It was now painfully obvious—
Kalbira had planned everything long before this moment.
Unless both she and Kartora managed to merge their divine thrones at the stage of Fake God, neither of them could ever ascend to True Godhood.
That was the truth hidden behind their conflict.
And it was precisely for this reason that Kartora had once asked Daniel to duplicate her soul, hoping to create a way to escape that fatal paradox.
Kalbira's gaze shimmered faintly with mockery as she looked at Daniel.
"So, Lord Crossbridge, what do you intend to do?" she asked softly.
"Will you choose to stay here with me—forever—and perhaps, someday, prevent me from reaching Demigod Rank?"
She tilted her head slightly, her tone deceptively gentle.
"After all, as long as I remain below Demigod, there's still a chance… perhaps, someday, Kartora might ascend instead."
Her crimson lips curved into a half-smile.
"But if you walk away now, then Kartora's fate is sealed. She'll never become a true god."
