-haired youth's expression, he felt a strange anticipation, especially when he smelled the unprecedented scent of 'battle', and he became hopelessly excited.

"However, having abolished human sacrifice, I will become the new 'Fifth Sun,' and as the new captain, I will bear the responsibility of dimming the 'Sun,' and will do everything in my power to deny the very cruel rule of the Central and South American world—"

At this moment, Favia belatedly realized that this place was the underworld of Central and South America, Miktland.

Because some of the 'countless starlight' that I heard or saw in the past still seems to have never stopped, until the other side of the thick fog is full of those points of light.

"I am more concerned with where this ship can go than with the survival of the sun."

237: Why are you wearing sunglasses? (5k)

Upon hearing this, Smoke Glasses squinted, his eyes reflecting the young man's body—a muscular upper body that, while not particularly strong, was still quite robust.

The reason he saw it this way was simply because Smoke Mirror, out of curiosity and amusement, imagined it as the form of the first sun, in other words, his own primitive attire.

The unknown outsider sitting nearby, wearing only his lower body clothing, with his silver hair tossing his fair neck and those deep blue eyes, was like a bottomless sea.

...The sea and the lake do go quite well together, both are shades of blue.

The blond man suddenly thought of this.

The fire was burning brightly, and sparks danced on the firewood, making a faint yet earth-shattering crackling sound.

In the midst of this silence, Favia, who had uttered those words, and Smoke Mirror locked eyes.

hazy--

In the thick fog, the first sun of the Aztecs spoke with a cheerful expression.

"Wow, that's quite a straightforward statement. What you're saying sounds pretty cool, like becoming the 'Fifth Sun' in a world after the Age of Gods..."

With a snap, the smoke goggles transformed his primitive-looking attire into ancient gray armor, and a leopard-man mask appeared on his face. Even his previously cheerful voice became incredibly flat.

"If that bird head were to appear now, it would surely have already accepted you, who share the same views as her. Peace is coming, which also means a bountiful harvest and agriculture."

Smoke Mirror's words were not a lie.

Based on his previous 'communication' with Quetzalcoatl, he was confident that if Quetzalcoatl heard this, he would immediately entrust the responsibility of the 'Second Sun' to Favia, which might make it easier for Favia to abolish the current 'living sacrifice' of the Fifth Sun.

After all, the 'sun' of the Fifth Sun Age was the responsibility of Smoke Mirror and Feathered Serpent God. The reason why they only created the Sun Age and did not fulfill the responsibility of the 'sun' was because the decline of the Age of Gods was an inevitable trend. After discussing it, the gods of South America decided to give the future to mankind. They returned to the dense forest during the Age of Gods and quietly dreamed in this land, dreaming of a bright future for mankind.

"However, I am different from her; I cannot accept the abolition of this rule."

Because of the leopard mask, Favia couldn't see through Smoke Mirror's expression; only his voice remained unchanged.

"Therefore, I, the first sun of the Aztecs and the guardian deity of the Maya, cannot accept you as the fifth sun for the time being."

"I don't care whether you, as gods, agree or disagree, I will still become one."

Favia's pupils reflected the figure of the smoke mirror, which had transformed into a leopard-man form.

From the moment he sat by the fire, this must have been the first time he had looked so directly at the first sun of the Aztecs.

"Central and South America is an extremely harsh land. Prolonged human sacrifice is an unavoidable choice for living on this cruel land. Is this world, where everyone is destined to sacrifice, really that cruel?"

Cruel, but that's Aztec culture, I won't deny it. Whether human sacrifice is abolished or not, this land will soon face the most brutal battle since the end of the Age of Gods, and I don't want them to lose.

He says,

"The people of this land should not die as living sacrifices to maintain the continuation of the world. They should join me in using their blood and efforts to forge order in this chaotic world, bring civilization to the desolation, and replace poverty with prosperity. They should do what they want for themselves, for this land beneath their feet, and for the future of those born here."

Favia felt a gust of wind, and then, as if something had been shrouded deep in her ears, the surrounding sounds suddenly became noisy.

The silver-haired youth didn't pay any attention to the gaze that was secretly being cast at him, except by someone other than the one behind the smoke mirror.

This is because this is Mictlan, the underworld of Central and South America, and those sighs are the souls left behind from past solar eras.

"I cannot stop the great war from happening, so sacrifice is inevitable. This land will eventually be stained with blood, and we will fight day and night, advancing amidst the clash of swords. This will be an arduous journey that will last for who knows how many years."

Whether they are heroes who fight against fate or creators who write inspiring stories, their battles are often so difficult to commemorate that even a single hymn to their deeds may go unnoticed. What is truly precious may go unnoticed, or perhaps even undiscovered by anyone...

Nevertheless, it remains quietly in the hearts of those who journey through tragedy and suffering, and it will surely inspire them to take that first step forward. I believe that step forward will become 'hope' in countless hearts.

Favia said, as if talking to herself.

His tone suggested he was openly displaying a very precious treasure.

"I firmly believe that, though it is regrettable that the stories of countless heroes will become legends in the future, they will also become the 'backbone' of the future world, building a roof to shelter people from the wind and rain."

People in the future may not be as outstanding, excellent, or brave as people today.

But they will ultimately remember who these people fought for, for whom they fought, and for what they fought.

These were candid words, which brought a brief silence to the surrounding area.

It wasn't unbearable, but rather a genuine tranquility, as if one were steadily chewing on something.

True strength does not come solely from the use of force to promote death and bloodshed.

Choosing not to fight may also be a sign of strength.

However, even so—

In this world, there still exists a future where only strength and countless sacrifices can win a glimmer of hope for those who come after.

If that bird-headed one were to come, he would probably fight me for him, all to make me fulfill my promise of the responsibility of becoming the first sun.

For some reason, the Smoke Mirror seemed to see a scene of his great battle with Quetzalcoatl at the end of the First and Second Sun Ages.

Although it was just an illusion, the scene evoked a sense of nostalgia in him.

“That’s quite a convincing statement. If I were in that situation… it seems wrong. Neither Black, Red, nor Green would accept it.” Smoke Mirror shook his head and continued, “You say you want to become the sun of the Fifth Sun Age to offset the impact of the abolition of the human sacrifice rule. But you should know that it’s not that simple. Even if you really become the sun of the Fifth Sun Age, that power itself cannot defy the world.”

This is similar to the so-called strongest character in a game, who cannot defy the underlying rules of the game's operation.

“I will take full responsibility. After all, it was all my doing, so it’s enough for me to fight it alone.” Favia paused, noticing that the surrounding noise had disappeared. “As the fifth sun, I will be the only god on this land. This is no longer within the calculations of the rules, is it?”

"......Yeah."

The smoke mirror whispered.

That was different from usual, like a sound that couldn't contain excitement.

The First Sun wasn't too concerned about the future; he preferred warriors to heroes.

In his view, Favia's words at that moment were an attempt to reject the dimming of the 'sun,' to deny the very rules governing the Central and South American world, to resist the destruction accepted by the 'Mayas,' and to become the only one who could fight against all the South American gods...

For this reason, the first sun became hopelessly excited.

After all, he could hear an unwavering determination in Favia's voice, which excited him.

As for Smoke Mirror, if someone acknowledges their own power, they will provide assistance no matter what. However, if someone only wants to test how much power they have, they will be subjected to a severe trial that makes one feel like they are living a life worse than death.

Therefore, Smoke Mirror, who was extremely excited about what Favia was going to do, smiled.

This is the first time I've ever done something like this.

If we miss this chance, how long will it be before we can see each other again?

A smile played on his face, hidden behind the leopard mask. Looking at Favia through the smoke-filled goggles, he spoke:

“Originally, I thought you were like that broken bird head. She always regarded ‘human sacrifice’ as a barbaric custom. She couldn’t agree with letting humans wield weapons that didn’t fit them properly and kill each other. In her view, true strength refers to a heart stronger than fists, a peaceful strength. I don’t really deny her hope too much.”

The voice behind the smoke-glasses held a rare hint of amusement.

"However, it is good to hate weapons, but we must not forget about them. There is hope in this world that can only be obtained through fighting. We cannot rely on the goodwill of the other party for hope. Being unable to win and being able to win are two different things."

At this point, Smoke Mirror removed the leopard mask from his face, revealing his true face again, and rubbed the mask in his hand.

"When you were at the top of the pyramid, you saw the 'Serpentine Light and Shadow,' right? The reason I brought you here was not only to see you, but also to test whether that bird head had arrived. However, it seems that I was the only one called by the world for some unknown reason. After all, given her personality, if she saw me playing in her territory, she would probably have already rushed out."

"So that's why the 'Light and Shadow Serpent' appears as a lightning serpent instead of a feathered serpent."

In response to Favia's words, the blond man nodded with a slight smirk and relaxed in a satisfied pose.

"After all, although I am the god of the Panther Warriors, I am not a Panther God. Like Quetzalcoatl, I am a Serpent God."

The winged serpent governs harvests and agriculture, while the thunderous serpent governs war and victory.

However, the most powerful sacred animal in Central and South America is the leopard, so the most revered deities are associated with leopards; that's the gist of it.

For some reason, when he said "the most revered god," even though it was Smoke Mirror himself who said it, the corners of his mouth clearly turned up again.

"That doesn't seem right. I remember there was a type of warrior who tamed eagles to fight. Actually, that's the real term for warriors here."

The silver-haired youth ruthlessly exposed the self-praise of the man in the smoke-glasses mask.

"How did you know?! Could it be that Tralock betrayed me so quickly?" The blond man feigned a heartbroken expression. "I treated her like a sister, and now I've been betrayed so soon..."

"That's not what she said, it's just something I know."

"Alright, alright, whatever." Smoke Mirror waved his hand. "In that case, let's just forget what I just said... Oh, it looks like it's about time. I should go too. I still need to find out the real reason why the world called me out."