Malice crashed from the sky after being struck down by her own daughter's arrow. Yerin approached the fallen Monarch, only to find that Malice was stubbornly clinging to life. Her survival was surprising, considering the finality aura of Mercy's shot.

[Hah, another Monarch has succumbed to my perfect planning]. Dross proudly remarked, [She is already on the brink of death, beyond recovery. Let's finish her and get ready for the Remnant.]

Yerin nodded, "Better this way. Mercy won't have the blood on her hands and I only see another monster here."

Malice, her breathing ragged and strained, summoned the last reserves of strength to speak with a hint of prideful defiance. "I have witnessed your failures and the dire consequences they entail. Your actions will leave the world in a state far worse than before." Malice coughed up blood as she continue, "The Empty One will forever be cunning and awake, roaming effortlessly across continents with its labyrinth, ruling over all living beings with an iron fist. You accuse me of monstrosity, yet you, with your ignorance, will give birth to a true monster."

Yerin's expression flickered momentarily, caught off guard by the dying Monarch's words. But she quickly regained her composure, her voice firm. "See only what's good for your hypocrisy, huh?"

"I have glimpsed a potential future, and if it exists within my visions, then it must exist in reality. I refuse to leave my kingdom's fate to the whims of a Dreadgod. I do not gamble my legacy on chance, nor do I allow others to dictate my destiny, again."

"Bleed me, such audacity on your deathbed."

"Having my own daughter end me... I am not the villain, you are," Malice managed to whisper, her eyes flickering with a mix of pain and resignation.

Yerin felt her anger suddenly raging, and the Death Icon materialized above her as she evoked the Phoenix Song. The attempt was effortless as her Icon and the technique resonated with each other for a singular purpose. She would condemn this monster before her to death and claim its power for the greater good.

Her sword plunged into the Monarch's heart, and Akura Malice took her last breath. Yerin steeled herself against the boundless stream of power and memory floating into her.

[You must stop, we should do it more slowly.] Dross warned as Yerin abruptly severed the flow before getting overwhelmed, directing the energy back to the Monarch's Remnant.

While she had previously mastered the Remnants of a Herald and a Sage, Monarchs' Remnant could prove more formidable. However, as a Monarch with the authority of Death, Yerin felt strangely confident in her control of the emerging Remnant, or at least in her ability to eliminate it.

A haunting specter rose from the lifeless corpse, cloaked in tattered and frayed robes with a visage bearing a twisted and malevolent expression. It exuded an air of haughty pride and a devouring darkness, as a lingering shadow simmered in the surrounding. Blood-red stains trickled from a trace of the stabbing wound in its chest, as the Remnant began to struggle, resisting being dominated.

Yerin tried to reign over the unyielding will, bending the Remnant's spirit to her command.

"You have already failed," she hissed at the shadow. "So, in death, bury it for the sake of your own clan and daughter." Unexpectedly, the Remnant slowly ceased its struggle and adopted a docile demeanor, its expression turning contemplative.

Yerin absentmindedly willed the Remnant into her void key, it was best to be kept from Mercy's view for now. She also had more pressing matters to consider at the moment.

"Dross, how likely was it?"

"There are too many variables, and I cannot provide a concrete probability for the future Malice foresaw. It is certainly not high, but nor is it as low as we would desire, I'm afraid. Our original plan was disrupted when Lindon was abruptly summoned away, the hunger madra has barely dissipated, and we may require additional Monarchs to vanquish the remaining Dreadgods. The sudden surge in hunger madra after slaying the Phoenix and the Titan may be enough to consume Lindon's mind even with my support. And even in the most favorable scenario for concluding this upcoming battle, there is a chance of new Monarchs emerging in due time without anyone to force them to ascend. Lindon's transformation into a Dreadgod also cannot be ruled out in such an event."

Yerin trembled at Dross's response. She had been tormented by the prospect of leaving Lindon behind for unknown years apart. But now, the realization cut even deeper, slicing through her heart like a jagged blade.

No longer the powerless Jade who once stood on the sidelines as her master fought, she had ascended to the zenith of power as a Monarch. Yet, despite her newfound power, the cruel irony persisted: Yerin might have to leave the survival of a loved one to the unpredictable whims of fate yet again.

=====

Emriss only had a connection to two Icons: the Oracle Icon, in the shape of an all-seeing eye, and the Life Icon, in the fitting form of a flowering tree.

For Emriss, trees were undeniably the embodiment of Life. They epitomized growth, resilience, and lasting existence, firmly grounded while aspiring towards the heavens. Trees symbolized the interconnectedness of all living beings, with their branches, leaves, and roots representing family, community, and the intricate web of life.

In fact, most of the Life Sages in her kingdom had the tree for the Icon. However, the Icon also had other representations. She used to know a farmer who manifested a pristine, flawless egg as his Life Icon. Well, that also made sense. The egg symbolized nascent life, fragile but whole, as well as the potential for growth and transformation, fertility and rebirth. Comprehension of this new form did strengthen her connection to her own authority.

Indeed, the number of Icons did not indicate power, it only signified versatility. Emriss preferred depth.

Nonetheless, with enough comprehension, some combinations of Icons, like hers, could have certain useful applications. In particular, helping others understand and resonate with their spirit, just as what she was going to do for young Ziel.

The Shield Sage sat cross-legged on the grass with stars overhead and green runes spinning around him. He’d formed a typical Herald circle, at her direction, but was having trouble manifesting his Remnant. His shaggy hair blew in the wind, and he frowned in concentration, his emerald horns glowing slightly. Living green madra flickered and tried to manifest in front of him as he concentrated intensely.

This was the problem all Sages have to overcome to advance. With their mind and body get exposed to the external world with the connection to an Icon, the spirit was further left behind. It will take extra effort, even compared to the advancement to Herald, to realign the spirit with the body for the advancement to Monarch.

Lindon had been trying to tackle that problem conventionally, albeit more forcefully, by jamming Ziel’s spirit full of power. That method would have worked, as a matter of fact, though not without an intense battle to subjugate the Remnant and forcefully dominate it with the host's will. Such high dosing was also not the best for long-term growth, though that is not much of a problem if one intended to ascend soon.

Emriss, however, was able to take a more subtle approach, superior, as she may claim.

She traced the symbol of an eye in shining purple-and-green light over Ziel’s head. “See yourself,” she commanded.

Well, insight could not be forced, but it could be taught. And Emriss was the best teacher.

As Emriss finished helping Ziel, she noticed a restless and haunted expression on Yerin's face as the girl searched for her. It was clear that Yerin had a multitude of thoughts weighing heavily on her mind.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

While Emriss understood Yerin's desire to join Lindon in battle, they had previously agreed to wait for the right moment. So she gave Yerin a reproving look, as the girl should be assisting Mercy in manifesting Icon then. However, before Emriss could say anything, Yerin spoke up.

"Bleed me but I can't even comfort Mercy, let alone help her advance. Never good at teaching myself; that's usually Eithan and Lindon's job. She'll need your help," Yerin admitted, her frustration evident. After a brief pause, she continued, "And I need your help too."

Curious, Emriss followed Yerin as she led her into a remote room. From her Void key, Yerin let out two shadows—a blood-red skeleton and a red-stained black scepter. Emriss recognized that these were the Remnants of Red Faith and Akura Malice.

Yerin gestured towards Malice's Remnant and began to explain, "Malice saw a future, and Dross confirmed the possibility. Lindon may become a Dreadgod, even if the plan is executed perfectly."

Realization washed over Emriss, leaving her daunted by the weight of the situation. "Yes, but I thought everyone already knew. Furthermore, there isn't much more we can do now. Everything is already in motion," Emriss replied.

Interrupting their conversation, Dross interjected, [Lindon only allowed me to share the plan, not the possibility of its failure.]

Yerin's expression hardened, and she spoke with determination. "There's one more possibility I want to explore. I've asked Dross to analyze it. However, my Dross is, well, inadequate at the moment," Yerin explained. Before Dross could protest, she forcefully continued, "He needs to focus on helping Lindon with his fight. He said your assistance would be appreciated."

As Yerin concluded, Dross reached out for Emriss' dream madra. Emriss allowed him access to her madra, along with her vast network of knowledge. She also felt her connection to Yerin, as well as the two Remnants, was established.

Realization dawned on her as the thoughts of the young Monarch crossed her mind. She regarded Yerin with new admiration, recognizing the immense bravery and determination it must take to consider such an endeavor and commit to it.

Information request: Possibility of Yerin Arelius taking over the Bleeding Phoenix.

Beginning report…

The knowledge surrounding the replacement of a Dreadgod remains limited, with Wei Shi Lindon Arelius assuming the role of a new Slumbering Wraith as the sole documented instance. This transformation was initiated voluntarily by the former Subject One, and Lindon's possession of the hunger aspect and Void Icon rendered him uniquely equipped for a gradual change into a new Slumbering Wraith, a pure embodiment of hunger.

It can be inferred that the process necessitates compatible madra and authority, as well as a transfer of will, whether voluntary or potentially forced. However, unlike the Slumbering Wraith, the other four Dreadgods possess authority not only over hunger but also over their respective domains, having corrupted the very essence they represent.

Yerin Arelius's madra perfectly aligns with the Bleeding Phoenix, and her authority through the Death Icon exerts a significant yet ultimately insufficient influence on the Bleeding Phoenix's domain. Her blood shadow, a lesser manifestation of the Phoenix itself, has been fortified through various means, including exposure to the authorities of all Monarchs. Her unprecedented fusion with the shadow, subsequent ascension to the level of Monarch, and the development of Phoenix Song, a consume technique, offer a promising but incalculable increase in potential.

Nevertheless, given that a forceful transfer of will would likely require eliminating the authority of the Bleeding Phoenix, the current advantages are considered far from adequate. Emerging victorious in a contest of will against an empowered Bleeding Phoenix is an exceedingly difficult undertaking with a highly improbable chance of success.

To enhance the odds, Yerin should first master her connection to the Bleeding Phoenix. She should also gain further comprehension of the domains controlled by the Phoenix. The most promising authorities to explore, given the available resources, are the Blood Icon, the Crown Icon, the Life Icon, and the Void Icon.

Suggested topic: Possible plans to confront the Bleeding Phoenix

Denied, report complete.

As Dross reported the analysis, Emriss's mind also shifted through the information and possibilities. As the oldest Monarch, she understood the Dreadgods better than most. She had successfully contained the will of the Silent King for hundreds of years.

Besides the Silent King, it was the Bleeding Phoenix that she held in the greatest contempt. While the Titan and Dragon could cause immense destruction, the Bleeding Phoenix represented corruption and dominion over life itself. It was a parasite to the world, spreading its spawn across the land and drawing power from every infected living being.

To defeat it, they would need to exhaust its reserves, which meant the loss of millions of lives currently under its control. With this plan, the lives held hostage by the Phoenix might be saved. It was a worthy goal, regardless of the plausibility.

Emriss may not be able to process information as quickly or accurately as Dross, but she had an advantage. With her understanding of the Oracle Icon, she could catch glimpses of the future. Her view was not limited by probability but only by existence and intention. And she smiled at a satisfactory outcome.

Emriss noticed Yerin's shoulders slump at the discouraging conclusion. She encouraged her, saying, "Do not feel too down, child. It is a worthy goal. And even if you do not succeed, we may find a way to fight the Phoenix better in the process. You will have my full support."

Yerin's expression brightened a little, and she asked, "Do you have any advice for me?"

Emriss smiled and replied, "I don't know the exact path, but I have seen a positive outcome. Trust yourself. Search within you and find the power you already possess that will help you defeat the Phoenix."

=====

Yerin's mind was consumed by contemplation as Emriss departed to assist Mercy.

Red Faith had volunteered to let her use the consume technique on him, making it easier for Yerin to gain his insights. He was incredibly supportive of her goal, revealing that taking over the Phoenix had been his long-lost ambition.

With the Death Icon now in her possession, Yerin could easily evoke the technique. She could even sever the trickle of energy flowing from the Remnants into her, preserving them.

Yerin had also stopped drawing energy from the Remnant of Malice. Not only was processing Malice's madra distracting, but Yerin also wanted to avoid destroying the Remnant in case it could help Mercy somehow. It is also because the Monarch Remnant remained surprisingly docile, despite occasionally sending her petty ridicule or insult.

To understand her connection with the Phoenix, Yerin needed to reach deeper into her memories. She sought Dross's assistance in uncovering her past as Ruby. While she was Ruby and Ruby was her now, there were certain dormant aspects of Ruby that remained hidden away.

It was the past when she was a parasite residing inside a young girl—herself, the memory of slaughtering the girl's parents—her own parents. Where Yerin felt hatred, Ruby felt shame. As much as Yerin despised the Phoenix, Ruby was deeply ashamed of their connection. And the shame was always more agonizing.

But Yerin didn't shy away from any of it. Instead, she tapped into the instinct of a blood shadow, catching glimpses of buried insight into the Bleeding Phoenix.

Yerin sought understanding, attempting to manifest the insight with Dross's amplification. She felt the surrounding drops of blood aura harmonizing into a symphony and her blood madra settled in an unfamiliar cycling pattern on its own. A vague presence formed inside her soul as part of her consciousness drifted into darkness and then gradually returned to life.

[Keep going.] Dross urged her, though Yerin also had no intention of stopping. Knowing she was delving into the most fundamental aspect of the Phoenix, she persisted in the peculiar state, continuing to feed madra and life force to the indistinct presence of her own self. Finally, a sudden jolt surged through her mind and soul, as if experiencing the sensations of both Ruby and Yerin when they were first separated.

When Yerin opened her eyes again, she was sitting beside herself. It was like looking at a reflection in a mirror, except now she existed on both sides. One of her appeared in her normal form, while the other took the shape of the long-lost blood shadow. The two versions of herself were not entirely separated; they overlapped a quarter of their bodies, connected at their shoulders and knees.

Red Faith's Remnant was jumping and waving his hands in excitement as Dross chimed in, voice full of smug pride, [Hahaha, behold my greatness. Thank me now for just helping you unlock an awesome bloodline ability. You look very weird now though. Could you just not, like, separate completely? At least I'm not stuck with my other self like that. Imagine the inconvenience.]

Her two bodies, Yerin and Ruby, both smirked back at her red Dross in synchrony.

She knew they were one and the same, with identical memory and madra, sharing each other's thoughts.

But this would be the first step towards gaining a chance against the Bleeding Phoenix. And it was clear who would ask the next questions and who would answer.

"Well, I've lost a leg now. With that much fear, how are we supposed to kill the bird?" Yerin raised her left leg, and Ruby's right leg rose in response.

"We start by acknowledging our fear," Ruby said, moving her right hand, and Yerin's left hand followed suit, gently tapping Yerin's chin.

"And then?" The tap transformed into a gentle pinch.

"We cut it away."