SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

No one understood the meaning behind Lord Phoenix's laughter and his words. Many of the phoenixes didn't believe Kent either. All they understood is Kent came from abandoned lower planes, and he didn't have the ability to bear the power of Lord Phoenix.

Even though Lord Phoenix also felt the same, he is thinking of taking a gamble with Kent, who is in Prince Eric's body.

"You, come closer." Lord Phoenix gestured with a finger while eyeing Kent with a mischievous smile.

Even though Kent hesitated, he took a step forward and moved closer to the throne. The lord phoenix swallowed a large gulp of wine before speaking with Kent.

"See, boy, as the 13th ancestor of the Phoenix race, I'm bound to help the blessed one as a member of my race is benefiting from your people. But the amount of help I should provide is purely my decision. So, before deciding what I can I do for you, I want you to help me win this 12-year war.

Even though we are living happily here, my race needs Deity Forest to grow and evolve. If you agree to inherit my power and win this war, I will bestow on you three great treasures that were available on this realm." The Lord Phoenix spoke in a persuasive tone while acting all pleasant with Kent.

But the evil laughter of Lord Phoenix is still lingering inside Kent's thoughts. After a brief pause, Kent faced the Lord Phoenix with a brave face.

"Lord Phoenix, there is no free lunch in this world. You won't offer me three great treasures of this realm for just winning a war, and that too with your powers. So, first, tell me what the consequences will be in the future if I decide to help you in this war.

As you are a divine beast, I won't expect you to hide things and speak lies." Kent asked while staring directly into the Lord's phoenix eyes.

"You... how dare you question the Lord?" The phoenix princess took a step forward with a fierce look.

"Yes, kick him out."

"He is just a useless punk from the lower planes."

"He is no use to us."

All the phoenixes began making screeching noises, cursing Kent in an angry tone.

Holding the empty wine glass, the lord phoenix tapped it against his throne. Like a judgment's bells, everyone calmed down in this instance.

"Boy, you are really cautious. Yes, there are some consequences that are not so simple. First of all, if you take my offer, your fate will intervene in this realm. Most people don't believe in fate. But believe me, one day, fate will again drag you here with heavy consequences, which I can't answer, you know.

Second, if you die in this war, your soul will take huge damage. Third, you might fail to receive my power for war. If that happens, you will die and won't get the chance to take any benefit from me.

Also, there are some minor complications, but they won't affect you directly. So, think wisely and make your choice." The Lord Phoenix explained in detail while sipping the wine leisurely.

As Kent fell into a thought, the Lord Phoenix called again.

"See, young man... I know this is a tough choice for you. But your rewards won't be less than the risk you take. I will offer you the Divine Phoenix Tome, the Eternal Glory of the Golden Crow, and the Vermillion Bird Restoration soul flame. These are the three great treasures of this planet.

Along with these, I will help you gain great power in these 30 days of your stay and personally bestow on you the Fire God inheritance, Asthra. Finally, it's your decision whether you want to take the risk or not."

Hearing the promises of the Lord Phoenix made Kent clearly tempted. More than him, the prince's phoenix shocked by the lord phoenix's words. In reality, the Eternal Glory of the Golden Crow and the Vermillion Bird Soul Restoration Flame were not the Lord's possession. The phoenix lord will gain one wish from other races if they win war. The Lord is going to use that favour for Kent.

"Father, aren't you offering him too much?" The princess asked in a concerned tone.

The lord phoenix shook his head. "After several decades, a blessed human came here. Out of the 49 ancestors of the Phoenix race, he specifically appeared in my realm. I'm bound by fate to help him. Not only that, we are only helping ourselves by helping him.

I'm binding his fate to our realm by offering more rewards. You might not understand my decision now. But in the distant future, this fellow will definitely come to aid us. At that time, we might be the beggars, and he might be the benefactor." The Lord Phoenix replied with a thoughtful look.

After hearing her father's words, the princess turned towards Kent. Her gaze stuck on his face as she wondered what was so special about Kent.

"Why don't you see anything special about him? Is it because his physical appearance is similar to that of Prince Eric?" The princess thought while trying to see Kent, whose consciousness controlling the prince Eric's body.

For a long time, the throne room became silent, and all the phoenixes were waiting to hear his decision. Surrounded by grim-faced phoenix bords, a distracting bird lady, and a six-handed phoenix lord, Kent continued to think of his choice. The phoenix lord sat patiently without rushing Kent to speak.

"Courage is nothing but faking bravery during times of fear and hesitation. Why should I reject the divine power that fate chose to give me? Whatever the consequences, I can't miss this opportunity. Fortune only favors the strong." Kent's thoughts stirred up as he thought of his aunt's words.

"To meet my mother and family, I should be powerful enough to save myself. Let fate do whatever it wants to do. But I need this power." Kent muttered as he determined to fight war on behalf of the Phoenix race.

"Lord Phoenix, please bestow your power to flatten your enemies." Kent spoke loudly while staring at the six-handed lord with a proud face.

_

Your's lovingly,

PeterPan :-)