Oth’kimeth seethed with unyielding rage. The weight of defeat hung heavy upon him, a constant reminder of Daruman's demise and the resurrection of Orziel. Even the death of the imbecile Makiel failed to alleviate it. No, his chaotic fury at the Way's Order, entwined with the perpetual sense of emptiness, had never ceased.
Driven by revenge, he had arrived at Iteration 110, concealing himself within the depths of the Void. It was in this very realm that Orziel had taken his first breath, where both Oth’kimeth and Daruman had tasted the bitter sting of defeat, their once indomitable conquest brought to a halt.
While he dared not single-handedly plunge Cradle into the Void, for the Albidan was still hunting him, the turmoil that must follow Makiel's demise presented an opportunity. Amidst the chaos, no one would notice a subtle interference.
This world was already on a treacherous crossroad to destruction, and he would only need to nudge it slightly towards an inevitable end.
=====
Yerin had confronted the Bleeding Phoenix multiple times, but this would be the last. She glared up in utter disdain at the Phoenix, now taking the form of a malevolent woman with wings that seemed to eclipse the very sky itself. Its fiery gaze pierced through the Monarchs, reducing them to nothing more than insignificant pawns in its grand design.
Yerin initiated the final battle, unleashing her master's technique. The Final Sword resonated with her Death Icon, empowering her strikes. Six blades of energy, shining silver and red, were released from her Goldsigns, carrying a lethal intent as they cut into the Phoenix's body. Blood and hunger madra scattered in the air, and Yerin eagerly absorbed them, taking the essence for herself.
The Bleeding Phoenix's body was purely metaphysical, akin to countless mindless Remnants fused together. Its composition defied the typical construction of all living beings, including Dreadgods, seemingly granting it immortality. However, this very nature made it vulnerable to being disassembled and consumed by Yerin's Phoenix Song, as was occurring at that precise moment.
[In other words, you were made to fight the Phoenix.] Yerin smiled in response to Dross's final comment, though much of his previous explanation had flown over her head.
Whenever the influx of energy became overwhelming for her and Dross to process, she would redirect the excess energy into the Remnants of Red Faith and Malice with the technique of Emriss. Red Faith exalted in the familiar stream of madra, eagerly crushing the remaining will within it and growing stronger. Meanwhile, Malice grudgingly purified what she could, allowing the rest to trickle away.
"So you finally find a way back to me, daughter," the whisper of the Bleeding Phoenix resounded through her entire spirit, its voice a chilling echo that seemingly froze her body. But Yerin brushed aside the suffocating oppression and swiftly teleported away with her Moonlight Bridge. With the other Monarchs engaging the Phoenix, she should remain hidden and focus on building up power for now.
Suddenly, a disorienting jolt threw Yerin miles away from the battle. Cursing under her breath, Yerin realized the audacious interference of Reigan Shen. At least the treacherous Monarch hadn't managed to send her right in front of a fatal attack. However, the cat needed to be dealt with now.
Keeping part of her attention on her Moonlight Bridge to prevent the artifact from acting up again, Yerin dashed toward Reigan Shen. She found her target standing side by side with Sha Miara. Well, that wouldn't be a problem. If Miara got in her way, Yerin may be able to claim two new Monarch Remnants today.
The hunger madra surged within her. She would always need more power for the daunting task that lay ahead.
[Emriss has a plan to deal with Reigan Shen; just create an opening for her.] Dross announced.
"As long as he's dead, and quickly," Yerin mumbled and cleared her mind, steeling herself as she readied her authority and technique. Before Shen could even register her presence, she unleashed a devastating slash towards the Monarch.
To her astonishment, Sha Miara unleashed an attack in perfect synchrony, nullifying Shen's defense and clearing the path for Yerin's sword strike. Emriss appeared, joining Miara and swiftly defeating their opponents, though somehow Shen slipped away right under Sha Miara's final strike.
With her lethal touch of Death imprinted upon him, Yerin knew Reigan Shen's fate was already sealed. And despite a twinge of regret for not being able to bind his Remnant, dealing with a rogue Monarch Remnant was likely a costly distraction anyway.
Sha Miara glanced at Yerin with a guilty smile. "Well, at least we make a good team, don't we?"
Yerin nodded, deciding to ignore her clumsiness in letting Shen escape. "For now, it seems so."
Refocusing her attention, she turned her gaze back to the Phoenix, ready to resume her real battle.
=====
Ziel looked up at the sight of the Bleeding Phoenix swirling aura like a turbulent ocean. Then, he spread his awareness across the battles, observing the powerful clashes between Monarchs and the Dreadgod.
Despite the joint efforts of the Monarchs, just when it seemed like they were gaining ground, the madra suddenly turned menacingly denser. The authority of blood and dominance loomed over the sky, disrupting the bodies of the Monarchs and slowing their movements.
The Eight-Man Empire still unyieldingly unleashed barrages of devastating techniques upon the Bleeding Phoenix. Sha Miara crafted a colossal sword made of pure madra, cleaving a massive chunk from the Phoenix's body. Mercy summoned her bloodline shadow armor and engaged in a fierce shooting contest, while the power of her Joy Icon infused the surroundings along with Emriss's Life Icon, alleviating the burden imposed by the Dreadgod's authority. The Oracle authority of the esteemed Remnant Monarch intertwined with her scattered leaves of Forged madra, creating a seamless connection to the dream madra of all the Monarchs and coordinating the battle.
Ziel's mission amidst the chaos was clear: he would maintain a watchful eye on the battlefield, ready to shield wherever the Phoenix shifted its attention.
Thus, when a river of blood projectiles crashed through a barrage of shadow arrows, relentlessly pursuing the Monarch of Joy, Ziel had to swiftly dash to Mercy's side and offer his assistance. Summoning a barrier of force, he barely managed to negate the onslaught as the remainders harmlessly crashed against Mercy's armor.
"Thank you, Ziel," Mercy acknowledged with a grateful smile, her overt joyfulness contrasting with the seriousness of the situation.
Ziel nodded, feeling a small urge to smile himself.
[Yerin would need your support in ten seconds, nine, eight ...] As Dross began counting after addressing the two of them, Ziel stretched out his awareness to locate Yerin.
He found her figures flashing around the Phoenix, removing piece by piece of its body as giant bloody whips chased after her. Ziel had already intervened in this battle multiple times, preventing the Phoenix's techniques from catching up to her.
Once again, Yerin narrowly evaded a colossal blood spear, momentarily frozen as the Phoenix's authority closed in on her. He and Mercy stretched out their Icons to challenge the Phoenix's attention for a brief moment, allowing Yerin to teleport to them. Under the protection of their Shield and Joy Icons, she could find solace from the physical and willful assault of the Dreadgod for a while.
"I need a few minutes," Yerin announced with a melodic voice, despite her breaths heavy with exertion.
Dross interjected, [She is preparing for an attack. She would need you to escort it.]
Ziel's face turned serious as he understood the weight of the situation. "We've got you covered," he said, his voice firm.
Mercy flashed Yerin a bright smile. "Take your time, Yerin."
Yerin nodded as she closed her eyes, sinking into deep meditation.
"Oh, it's so convenient that you imbeciles have gathered before me like this." The Phoenix sang a sinister chord at that moment, sending a shiver down Ziel's spine. "I shall delight in draining your power to fashion my own Monarchs." Its laughter dripped with sarcasm, resonating through the air, mingling with the oppressive aura of blood.
Billions of needles, formed directly from the Dreadgod's body, started nestling in the sky before descending upon the Monarchs like a relentless thunderstorm. Ziel extended his madra and authority once again, bolstering their defense as the others focused on their attacks. An Empire emerged with a bloody shoulder; an abomination rose from his wound, attempting to strangle its host.
Lakes of blood covered the ground, continuously regenerating into blood-spawn entities as tall as mountains. A multitude of spawns, both in the forms of beasts and humans, flooded the surroundings, emerging from the ruins of once-great cities. Sea monsters with abominable, blood-soaked legs marched forth from the trail of reddish ocean.
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Ziel gasped as he sensed many possessing the power of Archlords, and dozens radiating the energy of Herald or wielding lingering authority. It was clear that this would not be a simple battle like he'd like. He heard Mercy sign as she said: "Even Monarchs might be overwhelmed for a while against such force."
Yerin's eyes snapped open then, fierce determination shining through. "It's time. We need to strike quickly."
[The Phoenix just exerted itself to form its army. It is an opportunity for an all-out assault.] Dross explained.
Without delay, Ziel and Mercy swiftly dashed forward, with Yerin following closely behind. In the blink of an eye, they found themselves directly beneath the towering form of the Phoenix.
A giant blood hammer descended upon them, but Ziel deflected it with his force shield. The Phoenix's domain converged on their group, only to be temporarily held at bay by a sphere of Mercy's authority.
Two Icons floated side by side, defiantly resisting the Phoenix. And as the third Icon materialized, taking the form of a black scythe, Yerin unleashed a colossal slash of silver-and-scarlet madra, cleaving through multiple layers of the Phoenix's body, rending the sky itself. Her blade shattered into dust, accompanied by a resounding, melodic cry of wrath.
=====
Yerin had depleted most of her madra, injured her arm, and destroyed her Netherclaw completely, but she had always known the overcharged attack would come at a cost. The temporary severance of the Phoenix's will from its power, even in its vulnerable moment, was a victory more than worth the sacrifice.
Her last attack imbued with the Death Icon had transcended a mere imitation of Eithan's form, just as her path had diverged from her master's. She had been finding her own unique intent to embody the authority of Death. For Eithan, Death was absolute destruction, the erasure of existence itself as an execution, no doubt influenced by his past's destructive madra and Broom Icon. On the other hand, as Yerin excelled at cutting, her method of execution should first start with the complete detachment of the will from its body and spirit.
"Well done", Ziel and Mercy both said as they quickly spread their authority to contain the severed will of the Phoenix.
Ruby, emerging from within Yerin, stepped forward, blending herself into the sea of blood and hunger madra, accompanied by the Remnants of Malice and Red Faith. Though the Remnants couldn't directly touch their Icons, their presence would improve Ruby's resistance against the Phoenix's authorities within their domains.
[The Phoenix possessed no centralized core binding, or rather, its core binding was dispersed throughout its madra, like iron in the blood.] Dross reported on Ruby's findings.
"I can't hold on much longer," Mercy shouted as she struggled for breath. The authority of the Phoenix strained against its containment, causing Ziel and Mercy to cough up blood. Its will finally lashed out, attempting to overwhelm Ruby and reclaim its body.
However, as the Phoenix challenged her authority over ruling and blood, Malice and Red Faith replied with their experience and knowledge. When the Phoenix demanded ownership over its power, Ruby claimed she was made to be its reincarnation: She was simply coming back to take over the throne with her power as a Monarch, this had always been her right.
"You are my spawn, you are not capable of defying me, usurper." The Phoenix's taunt rang from the surrounding blood aura, filled with a maniacal melody.
Their goal was to deprive the Phoenix of its madra and gradually weaken its will. Any ordinary will would have been instantly annihilated when separated, but the Phoenix's authority could persist for a very long time. Although they could hold on for now, it would be very difficult to eventually win a drawn-out battle of will against the Bleeding Phoenix's true might.
=====
The Bleeding Phoenix found the usurper remarkably impressive. It has managed to acquire the Death Icon, posing a sufficient challenge to her authority and special constitution. If not for this grave offense, she might have even considered appointing it as the commander of her army. However, it had chosen its own demise instead.
While the Phoenix couldn't instantly crush the usurper like a mere insect, she possessed the ability to gradually suppress its will and reclaim her power. Her physical form wasn't her sole source of strength either. Her existence was intertwined with the vast army below her and the millions of investments she had strategically made across the world.
Yet, impatience consumed the Phoenix. With each portion of madra she gained control over, a trickle would be taken away by a torrent of slashes from the usurper's main body.
This could no longer persist, even if it meant squandering her long-term investments.
Thus, the Bleeding Phoenix extended her will across continents, demanding tribute from all the slaves marked by her blood.
She sensed the network of power materialized, filling her with relentless streams of madra. But her fury ignited anew as she perceived the intrusive interference in her network, manifested as a crimson Icon taking shape in the sky, again daring to challenge her authority.
=====
Yerin's sword-arms repeatedly struck out with the Phoenix Song technique as Ruby struggled desperately to keep power from the Bleeding Phoenix. Supported by their allies, the fierce battle had reached a momentary stalemate.
Suddenly, the authority of the Phoenix extended, ensnaring the world like an expansive net. Its madra surged back exponentially with each passing moment, as it tapped into its distant reserves.
[Excellent! So far, my predictions of its reactions have been accurate 70% of the time. Am I not incredible?] Dross spoke. [And incredible me has estimated that we will be back in big trouble very soon.]
Emriss's voice whispered softly like fallen leaves, "Very well, Dross. But I believe we already had a solution." The Remnant Monarch extended her network of dream and life madra, tracing the course of the Phoenix's will. "Now, Ruby, let me guide you on this next step."
Ruby followed Emriss's lead and immersed herself in the network of consciousness, traversing the Phoenix's intricate web of connections. She could sense a corrupted reflection of Life authority emanating from the network. Ruby yearned to reach out to the living nodes, to halt their impending doom and inspire resistance. Yet, she felt powerless, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task at hand. Her purpose was to kill, not to aid others. And regardless of her interference, their fate seemed destined to be dead anyway.
Emriss encouraged soothingly, "Your existence is in the middle ground, but you have only ever looked at one side. Look at the opposite side, child. You can find further strength there."
Throughout their existence, Yerin and Ruby had traversed the path of Death and they saw themselves solely as embodiments of this journey. However, perhaps, the two halves of one girl could see each other differently.
Yerin cherished the Ruby part. She adored Ruby's carefree nature, boundless kindness, and unwavering desire to embrace life to its fullest. Yerin remembered when Ruby instinctively reached out to heal an injured baby rabbit, cradling it tenderly in her arms. She recalled how the blood shadow steadfastly supported her, standing by her side until the conclusion of the Tournament despite the whole world's prejudice. Ruby expressed her love boldly and bravely, something Yerin herself struggled with due to her perpetual fear of loss and loneliness.
At the same time, Ruby held a deep admiration for the Yerin part. From the beginning, Yerin had been the symbol of life for Ruby; Yerin's lifeline had given birth to Ruby's existence. She marveled at Yerin's unwavering tenacity against the Bleeding Phoenix, the resilience when her lifeline was severed at its root, the determination to grow in the face of every circumstance. Ruby had always strived to emulate the girl and felt content knowing she was now a part of Yerin.
And in perfect harmony, the two halves had merged, becoming one and whole—an extraordinary rebirth.
In their shared consciousness, a shifting image began to form as an ethereal red egg, pulsating with vibrant energy. From within, cracks spiderwebbed across its surface, as if the potential for growth yearned to break free. A resplendent scarlet tree burst forth from the egg, its trunk turning sturdy and its branches stretching towards the heavens. The branches then intertwined like an intricate tapestry, weaving a magnificent red bird. Flowers bloomed into crimson feathers of the bird, blazing into the form of a majestic phoenix with its wings unfurled in a captivating display of strength and grace.
The evolution of scenes occurred in only an instant, as an Icon of a crimson phoenix dampened the malevolent of the red sky.
Ziel looked at Yerin in disbelief: "A Phoenix Icon? Really, Yerin?"
Yerin replied, her voice filled with pride despite a minor sense of irony: "It's the Life Icon. My Life Icon."
"Your Icon resonates with mine in such an intimate way," Mercy remarked, a smile lighting up her face. "It's like the deep bond of our friendship."
With the Life Icon, Ruby extended herself further into the complex network of lives that was woven by the Phoenix for its twisted purpose. She felt her ability to touch every enslaved being with her new authority and incited a revolt against their own oppressor. While the Bleeding Phoenix demanded absolute obedience and asserted its sovereignty, Ruby offered a promise of freedom and life. In their defiance, millions willingly contributed their power even at the cost of their lives to help resist the Bleeding Phoenix.
The Phoenix was clearly unsettled by the new development as it fought back with a desperate fury, unleashing surges of blood and hunger, exerting its domain to regain control. But Yerin and Ruby stood strong with support from their steadfast allies.
Time blurred as they clashed with the Phoenix, their powers and authorities colliding as the sky crackled and the ground trembled.
=====
The Bleeding Phoenix found herself trapped and confronted with an impending threat that would require her utmost focus to overcome. Her chosen approach would undoubtedly cost her this fight and risk permanent harm to her psyche, yet she was willing to bear the price to eliminate this usurper definitely.
Thus, the Phoenix unmade her army and spun all her power into the stolen body like a meteor, grappling the target into an isolated realm of her domain.
=====
The crimson sea of madra retracted into a mere iron-blood bubble in the sky as the Bleeding Phoenix expelled everyone; only Yerin and Ruby remained to realize they have become the focal point of its authority, isolated from the external world.
Although her comrade had brought her to this critical juncture, she understood that this was the ultimate moment, a face-off between her alone and the Phoenix.
Its relentless domain started to invade her being, inciting a revolt within as her blood spilled while her flesh and bone were carved out under excruciating pain, layer by layer. The weight of heaven seemingly crushed her fractured mind and soul into dust.
However, instead of struggling against the overwhelming force, she embraced it, allowing the Phoenix to melt her down.
Then, Yerin forged the fragments together into a sword. Her Steelborn body crumbled into pieces of metal. Her blood simmered away, leaving behind pure iron. Her Goldsign shattered, forming the edge of the blade. She devoted her blood essence, her lifeline, and every physical aspect of herself to this forging.
Meanwhile, Ruby dissolved into the endless madra stolen from the Phoenix, channeling power and her own being into the process.
It was a reminiscent echo of her master and his mythical tale, where the wielder became the sword itself.
The Phoenix intensified its assault, but its pressure only served to fortify the blade, making her harder and sharper. Cracks reverberated through space as madra clashed with the razor-sharp edge, creating a symphony that harmonized with the swirling music of her Icons.
Only in this state, as a sword, could she be certain to execute the indomitable authority of the Bleeding Phoenix.
Her mind faded into the intertwined concepts of Life and Death as she embraced her intent, culminating in this final technique of her path—the Endless Sword of Life and Death, a Phoenix's Requiem.
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