When Rod and Bossivale arrived at the Holy Fire Sacrificial Ground, that figure was standing in front of the Holy Fire, his back to them.
Though it had only been a few dozen days since they last met, Rod felt as if it had been decades.
The former King always gave him an overwhelming sense, as if a colossal mountain stood before him, yet its vastness remained vague, like a mountain shrouded in mist.
But now, that feeling had vanished.
Standing before him was no longer a giant mountain but the universe itself.
It was so vast and profound, seemingly endless.
Rod stood before it like a tiny mayfly piercing through the clouds, witnessing the azure sky.
He could hardly believe it; he always thought the King was strong but hadn't imagined this level of strength.
After becoming a mighty monarch, he once assumed he could stand on par with the King.
