C26: Phoenix's Oath and the Divine Crucible
Scene 1: The Liberator's Gambit
The mansion's opulent halls reeked of wine and greed. Nero dragged the sputtering noble by his collar, past gilded portraits of tyrants. Outside, a crowd gathered—faces gaunt, eyes sparking with fragile hope.
Nero (booming):
"From today, this land answers to you—not parasites in silk!"
He slammed the Phoenix Spear into the earth. Runes flared, weaving a barrier that hummed with primordial defiance.
Young Man (trembling):
"They'll return. They always do."
Nero (grinning):
"Let them. This spear's hunger rivals mine."
A child touched the barrier, her hand unharmed. The crowd's murmurs turned to cheers.
Scene 2: The King's Fury
Fernando's goblet shattered against the throne room wall.
Fernando (hissing):
"Primordial filth dares challenge me?"
Arata (kneeling):
"The spear's magic is… unfamiliar. Even Lunic Shades faltered."
The king's gaze drifted to a hidden altar, its runes pulsing. "Find its weakness. Burn the rebel's name into ash."
Scene 3: The Arena of Ascension
Nero stood in the Plains of Infinity, a realm of mirrored skies and silent stars. Divine energy crackled at his fingertips.
Nero (whispering):
"Just 5%."
A tap. Mountains split like kindling.
10%: Forests became infernos.
35%: The earth yawned, swallowing continents.
50%: A supernova birthed and died in his palm.
Nero (panting):
"And they call me a calamity…"
A shadow flickered at the horizon—a figure cloaked in starlight, watching. Gone in a blink.
Scene 4: The Weight of Power
Back in his sanctum, Nero stared at the Hellvine Gate swirling beside its divine twin.
Eri (via mind-link):
"You're brooding. Again."
Nero (dryly):
"Says the woman who hugged a hellspawn."
Eri (laughing):
"Darky's a gentleman. Unlike you."
Nero's smile faded. "If I ever lose control…"
Eri (softly):
"Then I'll kick your ass. Partner's privilege."
Scene 5: The Spark Ignites
In the commoner's square, a girl traced the Phoenix Spear's glow.
Girl (to her brother):
"Will the devil king protect us?"
Brother (grinning):
"Not a devil. A phoenix."
Rumors spread—of a winged savior, of nobles fleeing shadows. Rebellion, once a whisper, became a roar.
Epilogue: Whispers in the Void
Plains of Infinity — Unseen
The cloaked figure lifted a hand, mimicking Nero's strike. Stars died at their touch.
Stranger (murmuring):
"Adequate… for a novice."