Yoshi clenched his fists, his face twisted with fury, while Lyra's tears streamed freely. The demoness stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction.

"But now, I no longer need the relic’s power to finish you both," she sneered. "With your so-called savior out of the picture, it’s just us left."

Lyra’s aura flared uncontrollably, mighty gusts swirling around her in a tempest of grief and rage. Her power threatened to spiral out of control, but Yoshi stepped forward, placing a calming hand on her shoulder. "Lyra," he said firmly, his voice steady. "Stay with me. We can do this—together."

Lyra took a deep breath, wiping her tears as her aura steadied. Her gaze locked onto the demoness with fiery determination. "Joseph didn’t sacrifice himself for nothing," she said, her voice shaking with resolve. "I won’t let his death be in vain. I will make you pay."

The demoness laughed mockingly, her voice echoing with contempt. "Yes, that’s it! Show me your rage. But know this—there’s no turning back now. The dead cannot be revived, and not even your combined efforts can undo the relic’s wrath."

With a primal roar, Yoshi and Lyra surged forward, their auras blazing as they charged the demoness simultaneously. The ground trembled beneath their feet, the air crackling with energy as the battle reached its climax. The demoness met their charge head-on, her dark energy swirling around her like a storm, prepared to crush their resolve—or be destroyed in the process.

After making contact with the Relic of Death, Joseph found himself transported to another realm. He stood on a tranquil, empty beach where the sun cast its golden rays over the gently flowing water. Birds chirped melodiously as they soared through the bright sky. The atmosphere was serene, almost otherworldly. Joseph could feel the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the breeze on his skin, the sand beneath his feet soft and temperate, scattered with seashells, cowries, and other mesmerizing treasures.

He surveyed his surroundings. To his right, there was nothing but the endless expanse of the beach. Turning to his left, he noticed something—or someone—he hadn’t seen before: a lone figure seated at the edge of a weathered wooden bridge, gazing out at the horizon.

Confused and slightly disoriented, Joseph turned back to his right, but again, there was no one there. When he turned to his left once more, he now found himself standing just behind the mysterious figure. It was a woman. Though he hadn’t yet seen her face, her presence exuded an undeniable beauty. Her long, flowing white hair cascaded gracefully down her shoulders and back, gleaming like moonlight.

"Excuse me, miss," Joseph called hesitantly, trying to get her attention.

The woman didn’t turn to look at him. Instead, with a gentle motion of her hand, she patted the spot beside her, inviting him to sit. Without hesitation, Joseph accepted the silent offer, lowering himself to the edge of the bridge.

"Isn’t it beautiful? The view, Joseph," she said softly, her voice melodic yet serene. A faint smile played on her lips, though she still didn’t turn to face him.

Joseph was about to respond, but her words flowed again, silencing him as he listened.

"I’ve often wondered about humanity," she mused. "Their attitude toward my gift is so peculiar. Why do they fear the Sunless Lands? It is as natural to die as it is to be born."

Her words carried a weight that Joseph could feel in his chest.

"Perhaps people aren’t ready for my gift. Yet, they receive it regardless, no matter the circumstances. In the end, we all stand alone. The Sunless Lands are distant, and the journey to them is hard. But most are grateful for the company of a friend."

She paused, the distant waves lapping softly against the shore.

"Looking back now, it’s almost funny," she continued, her voice tinged with both sorrow and joy. "I used to think I had to do this alone."

She smiled more openly now, though she still didn’t meet his gaze.

"But I’m not alone," she said warmly. "At the end, I’m there with them. I hold their hand, and they hold mine. Together, we face the Sunless Lands. It’s not solitude—it’s connection. A shared moment. A shared understanding."

Her hand gently reached for his, and Joseph felt a warmth unlike anything he had ever experienced. It wasn’t just physical; it resonated within his very soul, a comfort that made him feel safe and whole.

"The only reason any of us exist—you, me, Life, Death, the Gods, the chosen Mortals and Immortals, Desire, Despair, all of us—is to serve them. It isn’t about quests or seeking purpose outside of our function. Our purpose is our function."

Finally, she turned to him. Her eyes, deep and ancient, met his, filled with understanding and quiet strength.

"We’re here for them," she said, her voice a blend of wisdom and compassion. "And since I realized that, I’ve understood something else: I need them just as much as they need me."

She was stunningly beautiful, dark in complexion with striking blue eyes that mirrored the endless sea. Her glowing skin was so smooth and reflective that Joseph could see his own image within it, like a mirror. But as he sat there, admiring her serene presence, the atmosphere began to shift.

The once tranquil sky darkened as a storm began to brew on the horizon. The wind howled violently, carrying an ominous chill that made the air heavy. Joseph instinctively looked up, his heart racing as he saw jagged lightning cutting through the approaching tempest. The serenity of the moment was unraveling into chaos.

He started to rise, intending to leave, but the woman gripped his hand firmly, her touch unyielding. He turned to look at her, and in that instant, a bolt of lightning illuminated the sky. Its fleeting glow cast an eerie light over her, revealing a second figure—a shadowy presence beside her.

Joseph’s breath caught in his throat as he realized who it was. Her other self. Death.

Before his very eyes, her dark complexion morphed into a pale, ghostly white, and her ocean-blue eyes turned a stark, lifeless white before shifting to a blood-red hue that exuded a chilling intensity. Her long white hair blackened, cascading down like strands of midnight.

Her once flawless form became grotesque. The right side of her body transformed into a skeletal frame, bare and devoid of flesh, while the left was a horrifying mixture of cracked bone and decayed, tattered skin that clung in patches, some pieces crumbling away. Maggots wriggled through the exposed flesh, joined by other vile insects feasting on the remains of what she had been.

Her grip on Joseph's hand grew colder—colder than ice, colder than the harshest winter or harmattan winds. The sheer chill pierced through him, chilling his very soul. His eyes widened in terror as he stammered, "You’re... D-d-death... You’re Death!"

As his words trembled in the air, the world around him transformed. The serene beach he had marveled at moments ago dissolved into a scene of unrelenting horror. The once pristine ocean was now a vast, churning sea of blood, its waves crashing with a sickening sound. The sun in the sky had vanished, replaced by a grotesque fusion of the sun and moon, both glowing a sinister blood-red.

The air itself had become toxic, thick and flammable, making it almost unbearable to breathe. The birds that once chirped joyfully were now horrifying, deformed creatures with twisted bodies. Some flew ablaze, screaming in ghastly tones, yet remained unharmed by the flames that engulfed them.

To his right, the beach was a vivid, visceral red, as if soaked in fresh blood. To his left, it was a void of darkness, blacker than any earthly night, deeper than the void of eternal nothingness. It was an abyss that seemed to consume all light, its depth immeasurable and suffocating.

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The sand beneath him, once scattered with seashells and beautiful trinkets, was now littered with decayed corpses and grotesque remains. Piles of decomposed flesh, ruptured organs, and maggot-ridden bodies stretched across the beach, forming a grotesque landscape. The wooden bridge he had been sitting on had turned into a grotesque structure of shattered bones and human skulls, stacked in a macabre parody of its former shape.

The world itself had become a nightmare, a twisted reflection of life's inevitable end, and Joseph was trapped in its horrifying embrace.

Joseph swallowed hard, his throat dry as the weight of his situation settled upon him. The reality of what he was now facing, the very core of his existence unraveling, hit him like a tidal wave. After a long moment of silence, he broke it with a question that had been plaguing him.

“Am I dead?” he asked, his voice trembling.

“That depends on you, Joseph,” Death replied calmly, her tone measured, almost soothing. “If you believe you are, then you are.”

Joseph’s mind raced, struggling to comprehend his surroundings. “What are you?” he asked, desperate to clear the fog of confusion swirling around him.

“I am both life and death,” she answered. “But right now, I am Death.”

Joseph’s brow furrowed, his thoughts tangled in disbelief. “This never happened when I touched the treasure of Life,” he said, his voice faltering. “What happened to Life?”

Death smiled cryptically, her gaze never leaving him. “We both work in mysterious ways,” she said softly. “We reveal ourselves only to those we choose.”

She paused for a moment, her presence enveloping him in a calm, unsettling silence. “You may leave my domain whenever you wish, Joseph,” she continued. “But for now, I would like your company for a while longer.”

Despite the chaos around him, an odd sense of ease washed over Joseph, and the two of them began to converse, hours slipping by unnoticed. Their discussion was strange, philosophical even, as though time itself had no meaning in this place. But Death’s true intentions had yet to surface.

“But there’s something else I need from you, Joseph,” she said suddenly, her voice now laced with an undertone of urgency.

Joseph, still trying to make sense of everything, turned his full attention to her. “And what would that be?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Death leaned closer, her breath cool against his ear as she whispered her desires to him. The words that passed her lips were stunning, shocking to Joseph’s very core. His eyes widened in disbelief, and his breath caught in his throat.

He stood frozen, speechless, as the weight of her request sank in. She looked at him with a knowing, cryptic smile, sensing his internal turmoil. He could feel his body tremble with unease, though he didn’t fully understand why.

“Don’t tell me you’re scared of a little fun, Joseph,” Death teased, her smile now sinister, her eyes gleaming with an enigmatic light. “Do this, and your desires will be granted. Perhaps, one day, I might return the favor to you as well.”

Joseph hesitated, uncertainty gnawing at him, but after what felt like an eternity of internal conflict, he finally made his decision. He fulfilled Death’s desires, forging a bond between them—one that was unlike anything he had ever imagined. In that moment, something ancient and profound stirred within him. The connection that formed was more than just a shared experience; it was an evolution—a shift that reverberated through the cosmic hierarchy of immortals. It was a bond that transcended the boundaries of life and death itself, altering the very fabric of existence.

Was this Death’s plan all along, or had both Life and Death reconsidered and decided to let it unfold as it had? Whatever the truth, the consequences of their union would ripple through all of creation, beyond comprehension.

***

Meanwhile, Yoshi and Lyra eventually defeated the demoness through their combined effort and precise strategy. As the battle reached its conclusion, the demoness, weakened and cornered, smirked with defiance.

"You think you've won?" she sneered, her voice dripping with malice. "You will never undo my deeds, nor will you ever revive your precious Joseph without the relic!" Her laughter echoed maniacally as if mocking their efforts.

In that moment, Lyra, her eyes blazing with divine fury, activated her ultimate skill: The All-Seeing Eye of the Almighty. A radiant beam of celestial energy erupted from her, consuming the demoness entirely. Her laughter was cut short as her form disintegrated, vanquished for good.

As the battle ended, Yoshi and Lyra turned their attention to Joseph’s stone form. They stood in silence, the weight of his sacrifice heavy in the air. Neither could find words to express their grief.

“He saved us both,” Yoshi finally said, his voice trembling. “He sacrificed himself so that we might live. Joseph, you’ll always be remembered in our hearts, and the world will know of your selfless act.”

They bowed their heads in solemn silence to honor him. Then, something extraordinary happened. A faint cracking sound broke the stillness, drawing their attention. They watched in awe as thin cracks began to spread across the statue’s surface, emanating a bright, radiant light.

The cracks widened, the light growing more intense until it engulfed the statue entirely. Then, in a burst of brilliance, the stone shattered, and Joseph stood before them—alive and whole. His body showed no trace of his previous injuries, and the Relic of Death rested safely in his hand, seemingly untouched.

Yoshi and Lyra were speechless, their eyes wide with disbelief and joy. Without hesitation, Lyra rushed forward, embracing Joseph warmly, her emotions overwhelming her.

“Wow! That’s a first!” Joseph teased, his voice light despite the moment's weight.

“Shut up,” Lyra muttered, brushing away tears as she pulled back slightly.

“Wait... were you crying for me?” Joseph asked with a playful grin, earning a light punch to his chest.

“Ouch! That hurt a little,” he joked, his smile widening.

Yoshi, unable to contain himself, stepped forward and embraced Joseph tightly. “Don’t you ever scare us like that again,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

“You’ve got it, boss!” Joseph replied, his humor softening the tension.

As they stepped back, their curiosity about his revival grew. Joseph shared a vague summary of his encounter, mentioning a brief meeting with Life before facing Death herself. However, he carefully omitted details about the bond he had forged with Death and the cryptic desires she had shared.

For now, they were simply grateful. Together, the three stood, united once more, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

With its power, he was able to undo the damage that had been done, breathing life back into the dead. One by one, the deceased rose again, as if time itself had been reversed, and the balance of life and death shifted once more.

The bond between Joseph and Death would change everything—and its impact would echo through the cosmos for eternity.

Arriving at the gates of Iwakuni, Yoshi, Lyra, and Joseph were greeted by a sight of restored life and order. The city, once ravaged by chaos, now teemed with vibrancy. As they entered, the citizens erupted into cheers, celebrating their safe return. The city lord approached them, flanked by his wife, two beautiful young daughters, council members, and warriors led by the Knight Huntress, Futaba Suginami. Among them was a familiar face—the traveler who had once journeyed with Yoshi and his companions.

The city lord expressed his gratitude with heartfelt thanks, and in a show of unity, all the people of Iwakuni knelt in reverence before their saviors. Yoshi, moved by the gesture, asked them to rise, emphasizing the shared effort that brought about their victory. The city lord then formally introduced his family and council members before inviting the trio to the council hall for further discussions.

In the council hall, Joseph handed the Relic of Death to the city lord, who placed it in a sealed case, personally ensuring its safekeeping. A warrior was dispatched to secure it in a guarded chamber.

Futaba Suginami, introducing herself as a Tier-12, F-Rank Armiger Knight Huntress, recounted the events leading up to the city’s downfall. As a monster by species and a defender against mountain-level threats, her role typically involved protecting smaller regions and combating local monster attacks. However, the situation escalated rapidly.

“At first, we managed to fend off the low-ranking monsters,” Futaba explained, her tone heavy with regret. “But then, stronger monsters arrived, and before we could recover, a horde of high-ranking supernaturals—demons—descended upon the city. They weren’t just fighting; they were annihilating everything in their path—monsters, warriors, civilians alike. We were utterly overwhelmed.”

Her voice faltered as she recounted her demise, having fallen in battle only to awaken after the relic’s activation. She expressed gratitude for their efforts to not only retrieve the relic but to restore life and hope to the city.

The city lord and council members echoed her sentiments, offering the trio tokens of appreciation and extending an invitation to stay and celebrate their victory. Yoshi and his companions graciously accepted, joining the city’s grand festival, which lasted from noon until dawn.

During the celebration, Yoshi, Lyra, and Joseph were hailed as guests of honor. While Yoshi and Lyra mingled with the citizens, Joseph explored the city on his own, crossing paths with Futaba. She introduced him to other warriors, and together they shared stories, laughter, and camaraderie.

The next morning, as the city stirred to life, Yoshi and his companions prepared to depart. The city lord and the people of Iwakuni bid them heartfelt farewells, their voices filled with gratitude and hope. With their next destination set—the village of Kurohama, rumored to house the Treasure of Order—the trio embarked on a journey that would take them thirty-three days.

Meanwhile, back in Iwakuni, the sealed chamber housing the Relic of Death became the stage for a sinister turn of events. The city lord’s wife dismissed the guards on duty, her demeanor calm yet unsettling. Left alone with the relic, her eyes flickered with an eerie darkness as she approached the sealed case.

Opening it, she retrieved the relic, feeling its immense power coursing through her. Her eyes turned completely black as she whispered, “Oh, Lyra, Yoshi, and Joseph... this is just the beginning of the end.”

A flood of memories surged through her—memories of betrayal from the realm above and the contingency plan she had meticulously devised. She was the demoness they had vanquished, her essence having been infused into the real city lord’s wife long before these events unfolded. This foresight ensured her survival even after the destruction of her primary form.

Her lips curled into a malevolent smile. “You restored balance to the city,” she murmured, “but you’ve unwittingly set the stage for your undoing.”