Feenix; a lost soul who is well-known to the gods. She is a woman whose existence altered the course of history. She was young when she passed away, but her death changed the world's nations. She was the first lady whose existence had such an impact on the world that the international community decided to forbid using her real name.
Her existence to Timothy was a riddle he intended to learn from Ivione. However, Ivione was mostly an enemy to them, delivering what could possibly be inaccurate truths.
Timothy's familiarity with history was mediocre. It was the information he earned from other people who he confronted. However, if those facts were actual or not became the primary question.
Now he learned about Feenix, his possible predecessor. Everything he knew about Feenix became shrouded in lies and inaccurate details. It was an instant snap of dissimilar data.
Ivione grinned, sending various inquiries and thoughts of what was right or wrong through Timothy's mind. Timothy wanted to gain some studies about Feenix, but his objective to retrieve Ivione's reputation would get interceded.
"I don't know if I should believe a word you say, Ivione. You may be a privileged emperor who nears the power of a god, and you might have the wisdom of someone's past, but after everything you've done and I witnessed, I think you're lying."
Ivione unfurled his arms, turning his fingers toward the ceiling, and created an abnormal wind around them that gradually expanded in power.
"I know about your 'second body.'"
Timothy had his view bound on Ivione's eyes, seeing him extend his arm and point his finger at the young pirate's heart.
"Don't you feel it? You have willpower in that boiling heart of yours that most people don't. It has sufficient strength to astound a revered ruler. You might be unaware of it, but your courage and zeal come from the previous owner."
Ivione's way of speech became more opportune and encyclopedic. Timothy restrained himself from attacking without motivation as Kyora observed them in the background, studying his reactions.
"A human can't impress a god so easily even if their abilities are beyond apprehensive. However, I've observed you and heard many good things about you. You even managed to get on Etuna's and Phalris' good side. But I'm different.."
"...If you believe that returning the information YOU stole from me will make you my ally. You're in error. It doesn't matter how much of an impact your former wielder had on the world — you still can't live up to her expectations. If you can't even connect with your predecessor, you're of no use to the world with those ancient powers or those people around you."
Everything Ivione mentioned to Timothy influenced him barely. He burst out high-temperature fire from his palm that singed around that hand. It became the one indication that Timothy had no intentions of backing away from the fight.
"I came here for the Sanctum Islanders to regain your respect. I didn't come here to talk about children's narratives that don't exist anymore. Whether my powers transferred from one person to another or not, that's none of my business. If I had predecessors, I don't care. The one thing I do care about, though is~"
Ivione's slow clapping interrupted Timothy's statement, confusing and irritating him at the same time. He started chuckling, keeping his eyes shut in bemusement.
"Tempris... Photine..." Ivione claimed, composed, "You're identical to her. Tenacious like a hero. Impetuous as a fool. You both showed consideration and devotion..."
"...You look and sound just like her. If you think you don't need to learn everything about your powers and your predecessors, then you have no right to exist and should be eliminated so that your soul can move onto a more reasonable individual..."
"...And I can speed up the resurrection!"
Ivione's dismay and rage were visible on his face. It was simple to see. His teeth shone and stuck outward.
Ivion was still angry over Timothy's careless attitude for some unknown reason. He was irritated by Timothy's ignorance rather than for selfish reasons.
"How could someone like you have inherited these disastrous powers? You're not simply ignorant. You're an idiot who approaches gods and befriends or even opposes them. I can't stand those who hold immense power but lack the responsibility to use it!"
Timothy's patience was quickly evaporating as it gradually dispersed. He felt belittled for a reason he did not understand. To confuse him required more than a simple mental ploy.
Those were sincere words.
While not out of fear or despair, Kyora could see her captain's hands were trembling. It was entirely rage and resentment. She was shocked to see her friend acting in such a peculiar manner.
She made an effort to comprehend him and had a good understanding of his justifications, but they seemed absurd. She listened carefully to the discussion to get any fresh details that could become useful for the crew.
She did gain some, but much of it remained a mystery.
Wanting not to waste more time, Timothy heated the flames, turning them blue with white ascents. His tolerance ran out entirely, and he ultimately decided to start their battle.
"One more chance. Take the chip or shut up. I'm not planning to go back on my word." He commanded, warning Ivione as Kyora reached into her cleavage and tugged out a bendable polearm she extended.
"Tim. I'm here to back you up. If you need any help, make sure to tell me." Timothy smirked and nodded. He showed her thumbs up and braced for the battle. "Thanks, but I won't need it. I can take care of this myself."
He spread his legs and moved one arm forward and the other near his hip. "First Ascension; Burning Falcon."
Just like before, Timothy's blood boiled, radiating hot steam through the skin and turning it rose. His sudden technique aroused an unusual spark within Ivione's brain.
Ivione whistled, showing amazement. "Don't you see it? The technique you just used doesn't make sense. The ability you possess isn't plain-old fire. You should've realized it sooner. After all, you were the one who came up with such talent. But let's see what it has in store for me."
-
Chiaki reached the podium in the nick of time and crossed paths with Hywel before he had the opportunity to summon the divine Yerachmiel.
He spotted her, giving her applause, proud that she managed to catch up in time.
"You again? I thought I ordered Shanya to kill you. I knew she was a lost cause. I should've declined her request to assist me in this journey. Perhaps it was for the better. I had no intention of paying that cat for her service. But let's dance, Yasuda."
To be continued...