Realm of Myths and Legends

...

An untainted white sword encompassed by a pure sword intent levitated in the air. But, rather than being used to attack, this particular sword intent seemed to act as a protective enclosure.

"This level of power—there is no mistaking it." Tal'Nis' said as she reigned in the sword intent she used to defend against Kyvernos' black flames.

She then grabbed the hilt of the sword and slowly lowered the weapon to her side.

"This person has already stepped into the realm of a Plane Ascender." Tal'Nis thought to herself.

Below the firmament, there existed beings more powerful than those monsters in the legendary realm that most players believed to be at the pinnacle of strength. These individuals were called Plane Ascenders. And, they were just one step away from reaching the Divine Realm!

"But, is he truly a Plane Ascender?" Tal'Nis inwardly frowned as she could not help but hold onto some doubt. Though Tal'Nis' suspicions were well warranted.

Plane Ascenders can not interfere with the natural order of the world where they reside. If this rule is broken, the Plane Ascender would not be able to escape the punishment brought about by the will of the world.

The best-case scenario was that they would end up crippled and have a significantly lower chance of ascending to the Divine Realm.

While the worst case may result in a penalty for their realm that would delay the window of ascension for all in their realm.

Therefore, unless Kyvernos had given up on ascending or simply did not fear the consequences brought about by the will of the world, Kyvernos' actions should not have been possible.

"This level of interference should have already gotten the attention of the will of the world. Then, why is it not showing up?" Tal'Nis said to herself as her gaze landed on Kyvernos.

"The moment I emerged, I felt that something was strange about this realm—that there is a deep and well-protected secret hidden within the origins of this world. Unfortunately, I am but a fragment of my true self." The highly concentrated sword intent around Tal'Nis disappeared.

To be more precise, the sword intent gathered at the blade of Tal'Nis' sword. In terms of sharpness, it was several times higher than the final attack she used against Izroth during the crusade.

Out of nowhere, Tal'Nis sensed a significant atmospheric shift in the near distance.

"Hm...? This is... My, how fascinating. The one who calls himself Astratis seems to be quite resourceful. If I fall too far behind, what face will I have left? It is regretful that my time is soon coming to an end. But, before I depart from this place, shall I leave behind one last gift?" Tal'Nis said as a slight smile formed on her face.

At the same time, the untainted white sword in her hand became pitch-black like the depths of an endless abyss.

Meanwhile, located several meters away from Tal'Nis, a bolt of lightning struck down at an empty spot.

Bzzzt! Rmmmble!

The flash of lightning left just as quickly as it arrived. And, from the lightning, a figure emerged.

This person was donned from head to toe in light golden armor with white essence coursing throughout that mimicked the chaotic nature of the lightning element.

A helmet covered their face; however, a pair of white lightning flowed where their eyes would be located through an opening in the armor's helmet. In addition, a wild mane of white lightning traveled down to their lower back area.

Although calling this attire armor was not entirely accurate. Despite its armor-like appearance, it was created entirely from the lightning element!

"He has no regard for life—be it friend or foe..!" Astratis' voice sounded from behind the armor.

Since he was one of the closest people to Kyvernos when they summoned the black flames, Astratis had the least amount of time to react.

Fortunately, he did not let his guard down for a moment and immediately pushed his ethos to the very upper limits.

"I did not want to reveal this form yet since it is incomplete, but it seems I am left with no choice," Astratis said to himself.

Astratis' outer appearance was not the only thing that underwent a drastic change. The raw power he emitted had grown by leaps and bounds, reaching new heights altogether. Compared to the previous strength he displayed, it almost seemed as though he did not take his previous encounters with the two pillars seriously.

However, that was not the case at all. There was a reason Astratis had kept this form hidden so long that even his siblings were unaware of it.

Not only was it extremely challenging to control, but it consumed a massive amount of his ethos in the process. But, more importantly...

"I acquired this power with only one goal in mind—to repay the one responsible for the suffering us siblings. Since it has come to this, so be it." Astratis briefly closed his eyes before opening them as the ethos around him surged.

"I did not think it possible, but your patience and tolerance have grown even thinner since we last spoke," Illioreas said as he safely landed on the ground.

What encompassed Illioreas was a sphere of light that dispersed the instant his feet touched the ground.

"Enough. You may be at the same stage as me, but you are not my match. Your taunts are also growing tiresome. Leave this place and I shall overlook your disobedience once again." Kyvernos replied as he also landed on the ground less than ten meters away from Illioreas.

"Taunts? Yes, I suppose to you the truth may seem like a taunt. Even now, you are still pretending to be something you are not, brother. I remind you here and now that no matter how much you endeavor to exert your authority, you can never be one of the Protogenos. Also, whether or not I am your match... Shall we test it out?" Illioreas stated firmly as his expression turned serious.

Soon after Illioreas spoke, his expression shifted as a slight smile appeared on his face and he said, "Of course, I will not do so alone."

Woosh! Zeeeut!

In the blink of an eye, Astratis, and Tal'Nis arrived next to Illioreas.

The aura around both of them had increased severalfold. It was to the point that it caused Kyvernos to narrow his eyes and seriously observe the two.

...

'Strange... I know that most of Ourami's forces were already on the verge of being wiped out when I entered the palace with Hakros, but—isn't this place a little too deserted to be considered a battlefield?'

Currently, Izroth was on his way to where Tal'Nis and the others were located. However, along the way, he noticed that be it the ancient races or celestials, they were nowhere to be found!

Izroth tried to tap his shoulder in order to communicate using Diparxi's ability; however, there was no response. Though given the chaos that seemingly ensued during his absence, Izroth was not surprised.

'I do not know what happened to the celestials and ancient races, but seeing as how the quest Enemies In All Directions is still active, it means that Sychia is still safe. Or, at the very least, alive. For now, that will have to be enough. I have to focus on-'

Swoosh!

"?!"

All of a sudden, Izroth's Soul Sense went off.

Zeeeut!

The following moment, Izroth vanished and then reappeared several meters away using his Instantaneous Movement.

Almost immediately after he did so, a silver streak of light flashed past where his head was just a fraction of a second ago!

'Just now, if I did not react in time, my head may have flown off my body.'

"I was wondering where you insects ran off too. Who would have thought I could find a way to vent my anger so soon?" A familiar voice sounded from where Izroth previously stood.

However, seeing the appearance of the person standing there caused a carefree smile to form on Izroth's face.

"I almost failed to recognize you. With such a tattered appearance, I thought you were a beggar who mistakenly wandered onto the battlefield." Izroth said nonchalantly.

The one who failed to ambush Izroth just now was none other than the Pillar of the West, Ourami!

But, just as Izroth mentioned, he was barely recognizable at a first glance compared to when Izroth last saw him.

Ourami's brilliant scale-like armor had shattered with only bits and pieces left on his skin. His once threatening tail had been severed and there were several serious bruises scattered across the surface of his body.

"You insignificant...! You dare compare me to a mere beggar?!" Ourami scowled.

The pillar's mood was already in a foul mood due to Kyvernos' indiscriminate attack that not only caught him off guard but also ruined his Fourth Heart of the World.

But, now, even a lowly being was brazen enough to openly mock him? Where had the authority of the pillars gone?!