Instead, they seem to be sentient, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. It's as if they're a part of my existence, requesting my acceptance. They want to communicate with me, to share a message. I lean in, curious. "Yes, yes. Tell me what you want to say. I am listening."
The flames dance and flicker, their gentle crackle sounding like a soft whisper. "F...in...d... The... TR...U...TH." Truth? What kind of truth are they speaking of?
My mind races with questions, but the flames continue their enigmatic message. "S...a...ve..." Save who? "Em...pre...ss..." Empress? Which empress do they speak of?
The flames' words are cryptic, but I sense a deep meaning behind them. I concentrate harder, trying to decipher their message. Suddenly, the flames surge higher, their light intensifying. I feel a surge of energy, and my mind expands, as if unlocking a hidden door.
[Ding!]
The system's notification sounded, signaling a successful energy absorption. [ You have successfully absorbed the energy of the Crystal of Vitality.
Congratulations! Your energy level has increased. ]
Yun's energy level had reached a new height, now at Red, Grade Platinum.
Yun shared his experience with the system, "System, while absorbing the energy of the Crystal of Vitality, a place keeps appearing in my mind. But I have no idea where it is." He had already checked the map, but the place was not marked.
[ Give me permission to merge this map with your mind. ] The system requested. Yun hesitated, unsure of what the system planned, but granted permission nonetheless.
[ Permission accepted. ] The system replied. Suddenly, a swift "Swish!" sound filled the air as the System THM disappeared. Yun's mind was being merged with the THM, a process that was both intriguing and unsettling.
[Merging complete.] The system announced, signaling the end of the merge. Yun's mind now held the combined knowledge of the map and his own experiences. The mysterious place still lingered in his thoughts, but he sensed a newfound connection to it. Where was this place, and what secrets did it hold? Only time would tell.
[ Host THM is now merged with your mind, and you can only recall the map in your mind. Try recalling THM in your mind. ]
Yun focused his thoughts, "Let me try. Hmmmm... You are right. I can see the map clearly in my mind." But to his surprise, another location appeared on the map, the same one he had seen in his mind after absorbing the Crystal of Vitality.
"System, if there is a THG at this location too, then why was it not marked on THM earlier? You must know something," Yun asked, his curiosity piqued.
[ Host, even if I try to tell you, you will not be able to hear. ]
Yun's eyes narrowed, sensing a hidden truth. ".... Yeah." He nodded to himself, determination burning within. He prepared to embark on a journey to the mysterious location in the Australian forest.
As he traveled, Yun searched for treasure in other THGs along the way. In some, he found weapons; in others, ancient herbs. Some yielded nothing, while others revealed both weapons and herbs. With each discovery, Yun's excitement grew, his mind racing with possibilities.
[ 1. Name: Dragon's Tooth
Grade: Epic
Appearance: The Dragon's Tooth spear has a sleek, dark wood shaft adorned with intricate silver runes that seem to shimmer in the light. The spearhead is a gleaming white tooth-shaped blade, said to be forged from the very essence of dragon bone.
Abilities:
1. Dragon's Breath: The spear can channel the elemental force of fire, unleashing a 5-foot cone of flame that deals massive damage to enemies.
2. Dragon's Eye: The spear's tip glows with an eerie blue light, allowing the user to pierce through illusions and deceptions, revealing hidden truths and secrets. ]
[ 2. Name: Thundercrusher
Grade: Epic
Appearance: The Thundercrusher mace has a sturdy oak handle wrapped in worn leather, topped with a massive iron head adorned with ancient runes of the elements. The head is shaped like a thunderbolt, with jagged edges and a pointed tip.
Abilities:
1. Thunderclap: The mace can unleash a deafening shockwave, stunning enemies within a 10-foot radius and leaving them vulnerable to attack.
2. Elemental Fury: The mace grants the user resistance to lightning damage and increases their strength in combat, allowing for crushing blows. ]
[ 3. Name: Starlight
Grade: Rare
Appearance: The Starlight lance has a slender, crystal-tipped shaft adorned with intricate engravings that shimmer like stardust. Its hilt is crafted from a rare, glowing wood, and its length is etched with tiny, pulsing stars.
Abilities:
1. Stellar Strike: The lance can channel the essence of the stars, unleashing a blast of radiant energy that deals massive damage to enemies and illuminates the surrounding area.
2. Celestial Guidance: The lance grants the user increased accuracy and critical hit chance, as if guided by the celestial bodies themselves. ]
[ Herbs:
1. Moonpetal: A delicate, pale flower that blooms only under moonlight.
Grade: Uncommon
Ability: Grants the user increased intuition.
Time Limit: 5 minute
2. Embermoss: A fiery, glowing moss that thrives in volcanic regions.
Grade: Uncommon
Ability: Enhances the user's strength and agility.
Time Limit: 11 minute
3. Dragon's Breath: A rare, fiery herb that grows in areas with high dragon activity.
Grade: Uncommon
Ability: Grants the user resistance to fire and increased vitality.
Time Limit: 10minute
4. Unseenroot: A mysterious, invisible root that can only be detected by those with heightened senses.
Grade: Uncommon
Ability: Allows the user to become temporarily invisible.
Time Limit: 7 minute
5. Windrunner's Grass: A swift-growing grass that thrives in windy areas.
Grade: Uncommon
Ability: Enhances the user's speed and agility.
Time Limit: 10 minute. ]
Finally, Yun arrived at the location, his heart racing with anticipation. What secrets lay hidden here? He steeled himself, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him. But, to his surprise, no door opened on the map. "System, what is happening? You said this map would open all the hidden doors. But..." He trailed off, confusion etched on his face.
"Be patient, host," the System replied, its voice calm and soothing.
Yun waited, his mind racing with possibilities. Suddenly, a red flame erupted from within the location, forcefully tearing through the space and opening the door. "The Abyss of Flames" was emblazoned on the entrance, its letters blazing with an inner fire. Yun felt an unseen force pull him inside, his body moving against his will.
As he regained consciousness, Yun found himself at the end of the treasure hunting ground. His eyes opened to a sea of red flames that seemed to touch the ceiling. The inferno took the form of a massive bird, its wings spread wide, as if ready to take flight.
Yun's mind reeled, his senses overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the scene before him. He felt the heat emanating from the flames, yet he stood frozen, transfixed by the majestic sight. The bird's eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, as if they held secrets and stories beyond his wildest imagination.
The bird spoke, its voice like thunder, "Child, who are you and why are you here? How can I sense a familiar energy of my tribe from you? Are you a human or a mix-blood phoenix? What is your purpose?"
Yun whispered to the System, "Energy Sense." The response came promptly, "Target's Energy Level: Black, Grade Silver." Yun's eyes widened in awe, "So powerful."
He turned to the bird, "Are you a phoenix?" The bird nodded graciously, "Yes, I am. My name is Ardentia." Yun's curiosity deepened, "Are you the Empress?" Ardentia's gaze seemed to pierce the soul, "Yes, I am the Last Empress of the Phoenix Tribe."
Yun introduced himself, "My name is Xiao Yun, and I am a human. I am not a mix-blood phoenix. I recently absorbed energy from a Crystal of Vitality. Maybe that's why you're feeling familial energy." He explained the strange occurrences, "Ever since I used the Crystal of Vitality, I've been hearing a voice in my mind. 'TRUTH, SAVE, EMPRESS' - these three words are being repeated. This energy has guided me to come to you, and I've come to know what that truth is."
Ardentia's expression turned contemplative, "Child, maybe I know to some extent what that Crystal of Vitality is and why you're hearing those voices." Yun's heart raced with anticipation, eager to uncover the secrets hidden within the Crystal's energy.
Saying this, the Phoenix transformed into her humanoid form and gazed at Yun with a fierce intensity. "I don't know if you're telling the truth or not. But I can't leave you alive. My instinct is screaming at me to kill you." With that, she launched a fierce attack, her movements swift and deadly.
Yun dodged her assault with ease, but Phoenix was relentless, unleashing her ultimate attack. Yun realized in that moment that he couldn't defeat her in combat. He swiftly activated his powers, "System, Shield, Strength, Speed, Omni Harmony Mastery. [Activated successfully.]"
Phoenix was taken aback by Yun's sudden display of abilities, and her eyes widened in shock as she unleashed a torrent of powerful flames. Yun countered with the Dragon King's regeneration and healing powers, but the flames persisted, burning yet simultaneously healing him.
Empress Phoenix's eyes grew wide with astonishment, and she halted her attack, her voice laced with disbelief. "Y-You... how can you wield Kaelos' powers? Do you know where he is?" Her gaze searched Yun's, seeking answers to the secrets he seemed to hold.
"No, I don't know." He trembled, fearing the Phoenix's wrath.
"You lowly creature, how dare you lie to me?" The Phoenix's anger flared, her eyes blazing with fury as she raised her hand to strike.
Yun cowered, terrified, but then grasped the Phoenix's arm, pleading, "Wait! Empress, listen to me first. Are you talking about Dragon King Kaelos?"
The Phoenix's gaze narrowed, her voice low and menacing, "Yes. The dragon king Kaelos. The one who disappeared..."
Yun hastily retrieved the Dragon King's scale and held it up, explaining, "I got this scale from the Dragon King, which allows me to use his powers."
The Phoenix's expression shifted from anger to surprise, "Oh! So, you want to say the Dragon King himself approved the use of his powers by you?"
Yun nodded nervously, "Y-Yes. You are right."
"Looks like you are speaking the truth," the Phoenix said, her expression softening. "No common man can use the powers of the Dragon King without Kaelos' permission. Okay, I will tell you the truth."
She paused, her gaze distant, as if lost in thought. "Actually, I don't know how long I have been trapped here. My physical body is gone, and only a fragment of my soul remains. Most of my original memories and powers are sealed away."
Her voice grew weaker, as if the mere act of speaking was draining her energy. "I only remember that very powerful creatures came from outside this universe. They started wreaking havoc everywhere as soon as they arrived. After some battles with them, the Dragon King disappeared, and we tried our best to defeat those intruders."
The Phoenix's eyes clouded, her voice cracking with emotion. "But when I opened my eyes, I was trapped here. I don't know what happened after that. Now, I have very little energy left."
As she finished speaking, her form began to fade, her once-majestic wings now mere wisps of smoke. Yun watched in awe, his heart heavy with the weight of her story.
Yun's eyes were filled with determination as he asked, "How can I save you?"
The Phoenix Empress's voice was weak but resolute. "Child, you cannot save me. But if you want to do something for me, I have a request. Before I disappear from this world, I want you to find the Dragon King and give him this white feather." She held out a delicate, snow-white feather. In return, I'll give you one of mine Phoenix Feathers?"
The Phoenix Empress nodded, her gaze serious. "Yes, and one more thing. If you want to find the Dragon King, you must first find the Black Tortoise and the White Tiger. They will be trapped somewhere, just like me. This white feather will help you find them. When you are close, it will give you a signal."
With that, the Phoenix Empress handed Yun the Phoenix Feather and the White Feather. Then, her form began to fade, her beauty and grace dissolving into the air. Yun watched, his heart heavy with the weight of her request.
As the Phoenix Empress disappeared, Yun turned to leave The Abyss Of Flames, determination burning within him. He knew that his journey was far from over.