"Dead?"
Hades couldn't help but hesitate at the sight before him. This entity should not exist here. To clarify, in legendary lore, the end of a world heralds the arrival of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse:
Rider on the White Horse: Plague. Rider on the Red Horse: War. Rider on the Black Horse: Famine. Rider on the Gray Horse: Death.
While these horsemen are often associated with biblical tales, they embody a fundamental truth: their emergence coincides with world-ending events. Yet, Hades found it odd to encounter one here, particularly in its prime form as a knight.
This was outrageous.
Despite his confusion, Hades approached the headless gray horse, channeling his spiritual energy to inspect it closely.
He mused, "So, the Four Horsemen are born from the destruction of worlds, and though they dissipate with that destruction, their essence remains: embodying plague, war, famine, and death."
He recognized the gray horse's significance, acknowledging that while it had been corrupted in the Chaos Sea and subsequently consumed by the chaotic vortex, it still retained a portion of the death knight's power.
"Modification might be possible…" Hades contemplated, storing the gray horse for future use. He was eager to continue his search; if he could find the complete forms of the Four Horsemen, he could further refine their power.
Hades resumed his extensive search through the chaotic vortex. Over the course of three thousand years, he thoroughly explored every corner, ultimately uncovering the White Horse of Plague, the Red Horse of War, and the Black Horse of Famine.
With the gray horse already in his possession, he now had all four. While each horse was missing various components, Hades noted that their inherent energy remained intact, despite their external damage.
After surveying the chaotic vortex and noticing something peculiar, Hades took a moment to collect himself. "In this chaotic vortex, I've gathered treasures that rival those of the magic star. It's almost unbelievable."
As he examined the four war horses, each bearing their distinct characteristics:
The White Horse of Plague was missing two hind legs, clad entirely in white armor. The Red Horse of War was devoid of two front legs, its body wrapped in red armor. The Black Horse of Famine lacked one front leg and one back leg, its form draped in black armor. The Gray Horse of Death was headless, constructed from gray armor.
From an outsider's perspective, they resembled mechanical constructs, devoid of life. Yet, Hades could sense the immense power contained within them, remnants of the energies that had once devastated worlds.
"Hmm…" After a moment's reflection, an idea struck him. He extended a hand, channeling a vast amount of divine power into the four horses.
As his energy flowed, the horses transformed, becoming headless yet formidable steeds. With a gesture, Hades vanished, reappearing within the magic star.
Earth Yin Star!
Upon Hades' arrival, Chubb knelt respectfully. "Earth Yin Star Headless Horseman: Chubu, at your service, Master Hades!"
"Inject your small universe into these four war horses," Hades instructed, his tone matter-of-fact.
"Yes!" Chubb replied eagerly, immediately infusing the horses with his essence.
In an instant, flames erupted around the steeds. Each horse exhibited its own unique flame:
The White Flame of Plague, The Red Flame of War, The Black Flame of Famine, The Gray Flame of Death.
The four headless war horses took shape, standing proudly beside Chubb.
"From this day forward, these embodiments of plague, war, famine, and death are yours," Hades declared.
"Thank you, Lord Hades!" Chubb exclaimed, excitement shining in his eyes. As the new master of the Apocalypse War Horses, he felt the weight of their formidable power.
Hades nodded and vanished once more, leaving Chubb kneeling in awe. When he finally rose, a smile crept across his face. As the Headless Horseman, these artifacts were perfect for him.