"Yel, I, promise to find a way to wake you up. I, Ivis, won't let anyone leave me again."
It has been years since he's asleep. When can I finally see him standing again?
Even after growing up and becoming the youngest CEO in history, not once had I been feeling happy.
Both mother and dad succumbed to the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving me with my little brother who fell into a coma a few years ago.
As the door opened, a man wearing a white coat stepped into the room.
Without looking back, I said in my usual stern voice, "How is the research advancing?"
As if having already prepared his answer, Tom talked in a respectful voice, "Unfortunately, there is still no progress but with your funding, our team promises you to do our best. As for the phoenix's eyes, we haven't made any progress. I hope, sir, that you can understand the difficulty of finding an ingredient from myth. Furthermore, who knows if it can truly heal any disease?"
"Just keep searching. I will continue to fund your research but know that I will not tolerate any slacker. You can go back."
"As you wish, sir.".
Even after having put a lot of resources into recruiting the world's best researchers, no progress has been made.
Am I fated to suffer like this all my life? Death is even better.
Checking my watch, I muttered, "My job's waiting for me. See you later, brother."
From nowhere, a calm, soothing voice echoed in my mind. "If you become my subordinate, I will give you a chance to save your father. What do you think?"
Is this some kind of new technology? Or else how could someone use telepathy? Maybe...just maybe...could be possible because of magic?
"Yes, magic does exist. There is just none in this world."
Hearing this only confirmed the existence of magic and the fact that the voice could 'see' my thoughts.
Keeping my calm, I pulled out a concealed pistol. "Who might you be?"
"Just to make it simple, think of me as a deity. I can offer you a chance to get your hands on the phoenix's eyes and save your little brother. What do you say?"
"What can a mortal like me be of use to you?"
The voice chuckled, "Well, the thing is that my adoptive daughter, Eva, became too spoiled as she would only accept someone as attractive as me to take care of her dragon wings. You see, always staying with someone like me has increased her beauty standard to an almost unreachable level.
'A dark medium-length hair with tale undertones, a pale skin that could make goddesses jealous, and a beautiful pair of golden eyes, I am sure Eva would appreciate the noble aura exuding from you.
'You might wonder that with my power, I could just heal your brother with the snap of my finger, the answer is because he had contracted an extremely rare disease. Unfortunately, my godly power is too restricted in the mortal world so I cannot get it myself. Bring me the phoenix's eyes and this matter shall be in the past."
Everything has a price. If I have to become someone's subordinate to save Yel, so be it.
---
With tiny lights resembling fireflies spinning at a slow speed around me, my vision started to darken, and my body became more transparent with each passing second before finding myself in complete darkness.
Its warmth reminded me of the good times when everyone was still there, for I had not felt this comfortable for many years. If I could look at my face right now, there would be a smile.
---
How long have I been here?
Although this place is nice and cozy, I cannot just disregard my mission.
According to Eros, the phoenix is one of the most powerful beings in this world. Only by becoming a True Mage can one have a chance of defeating it.
The magic system of this world is the number of stars on our magical core, with one star being at the button.
This level is equal to a regular knight, and 8-stars belong to the highest category. If someone were to anger a Ruler, his death can only be the final outcome.
As for me, I need to become a 7-stars True Mage to defeat the Phoenix and leave for the God realm where Eros is waiting for me.