As dawn broke, a warm, golden light filtered through the windows, casting a gentle glow over the room. I lay between Shuri and Akeno, both of whom were still resting peacefully. I couldn't help but marvel at the serenity on their faces after our intimate night together. It was a night filled with love, connection, and energy that bound us even closer.
The system's notification resonated in my mind:
"SUCCESSFUL DUAL CULTIVATION WITH BOTH AKENO AND SHURI. AKENO HAS PROGRESSED IN HER CULTIVATION. DO YOU WISH FOR SHURI TO BECOME A CULTIVATOR AND PURSUE THE PATH OF THE DAO?"
Without hesitation, I thought,
Me:yes, but she's going to need a technique.
I continued,
Kousei;Please find a suitable technique for her.
Scanning, scanning, scanning
Name: Phoenix Rebirth Technique. Introduction: The Phoenix Rebirth Cultivation Technique is a mystical and powerful method inspired by the legendary Phoenix, a creature known for its eternal cycle of death and rebirth. Practitioners of this technique harness the essence of the Phoenix to achieve immortality, unparalleled power, and profound mastery over the elements of fire and life. YOU WISH TO MAKE PURCHASE OF TECHNIQUE?"
I nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility and excitement for Shuri's potential growth.
As the first rays of sunlight warmed the room, both Akeno and Shuri stirred from their sleep. Shuri clutched her chest, a groan of pain escaping her lips.
"MOM!" Akeno exclaimed, reaching out to her mother with concern.
Kousei:Stop, Akeno
I said, my voice steady and firm.
Kousei:It's for her own good.
Akeno looked at me, searching my eyes for reassurance. Seeing the seriousness in my expression, she slowly nodded, trusting my judgment.
Shuri's body began to emit a faint golden glow. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing a blazing golden hue that hadn't been there before. Her skin seemed to radiate with youthful vitality, and she looked several years younger, almost like Akeno's older sister.
She sat up slowly, her hand resting on her abdomen.
Shuri:What happened?
she asked, her voice filled with a mixture of confusion and awe.
Shuri:I feel... something in my abdomen, something powerful.
I took her hand in mine, gently squeezing it.
Kousei:Shuri, last night, during our cultivation, I helped you unlock a new path. You've begun practicing the Phoenix Rebirth Technique, a powerful cultivation method inspired by the legendary Phoenix. This technique will give you immense strength, longevity, and mastery over the elements of fire and life.
Her eyes widened, a mixture of excitement and apprehension filling them.
Shuri:A cultivation technique? But... why me? I mean, I feel so different, so much younger, but... is it safe?
I nodded reassuringly.
Kousei:it's more than safe, Shuri. This technique is perfect for you. The Phoenix symbolizes rebirth and immortality. With it, you'll become stronger and more resilient than ever before. The pain you felt was your body adjusting to the new energy flowing through you.
Akeno, still sitting beside us, looked between Shuri and me, her eyes filled with curiosity and hope.
Akeno:Mom, does this mean you'll be even stronger than before? Will you be able to protect yourself better?
Shuri smiled, her eyes softening.
Shuri:Yes, Akeno. I feel... incredible. I can't describe it fully, but it's like a new fire has been ignited within me. I feel more alive than ever.
I chuckled softly.
Kousei:That's the power of the Phoenix Rebirth Technique. You're becoming more attuned to the elements, more in harmony with the world around you. It will take time to fully master it, but with your natural affinity and determination, I have no doubt you'll excel.
Shuri looked at me with gratitude and admiration.
Shuri:Thank you, Kousei. You've given me a gift beyond measure. I feel like I can truly protect Akeno now, and myself. I won't be a burden anymore.
Akeno wrapped her arms around her mother, tears of joy in her eyes.
Akeno:Mom, you've never been a burden. But now, knowing you're even stronger... it makes me so happy.
I joined the embrace, holding them both close.
Kousei:We're a family, and we support each other. Together, we'll face any challenges that come our way.
Shuri nodded, her expression resolute.
Shuri:yes, together. And I'll make sure to master this technique, not just for myself, but for all of us.
Akeno grinned.
Akeno:Looks like our family just got a whole lot stronger.
Timeskip
As I walked through the dimly lit corridors of the dungeon, I could feel the oppressive weight of the atmosphere pressing down on me. The walls, slick with moisture, seemed to close in, but my focus was entirely on one thing: finding Issei.
I finally reached the central chamber, and there he was. His appearance had changed dramatically. His hair was wilder, more spiked, and his eyes glowed with an intense crimson hue. There was an unmistakable ferocity in his gaze, and I could see the beginnings of fangs peeking out from his lips. He looked more draconic than ever before.
Issei:Oh, it's you
he said in a rough tone, his voice carrying a new, guttural edge.
I couldn't help but smirk.
Kousei:You've gotten stronger
I acknowledged, feeling the surge of his qi. It was intense, almost overwhelming.
Issei didn't respond verbally. Instead, he turned his back and began walking away. Before I could react, he vanished, appearing behind me in an instant.
"CRIMSON DRAGON CLAW!"
he roared, his hand slashing through the air. But all he struck was an afterimage.
I materialized in front of him, my fist connecting with his raised arm. Despite his attempt to block, the force of my punch sent him flying across the chamber. He crashed into the wall, leaving a crater in the stone.
Flames shot from his mouth as he activated Dragon Soul Ascendence. Red flames wreathed his body, combining with the power of his Sacred Gear, Boosted Gear. The aura around him was fierce, and I could see the determination in his eyes.
I cracked my neck, feeling the power surging through me.
Kousei:Still thinking you can beat me?
I asked, my golden aura flaring up, my gaze turning into a piercing gold.
"KEEP DREAMING."
Issei roared, charging at me with blistering speed. His Boosted Gear roared, "BOOST!" repeatedly, amplifying his power with each second.
We clashed in the center of the chamber, the force of our impact sending shockwaves through the dungeon. Issei's Crimson Dragon Claw met my fist, the energy crackling and sparking as we struggled for dominance.
He pushed back, flames enveloping his arm
"INFERNO LOTUS FIST!"
he bellowed, unleashing a barrage of fiery punches.
I dodged and parried, my movements fluid and precise. I could feel the heat of his attacks singeing my skin, but my golden aura shielded me from the worst of it. I countered with a series of strikes, each blow resonating with the power of my cultivation.
Issei's eyes blazed with fury and determination
. "BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!"
His power surged again, and he swung his arm in a wide arc.
"CRIMSON DRAGON TWISTER!"
A vortex of crimson energy erupted from his hand, spiraling towards me with incredible force. I summoned my golden aura, condensing it into a shield. The vortex struck, and for a moment, the world was consumed by a maelstrom of red and gold.
The force of the attack pushed me back, but I held my ground. With a fierce roar, I pushed forward, breaking through the vortex and closing the distance between us.
"VOID BREAKER SLASH!"
I shouted, my aura blade slicing through the air. The energy cut through Issei's defenses, leaving a deep gash on his arm.
He gritted his teeth, blood dripping from the wound, but he didn't back down
"DRAGON SHOT!"
he yelled, firing a massive beam of red energy from his Boosted Gear.
I raised my hand, channeling my qi into a barrier. The beam struck, pushing me back, but I held firm. With a roar, I deflected the attack, sending it careening into the ceiling, which exploded in a shower of debris.
Issei was relentless, charging at me with renewed vigor. His claws slashed through the air, each strike filled with the power of the dragon. I met him blow for blow, our movements a blur of speed and power.
"DIVINE THUNDER STRIKE!"
I called out, lightning crackling around my fist. I punched forward, the electric energy surging towards Issei.
He dodged to the side, but the lightning grazed him, leaving burns on his skin. He countered with a flaming uppercut, which I narrowly avoided.
We continued to exchange blows, the chamber trembling with the force of our battle. Issei's determination was palpable, his desire to surpass me driving him to new heights. But I was equally resolute, my golden aura blazing brighter with each passing moment.
Issei's Boosted Gear roared once more, "BOOST!" amplifying his power to its peak. He raised his fist, flames swirling around it.
"CRIMSON DRAGON ROAR!"
A massive wave of fire erupted from his hand, engulfing the chamber in a sea of red. I summoned all my strength, my golden aura flaring to its maximum.
"HEAVENLY AURA SHIELD!"
I bellowed, creating a barrier of pure energy. The flames crashed against it, the heat intense enough to melt stone. But I held firm, pushing back against the onslaught.
With a final roar, I broke through the flames, charging at Issei with all my might
My fist connected with his chest, the impact creating a shockwave that shook the entire dungeon.
Issei was sent flying, crashing into the far wall. He lay there, breathing heavily, his body battered and bruised. I stood over him, panting, but victorious.
Kousei:you're getting stronger, Issei
I said, offering him a hand.
Kousei:But you've still got a long way to go.
He took my hand, pulling himself up.
Issei:Yeah, I know. But one day, I'll surpass you.
I smiled.
Kousei:I look forward to it. Now, let's get out of here and recover. We've got a meeting with the Shinto faction to prepare for.
In the resplendent halls of Tamaghara, Amaterasu presided over a meeting of the Shinto gods. Her beauty was awe-inspiring: long, silky black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, and her eyes were a brilliant gold, shimmering with the light of a thousand suns. Her kimono, adorned with intricate patterns of cranes and cherry blossoms, seemed to glow with an ethereal light, reflecting her divine radiance. Her presence commanded attention and respect, and as she took her seat, the other gods turned their focus toward her.
Amaterasu's voice, calm and measured, broke the silence.
Amaterasu:We have received troubling news regarding the devils' actions in the underworld. They almost annihilated the Nekoushou.
Some gods around the table murmured in anger. One of them, Hachiman, the god of war, slammed his fist on the table.
Hachiman:Why are we allowing devils to manage Kuoh if they are going to attack our people?
Susanoo, with his wild demeanor and a stormy presence, leaned forward.
Susanoo:Before we jump to conclusions, let us not forget the actions of the Red Dragon Emperor and the Horizon Avenger.
The gods paused, considering his words. Another god, Inari, with a serene and calculating expression, spoke up.
Inari:Indeed, the Red Dragon Emperor has shown allegiance to our faction. His actions have been beneficial.
One of the gods, Uzume, a goddess known for her cheerfulness, added with a smile,
Uzume:And the Horizon Avenger? He is even more powerful than the Red Dragon Emperor, correct?
Amaterasu nodded.
Amaterasu:yes, he is. They didn't just destroy an entire elite squad of devils; they also managed to wound and best the Ultimate Queen, Grayfia Lucifuge.
A god known for his wisdom, Omoikane, rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Omoikane:But we did not order them to do that. Their actions, while beneficial, were not sanctioned by us.
Tsukuyomi, the moon god, grinned. His presence was cool and calm, his silver hair shimmering under the light of the hall.
Tsukuyomi:I have spoken with Azazel. He confirmed that both the Red Dragon Emperor and the Horizon Avenger are Japanese. Furthermore, he mentioned that the Horizon Avenger is a skilled user of qi. In fact, he exclusively uses qi
The room fell silent for a moment, the gods processing this information. Amaterasu finally spoke, her voice filled with a mix of pride and concern.
Amaterasu:It is indeed a remarkable achievement for the Horizon Avenger to rely solely on qi and reach such heights. It speaks to his discipline and power. However, their actions in the underworld have stirred the waters.
Hachiman's anger seemed to simmer down as he considered the implications.
Hachiman:If they are indeed our people and are showing such strength, we need to support them. But we also need to ensure that their actions align with our goals.
Amaterasu nodded.
Amaterasu:Precisely. We cannot have rogue elements acting without our knowledge. However, their presence has also been a deterrent to the devils. We need to tread carefully.
Inari spoke again, her voice filled with curiosity.
Inari:What do we know about the Horizon Avenger's background? How did he become so powerful?
Tsukuyomi replied,
Tsukuyomi:Azazel informed me that the Horizon Avenger's true name is Kousei. His mastery of qi is unparalleled, and he has shown remarkable growth and potential. It seems he has a deep connection to the very essence of our land.
Susanoo leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face.
Susanoo:if Kousei, the Horizon Avenger, and Issei, the Red Dragon Emperor, are to be allies, we must ensure their loyalty. We should invite them to a formal meeting, show them our support, and guide their actions to align with our goals.
Amaterasu agreed.
Amaterasu:I will arrange for a meeting. We will welcome them and make our intentions clear. Their power is a great asset, but it must be wielded wisely.
Uzume, always the optimist, smiled brightly.
Uzume:It will be a pleasure to meet them. From what we've heard, they seem like remarkable individuals.
Hachiman, still cautious, added,
Hachiman:but let us not forget the potential danger. Power like theirs can be a double-edged sword.
Amaterasu's gaze was firm.
Amaterasu:We will handle it with the utmost care. The balance of our world depends on our actions. Let us prepare for their arrival and ensure that they understand the responsibilities that come with their power.
The gods nodded in agreement, each understanding the gravity of the situation. As the meeting adjourned, Amaterasu's thoughts lingered on the upcoming encounter. She knew that the future of their faction could very well hinge on the actions of Kousei and Issei, the new champions of the Shinto faction.