Philip walked closer to the sphere of fire and the white lines across his body wriggled because of heat. He clenched his teeth because he felt stinging pain from his right hand as his hand went through the sphere
The white lines glowed and covered his hand. He used Pain Conversion to convert the pain to endurance. His Duality Kinetic State, formerly Bipolar Body, activated. Since his body is experiencing extreme heat, the ability made it so that his body won't generate heat as the atoms in his body vibrated slower and slower thus making it colder
Philip felt warm upon entering the sphere of fire, he doesn't feel scorched nor his skin was burning. One of the Fire Triangle, heat, has been removed from the equation because of the constant coldness of Philip's body. Since the atoms of Philip's body is slowly generating Kinetic Energy, he felt slow and groggy. He compensated for this weakness with Extreme Self-awareness
The white lines flowed calmly and his clothes slowly tore from the pressure of the fire then reducing it to ashes. His hair wasn't burning but it seemed to be flowing like it was under the influence of flowing water
Meanwhile, outside the sphere of fire, everyone suddenly became wary. The sphere of fire looked like a miniature Sun and it releases intense heat that can almost melt metal. Mathilda, Justine, and Sai took action as they raised their right arm and pointed their hands at the miniature Sun. Mathilda created an Energy Barrier, Justine manipulated the energy and flow of heat so that it won't spread around the land, and Sai controlled the unstable energy surrounding the miniature Sun
Sai can personally control Natsuki's unstable control of her ability, but she needs to control it constantly. She is interested at how Philip would be able to achieve his goal
Natsu stood between the miniature Sun and the three girls. She raised her hands and her plasma made a barrier around around the miniature Sun to help with the intense heat
A few minutes later, Philip arrived in front of Natsuki, enough for him to see her face and burning silhouette. He saw her anguish and she was tearing up. She was not creating tears made of water, but it was tears made of flames
Philip reached his hand towards Natsuki and using the severe amount of Mana present around them, he collected the Flame Tears. He place the tears on the pocket of his jeans that doesn't seem to be burning
There was a reason as to why Philip obtained these Flame Tears. It was because the tears was unnatural, it was made from Natsuki's ability, from Mana. Since the Flame Tears would break with the slightest touch and burst, Philip infused his Mana within the tears to solidify it and make Flame Tears, a kind of attributed Mana Stone that Philip was talking about in his research papers
He grabbed this opportunity to obtain attributed Mana Stones to create magic items without killing someone and gathering their remains
He would take advantage of Natsuki to obtain a large amount of Flame Tears, but he felt bad and he won't do that to her. He still has his conscience and he's not completely numb, devoid of emotions
Natsuki was still unmoving and she watched as Philip came close to her. She felt pain from seeing someone like Philip, sacrifice himself to the point that he's risking his life just to help her
It was at this moment that Philip touched her forehead with two of his right fingers. Natsuki finally realized as to why Natsume is madly in love with him
"Origin Seeker"
Philip muttered under his voice and the central part of his eyes beamed blue. His pupils has the blue light at the center and golden color surrounding it
It was then that massive arcs of fire and flame circled around Natsuki and dared to harm Philip. Fortunately, Philip has his Sword Aura to protect him from external forces that will harm him
The flares and massive arcs started to converge into a more condensed fire that unleashes more heat around Natsuki and Philip. Denser flames spiralled and swirled towards Natsuki and became a cyclone of flames
The fire seemed to be reacting violently against Philip as it became more and more out of control. Mathilda, Justine, and Sai wasn't struggling but Natsu is receiving the full brunt of the unstable flames
But this did not faze Philip at all as he felt comfortable as ever, like a cool breeze sweeping through his body in the middle of a hot desert. He closed his eyes and concentrated. His vision entered hyperspace and he went to see Natsuki's origin
~~~
Philip stopped going through hyperspace and he was left in the middle of a cold forest. He looked around and saw white snow everywhere, pine trees that reached the sky, and a full moon that doused the snow with faint light
He looked behind him and saw a man kneeling down while looking at the sky. There are several tall lit up torches planted on the ground around him like a ritual. He wore what looks like an outfit for a male shrine maiden, a Shinshoku, with different kinds of talismans planted across his clothes, body parts, and head. He also holds a staff called the Gohei with bells attached to the sides. There is also a folded orange paper umbrella next to him
This man was apparently named Natsu, the first ancient predecessor of the Natsu Clan. Philip found that the current period of time where he was is approximately 5000 years ago, the Early Jōmon period of Japan
Natsu assumed a prayer position and he prayed to a being that he's worshipping. It was then that the fire from the tall torches became bigger and the tip flowed at the center of the circular formation of the torches. The flowing flames formed a tornado until it grew larger. The tornado exploded and revealed a being inside
The being had a large muscular stature. He wore an long red vest that reached to his ankles and the frills and edges of the vest are burning with fire. The being also wore black scorched leather pants that is surrounded by an aura of black flames. He is topless under his vest that reveals his chiseled abs, chest, and neck
Gold metal rings hover around his wrists and arms that releases small bursts of fire. A split-in-between flaming cape is attached on his back and fluters from the wind. His red hair is a hybrid of hair and fire that crackles, it was the same for his eyebrows. He smiles gently and his eyes ate colored with the three colors of fire and it was calmly burning
"Fire God..."
"Mortal, you called me?"
Natsu spoke to the being, which is the Fire God, and the being naturally spoke back
"I need power"
"Hm... You called for me just to ask for power? You have the courage to immediately ask that from a God... Usually, mortals offer blessings or sacrifice first before asking for something"
The Fire God crossed his arms and looked down at Natsu
"Very well then... Since you're hungry for power and you don't even try to be respectful or hospitable towards me. I need three conditions to give you power"
The Fire God smirked while looking down at Natsu. He was testing Natsu if he would ever change his attitude. He was disappointed and then frowned. Natsu was unresponsive and he kept his head down
"You could talk to me casually, you know?"
The Fire God did not give up. He tried to convince Natsu but he just wouldn't break. The Fire God wanted someone to talk to him casually because any mortals that he come in contact with always adresses him in a respectful manner. He wants to take a break and experience being a normal person, like what he was in his world, one hundred thousand years ago
"Fine! Maintain that attitude and see what you'll get!"
The Fire God pouted and harrumphed. He already dislike Natsu and his gift and conditions will reflect from Natsu's behavior towards the Fire God
"First condition is for you to create a shrine for myself, Fotiá, the Fire God"
Fotiá raised his hand and a three dimensional image of a shrine, that is represented by fire, was shown hovering in the air
"In this shrine, you need to give me offering at least once every month, since I'm feeling generous, and pray for at least once a week. If you fail to meet these requirements, we'll have a problem"
Fotiá released a flaming aura that overwhelmed Natsu. He's exuding his authority currently to show Natsu who's in charge
"Second, create offsprings and spread around the power that I will be giving you. The power must only be through your bloodline, no foreign blood as it will completely extinguish the power"
Fotiá raised his hand again and an image of Natsu, made of fire, was shown next to the model of the shrine. The fire grew and formed the silhouette of his wife, children, and children of his children
"Grow your bloodline into future generations to achieve the ultimate power of fire and become a candidate for something bigger, which I am forbidden to tell a mortal or anyone below me"
Fotiá furrowed his eyebrows and looked at Natsu with melancholy. He was in regret that Natsu wished for power from him and that he will be tied to this Fate with his descendants and suffer
It was like Alucard's Fate, except it's a little different
"Third and final condition, I will provide you a Divine Artifact that you must protect at all times"
Fotiá raised his hand and a piece that looked like a Rook appeared in the air next to the model of the shrine and Natsu's descendants. The Rook had multiple layers, other layers are transparent with an orange tint and other layers are colored with a range of colors from orange to yellow
"This is a Gnosis, the Fire Gnosis. This contains a fraction of my knowledge and power and this is where you and your descendants will obtain their powers depending on their potential. You must protect this Gnosis at all cost. If this Gnosis is harmed in any way, there will be complications in the power granted to you and your bloodline. So, protect it at all costs"
Fotiá warned Natsu as much as he can since Natsu wasn't responding. He let the Gnosis hover toward Natsu and he received it with open hands
As Natsu held the Gnosis, he held it tightly inside his palms. He bowed sincerely to Fotiá and ran away as fast as he could
"Haaah... Damn mortal, doesn't even know how to properly address their appreciation. Maybe I should eradicate him right now?"
Fotiá pondered as he held his chin
"Anyways, this should be interesting... As soon as his family implodes and an all out war will happen for the Gnosis, I shall retrieve it and extinguish all of their powers... Maybe I should destroy this world while I'm at it"
Fotiá was interested but he wasn't particularly amused towards mortals, especially humans. He wouldn't think twice to destroy Earth if humans were to fight each other to claim possession of the Fire Gnosis and abuse its power
Philip frowned and glared at Fotiá with furrowed eyebrows. If Fotiá would ever destroy Earth in the future, it will be troublesome for him and he will stop the Fire God with all of his might, just as how he did with Goddess Sai
Of course, as a Fire God, Fotiá felt Philip's glare and he turned his head towards Philip. Their eyes met each other and Fotiá seemed to see Philip, even though he's in the past and Philip is outside the vision, like a watcher or observer
This scenario happened the same time as when Philip seeked Jude's origin and met the Sword God as he followed him through the hyperspace
Fotiá looked at Philip with utter suprise that his flames became mellow. He looked like the scariest being Philip has ever seen because of Fotiá's facial expression. Philip raised his guard and became tense because he is facing a God, and a God of an aspect of the universe at that
"Fascinating!!!"
Fotiá exclaimed with a wide sinister smile. He instantly went in front of Philip from his original position in a wave of flame
"Who are you?"
Fotiá asked with genuine interest and curiosity. Philip did not reply instantly, he thought of what to say towards Fotiá without revealing that he can control Fate
"A quiet type also? How unfortunate... Are all mortals like this? Why are they scared of talking to me?!!"
"If you're going to destroy Earth in the future... I will be your enemy to stop you"
Philip declared courageously. Once again, Fotiá's face was filled with delight. It was the first time that a mortal talked to him like that after several millenia
"Oh? Are you a defender of Earth in the future? Tell me, what's the future like? Has that mortal's descendant lived on? Has the Gnosis been destroyed or taken by me? My guess it's fine since you haven't fought me in the future seeing that you're here and it's the first time you're hearing about that mortal's past"
Philip clicked his tongue, Fotiá has already figured out that he came from the future and that he came here solely for Natsu, the ancient predecessor of the Natsu Clan
"I need to go"
Philip hurried up to leave so that he won't get acquainted with Fotiá any further. His vision slowly warped to move on to seeking Natsuki's origin
"Wait! Don't go!"
Fotiá tried to reach towards Philip to grab him but he grabbed air. He felt sad because he would never see Philip again since he's busy as the Fire God. He will be even more busy because Natsu has a Fire Gnosis
It was then that his face was filled with delight once more after realizing a crucial thing
"If he's from the future... Then I would just find him! It's that easy!!! Hathathat!"
Fotiá laughed out loud in a weird way and he raised his hand in the air and tore the space in front of him. The tear bursted in flames and surrounded him in a violent tornado. The tornado shrunk until he disappeared and his laugh slowly went quiet. The fire was extinguished and the fire from the large torches was also extinguished
It became quiet and dark in the middle of the forest
~~~
One thousand years later, after generations of generations of proper, peaceful, and orderly inheritance of the title of the head of the clan, comes the generation who are greedy of power and will do anything to obtain the Gnosis and control over the clan
This led to a conflict within the clan that turned into civil war and a coup d'etat. Hundreds of warriors fought each other for the inheritance and the rightful inheritor was brutally murdered after trying to peacefully solve the conflict inside the clan
The head clan leader became angry and executed a few of the rebellious warriors using his Power of Fire: Inferno Burst, but he was killed by a warrior with sheer luck by the Power of Fire: Burning Luck
This made the husband of the rightful warrior couldn't stand anymore, after his wife's father, the head clan leader, is also killed
He dominated the battlefield with his Power of Fire: Hellfire's Sea. He killed all the greedy and opposing family and clan members and successfully defended the Fire Gnosis. This made Fotiá unable to come and take the Gnosis
He then rightfully claimed the title of head clan leader and guided everyone to the right direction. Of course, there are still people who wanted to get the title and the Gnosis. He was assassinated at night several years later, along his two sons and a daughter, to cut the inheritance from him. Fortunately, he hid the Gnosis very well that no one was able to find it, so it was protected until another one thousand years later. The fight for the Gnosis and position of head clan leader continued for a few thousand years
~~~
As years and centuries went by and the conflicts inside the clan continued, Fire Impurities formed inside everyone's body. This includes their offsprings and their descendants
The Fire Impurities are impurities that are forming because of the imperfection of everyone in the clan. Their greed, wrath, envy, and more
Fire was supposed to burn all of these sins away and cleanse a being's soul and essense. But, human sins are far greater than the fire that is being provided by the Fire Gnosis, which is only a part of Fotiá's power and knowledge. This caused the Power of Fire inside everyone to create impurities that lessen the power of their fire
Several centuries later, the quantity and quality of the impurities became far greater that the clan entered the Regression Period. Fire abilities became weaker and the Power of Fire disappeared from this current generation's bloodline
With this, conflicts became less and less because the fire abilities became weaker. The people of the clan learned to create metal tools and weapons to aid them and help their lives easier
This also forced the elders to write the Scrolls of Fire Techniques that contains the information about thousands and millions of kinds of fire abilities and Power of Fire in the past. The elders hid the scrolls in the deepest parts of their town that no one, except for the family of the clan leader, can reach it
The scrolls became hidden and became an important piece of historical records that anyone who has the bloodline of Natsu will be able to learn, as long as their bloodline is pure and without impurities
The Fire Gnosis is also safely kept in the middle of the room with maximized protection that is unbreachable after the last person that has a Power of Fire protected it. It was the Power of Fire: Soulflame Imprisonment, a power that provides powerful protection or imprisonment as long as the soul of the holder of the power still exists. Currently, his soul is lingering around the scrolls and the Fire Gnosis
This went on until 2000 years later, when the transition of Mysticism Age hit on year 2021
The current head of the clan took advantage of this transition after sensing the slow spreading of Mana in the atmosphere
He opened the room where the Scrolls of Fire Techniques are located and studied it. Most or the scrolls were torn or missing, making the techniques incomplete
This pushed the head clan leader to invent the Fire Tempering Crucible method to unlock the potential of every fire ability users in the clan or in the world
But this only made the impurities harder and tempered in exchange for the slight upgrade of the fire abilities
Apparently, this method was sabotaged by an inside agent in the clan and it hindered the growth of every member of the clan for three and a half years
The Natsu Clan was considered to be a part of the Secret Organizations and some other organization sabotaged them
This was the origin of the Natsu Clan
~~~
Philip went back straight to Natsuki's origin and he went back to 28 years ago
Apparently, Natsuki's father is a member of the Natsu Clan, who fell in love with a woman outside of the clan
Her parents had a forbidden love because the clan doesn't allow for anyone to have an offspring with a normal person because all fire abilities of the clan will disappear, along with the Gnosis
But this did not stop her father, they gave birth to Natsu, Natsuki's elder sister, and it was immediately found out by the clan
The clan thought that everyone lost their power and the Gnosis but they found out that they still have it. Natsuki's father was the only one who lost his fire ability
The clan had a meeting about this and they came to a conclusion, banish Natsuki's father and mother and leave Natsu in the clan
Of course, the parents did not agree to this and rebelled, trying to get Natsu and escape as soon as possible. Unfortunately, they failed and was banished with wounds and scars across their skin
A few months later, they found a town that welcomed them with open arms and gave them a home. Five years later, they gave birth to Natsuki and four years later, they gave birth to Natsume
For several years, everyone lived happily together and they were occasionally visited by Natsu. The clan gave permission because Natsu has one of the most powerful fire abilities in the clan with her Plasma Combustion
Natsu was grumpy but logical and the family welcomed her
It was then that at the age of 19, Natsuki found out that she has a fire ability and her parent was genuinely shocked and surprised. But then, the disaster happened and before her parents could check out her fire ability, her ability went out of control and burned the entire town and reduced it to ashes
Only Natsuki and Natsume survived. As Natsuki's flames bursted in the area, Philip saw that Natsume was being unharmed as intense flames enveloped her
He opened his eyes wide and his vision returned to the present, with Natsuki closing her eyes in pain and sorrow. He looked at Natsume, who is outside of the sphere of fire, with shocked eyes