Finn's mouth fell open. He completely lost control over the Myriad World Mirror, and the artifact returned to his body.
He couldn't believe what he was witnessing.
How could that tiny creature suddenly emerge from the Myriad World Mirror?
And more importantly—why was it staring into the Fire Phoenix's eyes as though it harbored a deep hatred for it?
This was the first time Finn had seen Little Black again since entering the Mystic Treasure Realm. He'd been too absorbed in his endless adventures to ever enter the mirror again, so now, finally seeing Little Black again, he couldn't help but feel shocked.
Had the little creature grown so bored in the mirror world that it decided to step out to get some fresh air?
But…how could it lock eyes with a Divine Beast like it was nothing? These thoughts swirled in Finn's mind, leaving his head pounding.
After several minutes of tense staring, the Fire Phoenix finally regained its composure. A peal of laughter thundered across the darkness. The phoenix and the little creature remained fixed on each other, and then, as if by some tacit agreement, both abruptly vanished.
When they disappeared—along with the Fire Phoenix's eyes—Finn was left alone in that vast, dark place, Ashe's body lying still beside him.
Again, questions churned restlessly in his heart.
How had Little Black come out of the Myriad World Mirror so suddenly?
And what exactly did the Fire Phoenix know about his artifact? How could it possibly have recognized it as a divine treasure?
Finn sat down, bewildered, unable to shake the feeling that he was caught in something far larger than himself.
--
Somewhere in a realm of utter darkness, a pair of immense red eyes floated across from a creature no larger than a clenched fist.
"So that's why I sensed your presence…" the Fire Phoenix's voice was quiet, yet it carried a thousand years of depth. "You were hiding inside him all along. HAHAHA. Fate truly is a strange thing. It has been hundreds of thousands of years since we last met. To think you are still alive…"
It paused, its burning eyes solemn. "But judging by what I see…your injuries are grievous. You won't last long in this world—no more than I will."
Little Black said nothing, but its gaze was fixed and fierce, as if speaking in thoughts only the phoenix could hear.
The phoenix let out another resonant, unhinged laugh.
"Even now, you still despise me? All these eons have passed, and I have long since regretted my sins. All I ever wanted…was for the Divine Beast race to reclaim our place among the stars. But because of my greed…I destroyed everything."
"You surrendered. A being as mighty as you became a servant to him—and now, it seems you intend to do the same with that youth. If you still exist…could he be alive, too? But no…I received the news of his death. You shared a blood contract. When he died, so should you have…"
Again, the little creature's stare was filled with searing hatred.
"…He use the last of his power to break your contract—just so you could survive…?" The Fire Phoenix's voice trembled. "You were not wrong to believe in him. And I…I have repented. If not for my actions, he would never have died, and you would never have been so broken."
Its red gaze softened with ancient sorrow.
"That youth—who is he? Why is there a familiar power in his body…besides your presence?"
The little creature held its gaze a moment longer, and then a faint glow began to shine from its tiny forehead. The light drifted to the phoenix's enormous eye.
"What…? He possesses…so many treasures…five unique Divine Artifacts…? And you don't know where he obtained them?! How could this be? Are you certain these revelations are true?!"
--
Finn remained staring at Ashe's body, still wrapped in a dense shroud of energy.
Her once-lovely gown was torn nearly beyond recognition. Her smooth, pale skin was mottled with bruises and cuts. She no longer looked anything like her usual self.
He forced a smile and whispered hoarsely, "If you were awake right now…and saw me watching you like this…you'd probably scold me again. But you know…I'd rather have you angry at me than lying here unable to even look at me."
"Don't worry, Miss Ashe," he continued, his voice tight and low. "I'll do everything I can to convince the Fire Phoenix to help bring you back. I won't let you die…not because of me."
He tried to reach out and touch her hand—but the energy blazing around her was too fierce, and even he couldn't endure the burning heat.
His heart still ached with guilt, even though none of this had truly been his fault.
Finn waited in silence for the Fire Phoenix's return.
He could not say how long he sat there—time had lost all meaning. But at last, the nine spheres of fire and the giant red eyes reappeared.
Little Black materialized as well and drifted to Finn, curling up atop his head to sleep.
Finn swallowed. Even now, he could not find the words. The world had gone hushed again, and only the sound of flames crackling filled the emptiness.
After its long conversation with Little Black, the Fire Phoenix had reached many realizations—and had resolved not to waste the chance that destiny had handed it.
"Finn Doria," the phoenix finally spoke, its voice softer now.
The silence returned for a long beat. Finn had no idea how to reply, so he simply kept his eyes respectfully fixed on those burning orbs.
The phoenix exhaled heavily.
"…I will help you save your little sweetheart. I have also decided to make her my heir. Everything I can grant her—I shall."
Though he was surprised by this sudden change of heart, Finn's relief and gratitude eclipsed his confusion.
'At last…Miss Ashe has hope…'
If the Fire Phoenix could truly save her, then he could finally stop blaming himself.
He was about to speak when the phoenix's voice sounded again.
"I will reward her with a new heart—one that will transform her life. I will give her the Heart of the Fire Phoenix. Because of this, her bloodline will change in ways you cannot yet comprehend. But heed this warning: as my heir, she will draw the attention of Adventurers from the Middle, Upper, and even Divine Realm. One day, they will come for her—this you must accept."
Finn froze, unable to answer before the phoenix continued:
"But of course…I have one condition before I begin the process of granting her the treasures and the Heart of the Fire Phoenix."
Finn looked up, smiling despite the fear in his chest. "Naturally, Venerable Fire Phoenix. I will do anything to meet your condition."
Indeed—he was ready to agree to anything if it meant saving her. Even if it cost him his life, he would gladly pay that price. After all, he was the root cause of Ashe's tragedy.
"Good."
"Don't worry, Finn Doria. With the Heart of the Fire Phoenix, her talent will soar. Only those of the Divine Realm will be able to rival her potential. But remember—nothing happens overnight. She must train, struggle, and carve her own path to power. I will have to seal away a large portion of the heart's strength for now. Her body cannot withstand its full power yet."
Finn was stunned.
Ashe's talent would rise to the level of those in the Divine Realm?
He felt happiness welling in his heart. He knew Ashe's dream—to stand at the summit of all things. If this was true…she would have the chance she had always longed for.
Compared to Tiffanya's Ice Sky Pathway, Ashe's Heart of the Fire Phoenix was like heaven to earth—far beyond comparison.
Finn bowed low. "In that case—thank you, Venerable Fire Phoenix. May I know your name?"
There was a pause. The phoenix's eyes regarded him solemnly.
"…You may call me Lady Sierra."
'Sierra…could it be a female?'
Finn quickly set the thought aside. He had more urgent matters.
"Then…may I ask what your condition is, Lady Sierra?"
He was braced for anything. This was a Divine Beast—its demand would not be simple.
After a moment's silence, Sierra spoke again.
"My condition is simple. You will remain in this place for six months—to train."
Remain here…to train?
Finn was startled.
How was this a condition when it would benefit him as well?
But…
"I don't understand why this is your demand, Lady Sierra. But…I cannot stay here for long. My clan is in grave danger. I cannot abandon them."
He spoke with quiet conviction.
Indeed—he feared for his clansmen's fate. If the young Adventurers had escaped, everyone surely believed he and Ashe were dead. He knew how ruthless men could be. His enemies would not rest until they had exacted revenge. The Nine Ice Family still waited in the shadows.
If he remained here, perhaps his entire clan would be destroyed.
"I know," Sierra said gently. "That is why I have made this my condition. Even if you return with your current strength—5th Level Profound Rank—you can not defeat your enemies. And now, too many eyes are upon you. There are those who will do anything to erase you from your little kingdom."
Finn's chest tightened.
Sierra was right. He was still too weak.
"You must train here. Only then will you have the power to protect yourself. And remember—did you not leave treasures behind for your clan? They will be able to withstand your absence for a time."
At this, Finn remembered—the gifts he'd given his clan, the Golden Lion Family's alliance. Slowly, he exhaled.
But a question stirred in his mind.
"…Lady Sierra…how did you know that? Only a few trusted people were aware."
"You already know who told me, Finn Doria," Sierra replied meaningfully.
Someone he knew…
Little Black shifted on his head, and Finn managed a rueful smile.
'Just who—and what—are you, Little Black?'
He didn't ask further. Some things were better left unspoken.
"…Do you accept my condition, Finn Doria? Your little sweetheart's life depends on it."
Finn let out a soft, helpless laugh. Again with this 'sweetheart.' If Ashe heard, she'd be furious.
But there was no choice.
"I accept. But please—keep your promise."
"Of course. I am a Divine Beast—what reason would I have to lie? And I need an heir to finish what I began."
Sierra looked down at Ashe's body, voice solemn.
"Remember this—your training will not be easy. Though it will not claim your life, you will endure pain and hardship that will test your spirit. Beyond that door…your path begins."
A massive door materialized behind Finn. Ten feet tall, half a meter thick. He felt dwarfed by its presence.
Power pulsed from it in waves.
Slowly, it opened.
"You may enter, Finn Doria. Once you do, I will start the process for your little sweetheart. From this moment—you need no longer worry for her."
Relief suffused him.
He bowed low, voice steady. "Thank you—for everything, Lady Sierra."
Then he turned to the door, drawing a deep breath.
Each step was heavy, but in his eyes burned an unwavering determination.
BANG!
As soon as Finn—and Little Black—crossed the threshold, the door slammed shut with a resounding echo.
Sierra stared at it in silence.
"…Why do you refuse to let that young man grow stronger immediately? He could change the fate of the Divine Realm itself if you did. And yet…you insist he must endure hardship first. Do you truly believe this is the way?"
Her gaze turned to Ashe's body.
A small object appeared, glowing bright orange. Flames danced around it, lighting the darkness with searing brilliance.
Slowly, it drifted down to Ashe.
The Heart of the Fire Phoenix.
When it touched her chest, the entire world seemed to ignite—then fell silent.
"…In truth…you are worthy of my power. And with it, you will be able to stand by Finn Doria's side."
The energy cocooning Ashe flared. Blood streamed from her mouth, nose, eyes, ears—a river of agony. Her body glowed with a blinding radiance.
Her face twisted in pain.
For half an hour, the transformation continued—until the bleeding finally ceased.
At last, her eyes fluttered open—eyes now shimmering crimson.
She stared up at Sierra, bewildered.
"…Who are you? And where…am I…?"
Sierra's voice was calm as she explained everything—where they were, who she was, that the young adventurers had escaped.
Ashe's eyes filled with shock.
"Lady Sierra…where is Finn? How…how am I still alive?"
"You survived…because of that young man," Sierra replied quietly.
She hesitated.
"…As for him…Finn Doria has perished."