Chapter 83 Mythical Beast (6) (1/2)

Edora nodded calmly.

Phante returned while rubbing his aching sides and answered,

“That’s why we’re here, dad. I mean, you didn’t even bat an eye when Arthia was in trouble. Why is it so urgent this time?”

Keeping a neutral standpoint.

It was an ironclad principle of the One-horned Tribe that had been established since ancient times, and also the reason they could reign as the strongest clan.

“I wasn’t going to interfere at first, but… things have gotten complicated.”

Phante and Edora frowned at the middle-aged man’s words.

Their father was one of the ‘Nine Kings’ who held the highest status in The Tower. In terms of sheer strength, he was one of the top five experts.

But such a man found this to be a ‘complicated’ situation.

“To sum it up, we are going to join the war as mercenaries.”

“What? But….”

“Flann said he’d give up his horn. You know what that means. There was nothing I could do. The other elders also gave their consent.”

“…!”

“…!”

Phante’s and Edora’s eyes widened.

For the members of the One-horned tribe, their horn symbolized their honor and pride

Flann was the middle-aged man’s younger brother, as well as one of the best warriors in the tribe. Giving up his horn was the same as renouncing everything he’d achieved so far.

If that’s why their father said it was ‘complicated’, they could understand why.

“It’ll be a long story, so let’s go inside first.”

*   *   *

“I’m sorry but I don’t know either.”

『Hmm… Is that so?』

“Is there anything you can see from the bracelet?”

Yeon-woo asked, lifting his head, even though he knew the Phoenix wasn’t there.

『Do I see anything? No. I am also puzzled because I can normally see through most objects. But that item of yours… I cannot see anything from that bracelet. It is as if….』

The Phoenix paused for a moment to find the right words.

『Yes, it is as if the bracelet is shrouded in fog. That’s how it looks in my eyes.』

Yeon-woo narrowed his eyes.

‘An artifact that the Phoenix’s eyes can’t see through. Well, that’s frustrating.’

『But there is one thing I can tell you.』

“What is it?”

『That bracelet, it is an artifact that represents my antithesis, but at the same time, is in line with me. Think of it as a mirror.』

‘Antithesis? A mirror?’

It was such an abstruse analogy.

『I am a creature that represents life itself, even in death. But that item, it was made from death and represents death to the living. Life is but one step away from death. That artifact and I possess the power of circulation, regeneration, and resurrection.』

The Phoenix spoke in a heavy voice.

『Therefore, it can be said that the bracelet and I are the same, like two images reflected in a mirror, but also like two sides of the same coin.』

“….”

The Phoenix’s explanation was as clear as mud to Yeon-woo.

The Phoenix laughed mildly as if she had read Yeon-woo’s thoughts.

『Yes, I understand your confusion. Even I do not fully understand what that artifact is.』

Then she left a strange remark.

『But do keep one thing in mind. It will help you solve the mysteries behind that bracelet.』

“What is it?”

『Life and death, though they seem like two separate things, they are not different. They are one.』

“Life and death are one…?”

『Yes.』

The Phoenix could come back to life even after death because she could control life itself.

The Black Bracelet, on the other hand, could control death. It collected souls of the dead and converted them into dark energy or Spirit Familiars.

If viewed from a different perspective, it could also be considered as a form of resurrection.

Perhaps this was what the Phoenix was talking about.

Though it sounded like some kind of riddle, it could be the very key to solving the questions he had about the artifact, maybe even about the Black King.

『And about that shield, I can certainly feel divine power from it. Hmm…. Was it blessed by the goddess of war? Or was it used by herself?』

Yeon-woo’s eyes widened with surprise.

The Phoenix continued with a slightly elated voice.

『I see you don’t want others to know about it. I understand. Then I will swear under a Soul Oath that I will keep it secret』

Soul Oath.

It was a contract that placed one’s soul under bindings, destroying it in case one were to break the contract.

The Phoenix was practically saying she would never disclose his secret to others.

“Thank you.”

『You have saved my child. It is only right that I accommodate to you. But I do wish to examine your shield, so would you allow me to take a look? It has been a while since I have come across a godly artifact.』

Yeon-woo thought it would be okay to show her since she had made a promise under a Soul Oath.

‘She seems to have knowledge about godly artifacts. This could be my chance to ask her about Aegis.’

Yeon-woo gave a nod and brought the shield to his front.

Nine light-pink translucent layers shield. In appearance, it was just as beautiful as the artwork made by an artisan.

But embedded in the center of such masterpiece was the head of an ugly-looking monster.

『That is Medusa.』

Medusa, a Gorgon that petrifies those who gaze into her eyes.

『Yes, I have heard of it. About a brilliant and courageous goddess in Olympus. And that her power can defeat the wrongs in the world and bring only what is right. This is her artifact, is it not?』

Yeon-woo listened to the Phoenix’s admiration and looked at Aegis with Draconic Eyes.

[Athena’s Aegis]

Classification: ???

Rating: ???

Description: The nine-layered shield used by Athena, the goddess of war and many others. The shield provides the owner with divine protection and a blessing that blocks most attacks.

However, as a godly artifact, it is known to choose its owner. If the owner comes to harbor malevolent thoughts or tarnishes Athena’s honor by committing a hideous crime, it will cause harm to the owner.

* Curse of Gorgon

Athena, in order to punish the three Gorgon sisters for rising in revolt against Olympus, ordered her Apostle, Perseus, to get rid of Medusa. After successfully killing her, Perseus beheaded Medusa and gave her head to Athena, who placed it on this shield.

Repels all wickedness and brings a strong curse of petrification to those who encounter her eyes.

* Goddess’s Weapon

Grants the owner a strong blessing which will protect the owner from physical attacks and unleash overwhelming aura that can break the opponent’s spirit.