Anaxa

The Grove of Epiphany, where knowledge flourishes and philosophers are born.

Yet here stands Anaxagoras the blasphemer, the Chrysos Heir who challenges the Coreflame of Reason. He is questioned: Would you defy the prophecy even if you must bear infamy, and insist on driving the thorns of doubt into the Sacred Tree of wisdom?

——"Ridiculous. In a world full of lies, I am the only truth."

"Ah, you were born in a remote city-state. Your parents departed early, leaving only your older sister by your side, barely supporting the family on the meager income she earned from taming animals.

You have been reclusive and isolated since childhood. While your peers frolicked on the grassy fields, you would hide alone in the shadows of trees and pick up fallen leaves from the ground.

'Why do the dromases not fly toward the sky?'

You look upon the dromas that grew up alongside you, mumbling to yourself.

'Maybe because this dromas used to be a nerd in its past life too!'

You've heard these words spoken all too often, but you never understood why it was used as a form of mockery.

'If the gods are omnipotent, why do they fear death?'

In the temple where sacred teachings are recited, the very things deemed unquestionable inevitably stir your doubts.

'Out, Anaxagoras!'

The furious priest often throws you out of the temple.

Your sister never blamed you. Instead, she carved out a portion of her meager income to buy the books and tools you longed for.

Screws, heavy pliers, delicate scales... At home, you tinkered with these instruments, utterly immersed in the joy of creation.

At five years old, you were endlessly curious about life: A mechanical bird that sang on its own, a dromas incubator, artificial flowers that stayed forever vibrant — you boldly declared you'd become the most knowledgeable person in the world. Tsk, tsk. How rare it is for a child's grand boasts to be taken seriously by their family.

Later, she heard from passing merchants that there was an academy called the Grove of Epiphany, a sacred place devoted to the pursuit of wisdom. You secretly memorized that name, thinking that if you could one day go there with your sister, life wouldn't be so hard.

Later still, she finally managed to raise enough travel funds and asked a merchant friend to give you a ride so you could go study at the Grove.

Halfway along the journey, upon hearing that the black tide had struck, you hurriedly rushed back — the sight of that corroded ruin was truly unbearable to behold... Proud as you are, you even found yourself kneeling on the ground. You weren't praying to the gods, were you..."

"Stop flipping through my mind, you naughty Titan."

The man snapped out of his reverie, and an emotion — indeterminable if it was either rage or sorrow — flickered in his right eye.

Number: 13

Subject: Chrysos Heir's Golden Blood Experiment

Materials: My blood

Records: After purifying the fluid, it resembles liquid gold, and reveals a seed-shaped structure under the microscope. Fainted thrice while obtaining blood.

Number: 55

Subject: Dissecting the soul of Titan creations

Materials: Three dying ██████ ███████ Titan creations, mercury potion, Antila flower extract

Records: Experimental subject abruptly went berserk upon dissecting to the core. Fortunately, only I was severely injured, it did not harm anyone else. Subsequently, the alchemy equipment have been refined. The pedigree chart of the souls of ██████ ███████ Titan is nearing completion.

Number: 144

Subject: Attempt at the metaphase of the soul fusion

Materials: A soul flame donated by a scholar, Titan creations

Records: ████████, my dearest friend, according to your last wishes, your body has been transformed into a flame that incinerates punishment, and your soul has turned into a cornerstone for analyzing Titans.

*The last page of scribbled comments*:

It's been years since this had happened, the frigidness of death still stirs in my left eye, but I can see "souls" of humans. That boiling heat is enough to fill the void.

Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps next year, or perhaps in the next instant—

I'll be accused and arrested. There will always be people who want me to lower my head and keep me silent.

But sister, I'll always remember that I met you for the last time here. You didn't say anything.

But that was enough, I know I did the right thing.

Over the past decade, it has always been so—

"Failure is a stepping stone to success."

— Anaxa's parapsychology experiment log. The original copy has already been destroyed.

"Sages of the Grove:

Regarding how some scholars accuse me of the three great sins, 'academic defamation,' 'corrupting youths,' and 'religious heresy,' I don't intend to entertain their cheap tricks, nor will I bother defending myself. However, considering how this might allow everyone to better understand my research, I'll briefly explain it.

According to them, I committed the sin of academic defamation when I publicly disparaged the classic research of Titan studies and parapsychology, claiming them to be 'a black tide of the academic world.' Answer me this: Was my evaluation incorrect? A study about whether Titans can stand on the head of a pin, and a study that posits the nature of souls as water. They persist until this day because of certain authorities. How is that any different from a mental black tide?

I studied in the Grove since I was a child, and thoroughly understand that the revolution of ideas can only be achieved through criticism and suspicion. I encourage students to challenge my authority, and this is what they claim to be 'corrupting youths.' Take Phainon and Castorice, for example. When they first began their studies, they were clueless about how to think and what logic is. Look at them now. They can render me speechless sometimes! If this is what it means to 'corrupt' youths, I cannot imagine what they regard as 'correct education.'

As such, some individuals accuse me of having excessively close ties with the Flame-Chasing Chrysos Heirs, claiming that my theories help them seize the Coreflames. Indeed, I once consulted Tribios about lost history, and both of my most brilliant students happen to be Chrysos Heirs as well. And what of it?

I am also what they call a Chrysos Heir, but I've never had blind faith in prophecies. If gods are truly the purest and most eternal beings that have ascended above the mortal world, then listen well: The world only has one god, and that is indestructible "truth"!

Only disciples of truth can continue on this path. The authorities who proclaim themselves to be sages fear the fall of god.

You suggested that both parties take a step back to deescalate the situation... My apologies, but I don't intend to do that. On the contrary, I would like to give a word of advice to those who wish to accuse me—

The future world will understand me, and all of you who raise accusations against me should be more afraid than me when I await my verdict!"

— An improvised speech by Anaxa, during a meeting of the sages

"Even up till today, I still disagree with that bizarre Flame-Chase Journey. However, there is one statement that left a deep impression — Losses are a constant on the Flame-Chase journey.

I never believed that the Chrysos Heirs shared the same destiny, but I am undoubtedly also on the path of losses.

Yet, I have not lost enough... In comparison to what I pursue, I have not lost enough to fulfill the law of equivalent exchange.

After I had proposed the theory that the nature of souls of Titans and humans are no different, and that souls are constructed from seeds of wisdom, I have been waiting for a chance to prove it once and for all...

Now, the opportunity has presented itself! It came rather unexpectedly, but also right on time.

Today, I can finally make up for the regret, akin to a calamity, from numerous years ago.

I gained inspiration from death, and should repay as such.

My body shall become the vessel to forge the Coreflames of gods, and my soul shall become the chains that force the gods to bow. That will become the ultimate evidence for my theory!

I am incredibly happy now.

I once smiled like this, when I first created a mechanical bird that could fly in the sky. My hands once trembled like this, when I developed a new life through incubation.

My future students, if you see these words, it proves that my endeavor has failed at the final step, falling just before the break of dawn.

Use my results to the fullest extent, and make me the subject of your research! Step over my body and take the torch from my hands. Use me as the firewood to ignite the flames that will bring light to the truth!

Do not fear blasphemy—

It is already a sin to transcend the gods, so what if you become a god!"

— One of the echoes in Anaxa's memories after the Grove had fallen, which vanished because nobody discovered it

First Meeting: My name is Anaxagoras, one of the Seven Sages of the Grove of Epiphany, founder of the Nousporists. Now, don't make me repeat the following again. Rule number one: Do not call me Anaxa. Rule number two: Never interrupt me — silence is golden. Remember that.

Greeting: Oh? You have questions? What questions? Ask away.

Parting: No more questions? Then I'll be going.

About Self: The Great Performer: My colleagues judge me to be "the Great Performer" — Hah, and they'd be right! How rare it is to see them think outside of the Amphoreus logic box. As to what I think about their assessment? I don't care about that at all.

About Self: Name: I know my students would call me "Prof Nax," "Prof Anax," or even "Prof A" behind my back... At least they're not saying "Anaxa." It's A-NAK-SA-GO-RAS. Anaxagoras. Is it that hard to remember?

Chat: Teaching: The more bold a student's question is, the happier I am. And should a student be able to debate with me for hours — Then they'll pass with flying colors!

Chat: Weapon: That weapon? That's an alchemical tool used for my performance, and also a magic prop to protect myself.

Hobbies: Dromases indeed lack intelligence, but they still have many advantages. They're calm, quiet, have a good temperament... and eat lots...

Annoyances: I don't get it... "A dromas draped in finery"... Do they actually think that title is offensive? Why don't I put up a plaque on the academy's door next time that says "Only those who understand dromases may enter!"

Something to Share: Let me "perform" a simple magic trick: Please tell me whether "this sentence is a lie" is true or false? The answer is: It's both true and false. You don't believe me? Fine, then refute me!

Knowledge: Someone once said to me that studying gods is blasphemy and an offense. I responded, "You're offended that easily? Then what would you do if I said I wanted to reach apotheosis?"

About Aglaea: Everyone is a means to take back the Coreflames in her eyes. That's right, "everyone" — including herself.

About Aglaea 2: I've never believed in vague divine prophecies, nor do I wish to be fettered by so-called duty. That has never changed. However, I respect her for holding onto her beliefs for a thousand years.

About Tribbie, Trianne, and Trinnon: I keep wanting to explain to them how their divine prophecy is a self-fulfilling one. But now, seeing how they look no different from young children, I need not say anything more.

About Phainon: He is among my most exceptional students, yet this often implies that he and I... his teacher... will walk separate paths.

About Mydei: The battle against the black tide turned some people into gods, some into humans, and some into monsters — Mydei already made his choice when he took over Strife's authority.

About Castorice: Browsing books might be one of her ways to open her heart, but the answer she seeks can only be obtained through physical touch.

About Castorice 2: So what if she's a Titan? She's still a student of the Grove.

About Hyacine: The divine tree can only grow towards the sky when it is supported by the sun. If the Twilight Courtyard is what protects the scholars of the Grove, then Hyacine is the "light" of the Twilight Courtyard.

About Cipher: How do you catch up to a tortoise that set off before you did? For Cipher, this paradox isn't hard to solve — she would happily scoop up the tortoise right at the starting line and toss it into her massive collection.

About Trailblazer: To become a better god in the new world... You did it. And not only that, you also pushed everyone to become heroes together. That has far surpassed the definition of a god.

About Hysilens: She recommended using honey brew to generate inspiration. Though intoxication can undoubtedly stimulate fantasies, fizzy horseradish vinegar still fits me better in terms of calmness and rationality.

About Cerydra: I heard that she always has thick tomes stacked up on the throne... I'd be happy to recommend some more books to her. After all, rather than wasting all that paper, it's better to see them being put to good use.

About March 7th: Yet another pink-haired girl related to memories... Is this really just a coincidence?

About Dan Heng • Permansor Terrae: Being able to read all of the Grove's books and interpret the mountains of information regarding Amphoreus in such a short time... He's more of an outstanding scholar than many people I know. And when it comes to knowledge about the dromas? He is indeed second to none.

About Cyrene: The millions of memories she wrote should be enough to teach that false god this at the very least: It is not their right to answer the question of "What are we?"

Eidolon Activation: One part reason, two parts longing, three parts passion... A soul is nothing more than that.

Character Ascension: Try subduing this kind of power!

Max Level Reached: Truth is already in my hands.

Trace Activation: Intellectual pursuit is doomed to be a long and lonely road.

Added to Team With Trailblazer: Looks like it's not a bad time for a performance.

Added to Team With Aglaea: Though we fight side by side, we do not share the same goal.

Added to Team With Castorice: It's fine. There's no need to worry about Death.

Added to Team With Tribbie: You're better off believing in me than believing in prophecies.

Added to Team With Mydei: Crown Prince, you already know the answer... There is nothing more I can teach you.

Added to Team With Hyacine: I'm fortunate to witness the Twilight Courtyard's healing arts again.

Added to Team With Cipher: The classroom is not the battlefield. Lies and truth both have their weight here.

Added to Team With Phainon: Go forth in confidence. I don't have anything more to teach you.

Added to Team With Hysilens: I'm NOT a green dolphin... If you can't get it, just think of me as a dromas.

Added to Team With Cerydra: When it comes to the wisdom of war, you alone are the teacher of us all.

Added to Team With March 7th: You have a question? Go ahead and ask!

Added to Team With Dan Heng • Permansor Terrae: Thinking while fighting, and fighting while thinking... I'm sure you do the same.

Added to Team With Cyrene: First nouspore, welcome.

Battle Begins: Weakness Break: Equivalent exchange? No. Something out of nothing!

Battle Begins: Danger Alert: Now, maybe you deserve some of my attention.

Turn Begins 1: What's the matter?

Turn Begins 2: As you can see, I'm just a frail scholar.

Turn Idling: If you still have questions, please speak up.

Basic ATK: I have nothing left to say.

Skill 1: Sink into insanity!

Skill 2: Straight to the soul!

Hit by Light Attack: I have it under control.

Hit by Heavy Attack: So tiring.

Ultimate: Activate: Look. The show has begun...

Ultimate: Unleash: With this divine power, I extract the world's purity to reforge all things!

Downed: A small price to pay...

Return to Battle: What a shame!

Health Recovery: Thank you, and I'll give you what you need.

Technique: Watch this magic trick!

Battle Won: An undisputed victory.

Treasure Opening 1: I suppose I can just ignore this.

Treasure Opening 2: Mmm, go melt it down.

Precious Treasure Opening: Not too shabby. Useful for alchemy.

Successful Puzzle-Solving 1: If Cerces saw this puzzle, they'd die from laughter.

Successful Puzzle-Solving 2: It's just an answer. Nothing too difficult.

Enemy Target Found: I'm not built for this. You go ahead if you wish to engage.

Returning to Town: Be grateful for all this clamor — that is the sound of thoughts clashing.