"Hahaha… High Majesty of the Heavens… I can't believe that I finally have the chance to fight a Catastrophe." An individual spoke, standing on the edge of the Grand Flying Battleship.
It was the 5th High General, France Donvi, one of the Eighteen High Generals of the Western Gange Kingdom, just under the rank of Grand General.
He was a toned, muscled man who wore barbarian-inspired armour forged from the bones of a great White Serpent, with blonde, tied-back hair and dual blades.
He was often said to have an uncivilized way of fighting, especially when he appeared to be on the verge of dying. But, this was authorized for him, because he once accidentally slipped into the realm of Absurdism, despite his great strength, and he developed a mind similar to that of the barbarians in the far northern regions.
It was believed that, without support from his division, he may become mad and wild, a common trait of most believers of the absurd.
"General?" A small voice whispered behind him. It was a squire, who had come to inform him about recent news.
"What is it?"
"The Majesty ordered that you proceed with caution and hold off the Forlorn Ash King until further reinforcement arrives, as the situation over there at the moment is dire. Very dire."
He nodded and gazed into the distance. The Lord of Ashes, who had survived in that lake for more than ten thousand years. Although it isn't the only Catastrophe to have survived to this day in a secluded area, he is most likely to be in the best shape out of all of them.
"…Uh… but, high general, are you going to listen to his orders? He also said that, upon defeating it, it is of the utmost to bring it back alive."
The high general turned around.
"Really? Then, he should've known better than to send me of all people. I'm a savage when it comes to battle."
"Well, the Majesty rarely, if not, at all, makes mistakes, so he probably believes that I won't stand a chance against it. Hmph! I'll judge that for myself, thank you very much!"
A booming roar echoed across the skies and amidst the clouds, the high general noticed a gigantic beast, the size of the Heighluram Capital's Grand Palace itself, ripping to shreds a flying battleship that was one of the first to deploy immediately.
"Everyone! PREPARE YOURSELVES!" The high general declared. At the same time, Pangea told Exodus of the arrival of a formidable foe, whom he focused his eyes on immediately.
The gigantic wyvern opened its jaws and charged at the Grand Battleship, preparing to swallow it whole, before being stopped by an invisible force.
Two swords pierced his chest, and with the force of a Giant Ox, General France Donvi threw a punch that sent the Catastrophe hurling backwards slightly.
"Huh? The Forlorn Ash King is that weak? What's happened here then? How did the first fleet to deploy get smashed into bits by it?" The high general questioned before he realised that none of the Catastrophe's strength had yet to be revealed.
"Interesting. A mere high general, who Pangea said should be comparable to a White Goblet Knight Commander, can stand against me, even if I am in this state. It seems everyone has grown far stronger."
"Then, how about I make them fear me again?"
Pangea raised an eyebrow, as she witnessed Exodus fly up even higher and open his wings the furthest he could, shrouding the skies with a green smoke.
He transformed into his human form and wielded his Bloodstained Slayer with the utmost intensity before it absorbed all of the green smoke, and he unleashed its Art Form: [Subugating the Plagueless World].
Even inanimate objects, although nearly impossible, could hold the power of Art Forms, but not a Void World.
"Prepare yourselves, for utter decimation!" Exodus growled.
He swung his blade only once, and the world seemed like it was raining, above the clouds. This rain melted skin, burnt through flesh, and stained the soul. And, after that, came the retribution of ash and disaster.
A single slash was able to wipe out not only half of that entire fleet but also half of the Grand Battleship, and cleaved into the forests and the Lake of Ash down below, creating a deep chasm.
But, the high general, who was barely able to persist through the slash's blast force, as well as the squire and a few of his division's soldiers, survived with unbelievable injuries.
"What… is that what a Catastrophe is?"
…
"…You're weaker than I expected," Pangea said, shaking her head. Meanwhile, Exodus, who rested on a large stone in the forest, also thought this way.
"…I needed to enter my human form just to destroy those battleships. I didn't expect for ten thousand years to take such a toll on my body, especially because I technically trained during all those years."
"Well, obviously your actual body wouldn't keep up. Look at the state of you." Pangea sighed, before rolling her eyes.
"Though, I did want to see your [Ultimate Art Form], which enabled you to truly take the title as the [Lord of Ashes]."
Exodus slowly sat upright, recalling the strength he used to wield at his highest peak.
"My body will heal eventually, because of my Void World. But, what I need is a sparring partner, so I can get used to things again."
Pangea grinned as if she was expecting him to say this.
"Of course you do. And, I have the perfect person for you. That Imoogi, a Dark Incarnation, and also the Incarnation of Strength Cultivation. He rests in the Yellow River of Gange, where the Goddess of Serpents once slept."
"Wait… what? What do you mean, Goddess!?" Exodus said, looking surprised for the first time.
"Huh… other than mythical beings, there are mystical beings. Don't you already know?"
"Yes, yes, I know! But, weren't the mystical beings all beyond the World Barrier?" Exodus questioned, drawing closer to Pangea instantly.
"No…? The Divine Sages, Gods and Goddesses, and the Human Ancestors all exist in the [Boundary Realm]. A realm similar to the Tenebrous River, in that it was also created by the Primordial Darkness. That's also the place we have to go to after you get back into proper shape."
"…Then…" Exodus murmured, before clutching his head.
"…I… ugh… never mind. I guess I'll just see for myself in this Boundary Realm."
Exodus recalled a fond memory he had of the [Red and Blue Lightning Divine Sages], Arban and Sooth. They were some of the companions he travelled with before. But, they disappeared due to the [First Calamity], summoned by the [Fools of the Masquerade], who were absurdists.
"Hmm… I just realised. I have too many things that I have left unfinished, as a result of giving up in that battle. It's time I do something about that too."
Pangea nodded, with her head on her hand, before blowing an illusory petal towards him.
"You must rest, before all that happens. Tomorrow will be the start of new endeavours. And, you shall soon show the world the might of your strength, as a Catastrophe, and the Forlorn Ash King."
Exodus accepted the illusory petal and quickly fell asleep, using his wings to cover himself as he entered slumber.
"…But, you're quite interesting, aside from your latent strength. To think that you survived the effects of Nihilism, and can still go to sleep without a care in the world. It's like you're the strongest being to ever exist." Pangea whispered before she collected him inside another one of her giant lotus flowers.
"But, that's impossible, as long as we are restricted by the World Barrier. We will become the true rulers of this world one day. I can feel it in my heart and soul. Hehe~"