In the vast, white expanse of the Phoenix's dimension, the air crackled with anticipation as Ritsuka faced the fiery deity. The Phoenix, radiant and formidable, regarded him with a mix of arrogance and amusement.
"I challenge you, Phoenix," Ritsuka declared, his voice steady and resolute, his eyes locking onto hers with a cold intensity.
The Phoenix's eyes widened slightly. She could sense something different about this mortal, something she hadn't anticipated. His gaze, cold and unyielding, carried the weight of countless battles and sacrifices. For the first time in her existence, the Phoenix felt a shiver of fear—a sensation so foreign that it enraged her.
"You dare challenge me?" she sneered, her cosmic flames swirling menacingly around her. "You are nothing compared to my power."
The Phoenix's eyes widened slightly as she felt something different about the mortal before her. His gaze, cold and unyielding, carried the weight of countless battles and sacrifices. For the first time, the Phoenix felt a shiver of fear. This fear, alien to her divine existence, fueled her anger.
The battle began, and the Phoenix held the upper hand from the start.
With a burst of energy, the Phoenix teleported above Ritsuka, raining down a torrent of fiery projectiles—each one a fragment of her divine wrath. Ritsuka, who had already assumed the form of Colossus with his skin turned to organic steel, braced himself for the impact. But even in this armored state, the sheer intensity of the Phoenix's fire was too much. The flames seared through his defenses, the pain forcing a grimace onto his face.
Gritting his teeth, Ritsuka extended his hand, using the telepathic abilities he had copied from Xavier to create a psychic barrier around himself. The barrier shimmered with raw mental energy, absorbing some of the impact from the Phoenix's relentless assault. Yet, even this formidable defense began to crack under the pressure.
The Phoenix's laughter echoed through the dimension. "Is this all you have, mortal? A shield of thoughts and steel?!" The Phoenix laughed, her voice dripping with mockery as she gazed down at Ritsuka. "Pathetic," she taunted. "You think you can stand against me? Let me show you the true extent of your insignificance."
Without warning, she began to absorb his mana, drawing the very essence of his power into herself. Ritsuka felt his energy rapidly draining, his reserves depleted almost to the point of exhaustion. His knees buckled, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to fall.
Despite the loss of mana, Ritsuka stood up, his determination unwavering. The Phoenix, surprised by his resilience, teleported in front of him in an instant, her fist aimed directly at his face. But before she could land the blow, Ritsuka's hand shot up, catching her punch mid-air.
The Phoenix's eyes widened in shock—she hadn't expected him to be able to counter her so directly. With a swift, practiced movement, Ritsuka retaliated, driving his fist into her face with a force that sent her reeling backward. The strike wasn't just one of brute strength; it was born from years of close combat experience and training—something the Phoenix, with all her cosmic power, lacked.
"Not so invincible up close, are you?" Ritsuka muttered, feeling the surge of satisfaction from the successful hit. He had been through rigorous training, fighting in close quarters against enemies far stronger than himself. The Phoenix, for all her cosmic might, lacked the experience and skill in hand-to-hand combat that he had.
Angered and humiliated, the Phoenix attempted to blast him with a burst of her fiery energy. But in the blink of an eye, Ritsuka vanished, teleporting behind her. Before she could react, he unleashed a powerful blast of his own, a dark blue energy—an ability he had just copied from her.
As the blast struck the Phoenix, her shock grew. She turned, seeing the dark blue flames flickering around Ritsuka's arms. His powers had evolved, and now his hands glowed with the same Phoenix energy, but twisted into something darker, more potent.
"You… how dare you!" the Phoenix hissed, her eyes blazing with rage. "You dare wield my power against me?"
Ritsuka stood tall, his breath steady, his eyes cold. "Dumb bird, I told you. Winning against you is all matters."
The Phoenix, her pride wounded and her fury ignited, prepared to strike again. But now, the battle was different. Ritsuka had turned the tide, using her own abilities against her, and for the first time, the Phoenix realized that this mortal was not as insignificant as she had believed.
But the Phoenix was not easily defeated. Snarling in rage, she unleashed her Disintegration Waves, a power that could consume and erase nearly anything from existence. The waves of destructive energy surged towards Ritsuka, disintegrating everything in their path.
Ritsuka felt the force of the attack as his body began to break down, the disintegration waves consuming the molecules of his being. But Ritsuka wasn't done yet. Drawing upon the powers he had copied and his own unyielding will, he began to transform his body into the strongest substance he could imagine—one that could withstand even the Phoenix's devastating power.
His form shifted, his skin taking on an unbreakable sheen, harder than any cosmic metal, tougher than any stone. The disintegration waves slowed, then stopped entirely, unable to break down the impenetrable material of his new form.
The Phoenix's eyes widened, and for a moment, she thought she was facing her old enemy, Protege. But then she remembered—this was not Protege. This was his successor, a mere mortal who had somehow become a threat she could no longer afford to underestimate.
Ritsuka, now empowered by the strongest substance and the Phoenix's own dark flames, stepped forward, his eyes filled with a cold, determined fury. The Phoenix's mockery was gone, replaced by a growing fear she couldn't ignore. This battle was far from over, and for the first time, the Phoenix realized that she was facing a foe who might just have the power to bring her down.
She began to understand that he was using Matter Transmutation—an ability that allowed him to alter the very fabric of his being to resist her powerful disintegration waves. She decided to take the fight more seriously.
The Phoenix conjured a black hole, hurling it toward Ritsuka with lethal intent. But Ritsuka, having copied her power to absorb energy, began to draw the black hole's immense energy into himself. The influx of power was overwhelming, but he channeled it into his resolve, affirming his purpose.
"My journey is not worthless," Ritsuka declared, his voice echoing through the dimension. "My friends' lives are not worthless. Even the lives of those billions I had to end—their worlds, their histories—none of it is worthless."
As he spoke, his form began to shift, his body enveloped in dark blue flames. He was transforming into a dark version of the Phoenix herself. The Phoenix's eyes narrowed in both surprise and fury as she saw him assume a form that mirrored her own, yet was cloaked in a darkness that rivaled her flames.
The two Phoenixes clashed with immense power, their flames swirling and colliding in a display of cosmic might. Ritsuka teleported behind her, attempting to strike, but the Phoenix caught his movements with her telekinesis and threw him skyward. She then teleported behind him, but Ritsuka anticipated her move. They exchanged blows in a fast-paced sequence of teleportation and punches, their battle escalating in intensity.
Enraged, the Phoenix manifested a massive battle axe, its blade infused with the Phoenix Force, capable of slicing through reality itself. She swung it at Ritsuka with devastating force. In a flash of inspiration, Ritsuka summoned Karna's weapon, Vasavi Shakti, infusing it with his dark Phoenix power. The clash of energies was immense, and Ritsuka's spear cut through the Phoenix's battle axe.
The Phoenix, undeterred, conjured an arsenal of weapons, all imbued with her fiery power, and hurled them at Ritsuka. He quickly transmuted his body into an even harder substance and teleported away from the barrage as much as possible, evading the deadly onslaught.
"You are truly as evil as the In-Betweener said," the Phoenix hissed, her voice laced with venom.
Ritsuka, confused by her words, had no idea who she was referring to. But he didn't let it distract him.
"I'm going to teleport behind you," Ritsuka announced, disappearing. The Phoenix instinctively turned around, only to find empty space. Instead, Ritsuka appeared right in front of her, delivering a powerful kick that sent her crashing to the ground.
"You shouldn't believe your opponent's words. It's one of the oldest tricks in the book," Ritsuka said with a smirk.
"DAMMIT, HOW DID I FALL FOR THAT TRICK!" the Phoenix screamed in frustration.
Then, Ritsuka's expression grew serious. He raised his hand, and the air around him crackled with energy. "With these Command Spells, I summon my strongest Servants!"
In response to his call, three figures appeared beside him, each radiating a powerful aura. Artoria Lancer, wielding the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad, Archetype: Earth, embodying the ultimate one of Earth, and Ryōgi Shiki, the embodiment of the Root with a connection to the One-Above-All.
The three women, upon being summoned, smiled warmly at Ritsuka, but quickly assessed the situation and readied themselves for battle. Artoria's voice was firm as she commanded the battlefield alongside Ritsuka.
Far away in Avalon, Gaia felt a connection with Archetype: Earth. Though she was initially uncertain about this sensation, upon realizing the situation, Gaia, who had been observing the battle, acknowledged the threat the Phoenix posed. Seeing the need for intervention, Gaia granted Archetype: Earth full access to her powers, so long as she remained near the Earth.
The Phoenix, sensing the surge of power and Gaia's authority within Archetype: Earth, was momentarily taken aback.
"Who are you?" the Phoenix demanded, her voice laced with uncertainty.
Artoria Lancer stepped forward, her lance glowing with divine light. "A divine spirit should not misuse her power," she declared. "You overstep your bounds."
Archetype: Earth's eyes gleamed with cold resolve. "I am the Ultimate One of Earth. If a divine being from the stars threatens my master and this world, I will show no mercy."
Finally, Ryōgi Shiki, her connection to the One-Above-All, spoke, her expression darkening. "I know what you did and said to Ritsuka," she said softly, yet her words carried a weight that caused the Phoenix to pause. "You will pay for bullying my lover."
(A/N: I know Void Shiki is Strongest as she is the root but she chooses to become 2nd Strongest character in Marvel by connecting to TOAA so she can spend her life with Ritsuka instead of waiting for eternity)
Hearing this, both Artoria and Archetype: Earth felt their anger rise, yet they maintained their dignity as royalty. The Phoenix, realizing the formidable opponents she now faced, prepared herself for the true battle that lay ahead.
Ritsuka felt a wave of warmth as he saw his three powerful Servants standing by his side. Despite the intense battle unfolding around them, he couldn't help but smile, genuinely happy to see them again. He greeted each of them with affection, and their stern expressions softened in response to his joy.
"Artoria, Archetype: Earth… Shiki," he said, calling each by name, but his gaze lingered on the last. "Shiki, it's really good to see you."
Shiki's eyes widened in surprise, a soft blush creeping across her cheeks. She remembered that in their last encounter, she had asked him to call her by her name if they ever met again. The fact that he not only remembered but actually did so touched her deeply. Shiki, usually reserved and composed, found herself momentarily flustered.
"You remembered…," Shiki murmured, her voice barely audible. Then, in a rare display of emotion, she smiled slightly and said, "Ritsuka, you're as reckless as ever… but I guess that's what makes you who you are. Don't think I'll let you face this alone, though. After all, you did promise to call me by my name."
The tender moment was cut short as the Phoenix, sensing the danger, began to increase her power output. Her form shifted into her true majestic self—a colossal bird of pure creation and rebirth, flames of cosmic energy radiating from her body. The sheer force of her transformation was enough to make the ground tremble and the very fabric of the dimension shudder.
Ritsuka, seeing this, focused inwardly, letting his newfound powers flow through him. With the dark Phoenix energy now coursing within him, he began to mirror the Phoenix's transformation. His body ignited in dark, azure flames, and he took on a similar bird-like form, his eyes glowing with an ominous power.
"Let's show her what we can do together," Ritsuka said, his voice resonating with his newfound strength as he shared his dark Phoenix power with his Servants. The power flowed from him into Artoria, Archetype: Earth, and Shiki, their bodies glowing with the infusion of energy.
The Phoenix, sensing the growing power of her opponents, attempted to interrupt their preparation. But as she moved to strike, something deep within Ritsuka's soul began to stir—an unfathomable darkness that made even the Phoenix herself freeze in terror.
"What… what is that pitch blackness in your soul?" the Phoenix stammered, her voice trembling with genuine fear. "What are you? How did I not notice this until now? I am the goddess of rebirth and creation… how could I have missed such a darkness?"
Artoria Lancer stepped forward, her Holy Lance gleaming with divine light, and spoke with unwavering authority. "Your arrogance blinds you, Divine spirit. You thought yourself invincible, but you failed to see the strength of a true king who stands by his people and their love for him."
Archetype: Earth, her golden eyes filled with a cold, merciless light, added, "To overlook the depth of his soul—of any soul—is a grave mistake, being from star. You are no goddess. You are a force of nature, yes, but nature can be overcome, reshaped, and in your case, defeated."
Shiki, her eyes piercing through the Phoenix with a deadly calm, concluded, "You played with forces you don't understand, and now you face the consequences. What's in his soul? That's something even beyond you, Phoenix. It's something you should have never provoked."
The Phoenix's fear deepened as she realized the implications. "Impossible! Fujimaru, you not only have the power of Protégé, but you wield the power of Oblivion as well? This doesn't make sense! Why would my brother grant his power to you? Why?"
Ritsuka, still unaware of the full extent of the powers within him, remained silent. He didn't fully understand what she was talking about, but he did know that this dark power emerged after he used the Black Barrel and the Conceptual Weapon of Natural Lifespan. It didn't matter to him now, though; what mattered was defeating the Phoenix.
Channeling the dark Phoenix energy, Ritsuka summoned a flaming arrow at her, imbued with the power to pierce through even the mightiest of foes. "Let's finish this!" he commanded, releasing the arrow towards the Phoenix.
His Servants, empowered by the Phoenix Force he had shared with them, readied their Noble Phantasms. Artoria Lancer raised Rhongomyniad, its divine light now fused with dark Phoenix flames. "This is for the future you threaten, Phoenix. I won't let you harm my Ritsuka!" She unleashed the spear's power, the beam of light tearing through space itself.
Archetype: Earth, her form glowing with Gaia's authority, summoned her immense power, her voice echoing with the weight of the Earth itself. "You stand before the Ultimate One of Earth. Your divine flames are nothing before the will of this planet!" Her attack, infused with the combined forces of Earth and the Phoenix, struck with overwhelming might.
Shiki, her eyes flashing with the knowledge of the Root and the connection to the One-Above-All, moved with deadly precision. "This is for thinking you could bully him. You face void itself." Her Mystic Eyes of Death Perception shone as she delivered a strike that targeted the very concept of the Phoenix's existence.
The Phoenix, seeing the onslaught, retaliated with her most devastating attack—a Phoenix Breath capable of erasing anything from reality. The destructive breath shot forward, but Ritsuka, now fully embracing his dark Phoenix form, countered with his own Phoenix Breath. The two forces collided, nullifying each other in a cataclysmic explosion of energy.
"Now!" Ritsuka shouted, and with perfect coordination, his Servants unleashed their Noble Phantasms.
Artoria Lancer's Rhongomyniad tore through the fabric of space, Archetype: Earth's overwhelming force shattered the Phoenix's defenses, and Shiki's strike, infused with the very essence of destruction, pierced through the Phoenix's core.
As the final blow landed, the Phoenix's form began to disintegrate, her power unraveling before their combined might. The once-mighty goddess of creation and rebirth let out a final, anguished scream as she was consumed by the dark flames.
After the powerful Noble Phantasms struck the Phoenix, she was left on the brink of death, her once-mighty form flickering and unstable. Among the attacks, Shiki's was the most devastating. Using her Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, Shiki saw the lines that bound the Phoenix Force to Jean Grey and to every version of Jean Grey across the multiverse. With a precise and deadly strike, she severed those lines, cutting the Phoenix's connection to its favored host.
As Shiki's blade sliced through reality itself, the impact transcended dimensions, rippling across the multiverse. In that instant, every Phoenix Force across every reality found itself severed from Jean Grey, even in the 616 Prime Universe. This event was so significant that it altered the very nature of reality—a Nexus event that could not be overlooked.
The Phoenix Force screamed in agony as it was forcibly expelled from Jean's body. The fiery entity hovered above them, weakened and on the verge of oblivion. The white dimension around them began to collapse, the space crumbling as the battle drew to its conclusion.
Ritsuka, reverting to his human form, quickly rushed to Jean's side. He gently lifted her into his arms, checking her pulse and ensuring that she was still alive. Jean was unconscious but breathing, a sign that she was free from the Phoenix's influence.
But then, Ritsuka did something unexpected. Despite everything that had happened, despite the Phoenix's attempts to destroy him, Ritsuka knelt before the dying entity. He extended his hand, channeling the dark Phoenix power he had gained during the battle, and tried to give it back to her, to save her life.
The Phoenix, her essence barely holding together, looked at him in shock and confusion. "Why… why are you helping me?" she croaked, her voice weak and filled with disbelief. "After all I've done… why?"
Ritsuka met her gaze, his expression calm and resolute. "Because you have the right to survive, just like anyone else," he said softly. "Even if you've made mistakes, that doesn't mean you deserve to die. There are people who needs to die but you are not one of them"
The Phoenix was at a loss for words, stunned by his compassion. But despite Ritsuka's best efforts, his power was not enough to save her. The Phoenix's form continued to flicker and fade, her life force slipping away.
Suddenly, the collapsing dimension stabilized, and a new presence made itself known. Gaia, the spirit of Earth, appeared before them. She was radiant, her form embodying the very essence of life and nature. She looked at Ritsuka, Shiki, and the others with the gentle eyes of a mother, and they all felt a sense of warmth and comfort in her presence.
"My dear children," Gaia said, her voice soft and soothing, "you've done so much, and thanks for stopping her." She then turned to the Phoenix, her expression filled with sorrow. "But my old friend… why did you let your anger take you this far? You've always had a fiery temper, but this… this is not like you."
Gaia's eyes filled with tears as she knelt beside the Phoenix, her hand resting gently on the dying entity. "You were supposed to be the force of rebirth and creation, not destruction. Why would you try to kill him?" Gaia's voice trembled with emotion, the pain of seeing her longtime friend in such a state overwhelming her.
The Phoenix, her voice barely a whisper, responded, "I… I lost myself… I thought I could control it… but his darkness… it terrified me… I thought he is evil... Just like inbetweener said"
Gaia nodded, understanding the Phoenix's fear. "Even so, you should have known better. But now… now we must fix what has been broken." She turned her gaze upward, calling out to the cosmic entities that governed the balance of the universe. "Living Tribunal!! Hear my plea, please!"
The dimension seemed to ripple at Gaia's call, and soon, a towering figure appeared before them. The Living Tribunal, with its three faces representing Equity, Necessity, and Vengeance, manifested, and the collapsing dimension halted its destruction, stabilizing under his presence.
The Living Tribunal looked down upon them, his gaze falling upon Shiki first. "Greetings, Void Shiki," he said, acknowledging her as a new powerhouse in the multiverse. Shiki, now fully in her Void state, simply nodded in recognition. "You sent a avatar here"
"I see you know that I am but an avatar sent to address this matter," the Tribunal continued, noting her deep understanding of the multiverse.
Ritsuka also greeted the Living Tribunal, though he was still processing everything that had happened. The Tribunal looked at him with a hint of admiration. "Thank you, Ritsuka Fujimaru, for not killing the Phoenix on the spot. You showed mercy when others would not have."
Then, turning his attention to Gaia, the Tribunal continued, "Do not worry, Gaia. I will not allow the balance to be disturbed here." The Living Tribunal raised his hand, and with a gesture, he began to repair the Phoenix's essence. The fiery entity, which had been on the brink of disappearing, began to stabilize, her form glowing with renewed energy.
However, before the Phoenix could fully recover, the Living Tribunal turned to Ritsuka with a solemn expression. "I must apologize for the trouble you've endured. The In-Betweener, a colleague of mine, manipulated the Phoenix into trying to kill you. He sought to maintain the balance between Chaos and Order, but he went too far. He is currently facing consequences for his actions at the hands of another colleague."
Ritsuka was taken aback by this revelation. "The In-Betweener…? I don't understand. Why would he target me?"
Before the Tribunal could answer, Artoria Lancer stepped forward, her eyes blazing with righteous fury. "What did Ritsuka do to warrant such an action from a cosmic being? Answer me!" Her voice was regal and commanding, the tone of a true king demanding justice.
It was Shiki who spoke next, her voice calm and matter-of-fact. "It's because Ritsuka is disturbing the balance of Chaos and Order. The In-Betweener controls those forces."
"I see…" Archetype: Earth nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It makes sense now."
Ritsuka, still confused, looked between them. "What… what do you mean?"
Archetype: Earth, with a small smirk, flicked his forehead gently. "You really are dense sometimes," she teased affectionately. "What Shiki means is that you've been changing the fate of many people. You've stopped countless events that should have led to chaos and disorder. And you've turned many who were evil into good. Your actions have made this universe too powerful, too stable. You're upsetting the natural order of the multiverse."
Shiki nodded in agreement, her gaze softening as she looked at Ritsuka.
Ritsuka stood amidst the collapsing white dimension, his mind reeling with shock. It wasn't the revelation that his actions were disturbing the fate of the universe that startled him, but the realization that even cosmic beings, gods with power beyond his comprehension, were trying to stop him from saving and altering the fate of his world. The thought that his desire to protect humanity and create a better future was the revelation of just how many powerful entities feared what his actions might mean for the multiverse
He had been summoned to save humanity, and while the world could be cruel, he had witnessed enough beauty to believe that there was a future worth fighting for—a future where the next generation could live more happily than the present. Ritsuka did not see himself as a hero of justice, but rather as someone who wanted to protect as many lives as possible, to ensure that hope remained alive.
The Living Tribunal, towering and omnipotent, turned his gaze toward Void Shiki. "Void Shiki, I request that you restore the connection of Phoenix Force to Jean Grey across all multiverses."
Void Shiki's expression remained icy as she rejected the order. "No," she responded coldly, "The Phoenix must face the consequences of its actions. It's about time someone held this spoiled, gold-spoon-fed brat accountable." Her words cut deep as she unleashed a scathing critique of the Phoenix's history, detailing the suffering it had inflicted on the X-Men and the countless lives destroyed in the name of its reckless power. She didn't spare the Living Tribunal either, chastising him for coddling the Phoenix instead of teaching it responsibility.
The Living Tribunal, usually unchallenged, was momentarily taken aback by Void Shiki's fierce rebuke. The cosmic balance he maintained was delicate, but Void Shiki's words carried the weight of undeniable truth.
Ritsuka, witnessing the exchange, knew this was his moment to step in. An idea began to form in his mind—a solution that might satisfy everyone involved.
"Wait," Ritsuka said, his voice steady despite the tension. "I have an idea."
He took a deep breath before continuing. "What if we chose a new host for the Phoenix? One who could temper its power, guide it to a better path?"
***
In an instant, the space around them shimmered, and Karna, the Son of the Sun God, was summoned to the white dimension. He looked around, his expression calm but wary as he took in the new, powerful faces around him. His gaze softened when it landed on Jean, unconscious in his arms, and then shifted to his master, Ritsuka Fujimaru.
"Master, what's going on?" Karna asked, his eyes betraying his concern for both Jean and Ritsuka.
The Living Tribunal spoke, his voice echoing with authority. "Karna, you have been chosen to be the host for the Phoenix Force. This will be true across all universes, starting with you."
The Tribunal's decision had already been sanctioned by the Queen of Nothing, the entity that governed all possibilities in the multiverse. With her blessing, Karna was to become the Phoenix's host in every universe, ensuring that her power would be tempered by his unwavering sense of duty and justice.
Ritsuka turned to Karna, his expression one of support and respect. "The choice is yours, Karna. Whatever you decide, I'll stand by it."
Karna, after a moment of contemplation, nodded. "If this is the path that will bring balance and protect those I care for, then I will accept this responsibility."
The Phoenix, still reeling from Void Shiki's scolding, glared at Karna with a tsundere pout. She didn't like this turn of events, but Void Shiki's power and authority left her with no choice. The cosmic firebird hesitated, casting a tsundere glare at Karna, reluctant to submit but unable to deny the strength of his spirit.
With a dramatic flair, the Phoenix Force flew toward Karna, merging with him in a blinding flash of light. The air around Karna shimmered with newfound power as the Phoenix Force intertwined with his own godlike abilities. The fusion was flawless, and Karna's aura burned with the intensity of a powerful God, yet he remained calm and composed, a testament to his unparalleled willpower.
"I will take responsibility for the Phoenix," Karna declared, his voice steady. "And I will keep her safe."
The Phoenix, now fully bonded with Karna, felt a strange warmth—one that wasn't born from its flames but from the connection it now shared with him. The feeling made it react in an uncharacteristically shy manner, like a tsundere girl realizing she'd been inadvertently won over.
"D-Don't get the wrong idea! I'm only doing this because I have to," the Phoenix muttered, trying to cover its embarrassment, but Karna, ever the dense hero, simply nodded, oblivious to the implications of his words. "It's not like I wanted to be with you or anything…"
"Of course, I understand," Karna replied earnestly, completely missing the Phoenix's flustered demeanor.
Gaia, who had been observing silently, couldn't help but tease, "Oh my, the Phoenix Force acting like a bashful maiden? How adorable."
The Phoenix, now flustered, quickly retreated into herself, shutting down any further teasing.
The Living Tribunal nodded in satisfaction, his decision affirmed. "Thank you, Ritsuka. Your idea has given the Phoenix a human heart under Karna's care, something she desperately needed. You have my gratitude for suggesting this solution."
Ritsuka sighed in relief, glad that things had turned out well. "I'm just happy everything worked out."
Before leaving, the Living Tribunal turned back to Ritsuka. "I will keep a close eye on your universe to ensure no further interference. You have the potential to become a force of great good or evil, given your connection to Protégé. Your predecessor nearly reached the level of the Creator. You have only scratched the surface of Protégé's power, but if you can unlock its true potential, your impact could be immeasurable."
Without waiting for Ritsuka's questions, the Tribunal vanished, leaving the young master pondering his words.
Shiki, sensing his unease, placed a hand on his shoulder. "There's no rush, Ritsuka. I believe you'll reach that potential one day."
Artoria Lancer and Archetype: Earth, who had been silently watching, nodded in agreement. "You have all the time you need," Artoria Lancer said with a gentle smile.
Even Karna, carrying the unconscious Jean, spoke up. "A warrior hones his skills with time and dedication. You have that in you."
Ritsuka smiled softly, feeling the warmth of their support. "You're right. I'll keep moving forward, just like always."
With the Phoenix's newfound power, Karna returned everyone to the Xavier Mansion. There, Karna gently handed Jean over to Ororo, who looked relieved to have her friend back.
Morgan and Ereshkigal wasted no time, rushing to Ritsuka's side and embracing him tightly, tears of relief streaming down their faces. Ritsuka comforted them, his own heart finally at ease after the ordeal.
As they greeted Artoria Lancer, Archetype Earth, and Void Shiki, all three were taken aback by the sight of a little girl resembling both Morgan and Ritsuka. Morgan, with a smirk of triumph, proudly introduced her as their daughter, much to the shock of her rivals.
Artoria Lancer, Archetype Earth, and Void Shiki exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting to something far more predatory. Grabbing Ritsuka, they issued a command in unison. "Ritsuka Fujimaru, you won't get any rest for the next until we're all pregnant."
Even Ereshkigal and Morgan joined in, their eyes gleaming with determination. Ritsuka could only stare at them, realizing that he was hopelessly outnumbered. The predatory gazes of these powerful women left him with no doubt: he was in for quite the challenge.
Xavier and Ororo, standing off to the side, exchanged knowing looks. "That womanizer has brought even more women into his life," Xavier muttered with a sigh.
Ororo chuckled, shaking her head. "He certainly has a way of attracting trouble."
Ritsuka, meanwhile, resigned himself to his fate, knowing that this was one battle he had no chance of winning. But deep down, he wouldn't have it any other way.
---
Oblivion went to beat the shit out of Inbetweener. And he never again tries to harm Ritsuka again.
****
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