Chapter 49: Phoenixborn
"Holy shit..." Dhruv’s jaw dropped in astonishment when he witnessed Vexar just effortlessly massacring the monsters as if he were on a trolling trip to the park.
Vexar, who had recently emerged from the egg, was methodically taking down the monsters one by one without even breaking a sweat. Alaric and Azarex had already dealt with the Crystallce monsters and now stood beside Dhruv, both of them watching Vexar with jaws hanging open, surprised by the sudden increase in prowess.
They had become so engrossed in watching Vexar’s display of monster-slaying that they had nearly forgotten their own role in helping him,—until he called them out— rather than simply standing by and observing.
Realizing their mistake, they swiftly joined in to assist Vexar, working together to clear out the remaining monsters. As the sun neared the horizon, they managed to kill the monsters and bring the third wave to an end.
"Huh! Today truly pushed us to our limits..." Dhruv remarked, using basic healing magic to tend to the injuries he had sustained in the battle. After using the spell a few times, his wounds healed completely, and he appeared as good as new.
The team started gathering the corpses to extract the cores from them, but the darkness of the night made this task quite challenging. However, once again, Vexar came to the rescue. He utilized a fire-based skill that he had acquired during his evolution, illuminating the area and making the process much easier.
The skill’s name is [Emberplay]. With this skill, Vexar could conjure a tiny spirit composed of fire, which he could manipulate from a distance. The light provided by this spirit was the only saving grace on this cold, pitch-black night.
While Alaric, Azarex, and the undead were engrossed in extracting the cores, Dhruv called Vexar over to have a conversation. He was curious about Vexar’s progress and growth, despite there being minimal physical changes. Upon hearing Dhruv’s call, Vexar quickly made his way to stand in front of him.
Taking a proper look at him now, it was evident that he had become even more beautiful. His hair, once a shade of crimson, had now transformed into a fiery red. Additionally, the bump on his head had developed into a fully grown horn, albeit of a small size.
Gazing at the handsome demon, Dhruv placed his hand on him and attempted to access his status. Within moments, Vexar’s status information appeared before him.
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Name: Vexar
Species: Juvenile Pheonixblade demon:
Core: Tier II [O%]
Magic Affinity: Fire (SS),
Stats: Strength Lv. 65, Stamina Lv. 30, Agility Lv. 30, Magic Power Lv. 55
Exclusive attributes: Soul Bond, Master Swordsmen, Phoenixborn
Skills: Basic mana manipulation Lv.4, Fire immunity Lv. ??, Slash Lv.5, Thrust Lv.5, Fiery Strike Lv.1, Ignition Slash Lv.1, Phoenix Spark Lv.1, Warmth Aura Lv.1, Emberplay Lv.1, Heat manipulation Lv.1
Mutation: Demonic Arm +5, Agile Legs +5, Fiery heart +0, Mana vein +0
Skill point: 5
Essence point: 12
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As Dhruv examined Vexar’s status, his thoughts raced. ’Phoenix’? is this the same mythical beast that controls the element of fire? And he gets this as his second evolution? That’s quite the advantage... Juvenile form? meaning there’s likely another evolution ahead on this path. He better choose that,’ Dhruv mused to himself. His evolution had caught him off guard; he wiped the imaginary tears away, thinking about the choices he got from the evolutions—magician, and murderer.
"This evolution is truly impressive, Vexar. You made the right call selecting it, even though I’m not aware of your other options," Dhruv commented. Pausing for a moment, he raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, "You weren’t considering any other species, were you?" Trying to conceal his embarrassment, Vexar quickly responded.
"O-Of course not master, I want to choose this form the start and not the sword demon..."
Dhruv had been about to ask about the sword demon, but he decided to let it pass. Instead, he offered Vexar some advice: To choose the adult form if he were to get it as an option in his third evolution, and not settle for some sword demon." Vexar nodded in agreement, his happiness hiding his earlier embarrassment.
"The increase in stats is also impressive," Dhruv remarked, looking at the boosts of 30 in both strength and magical power. The increase in magical power wasn’t that helpful, considering Vexar’s limited use of magic, but Dhruv advised him to put some time into developing that aspect in the future.
Dhruv’s attention was drawn to another exclusive ability Vexar had acquired during his evolution. Curious about its contents, he opened its description. As he read through the ability’s description, his jaw dropped once again in astonishment.
Suppressing a hint of amusement, Dhruv thought to himself, ’How many times can my jaw drop in one day?’ Collecting himself, he reread the description, wondering if he had somehow misread it the first time.
[Phoenixborn: You carry the blood of a phoenix within you, making you a Phoenixborn. This status grants you mastery over all flames within the cosmos. As a fire prince, you are immune to any form of cosmic fire. And possess the ability to control heat. As you mature into your adult form, even death would only dare to dream of reaching you.]
Dhruv’s disbelief echoed in his thoughts as he muttered, "What the heck is this overpowered ability?" He reread the description multiple times, still finding it hard to believe the incredible power it granted. He read it three times, then four, then five, and kept going until he had read it ten times, yet the content of the description remained unchanged.
The frown on Dhruv’s face gradually transformed into his signature eerie smile. Keeping his emotions in check, he continued to gaze down at Vexar’s status, his mind undoubtedly brewing with various thoughts and plans.
As Dhruv advised him to upgrade his skills, he also delved into a discussion about how mutations work within them. After some conversation, he managed to understand the basics of it. With all the discussion concluded, Dhruv turned his attention to Vexar and spoke again.
"Vexar, I intend to copy your Phoenixborn ability. Is that ok?" Dhruv inquired.
"You don’t need to ask for permission, my lord. What’s mine is automatically yours," Vexar responded with a confident smile.
With Vexar’s consent, Dhruv proceeded to copy the Phoenixborn ability, just as he had done twice before. He also copied the Pheonixborn. As usual, the cosmos is the first one to congratulate him.
[You have received the exclusive attribute Phoenixborn.]
The moment he received the ability, a slight warm feeling began to travel inside of him..
***
Somewhere distant from Earth, a colossal palace resembling flames stood tall. In the grand throne room, a woman of incomprehensible beauty lay in slumber, her arm draped over the armrest of the throne.
Suddenly, her eyes fluttered open. As her eyes met the surroundings, the palace’s temperature began escalating at an astonishing rate.
"I don’t recall bestowing my blood upon this second mortal today..." Her thoughts traversed through her mind. She raised her hand, and with a single gesture, a mirror composed of fire emerged before her.
The reflection within the mirror showcased Dhruv, in the process of copying the Phoenixborn ability. Gazing at the scene before her, she mused,
"Interesting..."
