Page 115 of Axis of Fire

I felt Airis go still as he listened.

“And no, I’m not planning to hurt anyone... unless someone comes after the people I care about.”

Silence followed.

Several long seconds of it.

Then Airis pulled me toward him while stepping back at the same time.

Away from the column.

Only then did he let go.

I noticed the subtle shift in his expression.

Softer.

Which somehow surprised me.

“The Temple of Nereida is also called the Sanctuary of Truth,” Airis said at last. “If someone lies here, the temple collapses from the inside and buries every liar alive.”

My stomach dropped.

I couldn’t move.

“And if I’d lied about something small?” I asked, trying to suppress the anger flaring inside me. “We would’ve been buried alive over something stupid?”

“Then that would’ve been my mistake.”

He shrugged.

Carelessly.

“And honestly, we should probably leave before you decide to lie out of spite.”

With that, he turned and headed toward the exit without waiting for me.

“So the shameless flirting was necessary too?” I demanded, following after him with my hands clenched into fists.

“I wanted to touch you again.”

I noticed that when Airis said it, he still hadn’t crossed the temple threshold.

And nothing collapsed.

The Temple of Nereida

After the creation of the Twelve Realms, each Energy brought forth six inhabitants who were meant to become the foundation of civilization within their world.

According to the ancient archives of Utararus—the Realm of Light—Nereida was the first to truly understand her purpose.

Through discipline, logic, justice, and careful planning, she began shaping life within Utararus.

Under her guidance, the inhabitants of the Realm of Light learned responsibility, diligence, and order, becoming the first civilization among the Twelve Realms to achieve true prosperity.

It was the descendants of Nereida who later aided the remaining realms, sharing their knowledge and helping new civilizations flourish.

For her unwavering devotion, honesty, and tireless service, the Energy of Light declared Nereida a Saint and bestowed upon her the sacred title of Justice.