"And if we go by March 7th's experience, the first human we meet upon landing is bound to hide some incredible secret. So this Phainon—"

Marcille carefully scrutinized Phainon's handsome face, unsure if she was admiring him or trying to spot some hidden conspiracy. In short, she stared intently for a long time... before finally letting out a long sigh and successfully giving up.

"Forget it. He just feels like a warm-hearted, handsome young man. What kind of secret could he have?"

"That was just a joke March 7th made. Why are you taking it seriously?" Chilchuck said flatly. "While March 7th's unintentional prophecies occasionally hit the mark, they won't come true every single time."

——

【"The timing of their appearance is just too coincidental," Stelle said.】

【Dan Heng didn't disagree: "That is indeed a major point of suspicion. The spear that destroyed the carriage was clearly man-made. I suspect they staged a chance encounter, but these refugees... they don't look like they're acting, no matter how you view them. For now, we can only assume they aren't part of the same faction as the attackers."】

【"Moreover, that girl consistently refers to herself as 'we,' which is also strange. I don't think it's just some verbal tic." Dan Heng watched Phainon and the others enter the temple. "Let's head out. Hopefully, the problem will be solved—ahem, will resolve itself naturally."】

【Just as the two were talking, a loud commotion erupted from within the temple.】

【As the two entered the temple gates, the sight before them left Stelle momentarily stunned. This temple, which should have been solemn and dignified, was now packed to the brim with displaced people. Some leaned against the walls, others sat on the ground; some were praying with closed eyes, while others grumbled in frustration. Every face was etched with exhaustion and weariness.】

【When they reached the center of the temple, they saw an elderly man with white hair standing on a high platform, fuming with rage.】

【"Virtus, who asked you to notify the Chrysos Heirs to take us to some Holy City? We are priests of Janus (Titan of Thresholds). We were born like birds without feet; how can we endure being confined to one place?"】

【The young man below the platform, named "Virtus," replied impatiently, "Mr. Nodus, too many of our companions have died at the hands of Nicadori's (Titan of Strife) soldiers. I just want everyone to settle down and get a good night's sleep."】

【"To lose faith is to lose everything. Do you really think Okhema has room for us? The end times are near; no matter where you are, your life is hanging by a thread!" The old man was indignant, his face full of disappointment at Virtus's lack of resolve. "There's no use talking further. If you want to leave, then leave. But the rest of us will stay in the temple, under the protection of Janus, the Gate of All Paths."】

【Phainon took a step forward: "Old gentleman, please don't be impulsive—"】

【"Lord Chrysos Heir, thank you for your care, but please allow the people to choose their own destiny."】

——

Jujutsu Kaisen.

"Chrysos Heirs? What's that?"

"I saw them mention the Titans of Thresholds and Strife... I'm guessing that if we compare Titans to Aeons, the Chrysos Heirs would be the Emanators under different Aeons?" Yuta Okkotsu speculated.

"However, terms like 'Thresholds' and'Strife' are still a bit too abstract. Strife probably refers to a deity in charge of 'war'? His soldiers were the statue-like Inorganic Life forms Phainon had just dealt with..." Okkotsu subconsciously linked them to the Antimatter Legion under 【Destruction】.

Itadori scratched his head. "Oh... it seems Phainon is quite famous locally. No wonder he's so strong."

"But the people here seem quite ignorant overall. Prayers, priests... it feels like we've traveled back two thousand years in time." Atsuya Kusakabe pointed at the old man's robe and shawl on the Celestial Screen. "His clothes are very similar to Ancient Greek style, even the naming style is similar. If Amphoreus's level of culture is modeled after Ancient Greece, then Nicadori and Janus probably don't have physical forms but are deities within the mythological system they created."

"But those monsters aren't mythical creatures. Those statues with bows and blades really do kill people," Yuta Okkotsu reminded him. "And that old man mentioned the 'end times'... it seems this world is on the brink of destruction."

"Heh, you can't take the words 'end times' seriously when they come from these ignorant old priests."

Shoko stubbed out her cigarette and spoke flatly, "On Earth alone, many religions and myths mention the concept of an apocalypse—some say the world will be destroyed, others say the gods will judge us; there are all sorts. These doomsday prophecies have been circulating for thousands of years, and humanity is still doing just fine. Ultimately, if you don't fabricate an imminent apocalypse, how can you create a sense of urgency and attract followers? I bet these people following the Titan of 'Thresholds' have had this doomsday script memorized for a thousand years."

——

【"Apologies, Lord Chrysos Heir, for making you witness such a scene. And these two are...?"】

【Phainon explained: "They also come from afar; they are travelers heading to the Holy City. I remember you are... Virtus? Just call me Phainon. What happened just now?"】

【"It is an honor that Lord Phainon remembers my name. We are priests from Janusopolis. Our home was destroyed by the army of the Titan of 【Strife】, and we've been wandering ever since." Virtus's expression was sorrowful and his voice trembled. "A few days ago, I watched another companion die at the hands of those monsters. I finally reached my breaking point... so I prayed to Okhema. I didn't expect the response to come so quickly. I thought I'd have enough time to convince Mr. Nodus, but I didn't expect you all to arrive so fast..."】

【"The taxi arrived before the passenger even left the house?"】

【Dan Heng: "I don't understand what you're talking about... Also, that old man just mentioned the 【end times】 and said nowhere in Amphoreus is safe. May I ask what that..."】

【Virtus looked at Dan Heng in surprise: "Sir, do you really not know? This is clearly a prophecy known to every household—"】

【Just as he was about to explain, Phainon interrupted him: "Virtus, the priority is to persuade Mr. Nodus to come back. The Chongyuan is full of vicious enemies everywhere. They have no way to protect themselves and could be in danger at any moment."】

【Seeing that the two of them were exceptionally skilled, Phainon wanted to ask them to make the trip. Additionally, he would have Teacher Tribbie accompany them to answer all their doubts.】

【"Let's discuss this."】

【Dan Heng pulled Stelle aside and lowered his voice: "Phainon just stopped me from questioning the refugees and said that girl would answer our questions. The meaning is clear."】

【"Is he hiding something from us?"】

【"No." Dan Heng shook his head. "In his view, what needs to be guarded against even more is letting others discover that you and I know nothing about this world. He wants to hide the fact that we are 'visitors from beyond the skies'."】