Ashe froze, her expression going blank the instant Sierra's final words reached her ears. For a long moment, she simply sat there, unmoving. A single tear welled at the corner of her eye, trembling, before falling. And still, her face did not change.
'Finn is... dead…?'
Impossible!
"You're joking… aren't you? He's still alive! He must be with Lore right now, out there beyond this world! He's alive—I know he is!" Ashe's voice cracked as tears gathered in her eyes.
Shutting them tight, she clenched her fists so hard her knuckles turned white. Her lower lip quivered as she bit it to keep herself from breaking down. But no matter how she struggled, the grief in her expression was unmistakable.
She didn't want to believe Sierra's words. She refused to. She simply could not accept it. To her, Finn was a young man wrapped in mystery—someone far too resilient to die so easily. Again and again, he had defied every expectation, astonishing the other adventurers time after time. This had to be nothing more than another trick of his.
In Ashe's eyes, Finn was the strongest young Adventurer she had ever met.
"There was no reason for me to lie to you," Sierra said softly. "He gave his life to keep your body intact. He swallowed a forbidden pill. When its backlash struck, his body could no longer hold out. He had pushed himself beyond all limits, pouring everything he had into his soulforce. In the end, the price he paid... was his life."
"I watched as he smiled—smiled—when he saw you safe. Even in death, he was content. I could not help but admire the determination and sacrifice in his heart. That is why I brought your body here—so that all his struggles and his devotion would not go to waste. You were more precious to him than his own life. You should never forget that."
The tears that had stilled began to flow again. Ashe wept, her shoulders trembling, her sobs echoing in the silence. She wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand, but it was no use—she was still just a young girl, overwhelmed by sorrow too heavy to bear. She was no stone. She had feelings she could no longer conceal.
From the moment Finn had saved her from the Supreme Mantis Shrimp, she had felt something shifting inside her. There were very few people in her life she could count on one hand who truly cared whether she lived or died—and she knew that Finn was one of them.
Gradually, she had come to admire that about him. Even if she didn't know whether he had ever felt anything for her, she couldn't stop the quiet affection she had carried all this time.
And Ashe—proud, unyielding Ashe—would never admit this out loud. Not to anyone. But hearing Sierra speak those words, she understood she could no longer pretend.
"You need to calm yourself," Sierra's voice grew more solemn. "You have only just received the Heart of the Fire Phoenix. It has yet to fully merge with you. You must remain here for a week to master your new power. If you truly wish to repay his sacrifice, then live. Live—and fulfill your dreams."
Yet beneath the gravity in Sierra's voice was a secret contentment. This was the reaction she had expected all along. She had wanted to draw out the girl's true feelings—and now that she had seen them with her own eyes, she felt a quiet satisfaction.
Little by little, Ashe's sobbing subsided. Though her fists remained clenched and her gaze lowered, her heart felt like it was breaking. Accepting the death of the boy who had shielded her again and again was not something she could do so easily.
No matter how she'd scolded him, teased him, or pretended she couldn't stand him, it had always been her way of hiding the truth.
At last, Ashe raised her head. Her eyes still shimmered with sadness as she looked Sierra straight in the eye. She wiped the remaining tears from her cheek.
"That's… exactly what Finn said to me," she whispered, her voice lifeless.
"I will give you a day," Sierra continued, her tone even. "A single day to compose yourself. Think carefully about everything you have yet to accomplish. Remember that this second chance at life was a gift from Finn—and treasure it above all else. Once this day is over, you must devote yourself to familiarizing with your power."
With those words, the nine orbs of flame faded. The enormous red eyes vanished into the darkness.
"…Finn… I will never forget you. I will live on… for the sake of my dreams."
--
Beside the blazing river, Finn sat quietly upon the scorched ground. At his side, the tiny creature was curled up on a great stone, fast asleep.
Naturally, he had no idea what conversation had transpired between Sierra and Ashe. But if he had heard it, his expression would surely have darkened in an instant. He'd have cursed Sierra outright—so much for the Divine Beast's claim that she had no need to deceive anyone.
What nonsense was she feeding Ashe now?
His gaze lifted to the roiling black clouds overhead, where thunderbolts cracked down upon the land in endless cacophony. Every few moments, the earth shook with the force of a new explosion.
This place was anything but peaceful. The air seared his skin with its heat—furnace winds rising from the river of lava all around him. Yet Finn didn't seem to mind.
Since stepping through the great door, he had been waiting here, patient and unmoving, for Sierra to return. As he watched the churning skies, he found himself wondering how Ashe was doing.
And he wondered too—what connection did this Little Black have to Sierra? Ever since they had come back from wherever it was she had taken them, Sierra had abruptly changed her mind and chosen Ashe as her successor.
Nothing made sense. No matter how he puzzled it over, he could not find the answer.
'Could this little creature be a Divine Beast as well…?'
But then… why was it inside the Myriad World Mirror at all?
The Myriad World Mirror was a Divine Artifact he had first encountered in the game Rise of Gods. Even the system had never offered any clue about Little Black or why it resided in this place.
When Xuan had tried to kill him in the Adventurer's Training Ground, that was when the Myriad World Mirror, the System, and Kurt's soul had all merged with him. Yet Kurt's memories held no mention of such a creature.
If Little Black truly was a Divine Beast, why was it staying so close to him? Everyone knew Divine Beasts were proud and solitary by nature. They had no need of humans—and no desire to mingle with them.
According to the system's knowledge, the various races were neither allies nor outright enemies. They simply existed, apart.
Hours passed in silent contemplation. At last, a glowing circle of light appeared not far away. Finn stood, bowing respectfully. Little Black cracked open a single sleepy eye, then shut it again.
The sphere of light floated closer until it hovered before Finn, shining brilliantly.
"Lady Sierra… how is Miss Ashe?" Finn asked politely.
"There is no need for concern over your little sweetheart," Sierra replied. "Her wounds, both internal and external, are healing well. She is already beginning to acclimate to her new power."
"Then… thank you. And thank you for choosing her as your successor," Finn said, smiling faintly.
"You need not thank me. I have my reasons for bestowing that inheritance," Sierra said, her tone suddenly serious. After a moment's pause, she went on. "Instead of worrying about her, perhaps you should worry about yourself. You seem so cheerful despite the ordeal that awaits you here. For the next six months, you will face every kind of hardship this world can offer."
Finn's smile did not waver. "To train under the guidance of a Divine Beast is an opportunity beyond price. If it means I'll emerge stronger… then I'll gladly endure whatever suffering comes my way. I do this for the sake of my clan—so they can remain safe."
Sierra let out a soft laugh. "Such small ambitions. They hardly suit someone who wields such power and wealth."
"Becoming strong enough to protect the people who matter to me is no small thing. It is my first and greatest goal—and I will not stop until I am the most powerful Adventurer on the Ancestral Continent," Finn answered calmly.
Yes… his only wish was to shield those he loved and uncover the secrets of his own origins. Beyond that, perhaps he might one day set foot in other worlds, to broaden his knowledge.
As for becoming the strongest in all existence… that was a dream he no longer bothered to entertain, not since that night he had spoken with Ashe.
"I don't understand," Sierra murmured. "Of all those who crave such power… why did destiny grant it to you? Perhaps that is why fate decrees you must suffer first—to be worthy of your strength."
Finn didn't bother replying. He simply waited in silence.
Sierra sighed and continued. "For the next six months, you will do nothing but battle Vicious Beasts. These are not true Vicious Beasts—I crafted them specially from my own powers, for the sake of your training."
"Each time you slay one, its stored natural energy will merge with your body. You might think of them as living soul-enhancing pills—only better. You will grow stronger through combat, not merely consumption."
Finn's eyes lit up. The benefits surpassed any pill he could imagine. He could hardly wait to begin. In six months… who knew how far he might advance?
"I see you are ready," Sierra said. "Then let us start your training. For your first trial… you will face a Fifth Grade Vicious Beast Inferno Bear that is comparable to 7th Level Profound Rank. You are forbidden to wield any weapon."
Finn froze, his excitement draining in an instant. His eager smile contorted into a grimace.
"How exactly am I supposed to defeat a Fifth Grade beast barehanded? Are you trying to get me killed?"
"With your physical strength and your skills," Sierra said coldly. "As an Adventurer, your true power lies not in your weapons but in your body and your technique. I must test your limits—and your resilience. You will face ten of these beasts, one after another, armed with nothing but your own flesh. This is for your sake… so stop complaining."
Finn fell silent, thinking it over. She was right—he relied too often on the Blood Heavy Sword.
"If that is the condition… then I will accept it without hesitation," he said at last, bowing his head.
The sphere of light drifted forward. "Very well. Be prepared—your opponents will not be so easily defeated. I will be watching over you and your little sweetheart. You have nothing to fear."
With that, Sierra floated over to Little Black, and both of them vanished without a trace.
At the same moment, a massive door materialized before Finn, its panels glowing with orange light as it swung slowly open.
From the brilliance within, a gigantic shape lunged out.
It was a bear wreathed in flame, its red eyes gleaming with murderous rage.
Inferno Bear.
The Inferno Bear towered nine feet tall, its massive body clad in searing flames. It let out a deafening roar that echoed across the scorched plain. Though smaller than some of the Fifth Grade beasts Finn had faced before, its presence radiated raw power.
Inferno Bears—creatures born in volcanic depths. They didn't eat flesh. Like adventurers, they devoured the natural energy saturating the world itself. Most of their lives were spent asleep in their burning lairs, never once glimpsing a human face before they perished.
Finn steadied his breath. He planted his feet and surged forward to meet the beast head-on. A terrible aura erupted from within him. Clenching his fist, he hurled himself into the path of the bear's sweeping claws.
ROOOOAR!!
Claw and fist collided in a thunderous shockwave. The wind screamed around them, and a pillar of flame spiraled into the sky.
BOOM!
An explosion ripped through the ground. Dense black smoke billowed up, swallowing everything from sight. When it finally began to clear, two figures were revealed—both driven back in opposite directions.
Finn exhaled, sweat sliding down his jaw. His expression was grim as he studied the raging beast. Even if this was no true Vicious Beast, its strength could rival any ordinary 7th Level Profound Rank monster. He would have to fight with everything he had.
The Inferno Bear roared again and thundered toward him, flames leaping from its shoulders.
Finn charged to meet it. Energy coalesced in his palm as he dashed across the scorched earth.
Azure Wood Palm!
The beast raised a thick, armored limb to block him. Finn's strike landed with a crack like shattering rock—but the bear didn't so much as flinch. Its fur blazed ever brighter, untouched.
His eyes widened. 'No effect at all?' He pushed off to retreat, but the Inferno Bear was faster. One massive claw came slashing down toward his ribs.
Gritting his teeth, Finn crossed his arms to parry. Even with soulforce bracing every bone, the blow hurled him away like a rag doll. His body bounced and skidded over the burning earth.
The bear did not hesitate. It flung back its head and bared a maw full of jagged fangs. A violent energy gathered between its jaws.
Finn forced himself upright, heart thundering. He hadn't expected the Inferno Bear's hide to shrug off his strike so easily. But it made sense—Azure Wood Palm was a low-grade technique, potent against weaker foes but all but useless here.
ROAR!!
A roar split the air, rolling across the plain in a wave of heat. Then the Inferno Bear unleashed its attack.
A blazing projectile surged toward Finn's position.
He broke into a sprint, diving to the side.
BOOOOOM!!
The impact detonated in a wall of fire, flinging him high into the air. But Finn used the force, twisting his body to angle straight back toward the beast. Energy enveloped his leg, crackling with white brilliance.
Luminous Technique—First Skill: Luminous Kick!
The Inferno Bear lifted its forelimb to guard—but this time, it was too slow.
CRACK!
Finn's heel struck with enough force to shatter the ground. Deep fissures raced outward. The bear's massive paws sank into the earth, and its balance wavered.
BANG!
It stumbled back, momentarily stunned. Finn didn't waste the chance. The instant his feet touched the ground, he shot forward. His fist shone with golden light.
Golden Bamboo Technique—First Skill: Heavy Strike!
His punch landed square in the beast's gut, driving it back another dozen paces. The blow rattled its huge frame but still didn't pierce its defenses.
BANG!
Finn leapt away as the Inferno Bear roared, its fury mounting. Its molten eyes locked onto him.
ROOOOOAR!!
With earth-shaking force, it lunged. One claw swung toward his skull.
Finn crossed his arms, bracing for impact. Blow after blow fell like hammers. He parried each with all the strength in his body, his boots grinding furrows in the blackened soil.
And yet—his eyes gleamed. Amid the struggle and pain, he felt something he had never known before. His blood surged in exhilaration. A savage joy.
He was…happy.
Half an hour passed in relentless exchange. At last, Finn went on the offensive again. He struck with fists, feet, elbows—a relentless flurry of attacks that forced the towering creature to stagger back, its movements slowing.
ROAR!!
His palm smashed against the Inferno Bear's face. Before it could recover, Finn drew in a deep breath. His chest and throat expanded.
Heavenly Dragon Roar!
From his open mouth erupted a concussive blast.
The Inferno Bear reeled. Weakened by its accumulated injuries, it could not deflect the force. The blast slammed into it full-force, driving the colossal beast skidding across the field.
For a moment, everything went still.
Finn's legs gave out, and he sank to his knees, panting. A smile lingered on his lips, even as exhaustion dulled his vision.
'I've never… felt so alive.'
But then—the Inferno Bear stirred. Slowly, impossibly, it began to rise to its feet.
Finn's smile faded into a strained grimace.
"Still…not…done…?" he rasped to himself. Bitter laughter escaped him. "My soulforce is nearly gone. My whole body…won't even move."
But before despair could take root, the Inferno Bear's limbs wobbled. Its head drooped.
And with a final shuddering exhale, it collapsed.
The massive form dissolved into motes of fading light.
Finn let out a ragged sigh of relief. He fell onto his back, every muscle screaming in protest. His eyelids fluttered shut, and in the next moment, sleep claimed him.
Even unconscious, there was a small, contented smile on his face.
A stream of pure, vibrant energy flowed into him, merging with his spirit. But Finn did not notice—he dreamed on, deeper than he ever had before.
"…Those techniques…they do not belong to this world," Sierra's voice whispered, somewhere unseen. "Truly…what an unfathomable youth you are."
--
Floating Island
Before the enormous gate leading into the Mystic Treasure Realm, two armored sentinels stood at rigid attention. Thick silver plate covered their bodies, and each exuded the power of a 9th Level Profound Rank cultivator.
They were the chosen guardians of this place—reinforced by a Sky Rank elder hidden within the city itself.
Woosh—
In a heartbeat, they went on high alert. A figure had appeared, emerging from the empty air as if woven from shadow. A long black cloak draped the stranger's form, a golden mask hiding their face.
Yet no energy pulsed from that figure. Nothing. An unnatural stillness surrounded them.
"Identify yourself!" one of the guards barked. "This island is sacred territory of the Sacred Dragon Family—no trespassers will be tolerated!"
The cloaked stranger did not so much as glance at him. They kept walking, silent.
The guards tensed, preparing to strike—
—but then their eyes widened, went blank, and their bodies toppled where they stood. Unconscious.
The masked figure approached the gate without pause. Pale fingers traced the circular patterns and strange ancient characters etched into the stone.
"…Ancient texts," a ragged voice murmured from behind the mask. "Even if I unleashed all my strength…forcing this gate open would be impossible."
A streak of motion blurred through the air. An old man landed nearby, robes billowing. His gaze was sharp as a hawk's. But when he saw the two fallen guards, a flicker of dread crossed his face.
He was a Sky Rank cultivator—1st Level.
"…May I ask your identity?" he said carefully. "This place is under the Royal Clan's protection. Only those with the highest clearances—"
His words broke off.
He collapsed as though struck by an invisible hammer.
A gentle gust blew across the threshold as the masked figure ran their hand over the engraved runes. For a long moment, they stood there in silence.
"…How did such a thing end up in a world this small?" the hoarse voice whispered.
"…Finn Silva…did you really perish in there?"
"…No. You must not die. I cannot bear the price I would pay if you do."
A slow sigh shivered through the air.
Then the figure dissolved into nothingness.